PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS - 8-bit OTP MCU 4MHz 13 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.92 | $1.92 |
| 10 | $1.73 | $17.30 |
| 100 | $1.54 | $154.00 |
| 500 | $1.35 | $675.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Programmable Intelligent Computer) is a compact microcontroller architecture featuring a RISC-style Harvard design with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. PIC MCUs sit in the broader taxonomy of microcontrollers -> microprocessors -> embedded computing -> semiconductors. They are valued for deterministic instruction timing, low power consumption, and a simplified instruction set that enables compact code density, making them ubiquitous in industrial control, automotive body electronics, and consumer appliance markets.
Key features include a 12-bit wide instruction set with an 8-bit data path, seven or eight special function hardware registers, a two-level deep hardware stack, and direct/indirect/relative addressing modes. The 04 speed grade specifies 4 MHz maximum oscillator frequency, optimized for low-power or battery-operated designs. The device also includes a watchdog timer, power-on reset, and brown-out detection circuitry for robust field operation.
The architecture leverages CMOS fabrication with OTP program memory, balancing unit-cost optimization against reprogrammability. Designers can prototype on flash-based PIC16F equivalents and migrate to the OTP-based PIC16LC620A for production cost reduction. Internal oscillator options and low-power SLEEP mode support energy-conscious applications, while peripheral I/O includes digital I/O with individual direction control.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, remote keyless entry transmitters, security system sensors, low-end consumer appliances, sensor signal conditioning, and small industrial control modules. The wide voltage tolerance makes it well suited to 3.3V or 5V regulated rails in distributed embedded networks. Compared with 8-bit AVR alternatives, the PIC16LC620A offers a more mature toolchain and broader third-party library support.
When designing with this part, ensure the chosen programming tool supports OTP devices - OTP parts are one-time-programmable and cannot be re-flashed during development. The 20-pin SSOP footprint also requires careful PCB land pattern design and 0.65 mm pitch trace routing to maintain manufacturing yield at high volumes.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, application guidance, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, providing a single authoritative reference for component selection.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC620AT-04I/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-04I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, RAM Size, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC620A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620AT-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620AT-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F627A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes (512 x 14) |
| RAM Size | 96 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 12 (per Digit/Tag) or 13 I/O |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I grade) |
| Package / Case | 20-SSOP (0.209 inch, 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ROM Type | OTP |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit wide instructions |
| Data Path Width | 8-bit |
| Special Function Registers | 7 or 8 hardware registers |
| Stack Depth | 2-level hardware stack |
| Addressing Modes | Direct, indirect, relative |
| Lifecycle Stage | ACTIVE |
PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference (secondary) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V-6.25V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Module, Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter, Security System Sensor Node, Consumer Appliance Control Board, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery-Powered IoT Edge Node.
Automotive Body Control Module
The PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS suits automotive body controllers - RKE receivers, lighting drivers, seat controllers, and accessory modules - because its 2.5V to 6.25V supply tolerance tolerates cranking transients on 12V battery rails after a 5V LDO. The 4 MHz PIC16 mid-range core executes most instructions in 1 microsecond, fast enough for debouncing switch inputs and driving relay or LED loads via 12 of 13 I/O pins. Its OTP memory lowers per-unit cost versus flash at high automotive volume (100K+ units/year) and improves code anti-tamper protection since OTP cannot be electronically read back by external tools. The -40C to +85C industrial grade handles cabin and underhood-near modules, and the 20-SSOP package fits behind instrument clusters where PCB real estate is tight.
Recommended
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter
The PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS is well suited for handheld RKE and garage-door-opener transmitters where every milliwatt of battery life matters. Its wide 2.5V to 6.25V supply range accepts a single CR2032 coin cell directly without a boost regulator, and the PIC16 core supports SLEEP modes below 1 microamp to extend shelf life. The 4 MHz internal/external oscillator speeds command encoding and rolling-code encryption, while 12-13 I/O pins drive RF modulator ICs, pushbuttons, and LED indicators. OTP memory locks the rolling-code secret at production and prevents field code extraction, a critical security property for entry systems. The 20-SSOP package is small enough for credit-card-sized remote housings.
Recommended
Security System Sensor Node
PIR motion detectors, smoke-sensor interface boards, and door/window contact modules benefit from the PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS because it combines low cost, OTP code security, and 12 I/O lines for sensor multiplexing. The 96-byte RAM buffers short alarm event histories, and the 4 MHz PIC core handles ADC-free digital sensor decoding (PIR quad-comparator, Hall-effect switches) using its GPIO with interrupt-on-change capability on PORTB. The 2.5V-6.25V supply range supports either 3V lithium backup batteries or 5V regulated rails. OTP code memory prevents pirates from cloning the sensor signal protocol. Pair with a 315/433 MHz or sub-GHz transceiver IC for wireless alarm panels.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
Washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and small kitchen appliances commonly embed a PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS or compatible part as the user-interface controller. It scans 12-13 keypad or capacitive-touch buttons, drives 7-segment or LED indicators, and orchestrates relays through I/O expansion shift registers. The 4 MHz core is sufficient for state-machine control loops without RTOS overhead, and 96 bytes of RAM track appliance state, timers, and EEPROM-emulated user settings. The OTP memory and -40C to +85C industrial grade meet appliance lifetime and reliability requirements. The 20-SSOP package survives hand-soldering rework during development and high-volume SMT assembly in production.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
Process-control modules for temperature, pressure, and flow sensors can use the PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS to perform digital filtering, scaling, and HART or Modbus communication front-end preprocessing. With 12-13 I/O pins, the MCU interfaces directly to thermocouple/voltage references via digital comparators, drives 4-20 mA loop DACs, and manages watchdog timing for safety-critical loops. The 2.5V-6.25V supply range accepts 24V industrial bus rails after regulation. OTP memory locks the proprietary calibration coefficients, preventing field tampering of measurement accuracy. The 20-SSOP package and 4 MHz clock are sufficient for 100 Hz loop rates typical of industrial transmitters.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Edge Node
Low-power IoT sensor nodes for agriculture, environmental monitoring, and smart-home deployments can adopt the PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS for the MCU function where 8-bit processing and low cost outweigh the need for advanced RF stacks. The PIC core supports SLEEP currents under 1 microamp and wake-on-pin-change, enabling multi-year battery life on a pair of AA cells or a lithium primary. The 2.5V to 6.25V supply range accepts the 3.3V LDO output of a sub-GHz or BLE module, simplifying shared-rail designs. OTP memory locks the device authentication key for cloud onboarding. The 20-SSOP footprint is small enough for coin-cell sensor packages.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC620A-04I/SS | PIC16LC620AT-04E/SS | PIC16LC620AT-04I/SO | PIC16C620AT-04I/SS | PIC16F627A-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP (0.209 inch / 5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SOIC (0.300 inch) - wider body | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP (512 x 14) | 896 B OTP (same) | 896 B OTP (same) | 896 B OTP (same) | 896 B OTP (same) | 1024 B flash + 224 B EEPROM |
| RAM | 96 B | 96 B (same) | 96 B (same) | 96 B (same) | 96 B (same) | 224 B (+133%) |
| Max CPU Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz (same) | 4 MHz (same) | 4 MHz (same) | 4 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (+400%) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V (same) | 2.5 V to 6.25 V (same) | 2.5 V to 6.25 V (same) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (narrower) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (slightly wider) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP (same) | OTP (same) | OTP (same) | OTP (same) | Flash (reprogrammable) |
Key Differentiators
- Wide-voltage 2.5V to 6.25V operation versus 5V-only PIC16C620A family (vs PIC16C620AT-04I/SS)
- Lowest cost PIC16 OTP variant for high-volume automotive and industrial production (vs PIC16F627A-I/SS)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade versus commercial-only alternatives (vs PIC16LC620AT-04/SO (commercial grade))
Design Notes
PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS uses OTP (one-time programmable) memory - the firmware can only be written once. Use a flash-based PIC16F627A-I/SS or PIC16F628A-I/SS in the same 20-SSOP package for prototype development, then migrate to the OTP LC variant for cost-optimized production. Programming requires a Microchip ICD or PICkit programmer with ICSP support, and code-protect bits cannot be reversed once set.
The 20-pin SSOP package has 0.65 mm pin pitch with 5.30 mm body width - use a land pattern matching the JEDEC SSOP-20 standard. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the supply rail. Route MCLR (pin 4) with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and place the ICSP programming footprint so all five ICSP signals (MCLR/VPP, PGD, PGC, VDD, VSS) are accessible without removing the MCU.
Estimated: At 4 MHz clock and VDD = 5V, the PIC16LC620AT-04I/SS draws approximately 2-4 mA active current and under 1 microamp in SLEEP mode. For battery-powered designs, leverage the PIC16 SLEEP instruction and configure the watchdog timer to wake periodically for sensor sampling. Brown-out reset should be enabled in configuration bits to prevent code corruption when supply drops below 2.5V. A 100 nF + 10 uF capacitor stack on VDD handles both high-frequency and bulk transients.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not confirmed in verified web data - see Microchip PIC16C62X family datasheet for compliance certifications. Industrial temperature grade is qualified per PIC16C62X family datasheet; AEC-Q100 automotive qualification is NOT claimed for this standard I-grade variant.
