PIC10F204-I/MC - 8-bit Flash MCU, 4MHz, 384B | Microchip
MPN: PIC10F204-I/MC ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.78 | $0.78 |
| 10 | $0.72 | $7.20 |
| 100 | $0.63 | $63.00 |
| 500 | $0.55 | $275.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.48 | $480.00 |
PIC10F204-I/MC Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash for program storage and SRAM for data), and programmable I/O peripherals on one die. The PIC10F204 sits at the very small end of the 8-bit MCU taxonomy: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC10 family -> 6-/8-pin entry-level Flash MCU -> general-purpose embedded controller. Its Harvard RISC architecture separates program and data buses so the CPU can prefetch the next instruction while completing the current one, achieving near 1 MIPS/MHz deterministic throughput.
Key differentiating specifications include a wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating voltage range supporting both 3.3V and 5V rails, an industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade (the "I" suffix), 4 selectable I/O pins (GPIO), an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with a programmable prescaler, and an integrated watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation independent of the system clock. The 8-bit A/D converter is not present on this specific device; designers needing analog should step up to the PIC10F206 which adds a comparator.
The PIC10F204 architecture is a fully static CMOS design with no minimum clock frequency requirement, allowing the controller to be stopped in software to save power. It supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins (GP0/GP1), enabling firmware updates after PCB assembly. The integrated 4 MHz internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external resonator and reduces BOM cost and PCB area in space-constrained designs such as appliance controls, sensor signal conditioning, lighting controllers, and simple battery-powered gadgets.
Typical applications include low-end AC line voltage monitoring (with capacitive dropper supply), battery charger status indicators, RGB LED controllers, simple fan/thermostat controls, replacement of discrete logic in toy and hobby electronics, and low-cost consumer appliance user-interface boards. The 8-pin DFN package provides excellent thermal performance and minimal footprint for handheld devices.
When designing with the PIC10F204, ensure the GP3 pin (input-only on most PIC10F2xx devices) is handled correctly and that the ICSP programming pins are accessible on the PCB. Programming requires Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler or the legacy MPASM assembler; the toolchain is free. Engineers upgrading should note that the PIC10F204 is not pin-compatible with the PIC10F220 or PIC12F parts that have more pins.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC10F204-I/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-I/MC (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, I/O Pins, Watchdog Timer, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC10F200-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F202-I/MC
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC10F204-E/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.26 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F206-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F200-E/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F222-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F204-I/MC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 384 bytes (256 x 12 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 16 bytes |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| Max CPU Speed | 4 MHz (1 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 4 (GP0-GP2, GP4; GP3 input-only on most variants) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) with programmable prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated internal RC oscillator |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz integrated |
| Oscillator Modes | Internal 4 MHz (default) |
| ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) | Yes (GP0/GP1) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, "I") |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (2 mm x 3 mm), "MC" |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| Peripherals | I/O, WDT, TMR0 |
PIC10F204-I/MC Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — General-purpose I/O (input-only) / Master Clear Reset / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | VSS — Ground reference (0V) |
| Pin 3 | GP0/ICSPDAT — General-purpose I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 4 | GP1/ICSPCLK — General-purpose I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 5 | GP2 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 7 | GP4 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 8 | GP5 — General-purpose I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC10F204-I/MC is suitable for 7 applications: AC Line Voltage Monitor, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, RGB LED Lighting Controller, Appliance User Interface Board, Toy and Hobby Electronics, Capacitive Touch Replacement, Discrete Logic Replacement.
AC Line Voltage Monitor
The PIC10F204-I/MC is well-suited for low-cost AC mains voltage monitoring using a capacitive dropper power supply. The integrated 4 MHz internal oscillator eliminates external timing components and the 2.0-5.5V operating range handles rectified 3.3V rails directly. Only 4 GPIO pins are needed for zero-crossing detection and a status LED. With 384 bytes of Flash, the firmware can implement RMS voltage calculation, brown-out detection, and a watchdog-based fail-safe. Designers benefit from the 8-DFN's tiny 2x3 mm footprint, ideal for in-line voltage-sensing modules.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC10F204-I/MC excels in ultra-low-cost battery-powered sensor nodes reading a single analog thermistor or switch contact. Its 2.0V minimum supply allows direct operation from a single CR2032 coin cell (3V nominal), the integrated watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator ensures reliability during sleep, and the wide -40C to +85C industrial range covers outdoor deployment. The 16 bytes of SRAM and 384 bytes Flash are sufficient for periodic wake-measure-transmit-sleep firmware. Estimated: at 1% duty cycle and 1 uA sleep current, the device can run for years on a CR2032.
Recommended
RGB LED Lighting Controller
The PIC10F204-I/MC's three usable GPIO outputs (GP0/GP1/GP2/GP4) drive a basic RGB LED controller with hardware PWM via TMR0. According to the PIC10F204 datasheet, the 4 MHz internal oscillator provides the timebase for software PWM dimming at frequencies above 100 Hz, eliminating visible flicker. The 8-DFN package is small enough to integrate inline on a flexible LED strip or inside a small spotlight fixture. Pricing under $0.50 at volume supports cost-sensitive decorative lighting products.
Recommended
Appliance User Interface Board
The PIC10F204-I/MC drives a low-end user interface panel for small appliances like coffee makers, fans, or toasters. The 4 GPIO pins drive 2-4 buttons or LEDs while TMR0 debounces inputs and the watchdog timer protects against firmware lockups. Per the Microchip datasheet, the 2.0-5.5V range is compatible with both 3.3V regulated and 5V direct supplies, allowing the MCU to share power with existing logic. The 8-DFN (2x3 mm) fits behind a small button cluster with minimal PCB rework.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
The PIC10F204-I/MC replaces discrete 555 timer or logic-gate circuits in toys and hobby kits, adding programmability at a sub-$0.50 BOM cost. Its RISC instruction set allows simple sound-effect sequencing, LED patterns, and motor drive timing using only the 8-pin DFN footprint. Per the datasheet, ICSP support lets hobbyists reflash the device via a PICkit 3/4 without removing it from the board. The wide 2.0-5.5V range supports both 3V coin-cell and 4.5V (3xAA) battery stacks.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Replacement
The PIC10F204-I/MC is ideal for replacing mechanical buttons with capacitive touch sensing via the GP0/GP1 pins and an RC time-measurement algorithm. The integrated 4 MHz oscillator provides sufficient timing resolution for mTouch capacitive sensing, and the 16 bytes SRAM handles the touch-state variables. The 8-DFN's small footprint lets designers add touch capability to existing 6-pin layouts without major PCB redesign. Per the Microchip datasheet, TMR0 provides the time-base for the capacitive measurement loop.
Recommended
Discrete Logic Replacement
The PIC10F204-I/MC replaces multi-chip 555/4017 logic-gate or timer circuits in legacy designs, consolidating timing, sequencing, and I/O expansion into one programmable device. The 8-DFN package footprint (2x3 mm) replaces through-hole DIP timers, saving board area. Per the PIC10F204 datasheet, all 33 RISC instructions execute in a single 1 us cycle except branches (2 cycles), so even complex state machines run in real time at 4 MHz. Flash-based ICSP lets designers iterate without re-spooling.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC10F204-I/MC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC10F200-I/MC | PIC10F202-I/MC | PIC10F204-E/MC | PIC10F206-I/MC | PIC10F222-I/MC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 384 bytes (256 x 12) | 256 bytes | 512 bytes | 384 bytes | 384 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 16 bytes | 16 bytes | 24 bytes | 16 bytes | 16 bytes | 24 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 4 MHz (1 MIPS) | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Special Feature | None (baseline) | Smaller Flash | Larger Flash and RAM | Extended temperature | Analog comparator | 8-bit ADC + comparator |
| GPIO Count | 4 (GP0-GP2, GP4) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Key Differentiators
- Balanced Flash size in the PIC10F2xx family (vs PIC10F200-I/MC)
- Industrial temperature grade at lowest BOM cost (vs PIC10F204-E/MC)
- Baseline MCU without integrated analog (vs PIC10F206-I/MC)
- Smaller DFN footprint vs PDIP alternative (vs PIC10F204-I/P (PDIP))
Design Notes
The 8-DFN (2x3 mm) package exposes a thermal pad that must be soldered to a copper pour on the PCB for mechanical reliability. Per Microchip application note AN2074, the recommended land pattern uses NSMD (non-solder-mask-defined) pads with 0.3 mm pitch and a central thermal pad of approximately 1.2 mm x 1.5 mm. The DFN footprint requires precise stencil design - a 4-mil stencil is recommended to prevent solder bridging between adjacent pads. Maintain at least 0.2 mm clearance between the DFN pads and any adjacent traces.
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 6), with the trace from VDD to the cap kept under 2 mm to minimize parasitic inductance. The PIC10F204 has no specific power-supply sequencing requirements, but VDD rise time should be slower than 50 ms to ensure proper Power-on Reset (POR). For battery applications, place a 10 uF bulk capacitor in parallel with the 0.1 uF decoupling cap to handle momentary inrush during RF transmission or motor drive. Per the datasheet, supply current is approximately 350 uA active at 4 MHz / 5V and falls below 1 uA in sleep mode.
GP3 is input-only on most PIC10F2xx variants including the PIC10F204 - attempting to drive GP3 as an output will fail. The MCLR function shares GP3, so an external pull-up resistor (typically 10 kOhm to VDD) is required if the internal MCLR is enabled. For ICSP programming, ensure GP0 and GP1 are accessible on the PCB connector - designers often mistakenly route these pins to high-impedance loads only, breaking in-circuit programming. Finally, the internal 4 MHz oscillator is calibrated at 5V/25C - at 2.0V or extreme temperatures, the frequency may shift +/- 2% per the datasheet. For UART communication, verify baud-rate error budget at your operating voltage.
Route the ICSP clock (GP1/ICSPCLK) and data (GP0/ICSPDAT) traces as short as possible (under 25 mm) and keep them away from switching power or motor drive traces to prevent programming glitches. Place a 4.7 kOhm pull-up on MCLR/GP3 (pin 1) to allow proper reset behavior. The DFN exposed pad should connect to VSS (ground) for best thermal and electrical performance; routing VDD through the thermal pad is not recommended. Avoid running analog signal traces under the IC since the exposed pad is connected to ground internally.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade (the I suffix); choose PIC10F204-E/MC for +125C extended operation. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs, contact Microchip about PIC10F204 automotive-grade variants.
