PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| 10 | $3.45 | $34.50 |
| 100 | $3.1 | $310.00 |
| 500 | $2.78 | $1,390.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.45 | $2,450.00 |
PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces. The PIC16C 8-bit architecture uses a RISC-style instruction set with only 35 instructions, two-level deep hardware stack, and direct, indirect, and relative addressing modes. This positions the PIC16C family below higher-end PIC18 and dsPIC devices but above base-level 14-bit PIC10/12/16 families in computational capability and code density.
Key features of this part include Brown-out Detect/Reset (BOD), Power-On Reset (POR), and a Watchdog Timer (WDT) for robust operation in electrically noisy environments. The 'LC' designation indicates a low-voltage CMOS variant supporting operation down to 2.5V, while the '-04E' suffix denotes a 4 MHz speed grade with the extended industrial operating temperature range of -40C to +125C. The '/SS' package suffix identifies the 20-pin Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP, 0.209 inch / 5.30 mm body width).
The PIC16LC620A core implements a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access. The OTP program memory cannot be erased, so this part is intended for production-volume designs after prototype verification on windowed or flash-based variants.
Typical applications include appliance control, sensor signal conditioning, simple motor control, automotive body electronics, and low-power embedded control nodes where the wide 2.5V-6.25V supply range simplifies battery or regulated-rail integration. Peripherals such as the 8-bit timer/counter and analog comparator are sufficient for low-cost consumer and industrial feedback loops.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory precludes firmware updates in the field; select the PIC16F620 flash-based equivalent for prototypes and serviceable products. A stable decoupling capacitor of 100 nF placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin is essential to suppress switching noise that could trigger spurious brown-out resets.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives from the Site MPN list, and practical design considerations not found in the standalone Microchip datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature Range, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC620A-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC620A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620AT-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit (PIC16C family) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Instruction Set Width | 12 bit (14-bit wide instruction word) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14 words) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable EPROM) |
| RAM Size | 96 B |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, 'E' suffix) |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, Watchdog Timer |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 instructions (RISC) |
| Hardware Stack | 2 levels deep |
| Addressing Modes | Direct, Indirect, Relative |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Compliant per Microchip product page |
PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset, active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.25V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / Fosc/4 clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 19 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 20 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Appliance Control MCU, Sensor Signal Conditioning Node, Automotive Body Electronics, Battery-Powered Remote Control, Simple Motor Speed Controller, Hobby Electronics and Education Kit, Industrial Timer and Counter Module.
Appliance Control MCU
The PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS fits low-cost appliance control boards such as washing-machine timers, microwave keypads, and dishwasher cycle controllers. Its 4 MHz core and 35-instruction RISC set deliver ~1 MIPS, enough to scan a 4x4 matrix keypad, drive a 7-segment display via direct I/O, and run a soft-PWM for solenoid or triac triggering. The 2.5-6.25 V supply range accepts unregulated 5 V wall-adapter rails, while the on-chip Watchdog Timer and Brown-out Reset protect against motor-induced supply dips. 13 I/O pins map to relay drivers, status LEDs, and the user input matrix without external glue logic. Engineers choose this part over flash MCUs once the firmware has stabilised and OTP cost savings dominate BOM.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Node
The PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS serves as a low-power sensor signal-conditioning front end for industrial 4-20 mA loops, thermistor bridges, and photo-diode interfaces. The internal analog comparator combined with 13 GPIO allows direct connection of Wheatstone-bridge outputs and PWM-driven excitation currents without external op-amps. The 96-byte RAM supports 8-point linearisation tables for non-linear sensors such as NTC thermistors, while the 896-byte OTP holds calibration coefficients and protocol handlers for HART or Modbus sub-frames. The wide 2.5-6.25 V range accepts loop-powered 4 mA bias rails, and the Watchdog Timer re-initialises the node if a firmware hang occurs during a brown-out event.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS's extended -40C to +125C temperature range and integrated Brown-out Detect/Reset position it for automotive body-electronics modules such as mirror controllers, seat-position memory, and HVAC damper actuators. The 4 MHz core handles LIN-bus slave protocol via a UART bit-banged on PORTB, while the on-chip POR rides through cranking-voltage dips down to 4 V on a 12 V battery rail post-regulator. The 13 GPIO lines multiplex with high-side drivers for mirror-fold motors and low-side drivers for indicator LEDs, eliminating external logic. OTP memory also protects proprietary seat-position algorithms from unauthorised firmware readout during end-of-life recycling.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Control
The PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS operates down to 2.5 V, making it suitable for 3 V coin-cell-powered remote controls for ceiling fans, garage doors, and RF-controlled lighting. Sleep currents in the low-microamp range (controlled by execution of SLEEP instruction and Watchdog wake-up) extend battery life to multi-year timescales on a CR2032 cell. The 13 GPIO lines drive IR-LED transmitters and accept matrix-keypad inputs directly, while the on-chip 8-bit timer generates 38 kHz carrier modulation for consumer IR protocols. OTP memory locks the IR code table against cloning, and the SSOP-20 package fits inside slim handset enclosures with a 0.65 mm pitch PCB land pattern.
Recommended
Simple Motor Speed Controller
The PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS implements a closed-loop brushed DC motor speed controller using its 8-bit timer/counter to measure back-EMF period and PWM outputs on a GPIO pin to drive a MOSFET H-bridge. The 4 MHz instruction rate provides ~10 kHz PWM at 8-bit resolution, sufficient for low-RPM fans and pump motors. Brown-out detection prevents MOSFET half-bridge shoot-through during supply collapse, and the Watchdog Timer resets the controller if the RPM feedback loop stalls. The wide supply range accepts 24 V industrial bus rails post-regulation, and 13 GPIO connect to enable inputs, tachometer feedback, and fault indicators.
Recommended
Hobby Electronics and Education Kit
The PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS is a classic teaching platform for introductory embedded-systems courses, offering a documented 35-instruction RISC set, 13 GPIO for breadboard prototyping, and PICkit programmer compatibility. Students learn timer/counter interrupts, GPIO debouncing, and UART bit-banging without paying for development-tool overhead. The 20-SSOP package adapts to DIP adapters for through-hole breadboards, and the 2.5-6.25 V range allows USB-power or 9 V battery clip operation. Educational labs benefit from the OTP constraint that forces disciplined firmware design before committing code to non-erasable memory.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Counter Module
The PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS implements a stand-alone industrial timer or event counter, accepting discrete inputs from proximity sensors or push-buttons and driving relay outputs to control conveyor belts, packaging machinery, or lighting banks. The 8-bit timer/counter with programmable prescaler counts pulses up to 4 MHz, while the 13 GPIO lines handle up to 8 optically-isolated inputs and 5 relay-driver outputs. Brown-out detection and Watchdog Timer prevent undefined outputs during supply glitches that could damage downstream equipment. OTP memory locks the timer parameters and safety thresholds once the design is qualified for the factory floor.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC620A-04E/SS | PIC16LC620A-04I/SS | PIC16LC620A-04/SS | PIC16LC620AT-04E/SO | PIC16LC620-04/SS | PIC16LC620-04I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SOIC (7.50 mm) - different footprint | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | PIC16C 8-bit | PIC16C 8-bit | PIC16C 8-bit | PIC16C 8-bit | PIC16C 8-bit | PIC16C 8-bit (older mask) | PIC16C 8-bit (older mask) |
| Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP |
| RAM Size | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1) | USD 3.85 | USD 3.70 | USD 3.65 | USD 3.50 | USD 3.90 | USD 3.40 | USD 3.45 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature range (vs PIC16LC620A-04I/SS)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume assembly (vs PIC16LC620A-04E/SS (tube))
- Mask revision A silicon (vs PIC16LC620-04/SS (older mask))
Design Notes
Estimated: VDD decoupling uses a 100 nF X7R ceramic placed within 5 mm of pin 14 (VDD) and pin 5 (VSS), plus a 10 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum-polymer cap on the supply rail. The Microchip PIC16C62X datasheet recommends separate analog and digital VDD traces if the design uses the analog comparator; tie AVSS to VSS at a single point near the MCU. Brown-out Reset (BOR) is enabled by configuration bit and should be retained to suppress undefined execution during supply dips below 2.5 V.
OTP program memory is one-time programmable; once a PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS is programmed, the firmware cannot be erased. Engineers must validate code on a flash-based PIC16F620-I/SS development board first, lock the configuration bits, then commit to OTP programming. Mis-configured oscillator bits (HS vs XT vs LP vs RC) are the most common OTP-programming failure mode; verify the crystal frequency matches the CONFIG1 oscillator selection before programming.
Place the 4 MHz crystal or ceramic resonator within 5 mm of pins 15 (OSC2) and 16 (OSC1) with short, symmetrical traces and a ground guard ring on the oscillator loop. Avoid routing high-frequency digital signals (PWM, relay drive) parallel to the oscillator traces to prevent clock jitter. The SSOP-20 package has 0.65 mm pin pitch; allow at least 0.4 mm trace-to-pad clearance for hand-solder rework and 0.2 mm for production solder paste stencils.
Estimated: at 4 MHz clock, 5 V supply, and 13 GPIO toggling at 50% duty cycle, the PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS draws roughly 5 mA active, dissipating 25 mW. The SSOP-20 package has a theta_JA of approximately 100 C/W, yielding a junction temperature rise of only 2.5 C above ambient - thermal management is not a concern. Sleep current drops to ~1 uA, so duty-cycled firmware benefits from aggressive SLEEP/Watchdog wake-up patterns in battery applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed by Microchip product page; lead-free (Pb-free) matte-tin finish on SSOP leads. AEC-Q100 not formally qualified - extended temperature grade is industrial (-40C to +125C) but does not include automotive PPAP documentation. For AEC-Q100 qualified automotive replacement, consider PIC16F616-I/SL (flash) or PIC12F615-I/P (8-pin) variants.
