PIC12CE518T-04/SM - 8-bit OTP MCU, 768B EPROM, 4 MHz SOIC-8
MPN: PIC12CE518T-04/SM ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.21 | $2.21 |
| 10 | $1.95 | $19.50 |
| 100 | $1.62 | $162.00 |
| 500 | $1.41 | $705.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.24 | $1,240.00 |
PIC12CE518T-04/SM Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Programmable Intelligent Computer) is a family of RISC-based, Harvard-architecture 8/16/32-bit microcontrollers from Microchip Technology. PIC MCUs integrate CPU core, non-volatile program memory (ROM/EPROM/Flash), RAM, I/O peripherals, and timers into a single chip. They sit in the taxonomy: MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. PIC12-series parts are the low-pin-count, OTP/EPROM baseline family used where minimal footprint, low cost, and deterministic instruction execution are paramount.
Key features of the PIC12CE518T-04/SM include 33 single-word instructions with 12-bit instruction width, 2-level hardware stack, 8 MHz oscillator input (4 MHz instruction rate at divide-by-2), in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, and programmable code protection. The integrated 16-byte EEPROM provides non-volatile user data storage without external NVM. Power management includes sleep mode with watchdog wake-up, brown-out detection optional, and a wide 2.5V to 5.5V operating range enabling direct Li-ion or 3.3V system compatibility.
Architecturally, the PIC12CE518 uses a RISC core with separate program and data buses (Harvard architecture), giving deterministic instruction fetch in one cycle after prefetch. The 33-instruction set fits most control logic in tight code space, and the dedicated WDT oscillator ensures the watchdog continues to function even when the main oscillator is stopped (e.g., in sleep), improving safety in unattended applications.
Typical applications include appliance control, sensor signal conditioning, LED driving and blinking patterns, simple state machines, remote control transmitters, battery chargers, and consumer-electronics glue logic. It is commonly used as a secondary auxiliary controller in larger systems where a full UART-equipped MCU would be overkill.
Designers should note the OTP memory limitation: code cannot be updated in the field. For prototypes or production units needing firmware revisions, choose a Flash-memory equivalent such as the PIC12F629 or PIC10F200 in the same SOIC-8 footprint. SOIC-8 (5.30 mm body width) is a standard 8-pin JEDEC outline with proven reflow profile compatibility.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in equivalents, and practical application notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12CE518T-04/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 PIC12CE518T-04/SM (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Watchdog Timer, Instruction Set, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12CE518-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12CE518T-04I/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12CE518T-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LCE518T-04/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C508A-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F629-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12CE518T-04/SM Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory | 768 bytes OTP EPROM |
| RAM | 25 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 16 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Operating Frequency | DC to 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions (12-bit) |
| Hardware Stack | 2 levels |
| Timers | TMR0 8-bit timer/counter with programmable prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Reset Sources | Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT), WDT |
| Programming Method | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), OTP |
| Code Protection | Programmable |
| Erase/Write Endurance | 1,000,000 cycles (EEPROM) |
| Package | 8-pin SOIC (SOIC-8 / SM), 5.30 mm body width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
PIC12CE518T-04/SM Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP2/T0CKI/COUT/AN2 — GPIO / Timer0 clock input / comparator output |
| Pin 2 | GP1/CIN-/ICSPCLK — GPIO / comparator inverting input / ICSP clock |
| Pin 3 | GP0/CIN+/ICSPDAT — GPIO / comparator non-inverting input / ICSP data |
| Pin 4 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 5 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO / crystal oscillator pin 1 / external clock input |
| Pin 6 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO / crystal oscillator pin 2 / clock output |
| Pin 7 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO / Master Clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V-5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12CE518T-04/SM is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Front-Panel Control, Remote Control Transmitter (RF/IR), Sensor Signal Conditioning & Linearization, Battery Charger & Power Sequencer, LED Driver & Blinker Module, Consumer Toy & Hobby Electronics.
Appliance Front-Panel Control
The PIC12CE518T-04/SM is a strong fit for low-cost appliance front-panel controllers (coffee makers, microwave keypads, washing-machine timers) because its 6 I/O pins can directly scan a 3x4 matrix keypad or drive 4-6 LED indicators without external drivers, and the integrated 16-byte EEPROM stores user-set cycle parameters non-volatilely. With 4 MHz operation and 768 bytes of OTP, it can execute state-machine code with sub-millisecond response, while the watchdog timer (WDT) with dedicated RC oscillator survives brown-outs and main-clock glitches, critical in unattended appliance environments.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter (RF/IR)
The PIC12CE518T-04/SM serves well in IR/RF remote-control transmitters (TV, set-top box, garage door, toy) where it must generate precise carrier bursts (36-40 kHz IR, 315/433 MHz RF) using TMR0 and software PWM. The 1 us instruction cycle at 4 MHz gives sub-10 microsecond timing granularity needed for protocol bit-banging (NEC, RC5, KeeLoq), and the 6 I/O lines suffice for 4-6 button matrices plus IR LED drive. The 2.5V minimum supply enables 2xAA battery operation down to 2.0V under load.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning & Linearization
The PIC12CE518T-04/SM is well suited to sensor interface modules (thermistor, thermocouple cold-junction compensation, load-cell excitation switching, pH probe buffering) because its ADC-friendly I/O can scan analog channels via an external ADC, and the 16-byte EEPROM stores calibration coefficients retrieved at startup. The wide 2.5V-5.5V supply range accepts 3.3V sensor bridges and 5V legacy analog chains, while the small SOIC-8 footprint fits inside sensor head enclosures.
Recommended
Battery Charger & Power Sequencer
The PIC12CE518T-04/SM works in single-cell Li-ion / NiMH chargers, USB-power hand-off sequencers, and solar charge controllers where it must PWM-drive a MOSFET switch and read battery voltage via resistor dividers. The 25 mA I/O sink/source capability can directly pilot a low-side P-MOSFET gate, and EEPROM stores learned battery capacity, charge-state, and fault counters. The watchdog timer and POR protect against battery brown-out corruption.
Recommended
LED Driver & Blinker Module
The PIC12CE518T-04/SM excels in decorative-LED controllers, signage blinker modules, and indicator-light assemblies because each I/O pin can source/sink 25 mA to directly drive small LED arrays (or pilot MOSFETs for high-current strings) with no external driver chips. The 4 MHz instruction rate enables smooth PWM dimming and chase patterns, and the EEPROM stores the selected animation mode. Low 2.5V minimum supply supports 2xAA / single Li-ion operation.
Recommended
Consumer Toy & Hobby Electronics
The PIC12CE518T-04/SM is ideal for cost-sensitive consumer toys, hobby electronics kits, educational microcontroller boards, and novelty gadgets where the 6 I/O pins drive servos, motors (via MOSFET), buzzers, and small displays. The 1 us instruction cycle supports hobby-grade servo timing and simple sound generation, while the small SOIC-8 footprint keeps the BOM compact and reflow-friendly.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12CE518T-04/SM — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12CE518-04E/SM | PIC12CE518T-04I/SM | PIC12CE518T-04E/SM | PIC12LCE518T-04/SM | PIC12C508A-04/SM | PIC12F629-I/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-8 (SM) | SOIC-8 (SM) | SOIC-8 (SM) | SOIC-8 (SM) | SOIC-8 (SM) | SOIC-8 (SM) | SOIC-8 (SN) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 768 bytes OTP EPROM | 768 bytes OTP EPROM | 768 bytes OTP EPROM | 768 bytes OTP EPROM | 768 bytes OTP EPROM | 768 bytes OTP EPROM | 1024 words Flash |
| Data EEPROM | 16 bytes | 16 bytes | 16 bytes | 16 bytes | 16 bytes | None | 128 bytes |
| Operating Frequency | DC to 4 MHz | DC to 4 MHz | DC to 4 MHz | DC to 4 MHz | DC to 4 MHz | DC to 4 MHz | DC to 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 3.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (in-field rewrite) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated EEPROM data memory in SOIC-8 (vs PIC12C508A-04/SM)
- Lower-voltage operating variant available in same SOIC-8 (vs PIC12LCE518T-04/SM)
- Modern Flash upgrade in same SOIC-8 footprint (vs PIC12F629-I/SN)
- Industrial/extended temperature variants available (vs PIC12CE518-04E/SM / PIC12CE518T-04I/SM)
Design Notes
The PIC12CE518T-04/SM draws approximately 1.8 mA active at 4 MHz / 5V and falls to microamp sleep current with WDT enabled. Decouple VDD (pin 8) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin and a 10 uF bulk on the board; VSS (pin 4) must connect to a low-impedance ground pour. Brown-out detection is optional on this family - if your supply can droop below 2.5V, use the PIC12F675 with built-in BOD for safety.
Use the standard SOIC-8 land pattern (IPC-SM-782, ~0.5 mm pitch leads, ~5.30 mm body width). Pin 1 is identified by an indented dot on the top of the package. Reflow profile follows JEDEC J-STD-020 (peak ~245-260C for lead-free). For hand-prototyping, the SOIC-8 to DIP-8 breakout board accepts this part directly.
OTP memory means code cannot be erased or rewritten after programming - prototype with a Flash equivalent first (PIC12F629-I/SN) and only commit to OTP for production runs. GP3/MCLR must be pulled high via 10 kohm for normal operation; leaving it floating causes intermittent resets. The internal oscillator (INTOSC) is NOT available on this PIC12 family - external crystal, ceramic resonator, or resistor/capacitor is mandatory on OSC1/OSC2.
For ICSP programming, ICSPCLK (GP1) and ICSPDAT (GP0) must be accessible without isolation resistors - leave them as direct GPIOs and add 1 kohm series protection only if the application pin must drive external circuitry during programming. High-impedance traces to GP3/MCLR can pick up noise and cause false resets; add a 10 kohm pullup and a 100 nF decoupling cap on the MCLR line.
Compliance Information
Lot-dependent compliance: many SM-suffix SOIC parts ship lead-free matte-tin and RoHS compliant, but earlier runs may use SnPb finish. Confirm with distributor CoC at order. No AEC-Q100 qualification on this part. Conflict-minerals compliance per Microchip statement.
