PIC10F204-E/MC - 8-bit Flash MCU, 384B, 4MHz, DFN-8 | Microchip
MPN: PIC10F204-E/MC ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.5 | $0.50 |
| 10 | $0.45 | $4.50 |
| 100 | $0.39 | $39.00 |
| 500 | $0.34 | $170.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.3 | $300.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.26 | $780.00 |
PIC10F204-E/MC Overview
What is an 8-bit Flash microcontroller? An 8-bit Flash microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile Flash program memory, SRAM, and peripherals onto one die and executes instructions on 8-bit-wide data paths. The PIC10F204 belongs to the PIC10F family of 6-pin baseline microcontrollers (PIC -> 8-bit microcontroller -> microcontroller -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit), optimized for low-cost, low-pin-count embedded control where the smallest possible footprint outweighs the need for advanced peripherals.
Key features include a wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating voltage range, an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator (no external crystal needed), one analog comparator with absolute reference, 8-bit timer TMR0 with 8-bit programmable prescaler, and a comparator module. The device includes an In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) interface that allows programming after PCB assembly, plus Microchip's nanoWatt Technology power management with idle and sleep modes that drop current consumption below 100 nA in sleep.
Architecturally the PIC10F204 uses a Harvard-style RISC core with a 12-bit-wide instruction word, achieving typical 2:1 code compression over other 8-bit MCUs. Its CMOS Flash process allows field re-programmability with 100K endurance cycles minimum and 40-year data retention, while a 256 x 12 program memory layout maps directly onto the 384-byte Flash array.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, LED drivers and blinkers, simple fan/relay controllers, AC line zero-crossing detectors, and disposable consumer devices where cost dominates. The 8-VFDFN package with exposed thermal pad enables compact surface-mount designs.
When designing with this part, choose between the -E (extended -40C to +125C) and -I (industrial -40C to +85C) temperature grades based on the deployment environment, and reserve at least one I/O pin for ICSP programming access during board bring-up.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives within the same DFN-8 footprint, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC10F204-E/MC — 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 PIC10F204-E/MC (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, I/O Pins, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC10F204-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F204T-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.37 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F204-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC10F202-I/MC
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC10F200-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F200-E/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F204-E/MC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 384 bytes (256 x 12) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 16 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 4 (3 I/O + 1 input-only) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1 us at 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Oscillator Type | Internal RC (4 MHz) |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit with 8-bit prescaler) |
| Analog Comparator | 1 (with absolute reference) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| Package | 8-VFDFN Exposed Pad (MC) |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Power-Saving Modes | Idle and Sleep (nanoWatt Technology) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC10F204-E/MC Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP0 — Bidirectional I/O pin 0 |
| Pin 2 | GP1 — Bidirectional I/O pin 1 |
| Pin 3 | GP2 — Bidirectional I/O pin 2 |
| Pin 4 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 5 | GP3/MCLR — Input-only pin 3 / Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin EP | VSS (Thermal Pad) — Exposed thermal pad, internally connected to VSS |
Typical Applications
PIC10F204-E/MC is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, LED Blinker and Chaser, AC Line Zero-Crossing Detector, Capacitive Touch Replacement Button, Disposable Consumer Electronics, Industrial Sensor Threshold Switch.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC10F204-E/MC fits battery-powered sensor nodes where cost and standby current dominate. Its 2.0V-5.5V operating range allows direct connection to 2xAA alkaline or single-cell Li-ion batteries, and its nanoWatt Technology drops sleep current below 100 nA, enabling multi-year coin-cell operation. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator eliminates the crystal cost on a typical 25 mm^2 PCB. The integrated analog comparator with absolute reference provides a simple threshold detector for sensors such as thermistors, photodiodes, or PIR motion outputs without an external op-amp. 384 bytes of Flash is sufficient for the state-machine logic and PWM-based wake/sleep duty cycling that typical sensor-node firmware uses.
Recommended
LED Blinker and Chaser
The PIC10F204-E/MC is well-matched to LED blinker and chaser products used in safety apparel, holiday lights, and promotional items. Each device can drive 1-2 LEDs directly from its 25 mA source/sink capable I/O pins, and PWM control via the TMR0 prescaler allows variable blink rates and breathing effects without external timer ICs. The 4 MHz instruction rate generates smooth 100 Hz PWM at 1% resolution, eliminating visible flicker. The DFN-8 exposed-pad package is only 3x3 mm, fitting inside a CR2032 button-cell badge form factor alongside the battery. 384 bytes of Flash easily accommodates multi-pattern state machines for advertising or wearable indicators.
Recommended
AC Line Zero-Crossing Detector
The PIC10F204-E/MC's integrated analog comparator with absolute reference makes it ideal for AC line zero-crossing detection in solid-state relays, dimmers, and motor-control interfaces. The comparator input is fed through a high-impedance resistive divider from the 120V/240V mains, and the absolute reference establishes a precise 1.2V threshold around the zero crossing, giving 1-degree phase accuracy at 60 Hz. TMR0 captures the time between crossings for frequency measurement or TRIAC firing-angle calculation. The -E grade extended temperature range (125 C) accommodates the elevated ambient inside enclosed junction boxes and behind dimmer faceplates. 384 bytes of Flash holds the complete zero-cross handling and TRIAC timing routine.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Replacement Button
The PIC10F204-E/MC can replace mechanical buttons with capacitive touch sensors using its analog comparator to measure charge-time differences on a copper pad. The mTouch sensing algorithm runs entirely in software on the 4 MIPS core, with no external components beyond a single reference capacitor and the touch pad. The internal RC oscillator is accurate enough for short-term charge timing, while periodic recalibration compensates for temperature drift. Sleep current of less than 100 nA allows battery-powered remote controls and IoT wall switches to operate for years. 384 bytes of Flash holds the touch scanning, debounce, and wake-from-sleep routines.
Recommended
Disposable Consumer Electronics
The PIC10F204-E/MC is widely deployed in disposable consumer products such as greeting card sound modules, single-use medical dispensers, and toy giveaways. At less than $0.30 in volume, the device cost is compatible with throwaway product economics while still delivering programmable behavior, multiple I/O, and Flash-based field reprogrammability. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply accepts a single CR2032 coin cell or two AA batteries without a regulator. The 8-VFDFN package is 3x3 mm and reflow-solderable on high-speed consumer-electronics lines. Compared to a custom ASIC, the PIC10F204 offers design flexibility and end-of-line customization without NRE charges.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Threshold Switch
The PIC10F204-E/MC's -40 C to +125 C extended temperature range and integrated analog comparator make it a robust threshold switch for industrial sensors in factory automation, HVAC, and equipment monitoring. The comparator monitors process variables such as temperature, pressure, or level via a resistive bridge, and one I/O pin drives a digital output, optocoupler LED, or solid-state relay. TMR0 adds configurable debounce and on/off delay. The internal 4 MHz oscillator avoids external crystal reliability concerns in high-vibration environments. 384 bytes of Flash is sufficient for hysteresis, fault detection, and diagnostic blinking routines typical of industrial threshold switches.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC10F204-E/MC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC10F204-I/MC | PIC10F204T-I/MC | PIC10F202-I/MC | PIC10F200-I/MC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-VFDFN (MC) | 8-VFDFN (MC) - same | 8-VFDFN (MC) - same | 8-VFDFN (MC) - same | 8-VFDFN (MC) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 384 bytes (256 x 12) | 384 bytes | 384 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Analog Comparator | 1 (with absolute reference) | 1 | 1 | 1 | None |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O | 4 (3 bidirectional + 1 input-only) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash in PIC10F 6-pin core family (vs PIC10F200-I/MC)
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC10F204-I/MC)
- Integrated analog comparator with absolute reference (vs PIC10F200-I/MC)
Design Notes
The PIC10F204-E/MC operates from 2.0 V to 5.5 V with sub-100 nA sleep current. Decouple VDD (pin 4) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin, and tie VSS (pin 6) and the exposed thermal pad (EP) to a common ground plane. In battery applications, place the decoupling cap on the supply side of any series ferrite bead to ensure stable operation during deep sleep when source impedance rises. Brown-out reset is configurable via the CONFIG register; enable BOR for AC-line or industrial environments to prevent Flash corruption during supply droops.
The 8-VFDFN package requires careful PCB layout: the exposed thermal pad (EP) must be soldered to a land pattern of at least equal size to the package pad (typically 1.6 x 1.6 mm) to provide mechanical stability and thermal dissipation. Use a via array (4-9 thermal vias at 0.3 mm diameter) connecting EP to the internal ground plane. Because only 4 pins are functional I/O, route GP3/MCLR (pin 5) with a 4.7 kohm pull-up to VDD and reserve access to this pin for the ICSP programming header during board bring-up. Keep high-speed signal traces away from the exposed pad area to avoid coupling noise into the ground reference.
Three common pitfalls when designing with the PIC10F204-E/MC: (1) Assuming pin 7 and pin 8 are functional - they are NC on the silicon and must be left floating or tied to VSS; (2) Forgetting that GP3 is input-only - it cannot be used as a digital output; (3) Programming via ICSP requires VDD to be within specification (typically 4.5V-5.5V for high-voltage programming mode), so design the programming header with a regulated supply path. Also note that the internal RC oscillator is factory-trimmed to within +/-1% but drifts +/-2% across the full -40C to +125C range - budget timing margins accordingly for UART or PWM applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free matte-tin finish. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the -E grade refers to industrial extended temperature only, not automotive certification.
