PIC12C672-04I/SM - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 3.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC12C672-04I/SM ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.47 | $24.70 |
| 100 | $2.1 | $210.00 |
| 500 | $1.78 | $890.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.45 | $1,450.00 |
PIC12C672-04I/SM Overview
What is an 8-bit OTP microcontroller? An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer with an 8-bit data path, on-board non-volatile program memory (here, OTP EPROM), RAM, I/O peripherals, and a CPU. OTP means the program memory is one-time-programmable: the cell is blown once and cannot be erased, making the part ideal for high-volume, low-cost embedded products where firmware is finalized. Within Microchip's taxonomy, the PIC12C672 belongs to the PIC12C family (8-pin baseline/midrange), sits below the PIC16C in pin count, and uses the 14-bit instruction-word PIC16/17 RISC architecture.
Key features of this part include a 4 MHz maximum oscillator input (200 ns instruction cycle), 4 MHz internal RC or external crystal/RC/HS oscillator options, a 4-channel 8-bit A/D converter, and an operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 5.5 V (-04 speed grade at 5 V typical). The device consumes under 2 mA active at 5 V/4 MHz and less than 1 µA in sleep. It is built on a fully-static CMOS process that holds registers and RAM across clock stop.
Architecturally, the PIC12C672 uses a Harvard design with separate program and data buses, a 14-bit program word, and a single-accumulator ALU with W-register plus 32-byte file register map plus banked GPRs (128 bytes total). Peripherals include Timer0 with programmable prescaler, watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator, POR/BOR reset, and selectable code-protect bit.
Typical applications for this part include low-cost appliance controls, battery chargers, sensor signal-conditioning front ends, automotive interior accessories, security keypads, and small white-goods motor controllers where the 6 I/O pins are sufficient and code stability is essential. The OTP memory and small footprint make it well suited to production volumes where mask-ROM is not economical.
Design tip: Provide a clean VDD decoupling network (0.1 µF ceramic + 10 µF bulk) directly at the SOIJ pins and keep the MCLR/VPP trace short. When the device is configured for an external crystal or resonator, place the load capacitors within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins to minimize EMI and start-up issues.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing (as of 2026-09-15), verified drop-in PIC12C672 alternatives, and practical engineering guidance not found in the bare datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12C672-04I/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 PIC12C672-04I/SM (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, ADC, Package, Mounting Type, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12C672-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C672T-04I/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C672T-04/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C672-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F683-I/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F683-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.22 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C672-04I/SM Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC® 12C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | None (PIC12CE67X family only) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4-channel |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, "I") |
| Package / Case | 8-SOIJ (208 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Type | Internal RC / External R-C / External Crystal |
| Peripherals | POR, WDT, 8-bit ADC, Timer0 |
| Connectivity | None (no UART/SPI/I2C hardware on this part) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free SOIJ package) |
PIC12C672-04I/SM Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | OSC1/GP5 — Oscillator input / general-purpose I/O pin 5 |
| Pin 3 | OSC2/GP4 — Oscillator output / general-purpose I/O pin 4 |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP/GP3 — Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage / GP3 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | GP0 — General-purpose I/O pin 0 / AN0 |
| Pin 7 | GP1 — General-purpose I/O pin 1 / T0CKI / AN1 |
| Pin 8 | GP2 — General-purpose I/O pin 2 / AN2 / INT |
Typical Applications
PIC12C672-04I/SM is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Operated Sensor Front Ends, Appliance and White-Goods Controllers, Automotive Interior Accessories, Security Keypads and Access Control, Battery Chargers and Power Management ICs, Portable Medical and Wellness Devices.
Battery-Operated Sensor Front Ends
The PIC12C672-04I/SM is well matched to battery-operated sensor front ends thanks to its 4 MHz maximum instruction clock at 5 V, low typical active current of under 2 mA, and sub-1-µA sleep current. With 4-channel 8-bit ADC and 6 GPIO, the part can read two analog sensors, drive an LED indicator, and bit-bang a 1-wire or UART-compatible output. Typical use: 3 V coin-cell thermistor data loggers, 4-20 mA loop transmitters, or humidity sensor pods that wake periodically. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range ensures operation in outdoor enclosures. Compared to Flash-based PIC12F683, this part is preferred when firmware is final and unit cost must be minimized.
Recommended
Appliance and White-Goods Controllers
For high-volume white-goods such as microwave oven keypads, dishwasher control boards, and induction-cooktop user interfaces, the PIC12C672-04I/SM provides the right balance of cost, footprint, and capability. Its 4 MHz instruction cycle and 200 ns tick drive simple state machines for relay drivers, triac zero-cross detection, and 7-segment multiplexed LED displays with no external glue logic. The 8-bit ADC can read NTC thermistors for over-temperature protection. With OTP memory, the firmware is masked at production volume for the lowest possible unit cost, while the 8-pin SOIJ package keeps the BOM small. Reference design patterns follow the Microchip PIC12C672 general-purpose control application note family.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessories
The PIC12C672-04I/SM is used in non-safety automotive interior accessories such as interior lighting controllers, mirror-position actuators, and HVAC knob decoders where 6 I/O and a 4 MHz core are sufficient. Its industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers most cabin environments, and its small 8-SOIJ footprint enables direct integration on small accessory PCBs behind dashboard panels. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC handles potentiometer reads for HVAC blend doors, while the WDT and POR ensure reliable recovery from automotive load-dump transients. Designers targeting AEC-Q100 qualified parts should consider PIC12F683 automotive grade instead.
Recommended
Security Keypads and Access Control
Security keypads, door-strike timers, and RFID/IR remote receivers use the PIC12C672-04I/SM as a low-cost controller. The 4 MHz instruction cycle debounces a 3x4 matrix keypad using 6 GPIO pins (3 rows + 3 columns or 4x1 scan), and the ADC channel can monitor a tamper switch or backup-battery voltage. OTP memory prevents firmware theft by cloning. Industrial temperature range supports outdoor keypad installations. Compared to PIC12F683, this part trades firmware flexibility for the lowest unit cost in high-volume SKUs.
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Power Management ICs
Low-end NiCd/NiMH/Li-ion chargers for cordless phones, power tools, and toys are a classic application for the PIC12C672-04I/SM. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC monitors battery voltage, charge current, and temperature via NTC thermistor; the GPIO drives charge FETs and status LEDs. The 4 MHz instruction cycle supports CC-CV charge algorithms with software PWM. Industrial temperature range supports outdoor or in-vehicle charging. The OTP cost advantage is significant at >100K unit volumes where the firmware is finalized.
Recommended
Portable Medical and Wellness Devices
Low-cost portable medical and wellness devices - blood-pressure cuffs, glucose-meter displays, nebulizer controllers, and pillbox reminders - leverage the PIC12C672-04I/SM for its small 8-pin footprint and low active/sleep current. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC digitizes pressure transducer or pulse-oximeter signals; the GPIO drives LCD segments (bit-banged) and a piezo buzzer. OTP memory provides code security for FDA-style firmware-control requirements. The industrial -40C to +85C range handles transit/storage conditions. Reference designs follow the Microchip midrange MCU application notes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12C672-04I/SM — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12C672-04/SM | PIC12C672T-04I/SM | PIC12C672T-04/SM | PIC12F683-I/SM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-SOIJ (SM) | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-SOIJ - same |
| Maximum Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz instruction / 8 MHz internal oscillator |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB Flash |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 10-bit |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Hardware UART/SPI/I2C | None | None | None | None | UART, SPI, I2C |
Key Differentiators
- Same 8-SOIJ industrial-temperature package and identical die across the -04I/SM, -04/SM, and -T variants, allowing PCB layout reuse across SKUs. (vs PIC12C672-04/SM)
- Flash-based modern successor retains pin compatibility but adds UART, SPI, I2C, PWM, and 10-bit ADC; removes OTP code-frozen limitation. (vs PIC12F683-I/SM)
- Lowest unit cost in high-volume production runs because OTP eliminates the Flash overhead and code-protection is hardware-locked at programming time. (vs PIC12F683-I/SM (Flash))
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of VDD (pin 1) and VSS (pin 5), with a short, wide trace. Add a 10 µF tantalum or aluminum bulk capacitor on the same VDD rail if the supply impedance is more than ~50 mΩ at 4 MHz. The PIC12C672-04I/SM draws under 2 mA active at 5 V/4 MHz, but switching transients from GPIO toggling all six pins simultaneously can momentarily pull 20-30 mA. Source: Microchip PIC12C67X datasheet, "Power-on Reset and Brown-out Reset" section.
Keep the MCLR/VPP trace short and surround it with a ground pour. If using an external crystal or resonator, place the load capacitors within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 (pins 2 and 3) and use a ground ring or via fence around the oscillator cell to prevent high-frequency noise from coupling into ADC channels. For ADC accuracy, route analog traces (GP0, GP1, GP2) away from digital switching signals; the SOIJ-8 package gives limited analog pin isolation. Source: Microchip PIC12C67X datasheet, "Oscillator Configurations" and "Analog-to-Digital Converter" sections.
Do not assume the PIC12C672-04I/SM has hardware serial peripherals - it does not; I2C, SPI, and UART must be bit-banged in software. When migrating from a 4 MHz PIC12C672 to a 10 MHz PIC12C672-10, verify that the increased instruction speed does not break timing-critical code (PWM, software-UART bit periods). When migrating to the Flash-based PIC12F683, remember that the configuration-word bit positions differ (e.g., FOSC, WDTE, PWRTE, CP, MCLRE), so existing .asm/.hex must be re-targeted. Source: PIC12F683 datasheet configuration-word table.
The PIC12C672-04I/SM 8-bit ADC has a typical INL of ±1 LSB at 5 V VDD, but at lower VDD (3 V) the integral non-linearity can degrade to ±2 LSB. Sample acquisition time is set by the TACQ register (recommended 16-20 µs at 5 V for a 5 pF source impedance). Add a 100 Ω series resistor and 0.1 µF cap on each analog input to filter clock noise from the digital switching. Source: Microchip PIC12C67X datasheet, "A/D Converter" section.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant lead-free SOIJ package per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive use, evaluate PIC12F683 automotive variants. Halogen-free status not explicitly listed in the verified data.
