PIC12F508-I/MC - 8-bit Flash MCU, 4MHz, 768B Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F508-I/MC ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.71 | $0.71 |
| 10 | $0.66 | $6.60 |
| 100 | $0.59 | $59.00 |
| 500 | $0.53 | $265.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.47 | $470.00 |
PIC12F508-I/MC Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and programmable I/O peripherals on a single die, executing instructions fetched from on-chip Flash. The PIC12F508 belongs to the baseline PIC12 architecture, which uses 12-bit-wide instructions and offers typical 2:1 code compression over competing 8-bit MCUs in its class. In the broader taxonomy, this device sits at: microcontroller -> embedded microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> baseline PIC -> PIC12F family. It targets cost-sensitive applications where deterministic timing, low pin count, and minimal PCB footprint outweigh the need for large memory or analog peripherals.
Key features include 4 MHz maximum oscillator frequency, 2.0V to 5.5V operating voltage range, 8-bit timer (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler, watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) capability, and 6 bidirectional I/O pins with individual direction control. The device consumes only a few milliamps in active mode and drops to microamp-level currents in sleep, enabling battery-friendly designs. The DFN-8 (2x3 mm) package gives a thermal resistance of approximately 70 C/W and exposes a small thermal pad for board-level heat dissipation.
Technically, the PIC12F508 uses a RISC Harvard-architecture CPU with 33 single-word instructions, allowing most instructions to execute in a single instruction cycle (1 us at 4 MHz). It supports internal 4 MHz RC oscillator calibration, an external clock input, or low-cost external RC timing. Reset sources include power-on reset (POR), brown-out detect, and watchdog wakeup from sleep. Code protection and ID locations support basic firmware IP security.
Typical applications include LED blinkers and decorative lighting controllers, simple sensor interfaces, battery-powered remote controls, consumer appliance sub-controllers, smoke-detector front-ends, and general-purpose glue logic replacement. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply range simplifies single-cell Li-ion or 3.3V system designs.
When designing with this device, ensure ICSP connections (GP1/GP0) are accessible for field firmware updates and that decoupling capacitors are placed as close as possible to VDD. The PIC12F508 is widely supported by MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and the free MPLAB Xpress cloud toolchain, so engineers can prototype without hardware tool purchases. Note that Microchip recommends the newer PIC16F15313 as the migration path for new designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives, application notes, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F508-I/MC — 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 PIC12F508-I/MC (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Internal Oscillator, Watchdog Timer, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F508-E/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F509-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1822-I/MC
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC10F200-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F202-I/MC
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F508-I/MC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC12F |
| Core | 8-bit PIC |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 words) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0 with prescaler) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) | Yes |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz calibrated RC |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm), designated MC |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC12F508-I/MC Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO/oscillator input/external clock input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO/oscillator output/clock output |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO/master clear (reset)/programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | GP2/T0CKI/INT/COUT — GPIO/TMR0 clock input/external interrupt/comparator output |
| Pin 6 | GP1/ICSPCLK — GPIO/ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | GP0/ICSPDAT — GPIO/ICSP data |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12F508-I/MC is suitable for 6 applications: LED Blinker and Decorative Lighting, Battery-Powered Remote Controls, Smoke and Gas Detector Front-Ends, Consumer Appliance Sub-Controllers, Simple Sensor Interfaces and Glue Logic, Toys and Hobby Electronics.
LED Blinker and Decorative Lighting
The PIC12F508-I/MC fits LED blinker and decorative lighting controllers because it delivers 4 MIPS at 4 MHz from only a few milliamps, easily driving PWM on GPIO pins without additional hardware. Its 2.0V-5.5V supply range accepts single-cell Li-ion or 3xAA packs, and the 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) footprint drops directly onto small PCBs behind LED strips. With only 25 bytes of RAM and 768 B Flash, the device runs simple color-pattern loops far below memory limits. The on-chip watchdog timer protects unattended fixtures against firmware lockup, and ICSP lets manufacturers update patterns in the field without disassembly.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Controls
The PIC12F508-I/MC excels in battery-powered remote controls thanks to its microamp-level sleep current and 2.0V-5.5V supply range, which lets a single CR2032 coin cell run the device for years. The 6 GPIO pins directly drive buttons, IR LEDs, and low-power RF modules; the on-chip 4 MHz RC oscillator eliminates external crystals and saves BOM cost. With 768 B Flash, typical IR protocols (RC5, NEC, Sony) fit comfortably, and the integrated watchdog wakes the MCU from sleep on button press. The 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) package keeps the PCB area under 10x10 mm, critical for slim remotes.
Recommended
Smoke and Gas Detector Front-Ends
The PIC12F508-I/MC is well suited to smoke and gas detector front-end signal processing, where it reads a single analog sensor via the comparator or ADC pin and drives an alarm buzzer or LED. Its 2.0V-5.5V supply range accommodates 9V battery or 3.3V regulated rails, while the on-chip watchdog ensures a latched alarm even if firmware hangs. The industrial -40C to +85C operating range meets residential detector specifications, and the 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) footprint fits inside compact detector housings. Only 6 GPIO pins are needed for sensor, buzzer, LED, and test button.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Sub-Controllers
The PIC12F508-I/MC serves as a low-cost sub-controller in consumer appliances, handling keypad scanning, LED status indication, and relay driver logic while a host processor manages the main user interface. Its 4 MIPS performance handles debouncing, mode logic, and indicator refresh without taxing the host, and its 768 B Flash stores mode tables and error codes. The ICSP interface lets appliance makers perform final firmware calibration on the production line, while the small DFN-8 package fits behind front-panel PCBs where space is at a premium.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interfaces and Glue Logic
The PIC12F508-I/MC replaces discrete glue logic in sensor interface modules by reading digital sensors, debouncing mechanical switches, and providing timing functions that 555 timers or discrete gates cannot match. Its 2.0V-5.5V supply range and 8-bit timer with prescaler support precise pulse generation, capture, and comparison tasks. Engineers often use the device to bridge slow mechanical inputs to faster digital systems, and the integrated watchdog prevents lockup in unattended installations. The DFN-8 footprint keeps the overall BOM small and the PCB compact.
Recommended
Toys and Hobby Electronics
The PIC12F508-I/MC powers toys, hobby electronics, and educational microcontroller kits thanks to its sub-dollar unit cost, 8-pin DFN footprint, and free MPLAB X toolchain support. Builders can prototype on a PIC10F32X development board and then drop the same 8-pin DFN package into the final toy PCB. With 4 MIPS, the device runs sound effects, servo pulses, and simple game logic, while 6 GPIO pins cover buttons, LEDs, and a piezo buzzer. The ICSP header lets hobbyists reprogram without removing the chip.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F508-I/MC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F508-E/MC | PIC12F509-I/MC | PIC12F1822-I/MC | PIC10F200-I/MC | PIC10F202-I/MC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 768 B | 768 B | 1536 B | 3.5 KB | 256 B | 512 B |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B | 41 B | 128 B | 16 B | 24 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 32 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| GPIO Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost 8-bit PIC in 8-pin DFN (vs PIC12F1822-I/MC)
- Industrial temperature grade option (vs PIC12F508-E/MC)
- Smaller memory alternative for ultra-low-cost designs (vs PIC10F200-I/MC)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible between VDD (pin 1) and VSS (pin 8). For ICSP programming, ensure GP1/ICSPCLK and GP0/ICSPDAT traces are accessible via a 6-pin header (VDD, VSS, MCLR, ICSPDAT, ICSPCLK, plus one reserved pin). The DFN-8 (2x3 mm) package has an exposed thermal pad on the bottom that MUST be soldered to the PCB ground plane for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation.
Configure the PIC12F508 for internal 4 MHz RC oscillator mode to save the cost of an external crystal and two load capacitors. Use the WDTE fuse to enable the watchdog timer for unattended recovery from firmware lockup. For battery-powered designs, leverage the SLEEP instruction to drop quiescent current to microamp levels; wakeup can be triggered by watchdog timeout or GP2/INT edge.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 7.0V or drop below 2.0V (datasheet 41236E). GP3 is input-only and serves as the MCLR/VPP pin; do not attempt to drive it as an output. The baseline PIC12 architecture uses 12-bit instructions, so legacy PIC16 assembly libraries may not be directly portable without XC8 compiler adaptations. For new designs, evaluate the newer PIC16F15313 as Microchip's recommended migration path.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (not intended for automotive use). Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified data; set to unknown.
