PIC16LCE625T-04/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz MCU, 3.5KB OTP, 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LCE625T-04/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.2 | $3.20 |
| 10 | $2.92 | $29.20 |
| 100 | $2.58 | $258.00 |
| 500 | $2.31 | $1,155.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC16LCE625T-04/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer optimized for embedded control applications. Unlike a general-purpose microprocessor, an MCU integrates the CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, data EEPROM, digital I/O, and a range of on-chip peripherals (timers, ADC, comparators, capture/compare/PWM) onto a single die. The PIC16C architecture uses a Harvard design with separate program and data buses, which allows the CPU to fetch an instruction and read data in the same clock cycle.
Key features of this device include 13 general-purpose digital I/O pins, an internal 4MHz oscillator option, an on-chip analog comparator, a 8-bit timer/counter with a prescaler, and an operating voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V. The OTP program memory supports 1000 erase/write cycles minimum, and the EEPROM supports 1,000,000 erase/write cycles. The 18-SOIC package is approximately 11.7mm wide with a 1.27mm pitch, suitable for hand-soldered prototypes and reflow production lines alike.
The PIC16LCE625T-04/SO uses CMOS technology with a reduced-power 'L' designator, supporting low-power operation modes including sleep and watchdog wake-up. The 35-instruction RISC core delivers predictable 200ns instruction cycles at 20MHz, 400ns at 4MHz, simplifying real-time firmware development. The architecture is optimized for deterministic interrupt response, an important consideration when replacing discrete logic in legacy industrial designs.
Typical applications include white-goods appliance control, simple sensor interfaces, remote-control transmitters, low-cost consumer electronics, industrial control modules, and battery-powered measurement instruments. The 18-pin SOIC footprint and breadboard-compatible through-hole variants in the same family make this part a long-standing favorite for hobbyist and educational platforms, as well as mature commercial products that were originally designed around the PIC16C architecture.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed; engineering samples should use the equivalent FLASH-based PIC16F625 in the same 18-SOIC package for firmware iteration, then move to the OTP part for production. The 'L' suffix indicates the low-voltage (2.5V-5.5V) variant suitable for battery operation; verify the operating voltage window matches your supply rail.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package-level drop-in alternatives from the PIC16C and PIC16F families, and practical design notes not consolidated in any single manufacturer document.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LCE625T-04/SO β 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 PIC16LCE625T-04/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Size, RoHS Status, MSL Level, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LCE624T-04I/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LCE623T-04/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$1.49 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16LCE624-04I/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16LCE624-04E/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F625T-I/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F626T-I/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LCE625T-04/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Series | PIC16C |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Package | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, 14-bit wide |
| Instruction Cycle | 400 ns at 4 MHz |
| On-chip Peripherals | Analog comparator, 8-bit timer/counter, watchdog timer |
| Oscillator Type | Internal/External |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LCE625T-04/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β GPIO / analog comparator input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β GPIO / analog comparator input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF β GPIO / analog comparator output or VREF input |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/CMP1 β GPIO / comparator 1 output |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β GPIO / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4 β GPIO / analog comparator input 4 |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β External oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT β External oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 β GPIO port C bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 β GPIO port C bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 β GPIO port C bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 β GPIO port C bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 β GPIO port C bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 β GPIO port C bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 β GPIO port C bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 β GPIO port C bit 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LCE625T-04/SO is suitable for 6 applications: White-Goods Appliance Control, Remote-Control Transmitter, Battery-Powered Sensor Interface, Industrial Control Module, Simple LED Lighting Controller, Educational and Hobbyist Platform.
White-Goods Appliance Control
The PIC16LCE625T-04/SO fits white-goods appliance control boards such as washing-machine user-interface panels, microwave oven keypads, and dishwasher cycle controllers. The 13 GPIO pins drive multiplexed LED or 7-segment displays directly, while the on-chip analog comparator handles sensor threshold detection for water level or door interlocks without external components. The 2.5V to 5.5V supply range simplifies integration with both 3.3V and 5V relay-driver boards. With 3.5KB OTP and 128 bytes RAM, the firmware capacity is sufficient for typical state-machine controllers managing motor timing, sensor polling, and user input debouncing. Production lines prefer OTP for cost and security once firmware is locked.
Recommended
Remote-Control Transmitter
The PIC16LCE625T-04/SO serves as the main controller in low-cost IR or RF remote-control transmitters for TVs, fans, and consumer audio gear. The internal 4MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal, reducing BOM cost and PCB footprint. Sleep mode current in the low-voltage 'L' variant drops low enough for coin-cell battery operation, and the watchdog timer can wake the MCU on button press via interrupt-on-change on the GPIO. The 8-bit timer generates precise carrier frequencies (typically 38kHz for IR or 433MHz SAW transmitter data rates). The 3.5KB OTP holds a fully featured protocol stack with key-scan debouncing.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Interface
The PIC16LCE625T-04/SO operates effectively in battery-powered sensor interface modules for HVAC thermostats, smoke detectors, and portable measurement instruments. The 'L' low-voltage designator supports operation down to 2.5V, allowing the system to draw the last useful energy from 2x AA alkaline cells before shutdown. Sleep current combined with watchdog-based wake-up yields multi-year battery life in intermittent-sampling applications. The on-chip analog comparator enables zero-crossing detection and threshold-based wake-up without an external op-amp, while the 128-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants and last-known sensor state across power cycles.
Recommended
Industrial Control Module
The PIC16LCE625T-04/SO is a long-standing choice for industrial control modules such as programmable logic relay replacements, simple PLC I/O expanders, and conveyor-belt sequencers. The OTP program memory prevents unauthorized firmware modification in the field, supporting IP protection in commercial equipment. The 4MHz maximum clock and 200ns interrupt latency deliver deterministic response for real-time control loops. The 18-SOIC package with 1.27mm pitch is hand-solderable for prototype and small-batch production. The internal oscillator removes a failure mode that external crystals represent in high-vibration industrial environments.
Recommended
Simple LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LCE625T-04/SO controls low-cost decorative and architectural LED lighting drivers including RGB strips, dimmable downlights, and holiday light strings. The MCU generates PWM-like control signals via bit-banging or the 8-bit timer to dim LEDs, while the 13 GPIO pins drive multiple channels without an external LED driver. The 2.5V to 5.5V supply range supports both battery and AC-DC adapter inputs common in consumer fixtures. The 3.5KB OTP holds complex color-mixing sequences, fade patterns, and remote-control decoding for IR or RF interfaces.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Platform
The PIC16LCE625T-04/SO and its PIC16C family siblings have been a foundational microcontroller in educational electronics and hobbyist platforms for decades. The compact 18-SOIC package and breadboard-compatible 18-PDIP variants in the same family make the part approachable for teaching RISC architecture, embedded C or assembly programming, and basic peripheral interfacing. The 35-instruction RISC instruction set is simple enough to learn in a single semester, yet powerful enough to drive real projects from motor controllers to data loggers. The mature ecosystem of compiler, simulator, and programmer tools (MPLAB X, PICKit) lowers the barrier to entry for students.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LCE625T-04/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LCE624T-04I/SO | PIC16LCE623T-04/SO | PIC16LCE624-04I/SO | PIC16F625T-I/SO | PIC16F626T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 3.5 KB FLASH | 7.5 KB FLASH |
| Program Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | FLASH | FLASH |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Endurance | 1,000 cycles (OTP) | 1,000 cycles (OTP) | 1,000 cycles (OTP) | 1,000 cycles (OTP) | 100,000 cycles (FLASH) | 100,000 cycles (FLASH) |
Key Differentiators
- Same family, larger memory (vs PIC16LCE624T-04I/SO)
- FLASH-based for in-system reprogramming (vs PIC16F625T-I/SO)
- Full 35-instruction RISC core (vs PIC16LCE623T-04/SO)
- Enhanced peripherals and memory (vs PIC16F626T-I/SO)
Design Notes
OTP memory can be programmed only once per location. Use the PIC16F625-I/SO equivalent for all firmware development and validation, then move to the PIC16LCE625T-04/SO for production to take advantage of lower unit cost and reduced supply-chain risk of field reprogramming. Programming voltage is applied to the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1); ensure your ICSP connector isolates VPP from the rest of the circuit during programming.
Decouple the VDD pin with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the device, plus a bulk 10uF tantalum or aluminum cap on the same rail. The internal 4MHz oscillator is sensitive to supply ripple; the 'L' low-voltage variant has lower noise margin than standard parts. Add a bulk reservoir if the system shares a 5V rail with relays or motors.
Estimated: At 4MHz continuous operation from 5V supply with all 13 GPIO pins driving CMOS loads, the PIC16LCE625T-04/SO dissipates approximately 10mW typical. The 18-SOIC package has a theta_JA around 100 C/W, producing roughly 1C junction temperature rise above ambient in still air. No heatsink is required for normal embedded operation. Inductively switched loads connected to the GPIO require external flyback protection.
Route the external crystal traces (if used) as short as possible and guard them with a ground pour to minimize EMI pickup. Pin 9 (OSC1) and pin 10 (OSC2) are the crystal connection points; the internal 4MHz oscillator option eliminates these traces entirely. Place any decoupling capacitors adjacent to the IC, not on the far side of the crystal traces, to avoid creating an inductive loop.
When using the analog comparator (pins RA0-RA3 and RA5) for sensor threshold detection, add a 100nF ceramic bypass cap on each analog input to filter high-frequency noise. Avoid routing digital switching signals parallel to analog traces on adjacent PCB layers. The internal bandgap reference can be selected as the comparator reference for battery-monitoring applications without external components.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free confirmed per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable for commercial-grade PIC16C family; industrial temp variants (suffix I) are available in the same family.
