PIC12F629-I/SN - 8-Bit 20MHz Flash MCU, 1.75KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F629-I/SN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.42 | $1.42 |
| 10 | $1.28 | $12.80 |
| 100 | $1.1 | $110.00 |
| 500 | $0.95 | $475.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.82 | $820.00 |
PIC12F629-I/SN Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip integrating a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash or ROM), volatile data memory (RAM), small non-volatile data storage (EEPROM), and peripherals (timers, ADC, GPIO, communication interfaces) on a single CMOS die. The PIC12F629 belongs to Microchip's PIC10/12/16 mid-range 8-bit MCU family, which occupies the same hierarchical role as Atmel/Microchip AVR, NXP S08, and STM8 devices: a sub-tier of microcontroller -> 8-bit microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> semiconductor. It is engineered for low-cost, low-power, deterministic real-time control.
Key features include 6 bidirectional I/O pins with individual direction control, one 8-bit/16-bit timer with pre-scaler, four oscillator options (internal 4MHz, internal 31kHz, external RC, external crystal), in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and an extended industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C. The Flash-based program memory supports >100,000 erase/write cycles and >40-year retention, simplifying firmware updates and reducing time-to-market.
The PIC12F629 uses a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, a hardware multiplier-free ALU, and a deep 8-level hardware stack. The device operates from 2.0V to 5.5V, enabling both 3.3V and 5V system designs. It is fabricated on a low-power CMOS process, achieving typical sleep currents below 1uA with the WDT disabled, making it ideal for battery-powered applications. The PIC12F675 variant adds a 10-bit ADC, while the PIC12F629 focuses purely on digital I/O for lowest cost.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, LED drivers, sensor interface modules, low-end remote controls, battery chargers, smart toys, security keypads, and small appliances. It is also well-suited to industrial low-power sensor nodes and automotive body electronics when paired with the AEC-Q100 qualified PIC12F629-I/SN variant family.
Design tip: when migrating firmware, leverage MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and the PICkit 3/4 programmer. Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic cap placed within 5mm of the pin; if the internal 4MHz oscillator is used, no external crystal capacitors are required, simplifying BOM.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SOIC-8 alternatives from the same Microchip family, application patterns, and practical design notes - information not consolidated on the manufacturer product page alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F629-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 PIC12F629-I/SN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Package, Internal Oscillator, ADC, Watchdog Timer.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F675-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F629-I/SNG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F629T-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F508-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F509-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F510-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F615-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F629-I/SN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 64 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 (bidirectional) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit/16-bit with pre-scaler |
| ADC | None (digital-only MCU) |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz precision (software selectable) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with independent oscillator |
| ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) | Yes |
| Code Protection | Programmable |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 8-pin SOIC (SN) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC12F629-I/SN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/T1CKI/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO5 / Timer1 clock input / Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/!MCLR/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO4 / Master Clear (reset, active low) / Oscillator output / Clock out |
| Pin 4 | GP3/!MCLR/!PGM — GPIO3 (input-only) / !MCLR alternate / Low-voltage programming |
| Pin 5 | GP2/T0CKI/INT/COUT — GPIO2 / Timer0 clock input / External interrupt / Comparator output |
| Pin 6 | GP1/CIN-/ICSPCLK — GPIO1 / Comparator inverting input / ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | GP0/CIN+/ICSPDAT — GPIO0 / Comparator non-inverting input / ICSP data |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference (0 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12F629-I/SN is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting and Decorative Drivers, IR Remote Control Transmitters, Security Keypads and Access Panels, Smart Toys and Hobby Electronics.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC12F629-I/SN fits low-end consumer appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, blenders, and small kitchen electronics where 6 I/O pins and 1.75 KB of Flash are sufficient. Its 2.0-5.5 V supply supports both rectified mains-derived 5 V rails and 3 V battery packs; the internal 4 MHz oscillator removes the need for external crystals, lowering BOM cost by ~$0.10. With 35 instructions and 200 ns execution, the device can scan 4x4 keypads, drive LED indicators via PWM-like bit-banging, and run state-machine logic for safety interlocks. Its -40 to +85 C range survives steam and heat in appliance enclosures, and Flash-based firmware supports field updates via ICSP.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC12F629-I/SN is engineered for battery-powered sensor nodes such as window/door contacts, motion detectors, and remote environmental monitors. Sleep current below 1 uA (WDT disabled) and a 2.0 V minimum supply let the device run for years on two AA cells or CR2032 coin cells. Its internal 4 MHz oscillator eliminates two crystal components, and its INT-on-change wake capability on GP0/GP1/GP3 allows event-driven duty cycling that minimizes average current. With 128 B of EEPROM, calibration constants and tamper counters can be written up to 1M times across the device lifetime, ideal for metering or intrusion-log applications.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Decorative Drivers
The PIC12F629-I/SN drives LED strings, decorative lighting patterns, and small RGB controllers. Bit-banged PWM on 3-4 GPIO pins can deliver 8-bit dimming at >100 Hz, sufficient to eliminate visible flicker. Its 20 MHz clock supports software-generated WS2812 / NeoPixel bit-banging at 800 kHz with margin to spare, enabling 60-LED chain control from a single MCU. The wide 2.0-5.5 V range lets the device power directly from a 3.3 V buck regulator or a 5 V USB rail without level shifters. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor string-light applications.
Recommended
IR Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC12F629-I/SN is a strong fit for IR remote transmitters used in TV/STB/audio equipment. Its 20 MHz instruction rate can synthesize 38 kHz / 56 kHz carrier PWM in software with sub-microsecond precision, supporting RC5, NEC, SIRC, and proprietary protocols. The 1.75 KB Flash fits NEC and RC5/RC6 protocol stacks plus custom button-mapping tables. GP2 can drive the IR LED via a single transistor, while 4-6 remaining I/Os read the key matrix. Sleep current under 1 uA extends battery life across years of standby, and ICSP allows firmware updates during manufacture.
Recommended
Security Keypads and Access Panels
The PIC12F629-I/SN is well-suited to security keypads, RFID access panels, and door-entry controllers. Its 6 GPIO can scan a 3x4 matrix keypad using only 7 I/O; with an external 74HC138 decoder it scales to 4x4. 128 bytes of EEPROM store access codes, audit trails, and tamper flags with >1M write cycles, sufficient for years of logging. Watchdog timer with independent oscillator protects against code lock-up in unattended installations. Programmable code protection prevents firmware cloning, while ICSP allows factory provisioning. The industrial -40 to +85 C range covers outdoor keypad housings.
Recommended
Smart Toys and Hobby Electronics
The PIC12F629-I/SN drives smart toys, hobby robots, model-train controllers, and educational STEM kits. Its 35-instruction RISC core is widely taught in universities and supported by free MPLAB X + XC8, lowering the learning curve. With 20 MHz speed, hobbyists can generate servo PWM signals, drive small DC motor H-bridges, and read encoder feedback in software. The 8-pin SOIC fits breadboard-friendly breakout boards. ICSP enables reflashing without removing the MCU, ideal for classroom use. 128 B of EEPROM stores calibration, score, and configuration data.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F629-I/SN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F675-I/SN | PIC12F508-I/SN | PIC12F509-I/SN | PIC12F510-I/SN | PIC12F615-I/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIC-8 (SN) | SOIC-8 (SN) - same | SOIC-8 (SN) - same | SOIC-8 (SN) - same | SOIC-8 (SN) - same | SOIC-8 (SN) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 768 B | 1.75 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.75 KB |
| RAM | 64 B | 64 B | 25 B | 41 B | 38 B | 64 B |
| Data EEPROM | 128 B | 128 B | None | None | None | 128 B |
| ADC | None | 10-bit, 4 ch | None | None | 8-bit, 3 ch | 10-bit, 4 ch |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating 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 |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz + 31 kHz LF | 4 MHz + 31 kHz LF | 8 MHz + 31 kHz LF |
Key Differentiators
- Internal 4 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystal (vs PIC12F508-I/SN)
- 128-byte on-chip EEPROM (vs PIC12F509-I/SN)
- Digital-only for lowest cost (vs PIC12F675-I/SN)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 1) with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin and tied to a low-impedance ground plane. For 5 V supplies, an additional 10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU improves transient response when GP outputs switch simultaneously. The PIC12F629-I/SN draws under 1 uA in sleep (WDT off) and ~11 uA at 4 MHz / 3.3 V active; estimate average current as I_avg = (I_active * t_active + I_sleep * t_sleep) / (t_active + t_sleep). For battery sizing, assume CR2032 self-discharge of ~1% per year plus MCU sleep current.
Use a continuous ground plane beneath the SOIC-8 footprint to minimize EMI and provide thermal sinking. Keep the ICSP pins (GP0/ICSPDAT, GP1/ICSPCLK) accessible - do not route high-frequency signals over them, and consider adding a 2x3 0.1 inch header footprint for in-system programming. If the internal 4 MHz oscillator is used, OSC1/OSC2 (GP5/GP4) can be repurposed as digital I/O, but ensure the CONFIG register has OSC set to INTOSC and !MCLR is disabled on GP3 if used as I/O.
GP3 is input-only and shares pin with !MCLR by default; leaving !MCLR disabled in CONFIG frees GP3 as an input but requires a software reset path. The internal comparator shares pins with GP0/GP1/GP2; if the comparator is enabled, those pins lose digital I/O function. Always program CONFIG bits before main code to prevent the device from hanging in an undefined clock mode. Watchdog timer postscaler must be set in software - enabling WDT with default postscaler can reset the MCU every 18 ms during normal code execution.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40 to +85 C operating range; not AEC-Q100 qualified (use automotive-grade PIC variants or external qualification for vehicle applications).
