PIC12LC509AT-04/SM - 8-bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 1.5KB, 8-SOIJ | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LC509AT-04/SM ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.62 | $16.20 |
| 100 | $1.35 | $135.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.02 | $1,020.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.89 | $2,670.00 |
PIC12LC509AT-04/SM Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and integrated peripherals such as timers, reset circuitry, and I/O ports. The PIC12LC509AT belongs to the broader taxonomy of 8-bit microcontrollers -> RISC microcontrollers -> embedded microcontrollers -> semiconductor IC. Its OTP program memory is programmed once and cannot be erased, making the part cost-optimized for high-volume fixed-function applications.
Key features include six general-purpose digital I/O pins, an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit programmable prescaler, Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT), Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and programmable code protection. The device supports 1,000,000 erase/write cycles per the manufacturer datasheet and operates over a wide supply range suitable for both 3.3V and 5V rails.
The architecture uses a Harvard-class RISC core with single-cycle instructions, allowing most instructions to execute in 200 ns at 4 MHz. Low-power CMOS design minimizes quiescent draw for battery or energy-harvesting applications. On-chip peripherals eliminate most external components, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, IR remote controls, battery-powered sensor interfaces, LED lighting controllers, simple motor control, and replacement of discrete logic. The 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging and the 'A' denotes the enhanced mid-range instruction set, while 'LC' indicates the low-voltage CMOS process variant with 3.3V/5V operation.
When designing with this device, ensure MCLR is tied to VDD through a pull-up for normal operation or left as a reset input for programming. Decoupling capacitors (0.1 uF) must be placed close to VDD and VSS. OTP memory requires all firmware to be fully verified before production programming, since post-programming updates are impossible.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, application guidance, and design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers with a one-stop reference for sourcing and qualifying PIC12LC509AT-04/SM.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LC509AT-04/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 PIC12LC509AT-04/SM (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Instruction Execution Time, Instruction Set, Operating Temperature Range, Watchdog Timer, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LC509A-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LC509A-04I/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LC509A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C509A-04I/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.93 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C509AT-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LC509AT-04/SM Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) OTP |
| RAM Size | 41 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Timers | 8-bit TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler, WDT with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V (LC low-voltage CMOS variant) |
| Reset / Brown-out | Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT) |
| Code Protection | Programmable |
| Program Memory Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles |
| Package | 8-SOIJ (208 mil SOIJ) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Instruction Set | Mid-range (33 instructions, 12-bit opcode) |
| Architecture | Harvard RISC, single-cycle ALU operations |
PIC12LC509AT-04/SM Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/OSO — General-purpose I/O / oscillator output |
| Pin 2 | GP4/OSC1 — General-purpose I/O / oscillator input |
| Pin 3 | GP3/MCLR — General-purpose I/O / Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 4 | GP2/COUT — General-purpose I/O / comparator output |
| Pin 5 | GP1/CIN-/ICSPCLK — General-purpose I/O / comparator inverting input / serial programming clock |
| Pin 6 | GP0/CIN+/ICSPDAT — General-purpose I/O / comparator non-inverting input / serial programming data |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.3V / 5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12LC509AT-04/SM is suitable for 6 applications: IR Remote Control Transmitter, Battery-Powered Sensor Interface, LED Lighting Controller, Appliance Control Board, Toys and Low-Cost Consumer Electronics, Replacement of Discrete Logic / Glue Logic.
IR Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC12LC509AT-04/SM suits IR remote control transmitters because its 4 MHz 8-bit RISC core executes bit-banged IR protocols (RC-5, NEC, Sony) with sub-100 us timing accuracy, while 1.5 KB OTP holds complete protocol stacks for TV/STB/DVD control. Its 3.3V LC variant enables two-AAA-battery operation with on-chip WDT providing reliable wake from sleep. The 8-SOIJ package is small enough for credit-card remotes, and 41 bytes RAM handles button-debounce and code buffers. According to the Microchip datasheet, the device's low-power CMOS keeps quiescent draw minimal between button presses.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Interface
The PIC12LC509AT-04/SM is well-suited for battery-powered sensor interfaces due to its low-voltage LC variant supporting 3.3V from two AA cells, plus on-chip TMR0 with prescaler for periodic wake-and-measure cycles. Its 6 GPIO pins drive sensor excitation, capture ADC-free comparator thresholds via on-chip analog functions, and toggle sleep/wake. The WDT with dedicated RC oscillator provides reliable wake without an external RTC. 41 bytes RAM stores recent readings, and 1.5 KB OTP fits simple linearization tables. PIC12LC509AT-04/SM's industrial-grade WDT keeps remote sensors reliable for years on a single battery.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC12LC509AT-04/SM enables compact LED lighting controllers by PWM-driving LEDs through its 6 GPIO pins using the on-chip TMR0 with prescaler for soft-fade effects. Its 4 MHz CPU handles 8-bit PWM dimming at adequate refresh rates for human-eye perception. 1.5 KB OTP stores multi-mode programs (steady, breathe, chase) and 41 bytes RAM holds current state. The 3.3V LC variant allows direct Li-ion battery drive for portable fixtures. Per the Microchip datasheet, the low-power CMOS design keeps standby draw negligible when lights are off.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board
The PIC12LC509AT-04/SM is widely used in white-goods appliance control boards for toasters, coffee makers, and small kitchen appliances. Its 6 GPIO pins switch relays, read keypads, and drive indicator LEDs without external logic. The WDT with on-chip RC oscillator survives noisy motor environments that would crash other MCUs, while Power-On Reset (POR) guarantees clean startup across brownouts typical of inductive loads. 1.5 KB OTP is sufficient for fixed cooking profiles, timing sequences, and safety interlocks. The 8-SOIJ package survives wave-solder and high-humidity kitchen conditions.
Recommended
Toys and Low-Cost Consumer Electronics
The PIC12LC509AT-04/SM is a staple in mass-market toys and low-cost consumer electronics because its OTP memory keeps unit cost below flash equivalents while delivering deterministic firmware. 1.5 KB program memory fits sound-effect sequences, LED patterns, and simple motor control loops. 6 GPIO pins interface directly to switches, buzzers, and LEDs without glue logic. The 4 MHz PIC RISC core executes in 200 ns per instruction, supporting multiple time-multiplexed tasks. Per the Microchip datasheet, the LC low-voltage variant operates directly from 2xAA cells in handheld toys.
Recommended
Replacement of Discrete Logic / Glue Logic
The PIC12LC509AT-04/SM replaces dozens of discrete 74HCxx logic gates, counters, and timer ICs in cost-sensitive designs by consolidating state machines and timing logic into firmware. A single 8-pin MCU with 6 I/O can replicate 555 timers, shift registers, and flip-flop chains, reducing PCB area and BOM count. 1.5 KB OTP holds complex sequences that would otherwise require PLDs. Per the Microchip datasheet, the WDT and POR features improve reliability over discrete logic that lacks built-in reset supervision.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LC509AT-04/SM — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LC509A-04/SM | PIC12LC509A-04I/SM | PIC12LC509A-04I/P | PIC12C509A-04I/SM | PIC12C509AT-04/SM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIJ | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-PDIP | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-SOIJ - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB OTP | 1.5 KB OTP | 1.5 KB OTP | 1.5 KB OTP | 1.5 KB OTP | 1.5 KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 41 bytes | 41 bytes | 41 bytes | 41 bytes | 41 bytes | 41 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| GPIO Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V / 5V (LC variant) | 3.3V / 5V (LC) | 3.3V / 5V (LC) | 3.3V / 5V (LC) | 5V only (C) | 5V only (C) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage LC process supports 3.3V/5V dual-rail operation (vs PIC12C509AT-04/SM)
- Tape-and-reel ('T') packaging ready for high-speed SMT assembly (vs PIC12LC509A-04/SM (tube))
- 1.5 KB OTP fits medium-complexity control firmware (vs PIC12C508-04/SM)
Design Notes
The LC variant of PIC12LC509AT-04/SM operates from 2.5V to 5.5V per the Microchip datasheet. For 3.3V battery applications, place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 8) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply rail. Estimated: at 4 MHz CPU clock and 5V supply, typical operating current is approximately 1.8 mA; quiescent draw at 3V is below 1 uA in sleep mode, so duty-cycling the CPU extends battery life significantly.
Place the 8-SOIJ package with pin 1 oriented according to the SOIJ notch (top-left). Route the ICSP programming signals (ICSPCLK on pin 5, ICSPDAT on pin 6) to a 2x3 or 1x6 header that supports both in-circuit programming and debugging. Keep the MCLR/pull-up network (typically 10 kohm to VDD) close to pin 3 to avoid noise-induced resets. The 8-SOIJ package has 208-mil body width; allow at least 0.5 mm clearance for wave-solder and 1.0 mm for reflow.
OTP program memory is one-time programmable - firmware bugs cannot be fixed after programming, so verify with a flash-equivalent (e.g. PIC12F509) before committing to OTP. Do not leave the MCLR pin floating; always tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up or use it as the reset input. The internal RC WDT oscillator is independent of the main system clock, but WDT timeout period varies with temperature and VDD per the datasheet - allow margin in safety-critical timing applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free reflow-compatible per JEDEC J-STD-020. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive applications should use a PIC12F/16F automotive-grade equivalent. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in provided data - marked unknown.
