PIC12C508T-04E/SM - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC12C508T-04E/SM ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.95 | $1.95 |
| 10 | $1.72 | $17.20 |
| 100 | $1.42 | $142.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.98 | $980.00 |
PIC12C508T-04E/SM Overview
What is an 8-bit OTP microcontroller? An 8-bit OTP MCU is a small single-chip computer that executes one instruction per clock cycle through a reduced-instruction-set core, where program memory is written once at production or in-circuit and cannot be electrically erased. The PIC12C5xx family sits in the hierarchy: 8-bit microcontroller -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> semiconductor. It is designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications where a full flash-based MCU would be overkill.
Key features include a 4 MHz maximum operating frequency, 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range, an integrated 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit programmable prescaler, watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset (POR), device reset timer (DRT), and selectable 4 MHz or 37 kHz internal oscillator modes. The PIC12C508T-04E/SM operates across the extended -40°C to +125°C temperature range.
The device uses a 12-bit instruction word architecture yielding a 2:1 code compression advantage over competing 8-bit MCUs, allowing more functional code in 768 bytes of OTP than most peers. With only 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions, the learning curve is short and interrupt latency is deterministic.
Typical applications include consumer electronics remote controls, sensor interface front-ends, LED driver controllers, small appliance control boards, battery chargers, and low-end industrial control modules where minimal BOM and small footprint matter most.
When designing with this part, note that the OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed in the field - choose the PIC12C508A flash-based variants or the PIC10F/12F series for development or in-field updates. The '04' speed suffix denotes the 4 MHz internal oscillator; the 'E' suffix denotes the extended temperature grade.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, application context, and design considerations not aggregated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12C508T-04E/SM — 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 PIC12C508T-04E/SM (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature Range, Package, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12C508-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C508T-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C508A-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C508AT-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C508A-04I/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F508-I/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C508T-04E/SM Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12) |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +125°C (Extended, 'E' grade) |
| I/O Pins | 5 (GP0-GP4, GP5 is MCLR only) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit TMR0 with 8-bit programmable prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Reset Features | Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT) |
| Oscillator Modes | Internal 4 MHz, Internal 37 kHz, External |
| Package | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm body width, J-lead) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Code Protection | Programmable |
PIC12C508T-04E/SM Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — General-purpose I/O / external clock input / oscillator pin 1 |
| Pin 2 | GP0/AN0 — General-purpose I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | GP1/AN1/VREF — General-purpose I/O / analog input channel 1 / voltage reference |
| Pin 4 | GP2/AN2/T0CKI — General-purpose I/O / analog input channel 2 / TMR0 clock input |
| Pin 5 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — General-purpose input-only / Master Clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 6 | GP4/AN3/OSC2 — General-purpose I/O / analog input channel 3 / oscillator pin 2 |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12C508T-04E/SM is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Remote Control, LED Lighting Controllers, Battery Chargers, Small Appliance Controls, Sensor Interface Modules, Toy and Hobby Electronics.
Consumer Remote Control
The PIC12C508T-04E/SM is widely deployed in IR/RF remote control handsets where its 4 MHz RISC core, 768-byte OTP, and 25-byte RAM are sufficient to encode button scan matrices and modulation patterns. The device draws sub-mA active current at 3 V and microamp-level sleep current, enabling years of operation from a coin cell or 2x AAA cells. The 5 usable I/O pins (GP0-GP2, GP4-GP5) easily accommodate a 4x4 scan matrix via a diode encoder or a direct 4-5 button interface. Its deterministic 33-instruction core eliminates the need for an RTOS.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
For low-end decorative and architectural LED drivers, the PIC12C508T-04E/SM delivers precise PWM dimming control through its 8-bit TMR0 with programmable prescaler. The 4 MHz internal oscillator and 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range allow direct operation from rectified 5 V rails or battery packs. The OTP memory stores fixed dim curves and color sequences, eliminating external EEPROM. Five I/O pins comfortably drive 3-channel RGB or 5-channel single-color LED strings via external MOSFET drivers. The extended -40°C to +125°C temperature range supports outdoor fixtures.
Recommended
Battery Chargers
Simple NiCd, NiMH, and Li-ion charger circuits use the PIC12C508T-04E/SM to monitor voltage, temperature, and charge time via its 5 I/O pins driving ADC inputs through external resistor networks. The integrated watchdog timer ensures charger restart on firmware upset, while the power-on reset guarantees clean startup. The 768-byte OTP accommodates CC/CV charge algorithms with safety timers. With 2.0 V minimum VDD, the MCU operates directly from a single Li-ion cell. The extended -40°C to +125°C range supports automotive and industrial charger environments.
Recommended
Small Appliance Controls
In microwave ovens, coffee makers, toasters, and similar white goods, the PIC12C508T-04E/SM coordinates keypad input, display driving, relay control, and sensor monitoring. The 8-SOIJ package fits within tight enclosure constraints, while the OTP memory locks in firmware to prevent unauthorized modification. The watchdog timer and power-on reset deliver the reliability needed for unattended operation. Five I/O pins handle keypad scan, buzzer drive, and a couple of relay outputs via transistors, with TMR0 providing timing for cooking or brewing cycles.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Modules
Industrial sensor signal-conditioning boards pair the PIC12C508T-04E/SM with bridge sensors, thermistors, or analog front ends to digitize, linearize, and transmit readings via UART or PWM. The 4 MHz core and 12-bit instruction width handle basic calibration math in firmware. With 25 bytes of RAM, the MCU can buffer readings and execute simple moving-average filters before output. The extended temperature range and 5.5 V maximum supply suit 24 V industrial loops with simple resistor dividers. The deterministic instruction timing enables precise PWM-based analog output.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
Cost-sensitive toys, electronic games, and hobby kits use the PIC12C508T-04E/SM for sound playback, motor control, and button interfaces. The OTP memory locks in firmware to protect IP from copying, and the 8-pin SOIJ package integrates into the smallest form factors. The 2.0 V minimum VDD enables operation from a single CR2032 coin cell or 2x AA alkaline cells. The low active current under 1 mA and sub-microamp sleep current preserve battery life. Five I/O pins drive LEDs, piezo buzzers, and a couple of low-current DC motors via external transistors.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12C508T-04E/SM — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12C508-04E/SM | PIC12C508T-04/SM | PIC12C508A-04E/SM | PIC12F508-I/SM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) - same | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) - same | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) - same | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) - same |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) | 500 B Flash |
| RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Silicon Revision | Original PIC12C508 | Original PIC12C508 | Original PIC12C508 | Improved 'A' revision | Flash PIC12F508 |
| I/O Pins | 5 (GP0-GP2, GP4-GP5) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Key Differentiators
- Tape and Reel packaging with Extended temperature grade (vs PIC12C508-04E/SM)
- Improved 'A' silicon revision with better oscillator accuracy (vs PIC12C508T-04E/SM)
- Reprogrammable flash memory for development and field updates (vs PIC12F508-I/SM)
Design Notes
The PIC12C508T-04E/SM operates from 2.0 V to 5.5 V VDD. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (Pin 8) to suppress high-frequency noise. For battery applications drawing peak currents below 10 mA, add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the supply pin. The integrated power-on reset (POR) eliminates the need for external reset circuitry, but ensure VDD rise time meets the datasheet specification of 0.05 V/ms or faster for reliable POR.
Estimated: configuring GP3 as a general-purpose input is only available on PIC12C508A; on the original PIC12C508, GP3 serves only as MCLR/VPP and cannot be used as a digital input. Programmers must verify this before board design. Also, OTP memory cannot be electrically erased - verify firmware with a flash-based PIC12F508 prototype before committing to PIC12C508T-04E/SM production. Note that the 'T' suffix is purely a packaging indicator (Tape and Reel) and does not affect electrical performance.
The 8-SOIJ package uses J-leads on a 5.30 mm body width. Follow the land pattern recommended in the Microchip PIC12C5xx datasheet (DS40139E) - SOIJ pads are wider than SOIC pads and require specific stencil design for reflow soldering. Place the IC close to supporting components (resonator, decoupling caps, I/O connectors) to minimize loop areas. For noisy environments, route sensitive analog inputs (AN0-AN3) away from high-current switching traces and add 10-100 ohm series resistors with 100 nF caps to ground for RC filtering.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial extended temperature grade -40C to +125C; not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive use. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental certification.
