PIC12C672-10/SM - 8-bit CMOS MCU, 3.5KB OTP, 10MHz, SOIJ-8 | Microchip
MPN: PIC12C672-10/SM ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.48 | $148.00 |
| 500 | $1.32 | $660.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC12C672-10/SM Overview
What is an 8-bit OTP microcontroller? It is a small, low-cost CMOS RISC microcontroller that uses one-time-programmable non-volatile memory to store firmware, an integrated ADC for analog signal acquisition, and a Harvard architecture (separate program and data buses) for deterministic instruction timing. In the broader taxonomy, OTP microcontrollers sit between mask-ROM MCUs (lowest unit cost, factory programmed) and Flash MCUs (re-programmable, higher unit cost), and they belong to the larger family of embedded microcontrollers (MCU -> microprocessor -> semiconductor). They are widely used in cost-sensitive, low-pin-count, high-volume products where field firmware updates are unnecessary.
Key features of the PIC12C672-10/SM include six I/O pins, four 8-bit A/D channels (10-bit resolution, multiplexed onto I/O pins), power-on-reset (POR), a watchdog timer (WDT) with on-chip RC oscillator, an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator, selectable oscillator modes (RC, XT, LP, HS, INTOSC), and code protection via fuse bits. Power-down (SLEEP) mode draws only microamp-level current, enabling battery-friendly designs. The 35 single-word instruction set is fully upward compatible with the PIC16 family, simplifying code reuse across Microchip devices.
Technically, the PIC12C672-10/SM uses a 14-bit instruction word with a 2-stage pipeline and direct/indirect/relative addressing modes. Its interrupt structure handles four sources (external GP2/INT, TMR0 overflow, GPIO change, A/D conversion complete). The integrated ADC provides 10-bit resolution with a 4-channel multiplexer (AN0-AN3), adequate for sensor conditioning such as thermistor or potentiometer reads. The SOIJ (SM) surface-mount package is more compact than a standard SOIC, freeing board area in space-constrained assemblies.
Typical applications include battery chargers, appliance controllers, sensor interface front-ends, small signal-conditioning front-ends, smart-card readers, and consumer products where 6 I/O pins suffice. Designers value the PIC12C672-10/SM when 10-bit ADC and 35-instruction simplicity are enough, and where the cost advantage of OTP over Flash outweighs the lack of in-system reprogrammability.
When designing with this device, note that OTP cannot be re-programmed in-circuit. Designers must pre-program the device using a device programmer such as the MPLAB PM3 before PCB assembly. Leave the MCLR/VPP pin accessible for factory programming, and provide a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12C672-10/SM — 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 PIC12C672-10/SM (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12CE673-10/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C672-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C672-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C671-10/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.19 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C672-10/SM Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 8-bit PIC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | Not present (PIC12C672; EEPROM only on PIC12CE67x) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 400 ns |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Package | SOIJ-8 (SM) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Mode | RC, XT, LP, HS, INTOSC (4 MHz internal) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions (PIC16C compatible) |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Power-on Reset (POR) | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12C672-10/SM Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — General-purpose I/O, oscillator input, or external clock input |
| Pin 2 | GP4/AN3/T0CKI/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO, ADC channel 3, TMR0 clock input, oscillator output, or clock out |
| Pin 3 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO, Master Clear reset (active low), or programming voltage input |
| Pin 4 | GP2/AN2/INT/COUT — GPIO, ADC channel 2, external interrupt, or comparator output |
| Pin 5 | GP1/AN1/CIN+/VREF — GPIO, ADC channel 1, comparator positive input, or voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | GP0/AN0/CIN- — GPIO, ADC channel 0, or comparator negative input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12C672-10/SM is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Appliance Control Front-End, Smart Card and RFID Reader, Small Signal Conditioning Front-End, Consumer LED Driver Controller, Low-Cost RC Servo Tester.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC12C672-10/SM fits battery-powered sensor nodes because its 2.5-5.5 V VDD range supports direct Li-ion or 3x AA battery operation without additional regulation, and SLEEP current is in the microamp range. Its integrated 8-bit ADC with four channels handles thermistor, photocell, or potentiometer readings without an external AFE, saving BOM cost and PCB area. With 3.5 KB OTP and 128 bytes RAM, firmware comfortably fits sensor conditioning, averaging, and a UART/SPI transmit routine. Engineers choose it over Flash parts in sealed one-time-programmable products where field updates are not required, cutting unit cost by 15-30% in high volume.
Recommended
Appliance Control Front-End
In appliance control front-ends such as coffee makers, blenders, or small kitchen devices, the PIC12C672-10/SM provides 6 GPIO sufficient for relay drive, button inputs, status LED, and PWM buzzer control, while its 8-bit ADC reads NTC temperature sensors or water-level probes. The 10 MHz core handles debouncing, mode logic, and a simple state machine without needing an external oscillator. The SOIJ-8 surface-mount package is well-suited to automated pick-and-place, while OTP prevents firmware theft and reverse engineering in cost-sensitive consumer goods. Compared to mask-ROM MCUs, OTP allows late-stage firmware revisions without re-masking.
Recommended
Smart Card and RFID Reader
The PIC12C672-10/SM is widely used in low-end smart card and RFID reader applications because its 6 I/O pins can directly drive an antenna-matching circuit, a buzzer, a status LED, and a UART to a host processor. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal, reducing BOM to a minimum and supporting compact reader PCBs. The OTP memory prevents cloning of the reader's authentication firmware, an important security attribute. A 10 MHz instruction cycle keeps response latency under 50 ms for typical ISO/IEC 14443 handshakes, meeting the timing requirements of contactless payment readers.
Recommended
Small Signal Conditioning Front-End
The PIC12C672-10/SM works as a small signal conditioning front-end where analog signals from sensors need to be digitized and pre-processed before forwarding to a host controller. Its 8-bit ADC is adequate for 1% accuracy thermistor linearization or 8-bit potentiometer position sensing, and the 35-instruction PIC16 core executes digital filters (e.g., moving average, IIR) within microseconds. Power-down (SLEEP) current is in the microamp range, enabling battery-sustained operation. The 8-pin SOIJ package fits compact sensor PCBs common in industrial process control modules.
Recommended
Consumer LED Driver Controller
In single-channel LED driver applications such as night lights, indicator lamps, or decorative lighting, the PIC12C672-10/SM provides PWM output via software bit-banging on any GPIO at up to 10 MHz, supporting 8-bit dimming resolution at 1 kHz PWM frequency. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator is sufficient for soft-start, fade-in/fade-out, and color-mixing routines on low-cost RGB strips. SLEEP mode between dim updates saves power, and OTP keeps unit cost low enough to compete with discrete 555-timer designs in high-volume retail lighting.
Recommended
Low-Cost RC Servo Tester
The PIC12C672-10/SM is a common choice for hobbyist RC servo testers because its 10 MHz instruction cycle is fast enough to generate 50 Hz PWM with 1-2 us pulse-width resolution, while 3.5 KB OTP holds menus for center, sweep, and manual knob modes. The integrated 8-bit ADC reads a potentiometer for the manual mode, eliminating the need for an external rotary encoder. The SOIJ-8 package keeps the tester PCB smaller than the servo itself. OTP firmware protects designers' algorithm IP when these testers are sold in kit form.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12C672-10/SM — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12CE673-10/SM | PIC12C672-04/SM | PIC12C671-10/SM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIJ-8 (SM) | SOIJ-8 (SM) - same | SOIJ-8 (SM) - same | SOIJ-8 (SM) - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 2 KB OTP |
| EEPROM Data Memory | None | 128 bytes | None | None |
| Max CPU Speed | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Largest OTP program memory in 8-pin PIC family (vs PIC12C671-10/SM)
- Highest 10 MHz speed grade (vs PIC12C672-04/SM)
- Lowest unit cost vs Flash alternative (vs PIC12F629-I/SN)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 5 V VDD with the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator and active ADC, the PIC12C672-10/SM draws approximately 2-3 mA during active execution per typical Microchip PIC12C67x datasheet curves. A 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor must be placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 8) to suppress switching transients. For battery-powered designs, route MCLR (pin 3) through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; leaving it floating risks spurious resets.
OTP memory cannot be re-programmed: any code change after sealing the device requires a new chip and BOM swap. Always validate firmware on a Flash equivalent (PIC12F629) or in MPLAB X simulator before committing the OTP build. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 3) must be accessible for factory programming - do not route it directly to VDD without a series resistor for in-circuit programming debug builds.
The SOIJ-8 (SM) package is leadless-style with bottom contacts; reflow profile must respect JEDEC J-STD-020 (peak 260 C, 30 s above 250 C). Provide a copper pour under the package's exposed pad area (if any) tied to VSS for thermal dissipation and ground return. Keep the crystal/oscillator traces short and surrounded by ground pour to minimize EMI pickup on GP5/OSC1.
When using the ADC, VDD is the reference; ripple on VDD directly couples into the conversion result. Place a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board's power entry and a 0.1 uF bypass within 5 mm of VDD. Sampling the ADC requires the input channel to be configured as an analog input (ANSEL/CMCON registers on PIC16F variants; for PIC12C672, configure TRISIO and ADCON0/ADCON1 per datasheet). Avoid switching nearby GPIOs during ADC acquisition to minimize digital crosstalk.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial-grade part. For automotive applications use PIC12C672-10E/SM (extended temperature) or migrate to AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F1xx family.
