PIC12C508A-04E/P - 8-bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 8-PDIP, Extended Temp | Microchip
MPN: PIC12C508A-04E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.92 | $960.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.74 | $1,740.00 |
PIC12C508A-04E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory (ROM/OTP/Flash), data RAM, and peripheral set. Within the broader hierarchy, the PIC12C508A belongs to the PIC12C5xx family of 8-bit microcontrollers -> the Microchip PIC microcontroller family -> the 8-bit MCU class -> the microcontroller category -> the embedded processing semiconductor class. The 'C' suffix denotes CMOS OTP process, the 'A' marks a die-revision upgrade, the '04' specifies the 4 MHz speed grade, 'E' marks the extended temperature range (-40C to +125C), and '/P' indicates the PDIP-8 package.
Key features include a 1 microsecond instruction cycle (4 MHz oscillator divided by 4), an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit programmable prescaler, Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT), and a Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation without external components. Programmable code protection is supported and 1,000,000 erase/write cycles endurance is rated.
Architecturally, the PIC12C508A employs a RISC Harvard architecture with separate program and data paths, enabling single-cycle instruction execution except for branches. The CMOS OTP process delivers low static power consumption, and the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface enables firmware updates via two pins, simplifying prototyping.
Typical applications include logic replacement (replacing discrete 555/4017 circuits with one chip), appliance controllers, white-goods user interfaces, low-end automotive body electronics, remote-control transmitters, sensor signal conditioning, simple PWM/sequence generators, and battery-powered devices where the 8-pin footprint and low pin count fit the application.
When designing with this device, note that OTP is one-time-programmable: firmware must be fully verified before burn. For extended temperature operation ensure the 'E' suffix part is specified; the standard '04/P' variant operates only 0C to +70C. The 6 I/O pins share package pins with VDD/VSS/GP3-only, so multi-function pin assignment requires careful review against the pinout.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical design considerations not consolidated on any single datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12C508A-04E/P — 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 PIC12C508A-04E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Type, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size, Package, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12C508A-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C508A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.81 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C508-04I/SM
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C508-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C508A-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F508-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C508A-04E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC 12C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Max CPU Speed | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| Number of I/O | 6 |
| Package | 8-DIP (0.300 inch, PDIP-8) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, 'E' suffix) |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions, RISC |
| Timer/Counters | TMR0, 8-bit, with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP supported |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free 'P' suffix) |
PIC12C508A-04E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP2/OSC1/AN2 — General-purpose I/O / Oscillator input / analog ch2 (Thru bit) |
| Pin 2 | GP1/OSC2/CLKIN — General-purpose I/O / Oscillator output / external clock input |
| Pin 3 | GP0/ICSPDAT — General-purpose I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — Input-only GPIO / Master Clear reset / Programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | GP4/ICSPCLK — General-purpose I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — General-purpose I/O / Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12C508A-04E/P is suitable for 7 applications: Discrete Logic Replacement, Appliance and White-Goods Controllers, Remote Control and IR Transmitter, Simple Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery-Powered Standalone Timers, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Educational and Hobby Electronics.
Discrete Logic Replacement
The PIC12C508A-04E/P replaces multiple discrete 555 timers, 4017 counters, flip-flops, and glue-logic gates in legacy designs, collapsing 4-8 ICs into one 8-pin chip. With 33 single-word RISC instructions executing at 1 microsecond per instruction (4 MHz oscillator divided by 4), it handles timing, sequencing, and PWM tasks with deterministic latency. Its 6 I/O pins are sufficient for many low-pin-count glue-logic replacements, and the OTP memory locks the design for production. The 3.0V-5.5V supply range matches legacy 5V logic rails, simplifying retrofit into existing PCB designs.
Recommended
Appliance and White-Goods Controllers
The PIC12C508A-04E/P is widely used in washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and refrigerator user-interface boards where simple sequencing and indicator driving are required. The extended -40C to +125C temperature rating covers refrigerator compartments and oven-adjacent control panels. With 6 I/O, it drives LED indicators directly, scans 4x4 keypads via matrix, and sequences motor relays through TRIAC drivers. The 768 B OTP is sufficient for state-machine controllers, and the Watchdog Timer with on-chip RC oscillator ensures recovery from supply glitches typical in motor-driven appliances.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
The PIC12C508A-04E/P fits remote-control transmitters (TV, audio, garage door) where 6 I/O drive a 3x4 keypad matrix plus IR LED modulation. Its low power consumption (CMOS process, microamp sleep currents) extends battery life in handheld remotes. The 4 MHz core easily synthesizes standard IR carrier frequencies (38 kHz, 40 kHz) through software PWM on TMR0, with the Watchdog Timer handling wake-from-sleep on button press. OTP memory locks the protocol and prevents unauthorized cloning of consumer IR codes, an important consideration for consumer electronics.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC12C508A-04E/P conditions low-bandwidth sensor signals (temperature, humidity, contact closure) in industrial and consumer sensor nodes. With 6 I/O it reads one analog input (using basic threshold via GP1 with comparator-style techniques) plus multiple digital sensors, then drives an indicator or simple relay output. The 4 MHz core and 1 microsecond instruction time are sufficient for polled sensor sampling at 1-10 kHz. Extended -40C to +125C operation suits outdoor and industrial sensor housings, while OTP locks the calibration per channel at production.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Standalone Timers
The PIC12C508A-04E/P powers battery-operated devices like garden-watering controllers, holiday lighting timers, and low-end data loggers. The CMOS process enables sleep currents below 1 microamp, allowing multi-year battery life when the Watchdog Timer wakes the MCU periodically. With 6 I/O the device drives a small LCD (via segment multiplexing), one relay output, and two user buttons. The 3.0V minimum supply matches 2x AA alkaline cells (2.0V-3.2V during discharge) and a single CR2032 lithium cell, eliminating the boost converter.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC12C508A-04E/P serves in non-safety automotive body modules: interior lighting controllers, mirror adjusters, simple wiper-interval timers, and seat-position memory helpers. The extended -40C to +125C rating covers cabin and under-hood-adjacent environments, while the 33-instruction RISC core sequences relays and reads switches. With 6 I/O the device replaces dedicated timer ICs in body controllers. Note that safety-critical functions (airbag, ABS, steering) require AEC-Q100 qualified MCUs such as PIC16F18324-I/P - the PIC12C508A family is not AEC-Q100 qualified.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Electronics
The PIC12C508A-04E/P remains popular in undergraduate embedded courses, hobby projects, and DIY maker kits due to its 8-pin simplicity, low cost (~$1.74 at qty 1000), and free MPLAB X IDE support. Students learn RISC architecture, GPIO bit manipulation, timer interrupts, and ICSP in-circuit programming without paying for a debugger (PICKit3 suffices). The 768 B OTP teaches discipline in code budgeting. Its PDIP-8 through-hole package drops into breadboards and stripboards without surface-mount soldering, accelerating early-stage prototyping.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12C508A-04E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12C508A-04/P | PIC12C508A-04I/P | PIC12C508-04I/SM | PIC12C508-04/P | PIC12C508A-04E/SM | PIC12F508-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-8 (through-hole) | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | SOIC-8 - surface mount | PDIP-8 - same | SOIC-8 - surface mount | PDIP-8 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC, 33 instructions | Same PIC 8-bit RISC | Same PIC 8-bit RISC | Same PIC 8-bit RISC (older silicon) | Same PIC 8-bit RISC (older silicon) | Same PIC 8-bit RISC | Same PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Max CPU Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B Flash |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Number of I/O | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature range -40C to +125C for harsh environments (vs PIC12C508A-04/P)
- Same 8-pin PDIP footprint as Flash-based PIC12F508-I/P enables dual-source tooling (vs PIC12F508-I/P)
- Current 'A' silicon revision with improved electrical characteristics over original PIC12C508 (vs PIC12C508-04E/P)
Design Notes
The PIC12C508A-04E/P uses One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory: any error burned into the array cannot be erased. Estimated: at 1-microsecond per instruction and 768 B program memory, the chip fits roughly 500-600 instructions; plan firmware carefully and prototype on the Flash-based PIC12F508-I/P first, then port the verified hex to the OTP device for production. A single burned faulty OTP part costs the same as a working one, so OTP is intended for fully debugged production firmware only.
The PIC12C508A-04E/P operates from 3.0V to 5.5V; applying 6V or more damages the part permanently. For designs that may see voltage transients (automotive load-dump, motor back-EMF), add a series resistor and 5.1V Zener or TVS diode on VDD. Estimated: total current draw in active mode at 4 MHz is typically 1-2 mA and sleep current is below 1 microamp, so a 100 nF decoupling cap on VDD close to pin 8 plus a 10 uF bulk cap handles typical designs.
The ICSP programming pins (ICSPCLK on GP4/pin 6, ICSPDAT on GP0/pin 3) must be accessible after PCB assembly: either route them to a 2x3 header or leave pads for pogo-pin programming. Per Microchip DS40139E, GP3/MCLR on pin 4 is input-only and shares the programming voltage pin; it cannot be used as output. For reliable in-circuit programming keep VDD, GND, ICSPCLK, ICSPDAT, and MCLR free of series resistance above 100 ohms or heavy capacitance above 50 pF.
GP3 (pin 4) is the only input-only GPIO and shares the MCLR reset function; an external RC network on MCLR sets the reset delay. If MCLR is not used as a reset, tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor and add 100 nF to GND for noise immunity. Estimated: clock oscillator start-up time at 4 MHz is typically 1-2 ms; the internal Power-On Reset (POR) plus Device Reset Timer (DRT) provide adequate delay for oscillator stabilization, eliminating the need for external reset circuitry in most designs.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page (lead-free '/P' suffix). NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - do not use in safety-critical automotive applications; choose PIC16F18324-I/P or similar AEC-Q100 part instead.
