PIC12C672-04E/P - 8-bit MCU, 4MHz, 3.5KB OTP, 8-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC12C672-04E/P β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.5987 | $3.60 |
| 10 | $3.24 | $32.40 |
| 100 | $2.85 | $285.00 |
| 500 | $2.55 | $1,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.3 | $2,300.00 |
PIC12C672-04E/P Overview
A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC processor optimized for embedded control. The PIC12C family is Microchip's baseline 8-pin OTP MCU line, sitting within the broader PICmicro hierarchy: PIC12C -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. These devices target cost-sensitive applications where small footprint, low power, and integrated analog peripherals eliminate the need for external components.
Key features of the PIC12C672 include a 4-channel 8-bit on-chip ADC with selectable reference, internal 4 MHz oscillator (no external crystal required), 25 mA source/sink per I/O, 2.5 V to 5.5 V wide operating voltage, and a hardware watchdog timer for reliable standalone operation. Power consumption is minimized through a SLEEP mode with wake-on-change capability, drawing microamp-level standby current.
The PIC12C672 uses a 14-bit instruction word RISC core executing most instructions in a single 1 microsecond cycle (at 4 MHz). Its OTP program memory is factory or developer one-time programmable via ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), making the device ideal for low-volume production, prototyping, and cost-driven consumer products where field reprogramming is not required.
Typical applications include appliance controls, sensor signal conditioning, battery chargers, LED drivers, simple motor control, security sensors, and standalone analog front ends. Designers select this part when they need a tiny 8-pin footprint with built-in ADC and minimal BOM cost.
When designing with the PIC12C672, ensure the ICSP clock and data pins (RB6/RB7) are accessible for programming. For ADC accuracy, place a 10 uF + 0.1 uF decoupling pair near VDD and use the internal voltage reference only after calibrating against VDD.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, drop-in OTP and flash alternatives in the same 8-PDIP footprint, and design notes beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12C672-04E/P 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 PIC12C672-04E/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Size, RoHS Status, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12C672-04I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C672-04/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C672-10E/P
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C672-04E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Set | 14-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Oscillator | Internal RC (4 MHz typical, no external crystal required) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (0.300 inch / 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (RB6/RB7) |
PIC12C672-04E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN β General-purpose I/O / oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT β General-purpose I/O / oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP β General-purpose input / master clear reset / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | GP2/AN2/T0CKI/INT β General-purpose I/O / ADC channel 2 / Timer0 clock input / external interrupt |
| Pin 6 | GP1/AN1/VREF/ICSPCLK β General-purpose I/O / ADC channel 1 / ADC voltage reference / ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | GP0/AN0/ICSPDAT β General-purpose I/O / ADC channel 0 / ICSP data |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12C672-04E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control and Sensor Interface, Battery Charger and Power Management Front End, LED Lighting and Display Driver, Security Sensor and PIR Module, Simple Motor Control and Fan Driver, Industrial Analog Front End and 4-20 mA Loop.
Appliance Control and Sensor Interface
The PIC12C672-04E/P fits appliance control boards where 6 I/O lines, a 4-channel ADC, and a small 8-PDIP footprint are needed at minimum BOM cost. The internal 4 MHz oscillator eliminates the external crystal, reducing the BOM to just the MCU, decoupling caps, and a programming header. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads temperature thermistors, water level sensors, and user potentiometers with sufficient resolution for consumer appliance control. The integrated watchdog timer and brown-out reset provide reliable recovery from power glitches common in motor-driven loads, while the extended -40C to +125C temperature range supports both kitchen and garage appliance environments. Place the device near the user interface connector to minimize ADC trace noise, and use ICSP on GP0/GP1 for factory firmware updates.
Recommended
Battery Charger and Power Management Front End
In standalone battery charger and solar regulator designs, the PIC12C672-04E/P serves as the analog front-end controller. Its 4-channel 8-bit ADC monitors battery voltage, charge current via shunt resistor, and thermistor temperature, while the 6 digital I/O pins drive MOSFET gate drivers, status LEDs, and enable signals. The internal oscillator and 2.5 V-5.5 V wide operating voltage match directly to single-cell Li-Ion (3.7 V nominal) and two-cell lead-acid (6 V to 12 V with regulator) battery stacks. SLEEP mode with wake-on-change supports multi-month standby on battery power for solar applications. Add a 10 uF + 0.1 uF decoupling pair near VDD and keep ADC traces short to avoid injecting switching noise from the charge MOSFET into the analog references.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Display Driver
The PIC12C672-04E/P drives LED lighting fixtures, decorative light chains, and small character displays where a compact 8-pin controller with ADC provides local dimming and color-mixing logic. The 25 mA source/sink per I/O pin can directly drive small indicator LEDs and segment displays without external drivers, while the ADC reads ambient light sensors for automatic brightness control. The internal 4 MHz oscillator and ICSP support let lighting designers iterate quickly and update firmware without external components. For multi-channel LED designs requiring PWM, migrate to PIC12F683 which adds a CCP/PWM module; for simple on/off blink patterns the PIC12C672 provides ample GPIO at minimum cost. Use a series resistor on each LED I/O and add a bulk capacitor across VDD for hot-plug inrush protection.
Recommended
Security Sensor and PIR Module
In PIR motion detectors, door/window sensors, and small alarm panels, the PIC12C672-04E/P provides the analog signal conditioning and digital decision logic in a single 8-pin chip. The 4-channel ADC samples the PIR sensor output, light sensor for day/night detection, and battery voltage for low-battery alerts. The 6 digital I/O pins drive an alarm relay, status LED, and tamper switch input. The hardware watchdog timer and brown-out reset prevent lockup in security-critical applications, and the extended temperature range supports outdoor and attic installations. Place the MCU close to the PIR sensor to minimize analog trace length, use guard rings around ADC inputs, and leverage ICSP via GP0/GP1 for factory calibration of the PIR threshold.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control and Fan Driver
For low-voltage DC fans, small solenoids, and brushed motor PWM control, the PIC12C672-04E/P provides the timing and feedback loop in an 8-PDIP through-hole package that is easy to prototype. The 6 I/O pins drive half-bridge gate signals, tachometer feedback input, and speed-control potentiometer via the on-chip ADC. The internal oscillator eliminates crystal cost for cost-sensitive consumer fans. Software PWM using timer interrupts achieves basic speed control, though for high-frequency PWM designs migrate to PIC12F683 with hardware CCP. Decouple the supply with 100 uF + 0.1 uF near the MCU to absorb motor back-EMF spikes, and add a flyback diode on each inductive load driven by the I/O pins.
Recommended
Industrial Analog Front End and 4-20 mA Loop
In industrial 4-20 mA loop transmitters and signal conditioners, the PIC12C672-04E/P digitizes analog process variables (pressure, temperature, flow) and modulates the loop current. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC samples sensor bridges with sufficient resolution for many process-control applications, while the extended -40C to +125C temperature range ensures operation in unheated enclosures. The internal oscillator and watchdog provide a standalone solution for remote sensor nodes. For higher ADC resolution migrate to PIC12F675 (10-bit ADC) or PIC12F1822 (12-bit ADC). Add a TVS diode and series resistor on each ADC input for surge protection, and isolate the digital I/O from the analog ground plane with a single-point connection under the IC.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12C672-04E/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12C672-04I/P | PIC12C672-04/P | PIC12C672-10E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-PDIP (0.300") | 8-PDIP (0.300") - same | 8-PDIP (0.300") - same | 8-PDIP (0.300") - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Highest commercial availability with active distributor stock (vs PIC12C672-04I/P)
- Same 8-PDIP drop-in with 2.5x more CPU speed (vs PIC12C672-10E/P)
- Modern flash replacement available in same footprint (vs PIC12F675-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 10 uF electrolytic (or tantalum) bulk capacitor in parallel with a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1). This combination supplies instantaneous current during ADC conversion bursts and suppresses digital switching noise on the analog supply rail. For battery-powered applications, add a 100 kΞ© + 0.1 uF RC low-pass on VDD if the supply comes from a noisy switching regulator.
Keep ADC input traces (GP0/GP1/GP2) short and guarded with a ground trace on each side to minimize cross-coupling from adjacent digital I/O. Route AN0/AN1/AN2 as far from the oscillator pins (GP4/GP5) as possible. For multi-layer PCBs, place a continuous ground plane under the MCU and avoid routing digital signals across the analog input traces. Use a single-point ground connection between digital and analog grounds at the VSS pin.
Do not forget the MCLR pull-up resistor on pin 4 (GP3/MCLR/VPP) - without it the device may randomly reset or fail to enter ICSP programming mode. Use 10 kΞ© to 47 kΞ© to VDD. Also note that OTP memory cannot be erased; verify your firmware in a PIC12F675 flash equivalent before committing to OTP production. The internal 4 MHz oscillator should be trimmed via OSCCAL for UART or timing-critical applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (general industrial/consumer use). Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declarations.
