PIC12CE518-04/P - 8-Bit 4MHz MCU 768B OTP 6 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC12CE518-04/P β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.89 | $945.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.62 | $1,620.00 |
PIC12CE518-04/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, I/O peripherals, and often non-volatile storage on one IC. The PIC12CE518 belongs to the PIC12C5xx family of 8-bit microcontrollers, which sits within Microchip's broader PIC microcontroller hierarchy: PIC10/12/16/18 8-bit MCUs -> 8-bit microcontrollers -> microcontrollers (MCU) -> microprocessors and microcontrollers -> semiconductors. The 8-bit RISC PIC architecture is widely used in industrial, automotive, consumer, and appliance applications because it is deterministic, easy to program, and supported by a mature toolchain (MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler).
Key features include 768 bytes (512 x 12 words) of One-Time-Programmable (OTP) EPROM, 25 bytes of data RAM, internal 4 MHz RC oscillator, power-on reset, watchdog timer, and on-chip EEPROM data memory for non-volatile parameter storage. The PIC12CE518-04/P specifically refers to the 4 MHz speed grade and the plastic DIP (PDIP-8) package, intended for through-hole prototype and production designs.
Typical applications span low-end appliance control, IR remote controls, simple sensor interfaces, battery chargers, lighting controllers, and general-purpose glue-logic replacement where a tiny MCU adds configurability at minimum cost.
When designing with this device, ensure that all unused I/O pins are configured as outputs and tied low to minimize power consumption. OTP memory means the program is committed during the manufacturing process, so the final firmware must be fully validated before programming. For new designs Microchip recommends the PIC12F629 successor, which provides flash memory and additional peripherals at a comparable price point.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, parametric alternatives, and design considerations to help engineers evaluate the PIC12CE518-04/P for both legacy support and new cost-sensitive designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12CE518-04/P 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 PIC12CE518-04/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Program Memory Size, Package, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12CE518-04I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12CE518-04E/P
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12CE519-04/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12C508-04/P
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12C509A-04/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C671-04/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12CE518-04/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Enhanced PIC16C5X) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12 words) |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 16 bytes (on-chip serial EEPROM) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 1 us at 4 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (commercial) |
| Package | PDIP-8 (through-hole, 8-pin DIP) |
| Oscillator | Internal 4 MHz RC (external clock option) |
| Peripherals | Watchdog Timer, Power-On Reset, Sleep mode |
| ADC | None (no on-chip ADC on PIC12CE518) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead Free | Yes |
PIC12CE518-04/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN β General-purpose I/O / oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 2 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT β General-purpose I/O / oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 3 | GP3/MCLR/VPP β General-purpose I/O (input only) / Master Clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | GP2/T0CKI β General-purpose I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 5 | GP1 β General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 6 | GP0 β General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 7 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12CE518-04/P is suitable for 6 applications: Low-End Appliance Control, IR Remote Control Transmitter, Simple Sensor Interface / Data Logger, Battery Charger Controller, LED Lighting Controller, Glue Logic Replacement / Configurable Sequencer.
Low-End Appliance Control
The PIC12CE518-04/P fits low-end appliance control applications thanks to its 768-byte OTP program memory, 25-byte RAM, and 6 I/O pins, which are sufficient to read a few buttons, drive indicator LEDs, and pulse-control a triac for a washing machine timer or microwave UI. Its 3.0-5.5 V supply range supports both 3.3 V and 5 V designs, and the on-chip EEPROM enables user-configurable preset storage (16 bytes for cycle count, last setting, etc.). The 4 MHz CPU clock with 1 us instruction cycle delivers ~1 MIPS, more than adequate for human-interface timing loops, while the 25 mA I/O source/sink drives relays and LEDs directly without external drivers.
Recommended
IR Remote Control Transmitter
For IR remote control transmitter designs, the PIC12CE518-04/P delivers the right combination of small pin count, low cost, and integrated features: 768 bytes of OTP holds typical RC5/RC6 or NEC protocol firmware with custom button mappings, while the internal 4 MHz oscillator eliminates external timing components. The 6 I/O pins connect directly to a 5x3 or 6x2 button matrix plus an IR LED driver transistor. The on-chip EEPROM (16 bytes) is well suited for storing device address, channel presets, or pairing codes. Sleep current and low active power make it appropriate for battery-powered remotes with 1-2 year coin-cell life.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface / Data Logger
The PIC12CE518-04/P serves as a simple sensor interface MCU, reading digital sensors via GPIO and storing calibration data or sample counters in the 16-byte on-chip EEPROM. Although it lacks an internal ADC, external sigma-delta or I2C ADCs can be polled from the 6 I/O pins. The internal 4 MHz oscillator keeps the BOM to a single IC plus decoupling caps, and the 3.0 V minimum supply supports 2x AA battery-powered sensors. Its small code footprint and 1 MIPS performance are sufficient for periodic sampling at 1-10 Hz with UART or one-wire reporting to a host controller.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
For low-cost NiMH or Li-ion single-cell charger controllers, the PIC12CE518-04/P provides timer-based charge termination, temperature monitoring via external thermistor, and EEPROM-backed charge profile storage. Its 6 I/O pins are adequate to drive a charge MOSFET gate, read a thermistor divider, monitor battery voltage, control a status LED, and accept a start/stop button. The wide 3.0-5.5 V supply range accepts input from USB or 5 V adapters directly. The on-chip EEPROM preserves the last charge state through power cycles, useful for resume-after-power-loss behavior.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
In LED lighting controller applications (decorative, signage, status indicators), the PIC12CE518-04/P drives multiple LEDs via PWM-free bit-banging or simple on/off sequencing using its 6 high-current I/O pins (25 mA each). Combined with the on-chip EEPROM (16 bytes) for color/pattern presets and the internal oscillator for BOM minimization, it forms a complete 8-pin solution. The 768-byte OTP holds standard patterns (chase, fade, blink) plus custom sequences, while the 25-byte RAM handles the current state. Suitable for Christmas lights, gaming peripherals, and architectural accent lighting.
Recommended
Glue Logic Replacement / Configurable Sequencer
The PIC12CE518-04/P replaces discrete 74HC logic gates and timer ICs by providing configurable, firmware-defined timing, sequencing, and conditional logic in a single 8-pin IC. Its 6 I/O pins accept multiple digital inputs and generate conditioned outputs (delays, debounce, pulse stretching, watchdog). The on-chip EEPROM stores configuration (timing constants, mode selection), and OTP program memory ensures the logic definition cannot be inadvertently altered in the field. This application is common in industrial control panels, security systems, and HVAC equipment where custom timing logic is needed without an ASIC.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12CE518-04/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12CE518-04I/P | PIC12CE518-04E/P | PIC12CE519-04/P | PIC12C508-04/P | PIC12C509A-04/P | PIC12C671-04/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PDIP-8 (through-hole) | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) |
| Program Memory | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 1024 B OTP | 512 B OTP | 1024 B OTP | 1024 B OTP |
| Data RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 41 B | 25 B | 41 B | 128 B |
| Data EEPROM | 16 B | 16 B | 16 B | 16 B | None | None | None (has ADC instead) |
| CPU Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip serial EEPROM data memory integrated alongside OTP program memory (vs PIC12C508-04/P)
- Direct pin-compatible upgrade path to 1024 bytes program memory (vs PIC12CE519-04/P)
- Compact 8-pin PDIP with internal oscillator for BOM minimization (vs PIC12C671-04/P)
- Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) variant available in same package (vs PIC12CE518-04E/P)
Design Notes
The PIC12CE518-04/P operates from 3.0 V to 5.5 V with no internal brown-out detector. Add an external reset supervisor (e.g. MCP100 or MCP120) if the supply can droop below 3.0 V during motor startup, relay switching, or weak-battery conditions. Decouple VDD (pin 8) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor if the supply traces are long. Estimated: total IC current at 4 MHz active mode is approximately 2 mA at 5 V, dropping to low-uA levels in sleep.
OTP program memory cannot be erased or rewritten. Fully validate firmware on a flash-equivalent PIC12F629 or PIC16F84A before committing code to PIC12CE518-04/P for production. Configure all unused I/O pins as outputs driving low to minimize current consumption and reduce noise injection. MCLR (pin 3) must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor; do not leave it floating, or the device may randomly enter reset or programming mode.
Place the 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD (pin 8) with a wide, short ground trace to VSS (pin 7). If using an external crystal or resonator instead of the internal RC oscillator, route OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric, surrounded by a ground guard ring to reduce EMI. Keep high-current switching traces (relay coils, LED rows) away from the oscillator pins to avoid clock jitter.
The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator has an accuracy of approximately +/- 1 percent at 25 C and +/- 5 percent across the full -40C to +85 C industrial range. For UART baud-rate-sensitive applications, either calibrate the OSCCAL register at production or switch to an external crystal. The 1 us instruction cycle at 4 MHz delivers approximately 1 MIPS, sufficient for polled I/O but not for high-throughput serial protocols above 9600 baud without careful timing design.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not qualified - this is a commercial/industrial-grade MCU. NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) status per Microchip.
