PIC12CE518T-04E/SN - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC12CE518T-04E/SN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.85 | $185.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.4 | $1,400.00 |
PIC12CE518T-04E/SN Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a low-pin-count CMOS RISC processor optimized for cost-sensitive embedded control. The PIC12C5xx family is one of the earliest PIC baseline architectures, providing 12-bit-wide instructions that deliver roughly 2:1 code compression versus 8-bit CISC microcontrollers in the same class. The PIC12CE5XX family adds integrated EEPROM data memory, allowing non-volatile parameter storage without an external serial EEPROM, which reduces board area and BOM cost. The PIC sits in the broader taxonomy: microcontroller (MCU) → 8-bit MCU → PIC baseline → PIC12C5XX family.
Key features of the PIC12CE518 include six general-purpose I/O pins, a power-on reset (POR) and watchdog timer (WDT), an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator, and an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +125 °C. Its 8-bit core, 12-bit instruction word, and 2:1 code compression provide 8-bit MCU performance at a price point suited to high-volume consumer and industrial controls.
Architecturally, the device uses a Harvard-style bus with separate program and data paths, an 8-level hardware stack, and 7 special-function registers. The integrated 16-byte EEPROM supports in-application read/write, enabling user-configurable settings, calibration constants, or serial-number storage without external components. The device is specified for -40 °C to +125 °C operation, making it suitable for industrial environments.
Typical applications include consumer appliance controls, sensor interfaces, low-end remote controls, LED drivers, and battery-powered accessories. Designers favor this part where its small 8-pin SOIC footprint, integrated EEPROM, and 1 µs instruction cycle deliver deterministic control at minimal cost.
Design tip: use a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and ensure the MCLR pin is tied high through a 10 kΩ resistor to guarantee a clean power-on reset; the integrated POR handles the cold-start sequence but the external RC is still required for stable operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. Pricing is quoted as of 2026-09-15.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12CE518T-04E/SN — 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-04E/SN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12CE518-04E/SN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12CE519-04E/SN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.67 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C509A-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C508A-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1501-I/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12CE518T-04E/SN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Core Architecture | RISC |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1 µs at 4 MHz |
| Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 × 12 words) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 16 B |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C |
| Package | 8-SOIC (3.90 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Type | Internal RC (4 MHz) |
| Peripherals | POR, WDT |
| Connectivity | None (standalone MCU) |
| Data Converters | None |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12CE518T-04E/SN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — General-purpose I/O (input only) / Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | GP0 — Bidirectional digital I/O; can be configured for wake-on-change |
| Pin 3 | GP1 — Bidirectional digital I/O |
| Pin 4 | GP2 — Bidirectional digital I/O; T0CKI clock input option |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference (0 V) |
| Pin 6 | GP4/OSC2 — Bidirectional digital I/O / oscillator output (crystal mode) |
| Pin 7 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — Bidirectional digital I/O / oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage, 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
Typical Applications
PIC12CE518T-04E/SN is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Remote Controls, LED Lighting Controllers, Industrial Sensor Interfaces, Automotive Accessory Modules, Wearable / Personal Electronics.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC12CE518T-04E/SN fits consumer appliance control boards (small kitchen appliances, water heaters, fans) where its 8-pin SOIC footprint, 2.5 V–5.5 V supply, and 16-byte integrated EEPROM store user-set parameters and calibration constants without external serial memory. The 4 MHz instruction rate gives a 1 µs cycle time, sufficient to bit-bang UART, scan keypads, and drive triac outputs deterministically. The -40 °C to +125 °C operating range tolerates appliance under-cabinet thermal environments. The PIC baseline 33-instruction set enables compact, hand-coded assembler or C code, reducing development time for high-volume consumer SKUs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Controls
The PIC12CE518T-04E/SN is well-suited to low-cost IR/RF remote controls where the 2.5 V–5.5 V supply accepts 2×AA or coin-cell battery stacks, and the integrated EEPROM retains pairing codes and device addresses without backup battery drain. Its 1 µs instruction cycle can bit-bang standard 38 kHz IR carrier modulation with predictable timing using the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator. With 6 GPIO, the device can directly drive IR LEDs, scan key matrices up to 3×3, and wake on interrupt. The 8-pin SOIC keeps the BOM to a single IC plus a couple of passives, ideal for sub-$1 remote designs.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC12CE518T-04E/SN drives decorative LED lighting, accent strips, and small RGB fixtures using its 6 GPIO to sink up to 25 mA per pin directly into LED cathodes, eliminating driver transistors. The 4 MHz instruction rate and 1 µs cycle time allow software PWM dimming at 8-bit resolution with refresh rates above 100 Hz, avoiding visible flicker. The integrated 16-byte EEPROM stores user-selected color/brightness presets. The 2.5 V–5.5 V supply accepts 3.3 V USB power or 5 V from a wall adapter, simplifying power tree design for low-cost lighting modules.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
The PIC12CE518T-04E/SN interfaces discrete industrial sensors (limit switches, proximity detectors, Hall sensors) to higher-level controllers, where the -40 °C to +125 °C operating range tolerates factory-floor thermal extremes. The 6 GPIO accept 5 V inputs via digital Schmitt triggers, and the PIC12CE518 bit-bangs protocols like Modbus RTU over UART at 9600–19200 baud with deterministic timing from the 4 MHz oscillator. The integrated 16-byte EEPROM stores sensor calibration values and unit IDs, simplifying field commissioning. Its 8-SOIC footprint is footprint-compatible with newer PIC12F-series parts, enabling easy migration when ADC functionality is required.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Modules
The PIC12CE518T-04E/SN handles simple automotive accessories (interior lighting, switch panels, mirror controllers, warning beepers) where its 2.5 V–5.5 V supply accepts post-regulator 5 V rails, and the 6 GPIO can drive small relays and read switched inputs. The integrated EEPROM retains user settings and fault counters across ignition cycles. The -40 °C to +125 °C operating range covers automotive cabin environments, though under-hood modules require PIC AEC-Q100 qualified parts. For body-electronics tasks that need ADC or PWM, the pin-compatible PIC12F1501 is the recommended upgrade within the same 8-SOIC footprint.
Recommended
Wearable / Personal Electronics
The PIC12CE518T-04E/SN fits ultra-low-cost wearable accessories (LED badges, novelty toys, fitness clip-on sensors) where its 8-pin SOIC and 2.5 V–5.5 V supply integrate easily with CR2032 coin cells or single-cell Li-ion batteries. The 33-instruction baseline core lets engineers write tight C code that runs at 4 MHz while drawing modest current; for deeper power optimization, the PIC10F20X family with nanoWatt sleep extends battery life. The integrated 16-byte EEPROM stores step-count or user-preference data non-volatilely, and the 1 µs cycle time handles simple state machines for LED chasers and buzzer patterns.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12CE518T-04E/SN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12CE518-04E/SN | PIC12CE519-04E/SN | PIC12C509A-04E/SM | PIC12C508A-04E/SM | PIC12F1501-I/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC (3.90 mm body) | 8-SOIC (3.90 mm body) - same | 8-SOIC (3.90 mm body) - same | 8-SOIC (5.28 mm body) - same pinout | 8-SOIC (5.28 mm body) - same pinout | 8-SOIC (3.90 mm body) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Architecture | PIC baseline 8-bit, 12-bit instructions, 4 MHz | PIC baseline 8-bit, 12-bit instructions, 4 MHz - same | PIC baseline 8-bit, 12-bit instructions, 4 MHz - same | PIC baseline 8-bit, 12-bit instructions, 4 MHz - same | PIC baseline 8-bit, 12-bit instructions, 4 MHz - same | PIC midrange 8-bit, 14-bit instructions, 16 MHz |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP (512 × 12) | 768 B OTP (512 × 12) - same | 1024 B OTP (1024 × 12), +33% | 1024 B OTP (1024 × 12), +33% | 512 B OTP (512 × 12), -33% | 1.75 KB Flash, +133% |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B - same | 41 B, +64% | 41 B, +64% | 25 B - same | 64 B, +156% |
| Integrated EEPROM | 16 B | 16 B - same | 16 B - same | None (no 'E' suffix) | None (no 'E' suffix) | None (no 'E' suffix) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - same | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C - same | -40 °C to +125 °C - same | -40 °C to +125 °C - same | -40 °C to +125 °C - same | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| ADC / PWM | None | None - same | None - same | None - same | None - same | 10-bit ADC, 4× PWM, comparator |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 16-byte EEPROM on-chip (vs PIC12C509A-04E/SM)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to PIC12CE519 (vs PIC12F1501-I/SN)
- Extended -40 °C to +125 °C operating range (vs PIC12F1501-I/SN)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 8) and connect the VSS pin (pin 5) to a low-impedance ground plane. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator is sensitive to VDD ripple, so a noisy supply without adequate bulk decoupling may cause oscillator frequency drift. For battery-powered designs, add a 10 µF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor across VDD-VSS to suppress load-transient dips that could trigger the brown-out reset.
Route the MCLR pin (pin 1) high through a 10 kΩ pull-up resistor to VDD, and add a 100 nF capacitor from MCLR to VSS to filter noise glitches that can cause unintended resets. The MCLR pin is shared with GP3 and is input-only, so it cannot be used as a general output. In noisy industrial environments, consider a dedicated external voltage supervisor to improve reset reliability beyond the internal POR.
Do not use the PIC12CE518T-04E/SN if your firmware needs more than 768 bytes of OTP - migrate to the pin-compatible PIC12CE519-04E/SN (1024 bytes) before reaching the code-size limit. Be aware that OTP memory cannot be erased, so debug builds should use the PIC12F1501 (1.75 KB Flash) for in-circuit reprogramming. The 'E' suffix requires 2.5 V minimum supply, so 2.0 V lithium-battery designs must use the non-'E' -04 variant instead.
The 6 GPIO pins can source or sink 25 mA per pin with a total package limit of 125 mA, but driving high-current loads directly from the MCU reduces reliability and increases EMI. Use external MOSFET drivers or transistors for loads above 25 mA, and add series resistors (100-470 Ω) to GPIO outputs to dampen transmission-line ringing when traces exceed 50 mm. The Schmitt-trigger inputs tolerate slow edges, but keeping rise times below 1 µs improves noise immunity.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per Microchip product page. The part is not AEC-Q100 qualified and is not recommended for automotive under-hood applications. The 8-SOIC package is MSL-1 rated (no moisture pre-bake required).
