PIC12F617-E/MS - 8-Bit 20MHz Flash MCU 3.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F617-E/MS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.24 | $2.24 |
| 10 | $2.05 | $20.50 |
| 100 | $1.78 | $178.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.34 | $1,340.00 |
| 2,500 | $1.15 | $2,875.00 |
PIC12F617-E/MS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU core, program memory (flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), and peripheral set (timers, ADC, PWM, comparators, communications). The PIC12F617 belongs to the PIC12 sub-family — the lowest pin-count tier of Microchip's mid-range 8-bit architecture — designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded applications where 6 I/O pins and 8 KB of code space are sufficient.
Key feature highlights include an internal 4/8 MHz precision oscillator with software-selectable frequency, a user-configurable comparator with hysteresis, two 8-bit timers (TMR0/TMR2) plus one 16-bit timer (TMR1), a 10-bit ADC, Enhanced PWM, and on-chip debug support. The device operates from 2.0V to 5.5V across the extended -40C to +125C temperature range (E suffix = industrial/extended), making it suitable for harsh environments.
Architecturally, the PIC12F617 uses Microchip's proven mid-range core with 35 single-word instructions and 8 stack levels, achieving deterministic interrupt response and predictable timing. The 25 mA source/sink I/O capability allows direct drive of LEDs and small relays without external transistors.
Typical applications include LED lighting controllers, battery chargers, small appliance controls, sensor signal conditioning, automotive body electronics, and consumer IR remote controls. The compact MSOP-8 footprint suits high-density PCB designs where board area is at a premium.
When designing with this device, engineers should plan for ICD/debug header access and verify that the chosen comparator and PWM configurations match the application's timing requirements. The internal oscillator can drift across temperature, so designs requiring tight UART baud-rate tolerance should use an external crystal.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in MSOP-8 alternatives, and design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F617-E/MS — 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 PIC12F617-E/MS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Internal Oscillator, Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F615-I/MS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F615T-I/MS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F615-E/SN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F609-I/MS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1822-I/SN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1501-I/MS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F617-E/MS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC12 mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Stack Levels | 8 |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit) |
| Internal Oscillator | 4/8 MHz user-selectable |
| Comparator | 1 with configurable hysteresis |
| PWM Channels | Enhanced PWM (1 channel) |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E = extended) |
| Package | 8-pin MSOP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Debug Interface | ICD / In-Circuit Debugger |
PIC12F617-E/MS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/T1CKI/OSC1/CLKIN — General-purpose I/O / Timer1 clock input / oscillator input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/AN3/OSC2/CLKOUT — General-purpose I/O / ADC channel / oscillator output |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — Input-only GPIO / Master Clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | GP2/AN2/T0CKI/COUT/INT — GPIO / ADC / Timer0 clock / Comparator output / external interrupt |
| Pin 6 | GP1/AN1/ICSPCLK — GPIO / ADC channel / ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | GP0/AN0/ICSPDAT — GPIO / ADC channel / ICSP data |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12F617-E/MS is suitable for 7 applications: LED Lighting Controllers, Battery Chargers (Single-Cell Li-Ion / NiMH), Small Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics, IR Remote Control Transmitters, Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs, Fan and Pump Speed Controllers.
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC12F617-E/MS is well-suited for dimmable LED driver controllers in architectural and accent lighting. Its 25 mA I/O source/sink capability directly drives small LED strings or MOSFET gates without external transistors. The Enhanced PWM module supports smooth dimming curves, while the 4/8 MHz internal oscillator and 128 B RAM handle state-machine control logic. The 2.0-5.5V supply range accepts both battery and USB power.
Recommended
Battery Chargers (Single-Cell Li-Ion / NiMH)
The PIC12F617-E/MS implements CC-CV charging profiles for single-cell Li-Ion or NiMH battery packs in portable consumer products. Its 10-bit ADC monitors battery voltage and charge current through GP0/GP1, while PWM regulates the charging MOSFET. The 2.0V minimum supply supports direct connection to nearly-depleted cells, and the -40C to +125C range covers automotive battery environments. Brown-out reset prevents undervoltage damage during discharge.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Boards
Coffee makers, blenders, and toaster ovens use the PIC12F617-E/MS as the main control MCU for mode selection, timing, and safety interlocks. The 35-instruction mid-range core simplifies firmware development, while the 8-level stack handles nested interrupt routines. Six I/O pins are sufficient for button matrix, relay drive, and LED indicators. The -40C to +125C operating range tolerates kitchen and laundry environments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Interior lighting, mirror controllers, and seat-position sensors use the PIC12F617-E/MS in automotive body-electronics modules. The extended -40C to +125C temperature rating handles under-dash thermal environments, and the 25 mA I/O directly drives small relay coils. The internal oscillator eliminates external crystal cost, while the watchdog timer and brown-out reset deliver ASIL-relevant fault detection for non-safety functions.
Recommended
IR Remote Control Transmitters
Consumer TV and audio-system remotes leverage the PIC12F617-E/MS for button scanning and IR LED modulation. The PIC12 core's deterministic instruction timing enables accurate 38 kHz carrier generation without hardware PWM, and the internal 4 MHz oscillator provides sufficient precision. Low-power sleep modes extend battery life to multi-year durations, while 6 I/O pins support typical 4-6 button layouts.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs
Industrial sensor nodes use the PIC12F617-E/MS to digitize analog signals from thermistors, photodiodes, or load cells and transmit results over UART or PWM. The on-chip comparator with hysteresis performs threshold detection, while the ADC channels read multiple sensors sequentially. The MSOP-8 footprint suits small sensor housings, and the 2.0-5.5V supply accepts both 3.3V and 5V transducer rails.
Recommended
Fan and Pump Speed Controllers
The PIC12F617-E/MS regulates DC fan or small pump speed via closed-loop PWM control in HVAC and white-goods applications. TMR2 drives the PWM output, while TMR1 captures tachometer feedback for RPM measurement. The 6 I/O pins handle PWM output, tach input, enable, and fault LED. Brown-out reset protects against motor back-EMF voltage dips during stall events.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F617-E/MS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F615-I/MS | PIC12F609-I/MS | PIC12F1501-I/MS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | MSOP-8 | MSOP-8 (same) | MSOP-8 (same) | MSOP-8 (same) |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 64 B | 64 B |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Core | PIC12 mid-range | PIC12 mid-range | PIC12 mid-range | PIC12 enhanced mid-range |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
Key Differentiators
- 3.5 KB flash doubles the code capacity of PIC12F615 / PIC12F609 siblings (vs PIC12F615-I/MS)
- Extended -40C to +125C operating temperature range (vs PIC12F615-I/MS)
- 20 MHz core delivers 5 MIPS performance (vs PIC12F509-I/MS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1) on the PIC12F617-E/MS to suppress digital switching noise. For battery-powered designs drawing less than 1 mA average, enable the internal oscillator's lower 4 MHz mode and use Sleep mode with Watchdog Timer wake-up to reduce quiescent current below 1 uA. Estimated: I_total_avg = I_active * t_active/T + I_sleep * (T-t_active)/T.
The MSOP-8 thermal pad (if present on the specific variant) should be soldered to a copper pour on the PCB to improve thermal dissipation. Route the ICSP clock and data lines (GP1/GP0) as short, parallel traces with no stubs to minimize programming failures during in-circuit debugging. Keep high-current switching traces (PWM, relay drivers) physically separated from the analog ADC inputs (GP0/GP1/GP2/GP4) by at least 3 mm.
GP3 on the PIC12F617 is input-only because it doubles as the MCLR reset pin. Do not configure GP3 as an output in firmware, or the device will fail verification during programming. When using the internal oscillator for UART communication, account for typical +/- 2% frequency tolerance across -40C to +125C; use a lower baud rate (9600 or less) to maintain error margin below 2.5%. Estimated: UART baud-rate error at 4 MHz internal oscillator with 9600 baud is approximately +/- 1.5% at room temperature.
For mixed-signal designs using the PIC12F617's ADC, implement a separate analog ground island connected to VSS at a single point (star ground topology) to avoid digital return currents corrupting ADC readings. Add a 10 kHz RC low-pass filter on the ADC input pin for sensor signals above 1 kHz. The on-chip 10-bit ADC achieves approximately +/- 1 LSB INL and DNL when the source impedance is below 10 kOhm.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Standard industrial grade (E suffix) - not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive applications select PIC12F617-H/MS or PIC12F617T-I/MS automotive-qualified variants.
