PIC10F204T-I/MC - 8-bit Flash MCU, 384B, 4MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC10F204T-I/MC β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.66 | $0.66 |
| 10 | $0.59 | $5.90 |
| 100 | $0.49 | $49.00 |
| 500 | $0.43 | $215.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.37 | $370.00 |
PIC10F204T-I/MC Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a processor core, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC10F family represents one of the smallest commercial 8-bit MCUs, suited for glue logic replacement, simple sensor reading, and stand-alone control tasks where a full microcontroller would be over-spec. Within the broader hierarchy: MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The PIC10F204 specifically targets applications previously served by discrete logic or analog timers, now replaced by programmable silicon for flexibility and lower long-term cost.
Key features include a 4 MHz precision internal oscillator (no external crystal required), 4-bit programmable prescaler, GP0/GP1/GP3 digital I/O pins, an 8-bit timer (TMR0) with 8-bit programmable prescaler, and a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation without external components. The device operates from 2.0V to 5.5V across commercial and industrial temperature grades, supporting both 3.3V and 5V rails common in consumer and industrial products.
Technical depth: the PIC10F204 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, an 8-level hardware stack, and direct/indirect addressing modes. In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) allows flash reprogramming without removal from the PCB, a critical feature for field updates and production-line calibration. The 6-pin variant (PIC10F204) and 8-pin DFN variant (PIC10F204T-I/MC, with two no-connect pins for footprint compatibility) share the same silicon die.
Typical applications include consumer electronics (LED blinkers, toy controllers), appliance control (coffee makers, fan speed controllers), sensor conditioning, IR remote transmitters, and battery-powered devices. The wide voltage range and ultra-low power consumption make it suitable for IoT edge nodes, smart sensor tags, and wearable accessories.
Design consideration: for new designs the PIC10F204T-I/MC requires only one bypass capacitor (typically 0.1 uF) and optionally a 10 kohm pull-up on the MCLR pin. The T suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly. The I suffix denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). For drop-in upgrades with more program memory, see the PIC10F206T-I/MC (768 B Flash) which is pin-compatible.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives, and PCB-layout design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC10F204T-I/MC 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 PIC10F204T-I/MC (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Timers, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Watchdog Timer.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC10F206T-I/MC
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC10F204T-E/MC
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC10F204-I/MC
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.48 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC10F202T-I/MC
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC10F200T-I/MC
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC10F204T-I/MC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 384 bytes (256 x 12 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 16 bytes |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Max CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1 us at 4 MHz (branches 2 us) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 4 (GP0, GP1, GP2, GP3) |
| Timers | TMR0 with 8-bit programmable prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (independent on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz precision internal RC |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm), MC suffix, Tape and Reel |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC10F204T-I/MC Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | NC β Not connected (no internal bond on 8-pin DFN variant) |
| Pin 2 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 3 | GP2 β Bidirectional I/O pin / T0CKI timer clock input |
| Pin 4 | GP1 β Bidirectional I/O pin / ICSPCLK programming clock |
| Pin 5 | GP0 β Bidirectional I/O pin / ICSPDAT programming data |
| Pin 6 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | GP3/MCLR β Input-only pin / Master Clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 8 | NC β Not connected (no internal bond on 8-pin DFN variant) |
Typical Applications
PIC10F204T-I/MC is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Electronics LED Controllers, Appliance Timer and Fan Control, IR Remote Control Transmitters, IoT Edge Sensor Tags, Automotive Interior Accessories (Non-Safety), Battery Charger Status Indicators, Toy and Hobby Electronics.
Consumer Electronics LED Controllers
The PIC10F204T-I/MC fits low-cost LED blinker and decorative lighting designs because its 4 GPIO pins directly drive 2-4 LEDs without external drivers, and its 2.0V to 5.5V range supports both single-cell Li-ion and 3xAA battery packs. The integrated 4 MHz oscillator eliminates the crystal cost that would otherwise dominate the BOM of a 0.50 USD product. With 384 bytes of Flash, common blink patterns and PWM dimming sequences fit comfortably, and the ICSP interface allows firmware updates during production calibration.
Recommended
Appliance Timer and Fan Control
The PIC10F204T-I/MC is well matched to small appliance timers in coffee makers, rice cookers, and desk fans because its TMR0 with 8-bit programmable prescaler generates accurate time bases from seconds to hours without external components. The 4 MHz internal oscillator delivers 1 percent timing accuracy across the industrial temperature range, sufficient for kitchen appliances. Its 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) footprint fits in tight control boards, and its 2.0V minimum supply supports direct operation from rectified 3.3V rails.
Recommended
IR Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC10F204T-I/MC is ideal for low-cost IR remote controls because its 4 MHz instruction cycle produces precise 38 kHz carrier timing for NEC and RC-5 protocols, and its low-power Sleep mode extends battery life in handheld units. With 4 GPIO pins, the device directly interfaces with one or two pushbuttons plus an IR LED driver transistor. The wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply range accommodates both CR2032 coin cells and 2xAAA alkaline packs. ICSP allows last-minute protocol customization without retooling.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Tags
The PIC10F204T-I/MC serves as the controller in disposable IoT sensor tags that read temperature, humidity, or contact closure and transmit via a companion radio. Its 384 bytes of Flash holds small sensor-read and packet-build routines, and its Sleep current in the microamp range extends coin-cell life to months. The 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) is one of the smallest footprints available for any programmable MCU, fitting inside credit-card-thin enclosures. The industrial -40C to +85C range supports outdoor deployments.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessories (Non-Safety)
The PIC10F204T-E/MC variant (extended -40C to +125C) is well suited to non-safety automotive interior accessories such as ambient lighting controllers, vanity mirror LED drivers, and USB charger indicators. The wide supply range tolerates load-dump transients on 12V rails after a pre-regulator, and the small DFN package fits behind dashboard panels. Combined with its low unit cost and integrated oscillator, the device enables sub-1 USD BOM automotive interior nodes. For safety-critical applications, choose AEC-Q100-qualified parts instead.
Recommended
Battery Charger Status Indicators
The PIC10F204T-I/MC drives multi-LED state-of-charge displays in budget battery chargers because its 4 GPIO pins control up to 4 status LEDs and its 2.0V minimum supply allows direct connection across single Li-ion cells. The integrated comparator peripheral (unique to the PIC10F204 vs the PIC10F200) provides hardware voltage-threshold detection for charge-state transitions without ADC. With 384 bytes of Flash, lookup-table-driven state machines fit easily, and the 8-pin DFN package suits compact charger housings.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
The PIC10F204T-I/MC is widely deployed in toys, hobby kits, and educational electronics because its sub-0.50 USD unit cost enables sub-2 USD finished products while still delivering programmable behavior. The 33-instruction RISC core is straightforward for students learning embedded programming, and the 8-pin DFN package breaks out to standard 0.1 inch headers on breakout boards. Its 2.0V to 5.5V range supports both 3V coin cells and 4.5V battery packs commonly used in hobby projects.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC10F204T-I/MC β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC10F206T-I/MC | PIC10F204T-E/MC | PIC10F204-I/MC | PIC10F202T-I/MC | PIC10F200T-I/MC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 384 bytes | 768 bytes (+100%) | 384 bytes (same) | 384 bytes (same) | 512 bytes (+33%) | 256 bytes (-33%) |
| SRAM Data Memory | 16 bytes | 16 bytes (same) | 16 bytes (same) | 16 bytes (same) | 16 bytes (same) | 16 bytes (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) |
| Comparator Peripheral | Yes | Yes (same) | Yes (same) | Yes (same) | No | No |
| Packaging Format | Tape and Reel | Tape and Reel | Tape and Reel | Tube / Tray | Tape and Reel | Tape and Reel |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz precision RC | 4 MHz precision RC (same) | 4 MHz precision RC (same) | 4 MHz precision RC (same) | 4 MHz precision RC (same) | 4 MHz precision RC (same) |
| I/O Pins | 4 (GP0/GP1/GP2/GP3) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Doubles Flash memory at same price point in the same package (vs PIC10F206T-I/MC)
- Includes on-chip comparator peripheral that PIC10F200/202 lack (vs PIC10F200T-I/MC)
- Industrial temperature range with extended variant available (vs PIC10F204T-E/MC)
Design Notes
Place a single 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 2) and VSS pin (pin 6) of the PIC10F204T-I/MC to suppress supply noise. The device operates from 2.0V to 5.5V; for stable operation across load transients, a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the upstream rail is recommended when driving inductive loads. The internal 4 MHz oscillator is sensitive to VDD ripple - keep digital switching currents (LED PWM) on a separate trace from VDD if possible.
The 8-pin DFN (MC) package has a center thermal pad that should be soldered to a moderate copper pour on the PCB for mechanical reliability, even though the PIC10F204T-I/MC dissipates negligible power. The two NC pins (1 and 8) must be left floating - do not connect them to VDD or VSS, as internal bond-wire absence makes these pins electrically isolated. Maintain at least 0.2 mm clearance between NC pin pads and adjacent signal traces to prevent solder bridges during reflow.
Do not connect the GP3/MCLR pin (pin 7) directly to VDD without a series resistor or proper MCLR configuration, as this disables the reset functionality and may cause programming issues. The GP3/MCLR pin defaults to MCLR mode; to use it as a digital input, the MCLRE configuration bit must be cleared in the Configuration Word. ICSP programming requires dedicated access to GP1 (ICSPCLK) and GP0 (ICSPDAT) - do not load these pins with heavy capacitance during in-circuit programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC10F204T-E/MC for harsh environments but still non-automotive-qualified. Lead-free and halogen-free packaging standard for MC suffix parts.
