PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz 3.5KB OTP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.1 | $3.10 |
| 10 | $2.85 | $28.50 |
| 100 | $2.5 | $250.00 |
| 500 | $2.18 | $1,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.92 | $1,920.00 |
PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), working RAM, and programmable peripherals into one package. The PIC16C family belongs to Microchip's classic 8-bit architecture, widely used in industrial controls, automotive subsystems, and consumer appliances where deterministic interrupt response and proven reliability outweigh raw throughput. Within the broader taxonomy, an MCU falls under microcontrollers -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. The 'L' in PIC16LCE625T denotes the low-voltage, low-power process variant optimized for 2.5V to 5.5V operation, while 'CE' marks the Enhanced 14-bit core.
Key features of the PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO include an operating voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V (with the industrial -I grade rated -40C to +85C), an internal 4 MHz oscillator option, dual analog comparators with programmable reference, a 13-bit timer/counter with prescaler, and synchronous/asynchronous serial port (SSP) support. The 18-SOIC package provides a small outline surface-mount footprint compatible with standard pick-and-place assembly.
Technically, the device uses a Harvard-architecture CPU with separate program and data buses, a 14-bit instruction word, and a single accumulator (W) plus 36-byte file register area. The PIC16C mid-range core delivers predictable instruction timing (4 clock cycles per instruction) and an interrupt structure suitable for real-time control loops. Brown-out detection, power-on reset, and a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator are standard on-chip safety features.
Typical applications include motor control front-ends, sensor signal conditioning, automotive body electronics (lighting, door modules), industrial sensor interfaces, and battery-powered instrumentation. The OTP memory suits production designs where firmware is fixed and field reprogramming is unnecessary, reducing unit cost relative to Flash-based equivalents.
When designing with this part, ensure VDD decoupling includes a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a bulk tantalum or aluminum capacitor (>=10 uF) at the board supply rail. The MCLR reset pin should be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up to avoid spurious resets in noisy environments.
This page consolidates current distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical PCB design notes beyond the basic datasheet - a synthesis aimed at engineers and procurement teams evaluating the PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO for new designs and legacy reorders.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LCE625T-04I/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 PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Package, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Oscillator Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LCE625T-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LCE625-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LCE625T-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LCE625-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LCE624-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit (PIC16C enhanced mid-range) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 (some sources cite 13) |
| Number of Timers | 1 x 8-bit / 1 x 16-bit (Timer0/Timer1) |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18, 7.5 mm body) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <30 C / 85 % RH) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Pb-free SOIC package) |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive Qualified | Not applicable (industrial grade only) |
PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 / comparator VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / comparator VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Interface, Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Remote Control, Motor Drive Front-End, Security and Access Control.
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO's 12 I/O pins, 3.5 KB OTP program memory, and industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range make it a strong fit for automotive body modules (lighting controllers, door-lock drivers, mirror adjusters). The 4 MHz clock provides 1 MIPS throughput, enough for sequencing relay drivers and debouncing switch inputs without missing events. Its brown-out detector and watchdog timer add field reliability under cranking-voltage transients typical of automotive 12 V buses. The OTP memory locks the validated BCM firmware at production, preventing in-field firmware tampering on safety-relevant body modules. Per the Microchip PIC16CE625 datasheet, two analog comparators enable direct battery-voltage monitoring without external op-amps.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface
In industrial 4-20 mA loop transmitters and RTD conditioning boards, the PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO provides deterministic interrupt response for scanning multiple sensor inputs while the two on-chip comparators digitize analog setpoint alarms. The 3.5 KB OTP memory holds linearization tables and calibration constants, while 128 bytes of RAM buffers measurement frames for UART transmission. The wide 2.5-5.5 V supply tolerance suits 24 V industrial rails stepped down through a simple linear regulator or DC-DC module. Low-power sleep mode (<1 uA) extends battery life in remote wireless sensor nodes transmitting periodic readings over a 433 MHz or sub-GHz radio.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO is widely deployed in white-goods control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, refrigerator defrost timers) where its RISC core executes deterministic state machines for motor sequencing and user-interface scanning. The 14-bit instruction word simplifies compact code for menu navigation, while the synchronous serial port drives character LCDs or LED matrix displays. With 128 bytes RAM, the device tracks user settings, cycle counters, and error logs. OTP memory locks the firmware to prevent unauthorized modification of safety-relevant routines, a feature valued by appliance OEMs with long production lifecycles.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Control
Battery-powered IR/RF remote controls benefit from the PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO's low-voltage 'L' process and sub-microamp sleep current, extending coin-cell life to multiple years. The 4 MHz internal RC oscillator eliminates external crystals, shrinking PCB area. With 12 I/O pins, the MCU scans 8-12 button keys directly via matrix decoding, while a single PWM channel modulates a 38 kHz IR carrier for TV/STB control. OTP memory fixes the button mapping at production time, preventing field reprogramming attacks. Brown-out detection prevents corrupted keypress transmission as the battery discharges.
Recommended
Motor Drive Front-End
For small DC brushed motor and stepper motor control in fans, pumps, and small appliances, the PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO's Timer0/Timer1 modules generate accurate PWM signals driving MOSFET half-bridges via gate drivers. The 4 MIPS instruction throughput (at 16 MHz with 4 MHz oscillator and 4:1 divider) handles trapezoidal profiles and PI control loops in software. Two analog comparators provide over-current protection by sensing shunt voltage, latching fault states without latency. The 18-SOIC footprint allows compact PCB integration alongside discrete driver stages.
Recommended
Security and Access Control
The PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO is well suited to keypad-based door access controllers, alarm panel keypads, and electronic lock subsystems where OTP memory prevents firmware extraction attacks. The 12 I/O pins scan a 4x4 matrix keypad with no external logic, while the synchronous serial port drives RFID reader modules. Code-locked OTP storage makes reverse engineering of access-control algorithms substantially harder than Flash-based MCUs. With brown-out and watchdog protection, the device provides reliable operation across the -40 C to +85 C industrial range required for outdoor security enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LCE625T-04/SO | PIC16LCE625-04I/SO | PIC16LCE625T-04E/SO | PIC16LCE625-04E/SO | PIC16LCE624-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 96 bytes |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (extended) | -40 C to +125 C (extended) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel ('T') | Tape & Reel ('T') | Tube | Tape & Reel ('T') | Tube | Tube |
| Pin Compatibility | 18-SOIC reference | Yes - drop-in | Yes - drop-in | Yes - drop-in | Yes - drop-in | Yes - drop-in |
Key Differentiators
- OTP memory locks firmware after one programming cycle (vs PIC16F676-I/SO (Flash-based))
- 3.5 KB program memory - twice the PIC16CE624 (vs PIC16LCE624-04I/SO)
- Same die across industrial and commercial grades (vs PIC16LCE625T-04/SO (commercial grade))
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC16LCE625-04I/SO (tube))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 18) and a bulk capacitor of 10 uF or larger at the board supply entry. The PIC16CE625 core draws 1-2 mA at 4 MHz active, dropping to <1 uA in sleep mode with WDT disabled. For battery applications, use MCP1700 LDO regulators with low quiescent current (1.6 uA typical) to maximize battery life. The brown-out detector should be enabled in CONFIG to prevent code corruption during VDD dips below 2.0 V.
Keep the trace between OSC1 (pin 9) and the crystal/ceramic resonator under 10 mm and symmetrically routed to OSC2 (pin 10) to minimize parasitic capacitance. Add a guard ground ring around the oscillator traces to reduce EMI pickup. Place MCLR (pin 1) pull-up resistor (10 kohm typical) close to the IC, and route MCLR trace away from high-current switching nodes to prevent spurious resets. Avoid running digital signal traces parallel to the OSC1/OSC2 traces for more than 5 mm.
Do not assume PIC16LCE625T-04I/SO is field-reprogrammable - the OTP memory locks the firmware after one programming cycle. For development, use a windowed CERDIP PIC16CE625 part for UV erasure, or migrate to PIC16F676 for Flash reprogramming. The 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging only and does not indicate any functional difference from the tube version. The I/O count is sometimes cited as 12 (12 GPIO) or 13 (12 GPIO + MCLR); MCLR is not a general-purpose I/O pin. Always confirm configuration bits match the application requirements before programming.
For SOIC-18 PCB layout, use a footprint matching IPC-7351 SOIC-18 with 1.27 mm pitch and 0.41 mm lead width. Provide at least 0.2 mm solder mask expansion and 0.05 mm paste mask shrinkage for reliable assembly. Place a thermal relief pattern under the exposed die attach pad (if present in the SOIC variant) connecting to a 1 oz copper pour on the top layer. The 18-SOIC package has moderate thermal resistance (~70 C/W), so high-current outputs should be distributed across multiple pins rather than concentrated on a single port pin to limit junction temperature rise.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade only (-40 C to +85 C); not AEC-Q100 qualified. For automotive applications requiring AEC-Q100, consider PIC16F676-E/SO or similar Flash-based automotive-grade PICs.
