PIC16LCE624-04E/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 1.75KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LCE624-04E/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.92 | $960.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.68 | $1,680.00 |
PIC16LCE624-04E/SO Overview
What is a microcontroller (MCU)? A microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, data EEPROM, and configurable I/O peripherals. The PIC16LCE624 family uses a RISC Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and operand access in a single cycle (200 ns at 20 MHz). Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16LCE624 sits under: 8-bit microcontroller -> PIC16 mid-range family -> PIC16C62x sub-family -> Microchip PIC microcontrollers.
Key features include 13 digital I/O pins, one 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0), a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, brown-out detection, and code protection. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via the RB6/RB7 pins, enabling firmware updates after PCB assembly. The OTP memory allows one-time field programming and is suited for production volumes where cost dominates over re-programmability.
Typical applications include low-power consumer appliances, sensor interface modules, LED driver controllers, simple motor control, automotive body electronics subsystems, and industrial automation edge nodes. The wide 2.5V-5.5V operating range and low-power CMOS design make it suitable for battery-powered and energy-harvesting products.
When designing with this part, plan for OTP programming flow (cannot be erased) and consider the PIC16F628 or PIC16F88 as flash-based drop-in equivalents if field re-programmability is required. Reserve RB6/RB7 for ICSP and avoid strapping them with strong pull-ups that could interfere with programming.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LCE624-04E/SO — 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 PIC16LCE624-04E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Package, Core Architecture, Watchdog Timer, EEPROM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LCE624-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LCE624T-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LCE624-04/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LCE624-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C621A-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LCE624-04E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 96 x 8 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| CPU Core | PIC16 (8-bit RISC Harvard) |
| Maximum Clock Input | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1 us @ 4 MHz (200 ns at 20 MHz clock input per family) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Number of Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (dedicated on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-Out Reset | Yes |
| Power-On Reset | Yes |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming | Yes (ICSP via RB6/RB7) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SO, 0.295 inch / 7.50 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended, 'E' suffix) |
PIC16LCE624-04E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O / Analog channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / TMR0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/Vpp — Master clear reset / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LCE624-04E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Sensor Interface Modules, LED Lighting Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Automation Edge Nodes, Battery-Powered Remote Controls, Simple Motor Control.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LCE624-04E/SO's 1.75 KB OTP program memory and 13 digital I/O pins make it a strong fit for low-cost consumer appliance controllers such as coffee makers, rice cookers, and microwave oven user-interface boards. With 96 bytes of RAM and 128 bytes of EEPROM for parameter storage, the MCU can run simple state machines, scan keypads, drive LED indicators, and time relays without external peripherals. Its 4 MHz clock input is sufficient for sampling buttons at 10 ms intervals and PWM-controlling small solenoids at 1 kHz. The -40C to +125C extended temperature range supports kitchen and laundry environments where ambient temperatures near heating elements can exceed 70C. The 18-SOIC package enables compact single-sided PCB layouts typical of small appliance main boards.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC16LCE624-04E/SO is well suited to sensor interface modules that read simple analog or digital sensors and report results via a UART or GPIO line. With 13 I/O pins, the MCU can dedicate channels to a thermistor bridge, a PIR motion sensor, a humidity sensor I2C interface (via bit-banged RB4/RB5), and an indicator LED, while 128 bytes of EEPROM stores calibration coefficients. The 4 MHz clock is adequate for 9.6 kbps UART communication with a host controller. The 35-instruction PIC16 mid-range core keeps firmware small enough to fit in the 1.75 KB OTP. Designers typically bit-bang I2C or SPI on the RB port because the device lacks dedicated hardware peripherals, which the OTP cost savings justify in high-volume deployments.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
In LED lighting controllers, the PIC16LCE624-04E/SO delivers up to 13 I/O lines to drive multi-channel constant-current LED drivers or directly switch low-current LED strings via MOSFETs. Its PWM output capability - implemented in firmware on TMR0 - can dim LEDs at audio-immune frequencies above 1 kHz, eliminating flicker that traditional 100 Hz PWM causes. The 128-byte EEPROM stores the last brightness setting across power cycles, and the brown-out reset ensures clean recovery from brown-out events on dimmer-controlled AC mains. The 4 MHz instruction cycle gives 1 us resolution for smooth fade curves. Because OTP locks the firmware, designers can guarantee field installations never have their lighting behavior altered, which is a security benefit in architectural lighting.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LCE624-04E/SO's -40C to +125C extended temperature rating and 18-SOIC surface-mount package make it applicable to non-safety automotive body electronics such as interior lighting controllers, seat-heater keypads, mirror-adjust switches, and accessory timing modules. The MCU's brown-out reset handles crank-voltage transients down to 6 V typical on a 12 V automotive bus when paired with an external regulator. Its 1.75 KB OTP is large enough for button-debounce logic, PWM blink patterns, and LIN-like bit-banged comms on a single wire. Designers favor OTP in body modules because the firmware never changes in the field, eliminating the need for OEM reflash infrastructure. However, because this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified, it is restricted to non-safety body subsystems.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Edge Nodes
As an edge-node controller in industrial automation, the PIC16LCE624-04E/SO handles simple supervisory tasks such as reading a limit switch, driving a relay, and reporting state to a central PLC over a slow serial link. The 13 I/O pins support multiple digital inputs and outputs simultaneously, while the 96-byte RAM and 128-byte EEPROM suffice for parameter storage and small protocol buffers. The watchdog timer with dedicated oscillator ensures the MCU recovers from EMI-induced lockups common near motor drives and solenoids. The -40C to +125C rating covers unheated enclosures in factory floors. Because the part is NRND, new industrial designs should consider the PIC16F628-I/SO, but the LCE624 remains a cost-effective choice for high-volume, fixed-function edge nodes.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Controls
The PIC16LCE624-04E/SO's CMOS process and low-power PIC16 mid-range core make it suitable for battery-powered remote controls such as garage-door openers, ceiling-fan remotes, and simple RF key fobs. The MCU can sleep with most peripherals off and wake on a port-change interrupt, drawing microamp-level quiescent current from coin-cell or AAA batteries. The 128-byte EEPROM stores pairing codes or last-used settings that survive battery swaps. With 13 I/O pins, the device scans 4x4 keypads, drives an IR or 433 MHz transmitter, and reads a low-battery ADC channel via the analog comparator or external ADC. OTP memory prevents accidental firmware erasure during field use, which is desirable in consumer products where reflashing would void warranty.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control
In simple brushed-DC motor or unipolar stepper control applications, the PIC16LCE624-04E/SO's TMR0 and bit-banged GPIO can generate the phase sequences and PWM waveforms needed to drive small motors below 1 A. The 4 MHz instruction cycle provides 1 us resolution for commutation timing at motor speeds up to several thousand RPM. The 13 I/O pins handle four motor-drive lines plus enable, direction, and feedback tachometer inputs. The brown-out reset protects the MCU during stall-induced Vdd dips. While OTP locks the control algorithm, the EEPROM can store calibration values or learned end-stop positions. This part fits in cost-sensitive applications like small pumps, fans, and toy motors where a flash-based MCU is overkill.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LCE624-04E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LCE624-04I/SO | PIC16C621A-04E/SO | PIC16F628-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 3.5 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 96 bytes | 96 bytes | 96 bytes | 224 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes (emulated in flash) |
| Max Clock Input | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP | OTP | Flash (re-programmable) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | Obsolete | Active |
Key Differentiators
- OTP memory locks firmware permanently (vs PIC16F628-I/SO)
- Extended -40C to +125C operating range (vs PIC16LCE624-04I/SO)
- Same die across -04 and -20 speed grades (vs PIC16LCE624-20/SO)
Design Notes
OTP memory can be programmed only once. Ensure firmware is fully debugged on a flash-based equivalent (PIC16F628 or PIC16F88) before committing to a PIC16LCE624-04E/SO production run. Use the same compiler (MPLAB XC8 or legacy HI-TECH PICC) and same configuration bits; any bit-level difference between OTP and flash parts can cause unexpected behavior on the production lot.
Reserve pins RB6 (PGC) and RB7 (PGD) for ICSP and do not load them with strong pull-ups or low-impedance circuits. Place a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 4) per PIC16 mid-range reference designs, and route the ICSP connector (or test pads) within 25 mm of the MCU. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the Vdd pin (pin 14).
Estimated: at 4 MHz clock input and typical CMOS process, core current is approximately 2-4 mA at 5 V, with sleep current in the microamp range when all peripherals are disabled. Brown-out reset must be enabled in the configuration word to ensure clean recovery from Vdd dips during motor stall or relay switching. For battery-powered designs, use the watchdog timer with its dedicated RC oscillator to wake from sleep periodically.
When bit-banging I2C or SPI on the RB port, place a 4.7 kohm pull-up on the SDA/SCL lines (RB4/RB5) and limit clock rates to 100 kHz (standard-mode I2C). For UART bit-banging on RB ports, sample at least 4 times per bit period to avoid jitter-induced framing errors. The 4 MHz system clock yields 1 us instruction cycle, sufficient for 9.6 kbps UART communication without hardware peripheral support.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in the verified distributor excerpts. The PIC16LCE624 family predates RoHS requirements in many variants; check Microchip's product page or the PIC16C62X datasheet for the latest compliance certificates before approving new designs.
