PIC16CE625-20E/SS Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC16CE625-20E/SS is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's PIC® 16C series, featuring 4.6KB OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory, 20MHz operation, and 13 I/O pins in a 20-SSOP surface mount package. This device is actively supported and widely used in embedded applications requiring low-cost, compact microcontroller solutions.

Finding equivalent or substitute parts becomes necessary when the original part reaches end-of-life status, inventory constraints occur, or design requirements shift toward enhanced functionality. The PIC16CE625-20E/SS, while active, has direct substitutes that offer improved programmability and additional features while maintaining electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Substiute Parts

PIC16CE625-20E/SS

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 2487PIC16CE625-20E/SS Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PIC16F628A-E/SS

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 3828PIC16F628A-E/SS Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PIC16CE625-20E/SS is determined by the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

• Core processor family (PIC architecture)
• Core size (8-Bit)
• Operating frequency (20MHz)
• Program memory capacity (4.6KB minimum)
• Supply voltage range (3V ~ 5.5V)
• EEPROM and RAM capacity (128 x 8 minimum)
• Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C)

Mechanical Compatibility Requirements:

• Package type (20-SSOP)
• Physical dimensions (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
• Surface mount mounting type

Compliance Requirements:

• RoHS3 compliance
• MSL rating (1 or equivalent)

The PIC16F628A-E/SS qualifies as a direct substitute because it maintains all critical electrical parameters (8-bit core, 20MHz speed, 4.6KB program memory, identical supply voltage, matching EEPROM/RAM), identical mechanical packaging (20-SSOP), and equivalent compliance certifications. The primary distinction is the program memory type (FLASH vs. OTP), which represents a functional enhancement rather than a compatibility barrier.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitution Feasibility:

The PIC16F628A-E/SS is a direct substitute for the PIC16CE625-20E/SS based on:

1. Electrical Compatibility: All critical electrical parameters match or exceed the original specification. The identical supply voltage range (3V ~ 5.5V), operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C), and core frequency (20MHz) ensure functional equivalence in existing circuit designs.

2. Mechanical Compatibility: Both devices use identical 20-SSOP packaging with matching physical dimensions (0.209", 5.30mm Width), enabling direct PCB footprint compatibility without layout modifications.

3. Compliance Equivalence: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), satisfying identical regulatory and environmental requirements.

4. Product Status: Both devices are actively supported by Microchip Technology, ensuring continued availability, technical support, and supply chain stability.

Functional Enhancements in Substitute:

The PIC16F628A-E/SS provides three functional improvements over the original part:

• FLASH program memory (reprogrammable) versus OTP (one-time programmable)
• 224 x 8 RAM versus 128 x 8 RAM
• 16 I/O pins versus 13 I/O pins

These enhancements do not create compatibility issues; they expand design flexibility and application capability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PIC16F628A-E/SS be used as a direct replacement for the PIC16CE625-20E/SS in existing designs?

A: Yes. The PIC16F628A-E/SS maintains identical electrical specifications (8-bit core, 20MHz, 4.6KB program memory, 3V–5.5V supply), identical package geometry (20-SSOP), and equivalent compliance certifications. No PCB modifications or circuit redesign are required for mechanical or electrical compatibility.

Q: What is the primary difference between these two parts?

A: The main difference is program memory type. The PIC16CE625-20E/SS uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory, while the PIC16F628A-E/SS uses FLASH memory. FLASH memory allows multiple reprogramming cycles, whereas OTP memory can be programmed only once. This makes the PIC16F628A-E/SS more suitable for development, prototyping, and applications requiring firmware updates.

Q: Are there any pin-count or I/O differences that affect compatibility?

A: The PIC16F628A-E/SS provides 16 I/O pins compared to 13 on the PIC16CE625-20E/SS. Both devices use the same 20-SSOP package. The additional I/O pins on the substitute part do not create incompatibility; they simply provide additional functionality if needed. Existing designs using only 13 I/O pins will function without modification.

Q: Do both parts have the same supply voltage requirements?

A: Yes. Both the PIC16CE625-20E/SS and PIC16F628A-E/SS operate across the identical supply voltage range of 3V to 5.5V (Vcc/Vdd). No power supply modifications are necessary when substituting between these parts.

Q: Are there any temperature or environmental compliance differences?

A: No. Both parts operate across the identical temperature range (-40°C to 125°C), maintain ROHS3 compliance, and have an MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited). Environmental and regulatory requirements are equivalent.

Q: Does the additional RAM in the PIC16F628A-E/SS create any compatibility concerns?

A: No. The PIC16F628A-E/SS provides 224 x 8 RAM compared to 128 x 8 in the original part. This is a functional enhancement that does not affect compatibility. Existing firmware designed for 128 x 8 RAM will operate without modification on the substitute part.

Q: Can I use the PIC16F628A-E/SS in production if the original design specified the PIC16CE625-20E/SS?

A: Yes, provided that the design does not depend on OTP memory characteristics specific to the original part. The PIC16F628A-E/SS is actively supported by Microchip Technology and maintains all required compliance certifications (ROHS3, MSL 1). Verify that your application does not require the one-time-only programming limitation of OTP memory.