PIC12LC508A-04I/SN - 8-bit 4MHz MCU 768B OTP 25B RAM SOIC-8 | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LC508A-04I/SN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.85 | $0.85 |
| 10 | $0.78 | $7.80 |
| 100 | $0.72 | $72.00 |
| 500 | $0.65 | $325.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.58 | $580.00 |
PIC12LC508A-04I/SN Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, register file, ALU, and integrated program/data memory plus peripherals. The PIC12LC508A belongs to the PIC10/12/16 mid-range family, sitting hierarchically as: 8-bit MCU -> RISC microcontroller -> PIC12C5xx baseline family -> CMOS OTP MCU -> embedded controller. It uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a 33-instruction RISC ISA, and 12-bit wide instructions, delivering approximately 2:1 code compression over comparable 8-bit CISC MCUs. Single-cycle instruction execution (1 us at 4 MHz) makes throughput 4x that of legacy 8-bit peers.
Key features include 6 general-purpose digital I/O pins, an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit programmable prescaler, Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT), Watchdog Timer (WDT) with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator, programmable code protection, and 1,000,000 erase/write cycle endurance. The wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range simplifies battery-powered and 3.3 V system designs.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, remote controls, sensor signal conditioning, battery management, LED driving logic, automotive body electronics, and simple state machines. Industrial temperature qualification allows deployment in harsh environments without derating.
When designing, leave GP3 configured as input-only or MCLR reset per datasheet, and respect the 25-byte RAM limit when selecting an RTOS or large stack frames. The OTP memory requires a device programmer (e.g., PICkit) for firmware loading.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LC508A-04I/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 PIC12LC508A-04I/SN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Timers, Watchdog Timer, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LC508A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.04 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F508-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F508-E/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C508A-04I/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C509A-04I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LC508A-04I/SN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (mid-range) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 25 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1 us at 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit) with 8-bit programmable prescaler; WDT with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Reset Sources | Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT), MCLR |
| Code Protection | Programmable |
| Erase/Write Endurance | 1,000,000 cycles |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 8-pin SOIC (SN, 0.150 inch body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12LC508A-04I/SN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — General-purpose I/O / Crystal oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 2 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT — General-purpose I/O / Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 3 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — General-purpose I/O (input-only) / Master Clear reset / Programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | GP2/AN2/T0CKI — General-purpose I/O / Analog input / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 5 | GP1/AN1 — General-purpose I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 6 | GP0/AN0 — General-purpose I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12LC508A-04I/SN is suitable for 7 applications: Remote Control Transmitter, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Automotive Body Electronics, LED Lighting Controller, Home Appliance User Interface, Toys and Educational Electronics, Industrial Sensor Conditioning.
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC12LC508A-04I/SN is well-suited for handheld infrared remote controls thanks to its 2.5 V-5.5 V supply range (compatible with 2x AAA cells at 2.0 V-3.2 V), 25 B RAM sufficient for button matrix decoding and IR protocol timing, and TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler enabling accurate carrier generation (typically 38 kHz or 40 kHz). The 4 MHz CPU gives 1 us instruction cycle granularity, well-matched to NEC, RC5, or SIRC protocol bit timings. Its small 8-pin SOIC footprint suits ultra-compact remote PCBs, and the low-voltage LC variant extends battery life by allowing operation down to 2.5 V cell voltage.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC12LC508A-04I/SN fits low-duty-cycle sensor nodes (temperature, humidity, contact closure) because the 'LC' 2.5 V minimum supply lets it run from 2x AA alkaline cells down to 2.0 V, while the Watchdog Timer enables sleep currents of only a few microamps between wake events. The 6 I/O pins provide adequate headroom for one analog sensor (via the A/D-less comparator input), one digital interrupt, and a few indicator LEDs. With only 25 B of RAM the firmware must be lean, but typical periodic-read-and-transmit loops fit comfortably. Industrial -40 C to +85 C qualification supports outdoor enclosure deployment.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Body-control applications like interior lamp timers, simple door-lock logic, and accessory delay relays benefit from the PIC12LC508A-04I/SN's 2.5 V-5.5 V supply tolerance (handles 12 V battery cranking drops to ~6 V with a regulator) and -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range. The 4 MHz CPU and 25 B RAM are sufficient for state-machine logic and timer functions. The 6 I/O pins accommodate relay drivers and switch inputs. Note: for AEC-Q100 qualified automotive, Microchip recommends PIC12F508-I/SN with Flash memory. The 8-pin SOIC package suits compact relay boxes and inline modules.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
RGB or single-color LED controllers in architectural and accent lighting benefit from the PIC12LC508A-04I/SN's PWM-capable TMR0 (software-PWM via timer overflow interrupts), low-voltage operation (5 V USB-powered or battery), and compact 8-pin SOIC. The 4 MHz CPU supports refresh rates above 100 Hz for smooth dimming. Code-protection prevents unauthorized firmware cloning, important for branded lighting products. The 768 B OTP fits typical color-cycle and DMX-512 minimal decoding routines. For production volume cost optimization, OTP-only devices are typically $0.20-0.30 cheaper than Flash variants.
Recommended
Home Appliance User Interface
Microwave keypads, washing-machine control boards, and small kitchen appliances leverage the PIC12LC508A-04I/SN's 6 I/O pins for 12-key matrix scanning, plus TMR0 debouncing. The 2.5 V-5.5 V supply allows direct 3.3 V or 5 V operation. Industrial temperature grade handles under-cabinet heat. The 25 B RAM is adequate for status flags and counters, and the 768 B OTP fits cook-profile tables and UI state machines. The 8-pin SOIC is drop-in compatible with PIC12F508-I/SN, letting designers migrate to Flash for prototypes and back to OTP for production cost-down.
Recommended
Toys and Educational Electronics
Cost-sensitive consumer toys, learning kits, and DIY maker boards use the PIC12LC508A-04I/SN as the brain for sound effects (with external buzzer), servo control, or LED animations. The OTP memory prevents firmware theft by competitors, important for toy IP. The PICkit-programmable 8-pin DIP variant (PIC12LC508A-04I/P) is breadboard-friendly for educational use, while the SOIC variant is preferred for production. The 4 MHz CPU and 25 B RAM fit simple sound-pattern tables and motor-state machines easily. Low supply voltage suits 2x AA battery packs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
Simple industrial signal-conditioning front-ends (thermistor linearization, switch debouncing, frequency-to-voltage conversion) use the PIC12LC508A-04I/SN as a low-cost digital replacement for analog circuitry. The TMR0 with prescaler counts pulses, while software math compensates sensor nonlinearities. The 2.5 V minimum supply enables operation from regulated 24 V industrial bus via low-cost LDO. Industrial -40 C to +85 C supports factory floor deployment. With 768 B OTP, look-up tables for thermistor curves and basic linearization fit comfortably in program memory.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LC508A-04I/SN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LC508A-04I/P | PIC12F508-I/SN | PIC12F508-E/SN | PIC12C508A-04I/SN | PIC12C509A-04I/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC | PDIP-8 | 8-SOIC (same) | 8-SOIC (same) | 8-SOIC (same) | 8-SOIC (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP (same) | 1024 B Flash (+33%) | 1024 B Flash (+33%) | 768 B OTP (same) | 1536 B OTP (+100%) |
| Data RAM | 25 B | 25 B (same) | 25 B (same) | 25 B (same) | 25 B (same) | 41 B (+64%) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (same) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (narrower) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (narrower) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz (same) | 4 MHz (same) | 4 MHz (same) | 4 MHz (same) | 4 MHz (same) |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP (same) | Flash (reprogrammable) | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP (same) | OTP (same) |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 (same) | 6 (same) | 6 (same) | 6 (same) | 6 (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C (same) |
Key Differentiators
- OTP memory prevents firmware theft (vs PIC12F508-I/SN)
- Lower unit cost in high volume (vs PIC12F508-I/SN)
- 2.5 V minimum supply supports depleted batteries (vs PIC12C508A-04I/SN)
Design Notes
GP3 is input-only on PIC12LC508A-04I/SN; configuring TRISIO incorrectly will not produce output but will not damage the pin. GP3 also doubles as MCLR reset; if used as a digital input, the internal weak pull-up is enabled and the MCLR function must be disabled in the configuration word (MCLRE = 0).
Decouple VDD (pin 8) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, and add a 10 uF bulk capacitor if the supply comes from a switching regulator. The PIC12LC508A draws < 1 mA active at 4 MHz and < 5 uA in sleep, so decoupling is mainly for noise immunity. Reset behavior on power-up requires VDD rise time under datasheet specifications; use a POR-friendly power ramp.
When using an external crystal (HS or XT mode), place the crystal and its loading capacitors within 5 mm of pins 1 and 2 (OSC1/OSC2). Keep crystal traces short and shield them with a ground pour to prevent crosstalk. For low-cost designs using the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator, no external components are needed and GPIO5/GPIO4 can be used as general I/O when configured in the configuration word.
ICSP programming on the PIC12LC508A-04I/SN requires VPP on GP3/MCLR (pin 3), PGD on GP0 (pin 6), PGC on GP1 (pin 5), and VSS/VCC on pins 7 and 8. Reserve a 5-pin ICSP header footprint (0.1 inch pitch) on prototype PCBs to enable in-circuit programming. Note that OTP memory can only be programmed once - subsequent firmware revisions require a new device.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40 C to +85 C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive use Microchip recommends PIC12F508-I/SN.
