PIC16LC622-04/SS - 4MHz 8-bit OTP MCU 3.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC622-04/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.02 | $2.02 |
| 10 | $1.85 | $18.50 |
| 100 | $1.62 | $162.00 |
| 500 | $1.45 | $725.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.28 | $1,280.00 |
PIC16LC622-04/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, RAM, and peripheral interfaces into one IC. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an 8-bit MCU like the PIC16LC622 sits below 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs in computational capability but excels in deterministic real-time response, ultra-low power, and low unit cost. It belongs to the power management and embedded control hierarchy of mixed-signal semiconductors, often deployed as the decision-making core of consumer appliances, sensor nodes, and battery-powered instruments.
Key features of the PIC16LC622-04/SS include 12-bit wide instructions, an 8-bit wide data path, seven or eight special-function hardware registers, a two-level deep hardware stack, and direct/indirect/relative addressing modes. It also integrates a watchdog timer, power-on reset, and brown-out detect for embedded robustness. The '04' suffix indicates a 4 MHz maximum oscillator frequency, while the 'SS' suffix denotes the 20-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package).
Architecturally, the device uses Microchip's classic RISC core with a single accumulator (W register) and a Harvard-style memory map separating program and data spaces. The OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory provides non-volatile code storage at the lowest die cost, contrasting with flash-based 'F' variants. Its CMOS design keeps quiescent current low enough to operate from batteries, and the SSOP-20 footprint is among the smallest 20-pin PIC packages, enabling compact PCB designs.
Typical applications include remote-control transmitters, small appliance controllers, LED lighting drivers, simple sensor interfaces, and battery-powered consumer devices. The PIC16LC622-04/SS is also commonly used in educational development boards and as a baseline 8-bit platform for learning embedded C or assembly.
When designing with this part, note that the OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed; for prototyping, prefer the flash-based PIC16F equivalent (e.g., PIC16F627/628). The 4 MHz speed is suitable for bit-banged protocols and slow UART up to ~9600 baud, but reserve higher-speed tasks for parts with USART hardware. Always include proper decoupling and follow Microchip's ICD programming pinout for in-circuit debug where applicable.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, OTP/Flash drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone Microchip datasheet, helping engineers select the right variant for new designs and legacy maintenance.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC622-04/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 PIC16LC622-04/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature Range, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC622A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC621T-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC621AT-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.46 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC622-04/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Data Path Width | 8-bit |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 2 levels |
| Addressing Modes | Direct, Indirect, Relative |
| Special Function Registers | 7 to 8 |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (0.209 inch, 5.30 mm width) |
| Operating Temperature Range | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ROM Type | OTP |
PIC16LC622-04/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O pin / AN2 analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O pin / AN3 / VREF input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O pin / T0CKI timer0 clock |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O pin / INT external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O pin / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O pin / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output / RA6 I/O |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / RA7 I/O |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O pin / AN0 analog input |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O pin / AN1 analog input |
| Pin 19 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O pin / SS / AN4 |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC622-04/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Remote Control Transmitters, Small Appliance Controllers, LED Lighting Drivers, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Educational Development Platforms, Toy and Hobby Electronics.
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16LC622-04/SS suits infrared remote-control transmitters where 3.5 KB of OTP memory holds fixed encoding logic for TV, audio, or HVAC commands. Its 4 MHz clock provides sufficient bandwidth to bit-bang 38 kHz IR carrier frequencies with software timing loops, while the 13 I/O pins drive the IR LED, mode switches, and indicator LEDs. Compared to flash-based alternatives, OTP memory prevents field tampering with the encoding table, making the PIC16LC622 well-suited to consumer-grade remote-control designs. Operating voltage down to 2.5 V supports two-AA-battery operation with 80% usable capacity.
Recommended
Small Appliance Controllers
In small kitchen and household appliances, the PIC16LC622-04/SS manages motor PWM, temperature sensing, and user-input debouncing. Its 4 MHz core and 12-bit instructions handle slow control loops under 10 kHz, sufficient for fan-speed PWM and thermostat regulation. OTP memory locks the safety logic at production, preventing end-user firmware modification. The 2.5-6.25 V supply tolerates rectified mains-derived rails with minimal regulation. With only 128 bytes of RAM, the firmware must use small state machines, but the device's low unit cost keeps BOMs under target on commodity appliance lines.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
Simple LED lighting controllers use the PIC16LC622-04/SS to drive MOSFET gates and read photodiode inputs for daylight harvesting. Its 25 mA source/sink capability per I/O pin directly drives small LED strings without external transistors, reducing BOM cost. The 4 MHz instruction rate produces 1 kHz PWM resolution adequate for 8-bit color-mixing dimming curves. OTP memory prevents accidental re-flashing in field service, while commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) handles indoor luminaire environments. Designers should derate total I/O current to under 200 mA combined per Microchip datasheet 30212D.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
Battery-powered sensor interfaces leverage the PIC16LC622-04/SS's CMOS low-power design to monitor slow-changing analog signals like thermistor bridges or moisture probes. With the oscillator stopped between samples, current consumption drops below 1 microampere, extending coin-cell life to multi-year timescales. The 2.5 V minimum operating voltage supports 2x AA alkaline cells down to 80% discharge. The 13 I/O pins multiplex several sensors through a single ADC-free analog comparator, eliminating external signal conditioning. OTP memory locks calibration coefficients at production for stable, repeatable measurements across the product lifetime.
Recommended
Educational Development Platforms
Engineering schools and hobbyist training programs use the PIC16LC622-04/SS as a teaching platform for 8-bit assembly and embedded C programming. Its simple Harvard architecture, 35-instruction set, and 2-level hardware stack expose students to fundamental MCU concepts without overwhelming peripheral complexity. The 20-pin SSOP package breaks out to 0.1-inch-pitch headers on dev boards, simplifying wiring lab projects. While OTP limits reprogramming, the low per-unit cost allows each student to keep their own programmed part. The PICkit 1 programmer supports this family for ICSP flashing during training exercises.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
Electronic toys, model train controllers, and hobby robotics kits use the PIC16LC622-04/SS for sound effects, motor sequencing, and button input handling. The 3.5 KB OTP stores pre-recorded sound-effect tables or motion patterns, while 13 I/O lines drive servos, buzzers, and LED arrays. At 4 MHz, the MCU generates PWM signals for hobby servos without additional hardware timers. OTP memory locks proprietary choreography to prevent aftermarket cloning, supporting IP protection for toy manufacturers. The wide 2.5-6.25 V supply range accommodates both 3 V coin-cell and 4.8 V RC battery packs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC622-04/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC622A-04/SS | PIC16LC621T-04/SS | PIC16LC620A-04/SS | PIC16LC621AT-04I/SS | PIC16LC54A-04/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 0.875 KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 96 bytes |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| 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 |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
Key Differentiators
- Largest OTP program memory in the PIC16LC62x SSOP family (vs PIC16LC621T-04/SS)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to flash memory (vs PIC16F627-I/SS)
- Established commercial-grade reliability (vs PIC16LC54A-04/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: The PIC16LC622-04/SS draws approximately 1-2 mA active current at 4 MHz and 5V. For battery-powered designs, use the SLEEP instruction with the watchdog timer disabled to drop quiescent current below 1 microampere, then wake via interrupt or external MCLR. Include a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close to VDD (pin 14) and VSS (pin 5/20) as possible to suppress digital switching noise on the analog comparator reference. For designs with both 3.3V and 5V rails, ensure the PIC16LC622 sits on the 5V rail to avoid level-shifting logic outputs.
The 20-pin SSOP package has a 0.65 mm pin pitch requiring careful PCB layout. Use 0.4 mm wide traces with 0.2 mm spacing and a fine-pitch soldering stencil (0.125 mm thickness). Place the ICSP programming header (RB6/RB7/MCLR/VDD/VSS) on a 0.1-inch-pitch 5-pin connector near the MCU for factory programming access. Add test pads on the OSC1/OSC2 traces for crystal tuning during development. For high-noise environments, surround the SSOP footprint with a guard ground trace tied to VSS to improve EMI rejection.
Three pitfalls commonly catch first-time PIC16LC622 designers: (1) OTP memory cannot be re-flashed - firmware bugs locked in at production cannot be fixed, so always prototype with PIC16F627/628 flash equivalents first. (2) MCLR must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; floating MCLR causes intermittent resets. (3) The 4 MHz oscillator requires a crystal or ceramic resonator with proper load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF); relying on the internal RC oscillator is possible only on later 'F' variants and not on this OTP part. Confirm the CONFIG word settings via Microchip MPASMTool before committing to OTP programming.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly stated in the verified distributor data; check Microchip product page for current RoHS/REACH declarations.
