PIC16LCE625-04E/P - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 13 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LCE625-04E/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| 10 | $3.46 | $34.60 |
| 100 | $2.85 | $285.00 |
| 500 | $2.32 | $1,160.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.94 | $1,940.00 |
PIC16LCE625-04E/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory (program + data), and peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and I/O. Within the embedded hierarchy, the PIC16LCE625 sits at the low-power, mid-range 8-bit tier of Microchip's PIC family, below the enhanced 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC families and above simple 6/8-pin baseline devices. It is suited for compact, cost-sensitive applications that require non-volatile program storage with moderate peripheral integration.
Key differentiating features include a 35-instruction RISC architecture with 200ns single-cycle execution (except branches, which take two cycles), an internal/external oscillator option, and an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface for OTP programming. The LC voltage range and built-in EEPROM enable portable battery-powered designs that must retain user-configurable parameters across power cycles without external non-volatile memory. Brown-out reset and power-on reset provide reliable startup in noisy industrial environments.
Typical applications include low-power sensor conditioning boards, automotive body controllers, industrial control front-ends, appliance user-interface modules, and remote sensor nodes. The 13 I/O pins plus analog comparators make it especially well-suited for threshold-detection circuits and signal-front-end conditioning with software-driven post-processing.
When designing with this part, ensure the OTP programming step is performed before final PCB assembly for cost reasons - OTP devices cannot be reprogrammed. Choose an F-series PIC16F equivalent (such as PIC16F630) if Flash reprogrammability is required during prototyping; F-series parts share the same pinout but add ICSP and Flash memory at higher unit cost.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, parametric comparison, and practical design notes beyond what is found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LCE625-04E/P — 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 PIC16LCE625-04E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Watchdog Timer, Package, Program Memory Size, Timers, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LCE625-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LCE625-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F630-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LCE624-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LCE625-04E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14), OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (single cycle) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (LC variant) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (DIP-18, 0.300 inch / 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators (per family datasheet) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP |
| Oscillator | External (internal option per family) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix = extended) |
PIC16LCE625-04E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / comparator reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR (reset, active low) |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / T0CKI (timer 0 clock input) |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output / external clock input |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / comparator input |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / comparator input |
Typical Applications
PIC16LCE625-04E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Threshold Detection / Sensor Front-End, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy Modules), Battery-Powered Portable / Remote Sensor Node, Appliance User Interface / Keypad Controller, Security / Access Control Panel, Educational / Hobbyist Embedded Trainer.
Industrial Threshold Detection / Sensor Front-End
The PIC16LCE625-04E/P fits industrial threshold-detection boards because it integrates two on-chip analog comparators and 13 digital I/O pins in a single 18-PDIP package, eliminating external comparator ICs. Each comparator can be configured with internal reference voltages or external analog signals on RA0-RA3, while the 128B EEPROM stores calibration constants that survive power cycles. The 4MHz clock provides 200ns instruction timing, adequate for 1kHz-class sample rates typical of process-control front-ends. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer add field reliability in factory-floor installations. The extended -40C to +125C operating range (E suffix) supports outdoor enclosures and unheated cabinets. This combination of comparators, EEPROM, and rugged temperature range is rare in comparably-priced 8-bit MCUs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy Modules)
The PIC16LCE625-04E/P is suitable for automotive body controllers such as lighting timers, accessory delay-off modules, and seat-position memory, where 13 I/O pins are sufficient and OTP memory locks the firmware to prevent field tampering. The -40C to +125C extended temperature range (E suffix) covers under-dash and engine-bay-adjacent compartments, while the brown-out reset handles cranking transients typical of 12V automotive rails. The 128B EEPROM retains learned trim values (window position, mirror settings) across battery disconnects. The 2.5V to 5.5V LC voltage range tolerates cranking dips down to 6V on a 12V system. Note that AEC-Q100 qualification is not explicitly stated for this part; new automotive designs should select AEC-Q100-qualified dsPIC33 or PIC16F1xxx families.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable / Remote Sensor Node
The PIC16LCE625-04E/P targets portable, battery-powered sensor nodes where the 2.5V to 5.5V LC voltage range supports a single lithium coin cell or two AA cells directly, without boost converters. The 128B EEPROM stores node identity and calibration data, while the 4MHz clock provides adequate bandwidth for periodic sensor reads at 1-10Hz without aggressive duty cycling. Brown-out reset prevents corrupted EEPROM writes when the battery voltage collapses under load. The 18-PDIP package simplifies hand-soldering for low-volume IoT prototyping. The 35-instruction RISC core keeps code compact, and the integrated watchdog timer wakes the system if firmware hangs in low-power modes. Typical quiescent current in sleep mode is in the microamp range, suitable for months-long battery life.
Recommended
Appliance User Interface / Keypad Controller
The PIC16LCE625-04E/P fits appliance user-interface modules such as microwave-oven keypads, washing-machine control panels, and dishwasher status displays because 13 I/O pins can scan a 4x4 matrix keypad plus drive 4-8 LED indicators. The 128B EEPROM stores user preferences and end-of-cycle fault codes across power cycles, while the 3.5KB OTP holds the appliance control program. Internal comparators monitor line-voltage-derived signals for brown-out detection, eliminating a supervisor IC. The -40C to +125C extended operating temperature range handles the thermal stress of proximity to heating elements and motors in white goods. The PDIP-18 package is breadboard-friendly for prototype UI development.
Recommended
Security / Access Control Panel
The PIC16LCE625-04E/P serves in legacy security panels including simple alarm keypads, magnetic-contact zone expanders, and PIR-sensor interface boards. The 13 I/O pins handle up to 8 zone inputs plus 4-5 status LEDs without external I/O expanders, while the 128B EEPROM stores installer configuration and event counters that survive battery backup. The brown-out reset combined with the watchdog timer provides field reliability required by security equipment. The extended -40C to +125C range covers outdoor junction boxes and unheated garages. The OTP program memory prevents reverse engineering of proprietary zone logic by end users. Note that modern encrypted-wireless panels should select PIC16F1xxx or PIC18 with secure firmware-update capability.
Recommended
Educational / Hobbyist Embedded Trainer
The PIC16LCE625-04E/P is well-suited to educational trainer boards and hobbyist microcontroller courses because the 18-PDIP package fits standard 18-pin DIP sockets on breadboards and trainer PCBs. The 35-instruction RISC core keeps assembly-language teaching tractable, and the ICSP programming interface allows students to load compiled HEX files in seconds. The 3.5KB OTP program memory holds small example projects (LED blink, keypad scan, ADC read) with room to spare. The 128B EEPROM is large enough for student record-and-replay experiments. The 13 I/O pins support seven-segment displays, button inputs, and PWM-driven actuators. The extended temperature range allows outdoor lab demonstrations without thermal concerns.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LCE625-04E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LCE625-04/P | PIC16LCE625-04I/P | PIC16F630-I/P | PIC16LCE624-04E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-PDIP | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same |
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 1 KB Flash | 1.75 KB OTP |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 64 B | 128 B |
| EEPROM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| Maximum Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
| Program Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C operating temperature (E suffix) (vs PIC16LCE625-04I/P (I suffix))
- Identical die and pinout to other PIC16LCE625 temperature grades (vs PIC16LCE625-04/P (commercial))
- Flash-based alternative available with same pinout (PIC16F630-I/P) (vs PIC16F630-I/P)
- Larger program memory vs lower-cost PIC16LCE624 family (vs PIC16LCE624-04E/P)
Design Notes
Because the PIC16LCE625-04E/P uses OTP (One-Time-Programmable) program memory, you cannot erase and re-flash the device in-circuit. Plan your development workflow: prototype on the Flash-based PIC16F630-I/P first (same 18-PDIP pinout), validate firmware, then commit to the OTP part for production. Forgetting this step wastes an entire batch of programmed parts whenever a bug is found.
The PIC16LCE625-04E/P integrates a brown-out reset (BOR) that holds the MCU in reset when VDD drops below the BOR threshold (~2.1V typical for LC variants). Enable BOR in the configuration word for battery-powered applications to prevent EEPROM corruption during brown-out events. Combined with the watchdog timer, BOR provides field reliability required by industrial and automotive installations.
Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to pin 14 (VDD), with a short ground return to pin 5 (VSS). For designs using the on-chip analog comparators, add a 10nF bypass capacitor at the analog reference pin and keep analog traces away from digital I/O traces to minimize coupling. The 18-PDIP package allows easy breadboard prototyping; the SOIC-18 variant (PIC16LCE625-04E/SO) requires careful PCB layout to maintain analog accuracy.
Estimated: at maximum clock (4 MHz), the PIC16LCE625-04E/P core draws roughly 1-2 mA active current and under 1 uA in sleep mode at 3.3V VDD. Power dissipation is well below 100 mW in all operating modes, so the 18-PDIP package dissipates heat without thermal management. Designers do not need to consider junction-temperature rise for this part under normal conditions.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status for the obsolete PIC16LCE625-04E/P must be verified by date code at order time - older PDIP stock predates 2006 RoHS transition. AEC-Q100 qualification is not stated; new automotive designs should select AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F1xxx or dsPIC33 families.
