PIC12LC508A-04I/P - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LC508A-04I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.92 | $1.92 |
| 10 | $1.73 | $17.30 |
| 100 | $1.45 | $145.00 |
| 500 | $1.21 | $605.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.04 | $1,040.00 |
PIC12LC508A-04I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a compact programmable processor that combines a CPU, non-volatile program memory (ROM/EPROM/OTP/Flash), volatile data RAM, and peripherals such as timers, reset, and I/O onto a single die. The PIC12C5xx family occupies the low-cost, small-pin-count tier of the PIC architecture hierarchy: PIC12C5xx -> 8-bit PIC MCUs -> PIC microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. Microcontrollers of this class are typically deployed as glue logic, sensor front-ends, and standalone control cores in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer products.
Key features include 4 MHz maximum operating frequency, a 1 microsecond instruction execution time, an 8-bit real-time counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit programmable prescaler, a Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator, Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT), and an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator for low-BOM-count designs. The device operates from 2.5V to 5.5V across an industrial -40C to +85C temperature window.
Architecturally, the PIC12LC508A-04I/P uses a Harvard RISC core with separate program and data buses, achieving deterministic 1-cycle instruction execution at 4 MHz (250 ns per instruction). Its 12-bit-wide instruction word is optimized for compact code density rather than arithmetic width, which is typical for PIC baseline-class controllers where program memory is measured in 12-bit words rather than bytes.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, industrial sensor interfaces, LED controllers, simple motor control, automotive body electronics, and battery-powered or remote-control devices where the 8-pin footprint, OTP cost structure, and Microchip ecosystem support are decisive. The industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) extends usability to harsh enclosures and outdoor installations.
When designing with this part, note that the "LC" prefix denotes a wider operating voltage range (2.5V to 5.5V) versus the "C" 5V-only variant, and the "I" suffix marks the industrial temperature grade. Because the program memory is OTP (one-time-programmable), the PIC12LC508A-04I/P is best chosen for high-volume, locked-firmware designs; for field upgrades or design iteration, choose the PIC12F508 Flash equivalent.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LC508A-04I/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 PIC12LC508A-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Timers, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
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PIC12LC508A-04/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C508A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C508A-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F508-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F508-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LC508A-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Set Width | 12-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 33 (single-word, single-cycle) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 1 microsecond (at 4 MHz) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12-bit words) |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (300 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit) with 8-bit programmable prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Reset Features | Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT) |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz RC (on-chip) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lifecycle Status | Active |
PIC12LC508A-04I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — General-purpose I/O / oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT — General-purpose I/O / oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — General-purpose input / Master Clear reset (active-low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | GP2/T0CKI — General-purpose I/O / TMR0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | GP1 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 7 | GP0 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12LC508A-04I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller, LED Lighting Controller, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Remote Control and Battery-Powered Devices, Automotive Body Electronics, Hobbyist and Educational Embedded Projects.
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller
The PIC12LC508A-04I/P fits small consumer appliances (toasters, blenders, coffee makers) where the 8-pin PDIP footprint, 2.5V-5.5V supply range, 25B RAM, and 6 I/O pins provide enough control for relay, button, and LED interfaces. At $1.04 per unit (qty 1000, as of 2026-09-16), the OTP cost structure supports high-volume locked-firmware designs, while the industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade tolerates kitchen thermal stress. The on-chip 4 MHz RC oscillator removes the need for an external crystal, BOM-count is minimal, and the 33-instruction baseline RISC core delivers deterministic 1 microsecond per instruction for simple state-machine control loops.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC12LC508A-04I/P drives simple LED controllers (single-channel dimmers, status indicators, decorative lighting) where its 6 I/O pins connect directly to MOSFET gate drivers, push-buttons, and PWM-tied LEDs. The 4 MHz core provides enough bandwidth for software PWM at kHz frequencies, while the 25B RAM and 768B OTP support pattern tables and fade curves. The 2.5V-5.5V supply lets the part run from a 3.3V regulator shared with LED strings, and the industrial temperature range accommodates enclosed fixture thermal rise. Compared to a discrete logic solution, the OTP MCU lowers BOM and increases flexibility.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC12LC508A-04I/P serves as a sensor-interface MCU in industrial modules (4-20 mA loop transmitters, simple transducer conditioners, contact-debounce interfaces) where the industrial -40C to +85C temperature range is mandatory for factory-floor and outdoor enclosures. Its 6 I/O pins handle digital sensors, switch inputs, and UART/emulated serial, while the 25B RAM and 768B OTP are sufficient for calibration tables and protocol framing. The 2.5V-5.5V supply tolerates unregulated 24V industrial rails via an LDO, and the PIC RISC architecture ensures deterministic interrupt latency for real-time polling loops.
Recommended
Remote Control and Battery-Powered Devices
The PIC12LC508A-04I/P is well-suited to remote controls, key fobs, and 2xAA-cell battery-powered devices because its 2.5V-5.5V supply range spans the full NiMH/alkaline discharge curve and its baseline RISC core consumes only a few milliamps active. The 8-pin PDIP through-hole package is friendly to hobbyist and educational assembly, while the 4 MHz internal RC oscillator removes the need for an external resonator. The 768B OTP holds small fixed command sets, and the 25B RAM supports button-debounce state machines. The industrial temp range ensures reliable operation in outdoor remote transmitters across seasonal extremes.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC12LC508A-04I/P handles non-safety automotive body electronics (interior lighting, simple wiper timers, accessory controllers) where its industrial -40C to +85C temperature range meets cabin thermal requirements and the 8-pin PDIP is acceptable for through-hole accessory modules. The on-chip watchdog timer with its own RC oscillator is independent of the system clock and resets the MCU on code-lockup. The 2.5V-5.5V supply supports 12V-bus-derived 5V rails. Note: For under-hood or safety-critical automotive designs, an AEC-Q100-qualified part must be selected instead; the LC508A-04I/P itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Embedded Projects
The PIC12LC508A-04I/P is a canonical entry point for hobbyist and educational projects (introductory embedded courses, blinky-LED tutorials, simple robotics controllers) because of its 8-pin PDIP through-hole package that fits breadboards and through-hole prototyping boards. The 4 MHz internal RC oscillator, 33-instruction baseline RISC core, and free MPLAB X IDE + XC8 toolchain create a low-friction learning environment. The 25B RAM and 768B OTP are large enough for blinking-LED, debounced-button, servo-pulse, and serial-echo exercises but small enough to force disciplined coding. The $1.04 unit price at qty 1000 (as of 2026-09-16) keeps classroom kits affordable.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LC508A-04I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LC508A-04/P | PIC12C508A-04I/P | PIC12C508A-04/P | PIC12F508-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (300 mil) | 8-pin PDIP (300 mil) - same | 8-pin PDIP (300 mil) - same | 8-pin PDIP (300 mil) - same | 8-pin PDIP (300 mil) - same |
| Program Memory | 768B OTP (512 x 12) | 768B OTP (same) | 768B OTP (same) | 768B OTP (same) | 768B Flash (same density) |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 4.0V to 5.5V (5V only) | 4.0V to 5.5V (5V only) | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (1000 cycles) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1000) | $1.04 | $0.90 (lower temp grade) | $1.05 (5V only) | $0.85 (5V, commercial) | $1.20 (Flash premium) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest unit cost at qty 1000 among industrial-grade PIC12C5xx 8-pin PDIP OTP MCUs (vs PIC12F508-I/P)
- Wider supply voltage range than the C-only variant (vs PIC12C508A-04I/P)
- Industrial temperature range on a PDIP-only 8-pin footprint (vs PIC12LC508A-04/P)
- Internal 4 MHz RC oscillator eliminates external crystal BOM (vs PIC12F675-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC12LC508A-04I/P draws a few milliamps active at 4 MHz and drops to microamp-level sleep current on WDT or full sleep, but the baseline core lacks true nanoWatt features - for battery applications demanding <1 microA standby, evaluate the PIC12F519-I/P (Flash equivalent with nanoWatt) or the PIC12F635-I/P (nanoWatt with EEPROM). The 2.5V-5.5V supply range covers NiMH/alkaline discharge curves directly without an LDO, simplifying battery-powered designs. Add a 100 nF decoupling cap as close to VDD pin 1 as possible to suppress digital switching noise that can corrupt TMR0 captures.
Two common pitfalls deserve emphasis. First, OTP memory is one-time-programmable - once a PIC12LC508A-04I/P is programmed, the firmware is locked and cannot be erased. For design iteration or field updates, choose the PIC12F508-I/P Flash equivalent, which retains the same 8-pin PDIP footprint, 768B code space, and 25B RAM. Second, the MCLR/GP3 pin (pin 4) is shared between general-purpose input, master-clear reset, and programming-voltage input - tying it directly to VDD without a resistor can prevent in-circuit serial programming (ICSP). Always use a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR per Microchip baseline recommendations.
The 8-pin PDIP package simplifies PCB layout compared to surface-mount variants - the through-hole pads accommodate large annular rings, hand-soldering, and breadboard prototyping. Keep the decoupling capacitor trace to VDD under 5 mm to limit lead inductance at the 4 MHz switching harmonics. If using the on-chip RC mode rather than a crystal, leave OSC1 and OSC2 (GP5/GP4) free as GPIO and avoid long traces. For designs requiring AES-Q100, automotive EMI/ESD performance, or -40C to +125C operation, the PIC12LC508A-04I/P is not qualified and you must select an AEC-Q100 part number instead.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free PDIP terminations. Halogen-free. NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive under-hood or safety-critical applications, an AEC-Q100 qualified part must be selected.
