PIC12F508-I/P - 8-bit Flash MCU, 4MHz, 768B Flash, 6 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F508-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.85 | $0.85 |
| 10 | $0.78 | $7.80 |
| 100 | $0.68 | $68.00 |
| 500 | $0.58 | $290.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.5 | $500.00 |
PIC12F508-I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a microprocessor core that processes data in 8-bit wide chunks, typically integrating CPU, RAM, program memory, and peripherals on a single die. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC12F508 sits at: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> baseline PIC12 family -> flash-programmed PIC12F5xx series -> semiconductor. Its 12-bit instruction word is one of Microchip's defining architectural choices, allowing 2:1 code compression versus typical 8-bit CISC competitors and enabling most instructions to execute in a single instruction cycle.
Key features include 25 bytes of RAM, 6 bidirectional I/O pins with individually programmable weak pull-ups, an 8-bit timer (TMR0) with 8-bit programmable prescaler, a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, power-saving sleep mode, and an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator. The wide operating voltage range (2.0V to 5.5V) supports battery-powered and 5V regulated designs alike. In-circuit serial programming (ICSP) allows firmware updates without removing the device from the board.
The PIC12F508 employs a RISC Harvard architecture with a 33-instruction set, only two of which are multi-cycle, and a 2-stage pipeline. The 12-bit instruction width enables efficient code density. An internal 4 MHz precision oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in cost-sensitive applications, while an external oscillator option remains for timing-critical uses. The CMOS process ensures low quiescent current in sleep mode, making the device suitable for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, simple LED controllers, battery chargers, toys, remote controls, sensor signal conditioning, and replacement of discrete logic in glue applications. The 6 I/O pins support peripheral functions including one analog comparator, one 8-bit timer, and ICSP programming.
When designing with this part, note that the /P package is through-hole PDIP-8 with 2.54 mm pitch, suited for prototyping and hobby projects. For surface-mount designs, the same silicon die is offered in SOIC-8 (PIC12F508-I/SN) and MSOP-8 (PIC12F508-I/MS) packages. Code-compatible siblings (PIC12F509 with 1.5 KB flash; PIC16F505 with 14 pins and 1.5 KB flash) extend the family for memory expansion.
This page synthesizes real-time distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F508-I/P — 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/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Watchdog Timer, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F509-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F508-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.47 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F508-E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F508-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F200-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F202-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.47 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F206-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F508-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC12 (baseline) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC Harvard |
| Instruction Set | 33 instructions, 12-bit wide |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 words) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Analog Comparator | 1 |
| ADC | None |
| ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) | Yes |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz RC (factory calibrated) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | PDIP-8 (through-hole, 2.54 mm pitch) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12F508-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/T1CKI/OSC1 — Bidirectional I/O pin / Timer0 clock input / oscillator input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/GP3/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | GP3 — Bidirectional I/O pin (input only on some configurations) |
| Pin 5 | GP2/COUT/INT — Bidirectional I/O / comparator output / external interrupt |
| Pin 6 | GP1/CIN- — Bidirectional I/O / comparator inverting input |
| Pin 7 | GP0/CIN+ — Bidirectional I/O / comparator non-inverting input |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12F508-I/P is suitable for 7 applications: Low-Cost LED Driver / Lighting Controller, Battery-Powered Remote Control / Toy Controller, Replacement of Discrete Logic / Glue Logic, Sensor Signal Conditioning / Threshold Detector, Simple Timer / Sequential Controller, Educational / Hobby Projects (Arduino Replacement), Industrial Control Logic / Status Monitor.
Low-Cost LED Driver / Lighting Controller
The PIC12F508-I/P fits LED driver and lighting controller applications because its 6 GPIO pins can directly drive LED transistors or MOSFET gates, while its 4 MHz core executes simple PWM-on/off sequencing in firmware. The 768 B flash holds small color-cycle or fade routines, and the 25 B RAM accommodates a few state variables. Operating from 2.0-5.5V lets the same code run on 3.3V or 5V rails without modification. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator eliminates external crystals, reducing BOM cost in decorative lighting. Sleep mode with watchdog disabled drops quiescent current to microamp levels for battery-powered accent lights.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Control / Toy Controller
The PIC12F508-I/P suits battery-powered remote controls and toy controllers due to its low operating voltage (2.0-5.5V) supporting direct 2x AA cell operation and its sub-microamp sleep mode current. The 6 I/O pins interface with buttons, IR LEDs, and small buzzers without external glue logic. The on-chip watchdog and power-on reset provide robust behavior in noisy motor environments typical of toys. ICSP programming enables factory firmware updates. The 4 MIPS performance comfortably encodes IR protocols (NEC, RC5) or PWM motor control. The PDIP-8 through-hole package is ideal for hand-soldered prototypes and low-volume production runs.
Recommended
Replacement of Discrete Logic / Glue Logic
The PIC12F508-I/P replaces discrete 74-series logic (gates, flip-flops, counters) in mixed-signal designs by providing a single 8-pin package that implements any custom logic function in firmware. With 6 I/O and 4 MIPS performance, it handles timing, sequencing, and state-machine tasks that would otherwise require multiple 74HC packages. The internal oscillator eliminates the external RC network typically needed with CMOS logic. Compared to discrete logic, the PIC12F508 reduces PCB area, simplifies BOM management (one part vs many), and allows late-stage logic changes via firmware updates. Designers must consider the sequential execution latency (250 ns per instruction) versus combinational logic propagation delays.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning / Threshold Detector
The PIC12F508-I/P serves as a threshold detector and signal-conditioning front-end for simple sensors thanks to its on-chip analog comparator (with inputs on GP0/GP1 and output on GP2). It compares sensor voltages against an internal reference or external threshold and produces a clean digital output, debouncing and hysteresis implemented in firmware. The 4 MIPS core executes sub-millisecond decision loops. Sleep mode with comparator interrupt wakes the MCU on threshold crossings, extending battery life. The 6 I/O pins allow multiple sensor inputs (one comparator, plus digital GPIO) for small multi-channel monitoring nodes. No ADC is included, so analog measurement applications should use PIC12F675 or PIC12F1822 instead.
Recommended
Simple Timer / Sequential Controller
The PIC12F508-I/P implements kitchen-appliance timers, industrial wash-cycle controllers, and similar time-sequenced applications because the TMR0 8-bit timer with programmable prescaler handles accurate timing up to tens of seconds, and the 4 MIPS core runs multiple timing loops. The on-chip watchdog timer recovers from firmware lockup, critical for unattended appliance use. Power-on reset and brown-out detection ensure clean starts. The 25 B RAM holds timing state variables; 768 B flash accommodates sequence tables. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers most appliance environments. The PDIP-8 package suits through-hole appliance boards with hand or wave soldering.
Recommended
Educational / Hobby Projects (Arduino Replacement)
The PIC12F508-I/P is popular in education and hobby projects as a low-cost microcontroller for learning assembly programming, basic timing, and embedded design fundamentals. Its PDIP-8 through-hole package fits standard breadboards and is hand-solderable without surface-mount tools. At roughly $0.85 in single-piece quantities (as of 2026-09-15), it is one of the lowest-cost flash microcontrollers available, making it ideal for introductory workshops where students may damage parts. The 33-instruction RISC architecture teaches fundamental concepts (registers, ALU, flags) without overwhelming complexity. ICSP programming allows iterative development via a PICkit 3 or 4 debugger.
Recommended
Industrial Control Logic / Status Monitor
The PIC12F508-I/P functions as a low-cost industrial status monitor for non-critical logic tasks such as indicator lamp sequencing, pushbutton debouncing, and machine-state reporting. The -I industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) handles most factory environments. The internal watchdog timer recovers from firmware lockup, while the on-chip POR ensures clean startup after power transients. Six GPIO pins interface with 24V industrial signals via external resistor dividers or optocouplers. Compared to a PLC, the PIC12F508 delivers a 10x cost reduction for simple logic functions. For extreme environments requiring -40C to +125C, the PIC12F508-E/P is the same silicon in extended-temperature qualification.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F508-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F509-I/P | PIC12F508-E/P | PIC10F200-I/P | PIC10F202-I/P | PIC10F206-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-8 | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 768 B | 1.5 KB | 768 B | 256 B | 512 B | 768 B |
| RAM | 25 B | 41 B | 25 B | 16 B | 24 B | 24 B |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Maximum Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Internal Comparator | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost 8-pin flash MCU option from Microchip (vs PIC12F509-I/P)
- Larger memory than PIC10F baseline family (vs PIC10F200-I/P)
- Flash memory with ICSP vs OTP EPROM (vs PIC12C508A-04/P)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of pin 1 (VDD) and pin 8 (VSS). For designs with high GPIO switching transients (LED multiplexing, relay drivers), add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor at the supply entry point. The PIC12F508-I/P draws typically 1-2 mA at 4 MHz and 5V; sleep current is below 1 uA with watchdog disabled. Verify the regulator can source peak current (mA scale during flash programming).
Pin 4 (GP3) is shared with MCLR/VPP - when configured as MCLR (default), it becomes an input-only reset pin and cannot be used as a digital output. To use GP3 as I/O, the MCLRE configuration bit must be cleared, after which an internal weak pull-up remains active on reset. Pin 3 (GP4) is similarly input-only by default. Misreading the pin direction registers (TRISGPIO) is a common firmware bug - always verify TRIS before driving a pin. Also note that the PIC12F508 has no ADC; do not attempt analogRead() style operations.
Place the ICSP programming header (5-pin standard: VPP/VDD/VSS/PGD/PGC) near the MCU with traces short and direct. Add a pull-up resistor (typically 10 kOhm) on the MCLR/VPP pin if MCLR is used for external reset; this prevents spurious resets in noisy environments. Keep analog comparator input traces (GP0/GP1) short and away from switching digital traces to minimize comparator noise pickup. The PDIP-8 package benefits from a socket during development for easy device swapping and programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Lead-free (Pb-free) PDIP-8 package. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not intended for automotive safety-critical applications. Halogen-free per Microchip Material Declaration.
