PIC12F510-I/SN - 8-Bit Flash MCU, 1.5KB, 8MHz, 8-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F510-I/SN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.92 | $0.92 |
| 10 | $0.85 | $8.50 |
| 100 | $0.75 | $75.00 |
| 500 | $0.68 | $340.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.62 | $620.00 |
PIC12F510-I/SN Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller (PIC = Peripheral Interface Controller) is a Harvard-architecture RISC device that executes one instruction per clock cycle (except branches). The PIC10/12 family occupies the smallest-footprint tier of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio - it sits below PIC16 and PIC18 in memory/peripheral capability but offers the lowest unit cost and smallest PCB area, sucing applications where cost, simplicity and pin count dominate over raw performance. The PIC12F510 specifically belongs to the mid-range 14-bit instruction-word core family and integrates analog peripherals on-chip.
Key features of the PIC12F510 include 6 general-purpose I/O pins, one 8-bit ADC with up to 4 input channels, an analog comparator, a 4-MHz internal RC oscillator (4 MHz CPU clock via 2:1 divider from 8 MHz oscillator), and an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0). According to the manufacturer datasheet, the part supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and code protection, and it draws a few hundred microamps active / sub-microamp sleep.
Architecturally, the PIC12F510 uses a 14-bit instruction word, separate program and data buses (Harvard), and a 2-stage pipeline. The internal 8 MHz oscillator can be software-calibrated via the OSCCAL register to recover accuracy after calibration-register erasures. The device supports two oscillator modes (internal RC and external clock) and offers power-managed sleep with wake-on-change I/O.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, LED lighting controllers, battery chargers, remote-control transmitters, and simple sensor interface boards. The combination of an on-chip ADC, comparator and 6 I/O in an 8-pin package makes the PIC12F510 well suited for replacing discrete logic in space-constrained designs.
When designing with the PIC12F510, ensure the ICSP clock (PGC) and data (PGD) pins are accessible on the PCB for in-system programming. For battery-powered designs, leverage the device's sleep modes (sub-1 uA typical) and use the internal weak pull-ups to reduce external component count.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and engineering design notes not aggregated on any single distributor page, helping procurement and design engineers evaluate the PIC12F510-I/SN for cost-sensitive 8-bit embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F510-I/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 PIC12F510-I/SN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, I/O Pins, Maximum CPU Speed, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F509-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F519-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F508-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F510-I/SN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit (mid-range, 14-bit instruction word) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) |
| RAM | 41 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| CPU Speed (Max) | 8 MHz (4 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 8-bit, up to 4 channels |
| Comparators | 1 analog comparator |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz RC (calibrated, software-trimmable) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 8-SOIC (SN), 3.90 mm body, lead-free |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Process Technology | CMOS |
PIC12F510-I/SN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5 — Bidirectional I/O pin / ICSP ICSPCLK |
| Pin 3 | GP4 — Bidirectional I/O pin / ICSP ICSPDAT |
| Pin 4 | GP3 — Bidirectional I/O pin / MCLR (reset, active-low) |
| Pin 5 | GP2 — Bidirectional I/O pin / analog comparator output / T0CKI |
| Pin 6 | GP1 — Bidirectional I/O pin / analog comparator input / ADC channel |
| Pin 7 | GP0 — Bidirectional I/O pin / analog comparator input / ADC channel |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12F510-I/SN is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller, LED Lighting Dimmer / Controller, Battery-Powered Remote Control Transmitter, Simple Sensor Interface Board, Automotive Interior Accessory Module, Replacement of Discrete Logic (74HC-series) Gates.
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller
The PIC12F510-I/SN is ideal for sub-$1 consumer appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, and small kitchen devices where cost dominates over feature set. Its 1.5 KB Flash holds a simple state-machine program for heater control, button debounce, and LED status indication, while the on-chip 8-bit ADC reads NTC temperature sensors for closed-loop thermal regulation. With 6 I/O pins it directly drives a triac via optocoupler and a buzzer for end-of-cycle alerts. Compared to a discrete logic implementation, the PIC12F510 reduces BOM by 5-8 components and shortens time-to-market. The 2.0V-5.5V range lets the same firmware run on 3.3V battery or 5V mains-derived supplies without redesign.
Recommended
LED Lighting Dimmer / Controller
The PIC12F510-I/SN drives single-channel LED dimming modules in decorative and architectural lighting. Its 8-bit TMR0 generates software-PWM at 8-bit resolution to control MOSFET gate drive for 12V or 24V LED strips. The internal 8 MHz oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal, reducing BOM cost by $0.05-$0.10 per node. The on-chip analog comparator enables zero-cross detection for TRIAC-based mains dimming without a dedicated zero-cross IC. In battery-powered LED candles or fairy-light controllers, the device draws 100-300 uA active and sub-1 uA in sleep, achieving years of battery life. The 8-SOIC footprint keeps the PCB to under 10x10 mm.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC12F510-I/SN forms the heart of sub-$2 RF remote controls for toys, garage openers, and ceiling fan controllers. The 6 I/O pins are sufficient for 4-6 button inputs plus an RF enable line, while the internal oscillator avoids external crystals that would inflate BOM and PCB area. In sleep mode the device draws sub-1 uA, so a CR2032 coin cell lasts 2-5 years in typical use. The on-chip comparator can implement a wake-on-button-change circuit, eliminating the need for an external interrupt controller. The 1.5 KB Flash easily accommodates simple KEELOQ or fixed-code encoders, and ICSP lets manufacturers re-flash the security code in production.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface Board
The PIC12F510-I/SN serves as a low-cost analog front-end and decision MCU in sensor-interface boards for thermostats, humidity monitors, and HVAC accessories. The on-chip 8-bit ADC digitizes up to 4 sensor inputs (temperature, humidity, light, potentiometer), while the analog comparator implements threshold-based alerts without software polling. The 41-byte RAM buffers a few ADC readings before transmission. Compared to a discrete op-amp + comparator + ADC design, the PIC12F510 reduces PCB area by 50-70% and BOM cost by 30-40%. The 2.0V-5.5V range covers both lithium-battery and 5V-bus-powered deployments.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory Module
Although the PIC12F510-I/SN is not AEC-Q100 qualified, its industrial -40C to +85C range is acceptable for non-safety automotive interior accessories such as LED ambient lighting, USB charger controllers, and vanity mirror lights. The 8-SOIC footprint fits inside the tight space behind a dashboard switch panel. The 8-bit ADC monitors battery voltage for low-voltage cutoff, while the comparator provides over-current detection via a shunt resistor. The 5.5V max VDD supports direct connection to a 12V-bus-derived 5V rail. For under-hood or safety-critical applications, migrate to PIC16F15313 or PIC18F family with AEC-Q100 qualification.
Recommended
Replacement of Discrete Logic (74HC-series) Gates
The PIC12F510-I/SN replaces a small cluster of 74HC00-series logic gates (typically 2-4 ICs) when the design evolves from a fixed logic function to a programmable state machine. A board that today uses 74HC08, 74HC14 and 74HC138 can be reduced to one PIC12F510 plus a 4-component bypass/decoupling network, dropping BOM cost and assembly time. The mid-range 14-bit instruction set is straightforward to program in C with MPLAB X and the free XC8 compiler. ICSP lets the manufacturer ship different firmware variants on the same hardware, enabling SKU consolidation. Compared to discrete logic, firmware changes in seconds rather than respinning PCBs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F510-I/SN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F509-I/SN | PIC12F519-I/SN | PIC12F508-I/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-SOIC (SN) | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 1.5 KB | 1.4 KB | 1.5 KB | 0.75 KB |
| Data EEPROM | None | None | 64 bytes | None |
| RAM | 41 bytes | 41 bytes | 41 bytes | 25 bytes |
| Max CPU Clock | 8 MHz (4 MIPS) | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 4 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| ADC | 8-bit, up to 4 channels | 8-bit, up to 4 channels | 8-bit, up to 4 channels | 8-bit, up to 4 channels |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Approx. Unit Price (1k qty, as of 2026-09-15) | $0.62 | $0.55 | $0.68 | $0.50 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost 1.5KB Flash 8-pin PIC with internal 8 MHz oscillator (vs PIC12F508-I/SN)
- 1.5 KB Flash + 41 byte RAM with NO data EEPROM (vs PIC12F519-I/SN)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range (vs Consumer-grade PIC10F200-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC12F510-I/SN operates from 2.0V to 5.5V. Decouple VDD (pin 1) with a 100nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a bulk 1-10 uF if the supply rail impedance is more than 1 ohm. The brown-out reset (BOR) configuration bits should be enabled in applications with slow-rising power (e.g., battery insertion) to prevent code execution at indeterminate VDD below 2.0V. The internal 8 MHz oscillator draws additional current during startup; for lowest sleep current (<1 uA typical), set OSCCON bits to disable the oscillator during sleep.
The 8-SOIC (SN) package has a thermal pad underneath the part that is NOT electrically connected to GND on this device - solder it for mechanical stability only. ICSP programming requires the PGC (pin 2) and PGD (pin 3) lines to be accessible. If the PCB layout places these pins under a BGA or hard-to-reach area, factory programming via MPLAB IPE before final assembly may be required. Keep traces short on the MCLR pin (pin 4) to avoid spurious resets from capacitive coupling.
Do not use the PIC12F510-I/SN for new designs if you need more than 1.5 KB Flash or any PWM peripheral - the part lacks hardware PWM and any PWM must be implemented in software via TMR0 interrupts. For PWM or CLC requirements, migrate to PIC12F1501-I/SN (8-SOIC, drop-in footprint, enhanced mid-range core). Also note that the PIC12F510 has NO data EEPROM; if you need to store calibration values across power cycles, use PIC12F519-I/SN instead (same package, 64 bytes EEPROM). Finally, the internal oscillator accuracy is +/-2% after calibration; for UART or IR protocols requiring +/-0.5%, use a crystal with PIC16F or PIC18F family.
Place the decoupling capacitor as close to pin 1 (VDD) as possible with a wide ground return path to pin 8 (VSS). Keep analog inputs (GP0, GP1, GP2) traces short and routed away from digital switching signals (GP4, GP5) to minimize ADC noise. The MCLR pin (pin 4) should have a 10k pull-up to VDD if not used as I/O; avoid leaving it floating.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free 8-SOIC (SN) package with NiPdAu lead finish. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q100, migrate to PIC16F15313 (20-pin) or contact Microchip for the AEC-Q100 equivalent of PIC12F family.
