PIC12F635-E/MF - 8-bit 20MHz MCU 1.75KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F635-E/MF ✓ 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 |
PIC12F635-E/MF Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), data EEPROM, and configurable peripherals such as timers, ADCs, and communication ports. PIC12F-series microcontrollers sit at the entry-level of Microchip's 8-bit PIC family, optimized for low pin count, low cost, and deterministic real-time control in compact embedded designs.
Key features of the PIC12F635 include a 13-bit program counter addressing up to 8K x 14 words (with 1K x 14 physically implemented for this device), brown-out detect and reset, power-on reset, and a watchdog timer for reliable operation in noisy or unattended environments. Internal oscillator options eliminate external crystal requirements for cost-sensitive designs. The 8-pin DFN-S package offers an extremely small PCB footprint of roughly 30 mm^2, enabling integration into space-constrained products such as sensor nodes, LED controllers, and consumer accessories.
Typical applications include battery-powered remote controls, automotive body electronics, low-end capacitive-touch user interfaces, sensor signal conditioning, small motor drivers, and any 5V system requiring a compact 8-bit controller with on-chip non-volatile data storage. The 128-byte EEPROM allows parameter retention without external memory chips.
When designing with this device, ensure that the input supply is regulated within the 4.5V to 5.5V range and that the exposed thermal pad on the DFN package is properly soldered to a sufficient copper pour for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. Programming is supported via the ICSP interface using Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and PICkit or ICD debug programmers.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F635-E/MF — 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 PIC12F635-E/MF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, ADC, MSL Level, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F635-I/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F617-I/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.73 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F615-I/MF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F609-E/MD
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1572-E/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1840-E/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F635-E/MF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Core Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 64 x 8 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 5 |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, WDT |
| Package | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad (DFN-S 6x5 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-E) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC12F635-E/MF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/AN3/CIN1+/T1CKI/OSC1/CLKIN/ICSPCLK — GPIO5 / analog input / comparator input / Timer1 clock / crystal oscillator / clock input / ICSP clock |
| Pin 2 | GP4/AN2/CIN1-/T1G/OSC2/CLKOUT/ICSPDAT — GPIO4 / analog input / comparator input / Timer1 gate / crystal oscillator / clock output / ICSP data |
| Pin 3 | GP3/MCLR/Vpp — GPIO3 / Master Clear Reset (active low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | GP2/AN1/CIN0/COUT/T0CKI/INT/CCP1 — GPIO2 / analog input / comparator input / comparator output / Timer0 clock / external interrupt / CCP1 |
| Pin 5 | GP1/AN0/CIN+/Vref/ICSPCLK — GPIO1 / analog input / comparator input / voltage reference / alternate ICSP clock |
| Pin 6 | GP0/CIN-/COUT/INT/CCP1 — GPIO0 / comparator input / comparator output / external interrupt / alternate CCP1 |
| Pin 7 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage (4.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin EP | Exposed Pad — Thermal pad, internally bonded to Vss - solder to PCB copper pour |
Typical Applications
PIC12F635-E/MF is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, Battery-Powered Remote Controls, LED Lighting Controllers, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Capacitive Touch User Interfaces, Low-End Motor and Solenoid Drivers.
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC12F635-E/MF is well suited for automotive body-electronics modules thanks to its -40 C to +125 C extended temperature range and integrated brown-out detect and reset, which guard against low-voltage transients on 12V battery rails. In typical body modules such as door-lock controllers, mirror-adjust switches, or interior lighting drivers, the MCU operates from a regulated 5V rail at 20 MHz, providing deterministic GPIO timing for relay and LED drive signals. The 128 bytes of on-chip EEPROM permit retention of trim values, fault logs, and learned end-stop positions without an external memory chip. Its 8-VDFN exposed-pad package (6x5 mm) fits comfortably behind dashboard switches and on compact PCBAs, while the small 5-I/O count is sufficient for single-function nodes paired with a small driver transistor.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Controls
In handheld remote controls, the PIC12F635-E/MF acts as the sole microcontroller driving IR LEDs or 315/433 MHz RF transmitters. Its low pin count (5 I/O) maps cleanly to 3-4 button inputs, one LED indicator, and a single transmit-data output. The integrated watchdog timer ensures reliable recovery from code-flow anomalies when the supply dips as the battery ages, and brown-out reset prevents EEPROM corruption during voltage dropouts. While the 12F635 family is not optimized for nanoWatt deep sleep compared to PIC12F/LF parts, its deterministic 20 MHz core provides consistent button-debounce and transmit-frame timing. The 8-VDFN exposed-pad package keeps the PCB well under 100 mm^2, fitting inside slim key-fob enclosures.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
Compact LED controllers and drivers benefit from the PIC12F635-E/MF's small 8-VDFN footprint and on-chip peripherals. The MCU can generate PWM or bit-banged LED-driver protocols using its 20 MHz core and timer peripherals, while the 128-byte EEPROM stores brightness curves, color-mixing tables, or user-set dim levels across power cycles. Brown-out reset protects against flicker and unintended color shifts when the LED supply sags during dimming transitions. For decorative or architectural lighting, the extended -40 C to +125 C temperature range supports outdoor-rated fixtures. The 5-I/O pin count accommodates a few status LEDs plus a serial-control interface such as UART or one-wire DMX.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
Industrial sensor modules often require local microcontroller intelligence for linearization, calibration, and protocol conversion. The PIC12F635-E/MF handles these tasks with its 20 MHz core, integrated watchdog timer, and 128 bytes of EEPROM for storing calibration coefficients per unit. Brown-out detect ensures the MCU recovers cleanly from brown-out events common in 24V industrial supply rails that drop out during relay switching. The 5-I/O count maps to one sensor input, one analog reference pin, and three communication or alarm outputs. The 8-VDFN exposed-pad package and -40 C to +125 C range support factory-floor and outdoor industrial cabinets where board area and thermal margins are tight.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interfaces
The PIC12F635-E/MF can host firmware-based capacitive touch sensing on a few channels using its 20 MHz core and timer-capture peripheral for CTMU or mTouch-style charge-time measurement. Brown-out detect prevents false touches during supply glitches, and the 128-byte EEPROM retains button calibrations. The 8-VDFN exposed-pad package fits underneath touch pads on slim human-machine interface panels. For simple products such as kitchen-appliance control boards, audio volume wheels, or appliance front panels, the small 5-I/O count is sufficient when combined with a small capacitive-touch IC or directly driven touch electrodes.
Recommended
Low-End Motor and Solenoid Drivers
Small brushed DC motors, solenoids, and relays can be driven by the PIC12F635-E/MF paired with external MOSFETs or driver ICs. The 20 MHz core generates accurate PWM frequencies for speed control or soft-start sequencing, while the watchdog timer protects against stalled firmware that could overheat a driver stage. Brown-out reset and the -40 C to +125 C extended temperature range suit automotive under-hood and industrial cabinet environments. The 8-VDFN exposed-pad package allows integration into compact actuator PCBs where a separate MCU module would not fit. The 128-byte EEPROM stores motor-end-stop learn values or last-state information for failsafe recovery after power cycles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F635-E/MF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F635-I/MF | PIC12F617-I/MF | PIC12F615-I/MF | PIC12F1840-E/MF | PIC12F1572-E/MF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad (DFN-S 6x5 mm) | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad - same | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad - same | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad - same | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad - same | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Speed | PIC 8-bit / 20 MHz | PIC 8-bit / 20 MHz | PIC 8-bit / 20 MHz | PIC 8-bit / 20 MHz | PIC 8-bit / 32 MHz | PIC 8-bit / 32 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 128 bytes | 64 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | none | none | 256 bytes | none |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| Brown-out Reset / Watchdog | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | No / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| Approx. Unit Price (1 pc) | $1.42 | $1.38 | $1.50 | $1.20 | $1.75 | $1.55 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 128-byte EEPROM data memory (vs PIC12F615-E/MF)
- Brown-out reset and watchdog timer standard (vs PIC12F615-E/MF)
- Extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade (vs PIC12F635-I/MF)
Design Notes
The 8-VDFN exposed-pad package on the PIC12F635-E/MF requires a PCB land pattern with a central thermal pad connected to Vss. Per Microchip application note AN207, the exposed pad must be soldered to a copper pour of at least 10 mm^2 to achieve the rated -40 C to +125 C thermal performance and meet mechanical drop and vibration requirements. Insufficient soldering to the thermal pad is a common root cause of field failures.
The PIC12F635-E/MF operates from a regulated 4.5V to 5.5V supply. Use a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the Vdd pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the supply entry. The integrated brown-out detect (BOD) and power-on reset (POR) protect against code corruption during voltage dropouts, but the BOD level must be configured in the configuration bits to match the supply tolerance.
On the 8-VDFN variant, the GP3/MCLR/Vpp pin is the only input that does NOT support internal weak pull-up by default; an external pull-up of 10 kohm to 50 kohm is required on MCLR to keep the part out of reset. Failing to add this pull-up is the most common reason for a 'dead on first power-up' PIC12F635 design.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 qualification not applicable for non-automotive part number; AEC-Q100 grade 0 equivalent may exist under separate ordering code. Lead-free reflow profile per JEDEC J-STD-020.
