PIC12CE518-04E/SM - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC12CE518-04E/SM ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.5 | $25.00 |
| 100 | $2.1 | $210.00 |
| 500 | $1.85 | $925.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.6 | $1,600.00 |
PIC12CE518-04E/SM Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, working RAM, non-volatile data memory, and programmable I/O peripherals into one package. PIC microcontrollers from Microchip use a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture with only 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions, which simplifies coding, accelerates execution, and keeps interrupt latency predictable. Within the broader microcontroller taxonomy, PIC12CE518 belongs to: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC10/12/16 family -> PIC12C5xx sub-family -> PIC12CE5xx (with EEPROM data memory). This OTP/EPROM-programmed part targets cost-sensitive applications where one-time programmable memory is acceptable.
Key features include a 4 MHz internal RC oscillator with programmable calibration, four oscillator selections for flexible clocking, 25 mA source/sink capability per I/O, and 1 us instruction execution. The device also integrates Power-on Reset (POR), a Watchdog Timer (WDT), and a brown-out reset (BOR) variant option, reducing external component count. Compared with the ROM/EPROM-only PIC12C508, the PIC12CE518 adds 16 bytes of user EEPROM data memory, enabling storage of calibration constants, serial numbers, or runtime configuration without external parts.
Typical applications include low-end consumer electronics, appliance controllers, simple sensor signal-conditioning, LED driver sequencers, automotive interior modules, and battery-powered handheld devices. Because Microchip has flagged this part with the message "A newer device is available. Please consider PIC12F629", engineers designing new products should evaluate the flash-based PIC12F629 as a modern replacement while supporting existing production lines that rely on the legacy PIC12CE518.
When designing with this part, note that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed; programming must be performed before final assembly. The 6 I/O pins are shared with oscillator and reset functions, so application firmware must configure the CONFIG register correctly. For new designs, the recommended successor is PIC12F629 (flash memory, wider feature set).
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12CE518-04E/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 PIC12CE518-04E/SM (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, I/O Source/Sink Current, Instruction Set, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12CE518-04/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12CE518T-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12CE518T-04I/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12CE519-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12CE519-04I/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12CE519-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12CE518-04E/SM Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Product Family | PIC12C5xx |
| Sub-Family | PIC12CE5xx (with EEPROM data memory) |
| Core Architecture | PIC RISC, 8-bit |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 bits) |
| RAM Size | 25 B (25 x 8) |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 16 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 1 us at 4 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA per I/O |
| Oscillator Options | 4 selections including internal 4 MHz RC with programmable calibration |
| Package | 8-pin SOIJ (5.30 mm body width, J-lead) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended, "E" suffix) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.3 V to 5.5 V (typical) |
| Recommended Successor | PIC12F629 (flash-based, modern replacement) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12CE518-04E/SM Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.3V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — Bidirectional I/O / Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT — Bidirectional I/O / Oscillator crystal output / Clock output |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — Input only / Master Clear reset / Programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | GP2/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | GP1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 7 | GP0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12CE518-04E/SM is suitable for 6 applications: Low-End Consumer Electronics Controller, Automotive Interior Lighting Sequencer, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Appliance Front-Panel User Interface, Industrial Process Indicator, Hobby and Educational Electronics.
Low-End Consumer Electronics Controller
The PIC12CE518-04E/SM fits low-cost consumer products like small kitchen appliances, toys, and personal care devices where 4 MHz CPU and 6 I/O are sufficient. Its 25 mA source/sink capability directly drives relays, buzzers, and LED segments without external transistors. The 16 bytes of EEPROM allows storing user preferences (e.g., last selected mode) across power cycles, while 768 bytes of OTP holds the application firmware. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator with calibration reduces external component count to crystal and two decoupling capacitors, which is ideal for sub-$1 BOM targets. Unlike flash-based PIC12F629, OTP forces the cost-optimized part to ship pre-programmed - acceptable in high-volume production but not for prototyping.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lighting Sequencer
The PIC12CE518-04E/SM's extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C), 6 I/O pins, and 25 mA sink capability make it suitable for automotive interior LED sequencers and courtesy light controllers. Each I/O can directly sink an LED string at logic-level currents, and the 33-instruction RISC core executes timed fade patterns with 1 us resolution at 4 MHz. The on-chip EEPROM (16 bytes) stores default brightness and fade-time calibration for each vehicle variant, enabling one firmware image to serve many SKUs. The SOIJ package's J-lead form factor improves solder joint reliability under thermal cycling in vehicle cabins. Pair this MCU with discrete MOSFETs (e.g., IRLML2502) to drive higher-current lamp loads while keeping the MCU near the connector for diagnostics.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC12CE518-04E/SM suits compact battery-powered sensor nodes (e.g., remote temperature probes, simple alarms) thanks to its low operating voltage range of 3.3 V to 5.5 V from a CR2032 or two AA cells, plus its internal 4 MHz RC oscillator that eliminates external crystal current draw in standby. The 6 I/O pins serve as ADC inputs, comparator channels, or digital wake sources, while 768 bytes of OTP holds calibration and protocol logic. EEPROM (16 bytes) retains the sensor calibration constants through battery replacement events. Estimated quiescent draw is in the low-microamp range when the MCU is in sleep with the Watchdog Timer active, enabling multi-year battery life in typical duty-cycled applications.
Recommended
Appliance Front-Panel User Interface
The PIC12CE518-04E/SM drives appliance front panels (microwave keypads, washing-machine button matrices, simple thermostat displays) where 6 I/O pins scan a 3x3 matrix or directly read 6 buttons. Each I/O's 25 mA source capability directly powers LED indicators or backlight segments without driver transistors. The 1 us instruction cycle at 4 MHz debounces buttons and handles key-repeat logic within microseconds. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator keeps BOM minimal, and 768 bytes of OTP is sufficient for state-machine firmware controlling the appliance's main controller via UART. EEPROM stores user settings like language, time-format, and last program selections across power cycles.
Recommended
Industrial Process Indicator
The PIC12CE518-04E/SM functions as a low-cost digital indicator for industrial processes - simple tank-level readouts, basic alarm annunciators, and threshold-trip annunciators - where a 4 MHz CPU and 6 I/O are sufficient. Its extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) supports outdoor or factory-floor deployments. The 25 mA I/O directly drives panel LEDs and small relays, while 16 bytes of EEPROM stores trip-point calibrations and unit IDs. Industrial designers prefer OTP for these fixed-function applications because it removes field-reprogramming concerns and prevents firmware tampering. The SOIJ J-lead package withstands vibration better than gull-wing SOIC in industrial enclosures.
Recommended
Hobby and Educational Electronics
The PIC12CE518-04E/SM remains popular in educational settings and hobby projects because it is widely available, inexpensive, and documented in countless legacy tutorials and textbooks. Its 8-pin SOIJ footprint is small enough for breadboard adapters (DIP-8 breakout boards are common), and its 33-instruction RISC core is famously easy to learn. Students program the OTP device once with their final code and then study its behavior - a workflow that mirrors the engineering reality of mass-produced OTP controllers. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator with programmable calibration teaches clock fundamentals without external components. While the recommended successor PIC12F629 is flash-based and easier to iterate, the CE518 remains a teaching reference for OTP microcontrollers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12CE518-04E/SM — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12CE518-04/SM | PIC12CE518T-04E/SM | PIC12CE518T-04I/SM | PIC12CE519-04/SM | PIC12CE519-04I/SM | PIC12CE519-04E/SM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) - same | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) - same | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) - same | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) - same | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) - same | 8-SOIJ (5.30 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (B) | 768 | 768 (same) | 768 (same) | 768 (same) | 1024 (+33%) | 1024 (+33%) | 1024 (+33%) |
| RAM (B) | 25 | 25 (same) | 25 (same) | 25 (same) | 41 (+64%) | 41 (+64%) | 41 (+64%) |
| CPU Frequency (MHz) | 4 | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 (same) | 6 (same) | 6 (same) | 6 (same) | 6 (same) | 6 (same) |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Packaging Format | Tube | Tube | Tape and Reel | Tape and Reel | Tube | Tube | Tube |
| Unit Price @ qty 1 (USD) | 2.85 | 2.65 | 2.95 | 2.95 | 3.10 | 3.20 | 3.30 |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip 16-byte EEPROM data memory (vs PIC12C508)
- Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) (vs PIC12CE518-04/SM (Commercial grade))
- Larger program memory than baseline PIC12C508 (vs PIC12C508 (512 x 12 = 768 B OTP) and PIC12CE518 both have 768 B, but PIC12CE519 (1024 B) in same family)
Design Notes
OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory cannot be re-programmed after the first programming cycle. Estimated cost: every programming attempt costs the device, so design verification must be complete before final programming. Recommended: program a small pilot batch first, validate behavior in the target system, then ramp to full production volume. Use PIC12F629 or PIC12F675 for prototyping - their flash memory allows iteration.
The 8-pin SOIJ (J-lead) package requires careful PCB layout. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible between VDD (pin 1) and VSS (pin 8), with short traces to minimize parasitic inductance. The SOIJ J-lead footprint has different pad dimensions than the standard SOIC-8; verify your PCB land pattern against Microchip's SOIJ package drawing (document 40139e appendix). The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator with programmable calibration eliminates the need for an external crystal in most designs, but if external clocking is used, keep the OSC traces short and shield from switching noise sources.
Estimated: at 4 MHz CPU clock and 5 V VDD, active current is approximately 2 mA typical. In sleep mode with Watchdog Timer enabled, current drops to low-microamp levels. For battery-powered applications using the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator, disable unused peripherals via the CMCON, VRCON, and TRIS registers to minimize active current. The I/O sink/source capability of 25 mA per pin allows direct drive of small loads but the absolute maximum total current for all I/O combined is 200 mA - design accordingly when driving multiple LEDs or relays simultaneously.
GP3/MCLR/VPP (pin 4) shares the reset and programming-voltage functions. In designs where MCLR is not required, connect it directly to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor to prevent spurious resets. The CONFIG register bit MCLRE determines whether pin 4 functions as MCLR (reset) or GP3 (digital input). If the MCLR function is disabled, pin 4 becomes a digital input-only pin - freeing it for general use, but programming the OTP device then requires a different programming fixture configuration.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page (microchip.com/en-us/product/PIC12CE518). Lead-free packaging. AEC-Q100 not formally qualified - this is a legacy commercial/industrial part without automotive qualification; for AEC-Q100-grade automotive applications, use PIC12F629 or PIC16F1xxx family instead. Conflict-minerals declaration per Microchip standard policy.
