PIC12LC508AT-04/SM - 8-bit MCU, 768B OTP, 4MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LC508AT-04/SM ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.45 | $1.45 |
| 10 | $1.32 | $13.20 |
| 100 | $1.15 | $115.00 |
| 500 | $0.98 | $490.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.84 | $840.00 |
PIC12LC508AT-04/SM Overview
What is an 8-bit OTP microcontroller? An OTP microcontroller is a single-chip computer that stores its program in non-volatile memory that can be written exactly once (or a limited number of times during production programming), as opposed to flash-based MCUs that can be re-written in-circuit thousands of times. The PIC12LC508A belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller hierarchy -> RISC microcontroller -> PIC architecture -> Microchip 12C family, and is positioned at the lowest-cost end of Microchip's portfolio for high-volume, space-constrained applications.
Key differentiating features of the PIC12LC508AT-04/SM include its ultra-small 8-pin SOIJ footprint with 1.27 mm pitch, low-voltage 2.5 V to 5.5 V operation, six bidirectional I/O lines that share package pins with GP0-GP5, and a 33-instruction RISC instruction set with 12-bit-wide opcode. The architecture is Harvard (separate program/data buses), and a two-stage pipeline delivers near 1 MIPS throughput per MHz, so the 4 MHz oscillator yields approximately 1 MIPS of sustained execution. The internal 4 MHz RC option (calibrated) further reduces external component count.
From an application perspective, the PIC12LC508AT-04/SM is best understood as a glue-logic replacement and ultra-low-cost control engine. It targets designs that previously used discrete 555 timers, transistor logic, or small ASICs and need firmware flexibility. The wide operating range and OTP program memory make it appropriate for one-time-programmed production devices where firmware does not need field upgrades.
Typical applications include low-power consumer electronics, simple sensor signal conditioning, LED driver controllers, toy and hobby electronics, smart-card peripherals, battery chargers, remote-control transmitters/receivers, low-end appliance control, automotive body controllers (non-safety), and personal-care devices such as electric toothbrushes. Six I/O pins are sufficient for keypad scanning, relay drive, PWM-style LED control via the TMR0 prescaler, or serial-bit-banged protocols.
Design considerations include the OTP nature of the program memory (no field re-programmability), the need for an in-system-serial-programming (ICSP) header to load code during manufacturing, supply-decoupling capacitor selection, and WDT configuration to handle software lock-up conditions. According to Microchip's PIC12C508A/LC508A datasheet (DS40186E-family), the device supports in-circuit debugging via ICD and the standard PICkit programming toolchain.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, datasheet pin assignments, and design considerations beyond the manufacturer datasheet to support engineer selection and sourcing.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LC508AT-04/SM — 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 PIC12LC508AT-04/SM (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LC508A-04/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LC508AT-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LC508AT-04I/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C508A-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C508AT-04/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LC508AT-04/SM Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC® 12C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| CPU Speed (max) | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| Data RAM Size | 25 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (LC variant) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C |
| Package / Case | 8-SOIJ (0.209 inch / 5.30 mm width, 1.27 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Peripherals | POR, WDT, TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler |
| Connectivity | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Instruction Set | 33 RISC instructions, 12-bit opcode |
PIC12LC508AT-04/SM Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — Bidirectional I/O pin GP5; oscillator input or external clock input |
| Pin 2 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT — Bidirectional I/O pin GP4; oscillator output or clock output |
| Pin 3 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O pin GP3; Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 4 | GP2/T0CKI/INT — Bidirectional I/O pin GP2; TMR0 external clock input / external interrupt |
| Pin 5 | GP1 — Bidirectional I/O pin GP1 |
| Pin 6 | GP0 — Bidirectional I/O pin GP0; ICSP data pin |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 5.5 V for LC variant) |
Typical Applications
PIC12LC508AT-04/SM is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node Controller, Consumer Toy and Hobby Electronics, Small Appliance Control Board, LED Lighting and Decorative Controller, Remote Control Transmitter/Receiver, Personal Care and Wearable Device.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node Controller
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SM is well suited as the main controller in a low-power battery-driven sensor node because of its 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range, which lets it run directly from a single Li-ion cell down to its cutoff voltage without a boost converter. Its 4 MHz clock delivers about 1 MIPS throughput, more than enough to read a thermistor or hall-effect sensor via the ADC-less analog comparator bit-banging technique and transmit a result over a one-wire or PWM-style interface. The 6 I/O pins map cleanly to VDD-sense, sensor enable, indicator LED, and one-wire data. According to Microchip's PIC12C508A/LC508A datasheet, the LC variant draws only microamps in sleep, enabling multi-year battery life in applications like wireless temperature loggers, smart thermostats, and remote weather stations.
Recommended
Consumer Toy and Hobby Electronics
Toy manufacturers frequently select the PIC12LC508AT-04/SM for ultra-low-cost consumer products because the OTP memory eliminates field-reprogramming concerns and the 8-pin SOIJ package fits inside the smallest enclosures. The MCU can bit-bang IR protocols, drive LEDs via TMR0 PWM, debounce pushbuttons, and synthesize audio tones using timer interrupts at very low BOM cost. According to Microchip's PIC12C508A/LC508A datasheet, the part's wide supply range and internal RC oscillator reduce external component count to a single decoupling cap plus optional crystal. Common end products include talking dolls, blinking toys, electronic games, RC-car motor controllers, and seasonal decoration light controllers. The low unit cost (under $1 at qty 1000) makes it ideal for the high-volume consumer segment where each penny of BOM matters.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Board
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SM serves as a low-cost control MCU in small home appliances such as coffee makers, electric kettles, hair dryers, and kitchen timers. Its 6 I/O pins can scan a 3-button keypad, drive a triac or relay via opto-isolated gate, control a 7-segment LED display via bit-banged multiplexing, and monitor a thermistor for safety cutoff. The 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range supports direct operation from a 3.3 V or 5 V regulated rail. According to Microchip's PIC12C508A/LC508A datasheet, the built-in WDT with on-chip RC oscillator ensures the appliance safely resets if the firmware ever locks up, and programmable code protection prevents IP theft in high-volume production. OTP memory guarantees a fixed firmware revision per production run, simplifying safety certification.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Decorative Controller
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SM is a strong fit for LED string and decorative lighting controllers where the firmware only needs to run fixed patterns (chase, fade, twinkle) on multiple LED channels. TMR0 with the 8-bit programmable prescaler generates the time base for PWM-style LED dimming at low frequencies that match human visual perception, while 6 I/O pins can drive up to 6 LED channels directly through MOSFETs or constant-current drivers. The wide supply range supports both battery-powered (2xAA) and USB-powered (5 V) decorative fixtures. According to Microchip's PIC12C508A/LC508A datasheet, OTP memory locks in the lighting pattern at production, preventing field tampering and reducing support costs. Applications include holiday light strings, marquee signs, novelty lamps, and architectural accent lighting.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter/Receiver
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SM can implement the logic of a low-cost RF or IR remote control transmitter or receiver, encoding button presses into bit-banged serial protocols and driving a 38 kHz carrier via TMR0 for IR transmission. The 6 I/O pins are sufficient for a 4-button keypad with two status LEDs, and the 4 MHz clock provides enough throughput for standard RC5, NEC, or proprietary protocols. The 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range supports both coin-cell and AAA-powered remotes. According to Microchip's PIC12C508A/LC508A datasheet, the WDT provides automatic recovery from noise-induced firmware lock-up, important in electrically noisy RF environments. Receiver-side designs use the same MCU to decode incoming bit streams and drive relays, motors, or indicators, with code protection preventing reverse-engineering of proprietary protocols.
Recommended
Personal Care and Wearable Device
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SM is well-suited for personal care and wearable products such as electric toothbrushes, electronic massagers, smart toothbrush timers, and basic fitness bands where the firmware is fixed and BOM cost is paramount. Its 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range lets it run from a single Li-ion or Li-poly cell down to its protection cutoff, maximizing usable battery capacity. TMR0 drives vibration motor PWM, button debouncing, and battery voltage monitoring via the internal bandgap reference. According to Microchip's PIC12C508A/LC508A datasheet, OTP memory ensures the firmware cannot be modified in the field, important for safety-certified medical-adjacent devices. The 8-pin SOIJ footprint fits into the smallest wearable enclosures, and the 33-instruction RISC instruction set is more than sufficient for the typical 200-1000 lines of C or assembly code in these applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LC508AT-04/SM — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LC508A-04/SM | PIC12LC508AT-04E/SM | PIC12LC508AT-04I/SM | PIC12C508A-04/SM | PIC12C508AT-04/SM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-SOIJ | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-SOIJ - same |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 6.0 V | 4.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP |
| Data RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range for direct battery operation (vs PIC12C508A-04/SM)
- Same die and footprint across temperature grades simplifies BOM (vs PIC12LC508AT-04I/SM)
- OTP memory locks firmware at production for tamper resistance (vs PIC12F508-I/SN)
Design Notes
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SM draws microamp-level currents in Sleep mode and approximately 1-2 mA active at 4 MHz according to Microchip's PIC12C508A/LC508A datasheet. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin; for battery applications add a 10 µF bulk capacitor near the supply input. The wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range enables direct connection to a single Li-ion cell without a boost regulator, saving BOM cost and quiescent current.
The 8-pin SOIJ package has a 1.27 mm pitch and 5.30 mm body width - lay out the footprint according to Microchip's recommended PCB land pattern (refer to the package outline drawing in the datasheet). The exposed leads on SOIJ packages wick solder easily with lead-free SAC305 profiles (peak 245 °C, 60 sec above 217 °C). Hand-soldering is feasible with a fine-tip iron but production assembly should use reflow or hot-bar to avoid thermal damage to the plastic body.
OTP program memory cannot be erased - verify your firmware with engineering samples (windowed or flash-based equivalents) before committing to the OTP production part. The MCLR/GP3/VPP pin (pin 3) must be tied to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor for normal operation; leave it floating only during ICSP programming. According to Microchip documentation, the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator is factory-calibrated but may need software trimming via the OSCCAL register for time-sensitive UART-style bit-banged protocols.
Compliance Information
RoHS status noted as 'NO' by one third-party distributor (hypersonicavionics.com); manufacturer confirmation recommended. Most modern Microchip PIC products are RoHS-compliant by default but the SOIJ package may be supplied in lead-finish variants depending on date code. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - this part is not automotive-qualified.
