PIC12LC508AT-04/SN - 8-bit PIC MCU, 768B OTP, 4MHz, 8-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LC508AT-04/SN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.69 | $0.69 |
| 10 | $0.62 | $6.20 |
| 100 | $0.55 | $55.00 |
| 500 | $0.49 | $245.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.43 | $430.00 |
PIC12LC508AT-04/SN Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data RAM, and peripheral interfaces into one IC. The PIC12C series from Microchip belongs to the broader category of 8-bit microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. These compact MCUs are widely used as glue logic, simple control engines, and low-cost programmable devices in commercial and industrial products.
Key specifications include 6 I/O pins, a wide operating voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V, an operating temperature range of 0°C to +70°C, and built-in peripherals such as an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with programmable prescaler, Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT), Watchdog Timer (WDT) with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator, and programmable code protection. The OTP memory allows one-time field programming and is ideal for low-to-medium volume production.
Architecturally, the device uses a Harvard RISC core with a 12-bit wide instruction word, enabling compact code density and deterministic single-cycle instruction execution (except branches). The 'LC' variant designation denotes the extended low-voltage operating range optimized for battery-powered and 3.3V systems. The 'AT' suffix indicates the industrial tape-and-reel packaging orientation, while '04' specifies the 4MHz maximum clock speed, and 'SN' indicates the 8-pin SOIC package.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer electronics, battery-powered devices, simple sensor interfaces, LED driving and lighting controllers, timer/replacement circuits, and embedded control in white goods. The compact 8-pin footprint makes it well-suited for space-constrained designs that require more flexibility than pure hardware logic but don't justify larger 14- or 20-pin microcontrollers.
When designing with this MCU, note that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed - firmware must be fully verified before programming. For development cycles requiring iteration, consider PIC12F508 (Flash-based, drop-in replacement) or PIC12C508A (windowed EPROM version). The 4MHz clock limits instruction throughput to approximately 1 MIPS.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing procurement and engineering value beyond the original PIC12LC508AT-04/SN datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LC508AT-04/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 PIC12LC508AT-04/SN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Program Memory Type, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F508-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C508A-04/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LC508A-04/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LC508A-04I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F509-I/SN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12CE518-04/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LC508AT-04/SN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Series | PIC12C/PIC12LC family |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 words) |
| Data RAM | 25 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | Approximately 1 MIPS |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit with programmable prescaler), WDT |
| Special Features | POR, DRT, WDT with dedicated RC oscillator, code protection |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C |
| Package | 8-pin SOIC (SN, 3.90 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12LC508AT-04/SN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 2 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO 5 / Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO 4 / Oscillator crystal output / Clock output (1/4 fosc) |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO 3 (input only) / Master Clear reset / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | GP2/T0CKI — GPIO 2 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | GP1 — GPIO 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 7 | GP0 — GPIO 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12LC508AT-04/SN is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Consumer Electronics, Battery-Powered Devices, LED Lighting Controllers, Simple Sensor Interface, Timer Replacement Circuits, White Goods and Appliance Control.
Low-Cost Consumer Electronics
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SN fits low-cost consumer products where a simple 8-bit MCU replaces discrete logic or 555 timers. With 768B OTP memory and 25 bytes RAM, it handles basic state machines, button debouncing, and LED sequencing in toys, small appliances, and remote controls. The 2.5V-5.5V range allows direct 3.3V or 5V battery operation, while 4MHz clock delivers ~1 MIPS - sufficient for typical control loops under 10kHz. The 8-SOIC package keeps BOM cost and PCB footprint minimal. Designers should evaluate PIC12F508-I/SN if iterative firmware tuning is needed during development, then migrate to PIC12LC508AT-04/SN for production at lower unit cost.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Devices
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SN suits battery-powered devices due to its extended low-voltage operation starting at 2.5V - a single 3V coin cell or two AA cells can power it directly. The CMOS design yields low quiescent current, and the WDT with dedicated RC oscillator allows periodic wake-up from sleep mode. With 6 I/O pins, it can drive a small display, monitor a sensor, or control a low-power wireless transmitter. The OTP memory is appropriate for products with stable, finalized firmware. Estimated battery life can exceed 1 year for intermittent-sampling applications; verify against specific load profile and datasheet current consumption curves.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SN excels as an LED controller for decorative lighting, status indicators, and simple RGB color-mixing circuits. Its 4MHz clock and 6 I/O pins allow PWM-driven LED dimming, color sequencing, and pattern generation without external driver ICs. The WDT handles reliable startup and fault recovery in unattended installations, while code protection prevents firmware copying. Operating voltage of 2.5V-5.5V accepts both 3.3V logic-level LEDs and 5V standard configurations. For high-brightness LED arrays, supplement with external MOSFET drivers; the MCU itself only sources/sinks ~25mA per pin. The compact 8-SOIC package fits inside inline lamp controllers.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SN serves as a basic sensor interface for thermistors, photoresistors, simple switches, and contact closures. With 6 I/O and an 8-bit TMR0, it implements timing-based measurements like RC discharge timing for resistance sensors. While the device lacks an internal ADC, designers use the GP0-GP2 pins for digital threshold detection or comparator-based measurements with external circuitry. The 4MHz clock provides sufficient resolution for sub-millisecond timing. The OTP memory secures sensor calibration coefficients. For analog-rich sensor designs, consider PIC12F675 with its 10-bit ADC in the same 8-SOIC package.
Recommended
Timer Replacement Circuits
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SN directly replaces legacy 555 timer and discrete RC timing circuits with a programmable, more accurate alternative. Using TMR0 with its 8-bit programmable prescaler, the MCU generates precision delays from microseconds to seconds, far more accurate than RC-based analog timing. Six I/O pins allow multiple timing channels or relay control. The 0°C to +70°C range suits commercial equipment, and OTP programming locks timing parameters permanently, preventing end-user tampering. The 8-SOIC package is a drop-in size match for many 555-based designs, with potentially reduced BOM count by replacing RC networks.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Control
The PIC12LC508AT-04/SN is well-suited for white goods and small appliance control, including coffee makers, kitchen timers, washing-machine sub-modules, and HVAC damper controllers. Its 4MHz operation delivers deterministic control, while 6 I/O pins drive relays, triacs, and status LEDs. The WDT with dedicated RC oscillator ensures reliable recovery from power glitches, and code protection secures proprietary algorithms. Operating from 2.5V-5.5V accepts rectified 5V supplies common in appliances. Industrial temperature variants (PIC12LC508A-04I/SN) extend operating range to -40°C to +85°C for non-oven applications. OTP memory is preferred for high-volume stable firmware.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LC508AT-04/SN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F508-I/SN | PIC12C508A-04/SN | PIC12LC508A-04I/SN | PIC12F509-I/SN | PIC12CE518-04/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC - same | 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 Flash | 768 B EPROM | 768 B OTP | 1.4 KB Flash | 768 B OTP + 16 B EEPROM |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C |
| Memory Type | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) | EPROM (windowed) | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP + 16 B EEPROM |
| Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz / 20 MHz (with internal osc) | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz / 8 MHz | 4 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Extended low-voltage 2.5V operation versus standard 3.0V PIC12C508A (vs PIC12C508A-04/SN)
- True OTP memory for permanent firmware lock versus Flash reprogrammability (vs PIC12F508-I/SN)
- Commercial temperature grade (0-70°C) optimized for cost-sensitive consumer products (vs PIC12LC508A-04I/SN)
Design Notes
OTP memory cannot be erased or reprogrammed - the firmware must be 100% verified before programming. A single bit error wastes the entire IC. For development and prototyping, always use PIC12F508-I/SN (Flash variant, same pinout) and only migrate to PIC12LC508AT-04/SN for production. Once programmed and code-protected, the firmware is permanently locked; budget for programming yield loss of 1-3% in production. Do not confuse 'T' suffix (tape and reel orientation) with temperature grade.
VDD must be decoupled with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor placed as close to pins 1 and 8 as possible, with trace length under 5mm. For battery-powered designs operating below 3V, the PIC12LC508AT-04/SN's extended 2.5V minimum is preferable to PIC12C508A variants (3.0V minimum). Estimated: at 4MHz, VDD=3.3V, the typical operating current is approximately 1-2 mA; current drops to microampere levels in sleep mode. Add bulk capacitance (10uF) if powering from high-impedance sources.
Place the 8-SOIC on a single signal layer with ground plane on the opposite side. MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) should have a 10k-100k pull-up resistor to VDD for normal operation; during ICSP programming, this pin receives the programming voltage (~13V). Avoid long traces on GP3 (pin 4) as it is shared with MCLR. Keep crystal or resonator traces (pins 2-3) short and symmetric. For low-EMI designs, route VDD and VSS with wide traces or power plane fills.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance verified via Microchip product page and authorized distributor listings. PIC12LC508AT-04/SN is not AEC-Q100 qualified (automotive). For automotive applications, consider PIC12F508 or PIC16 series with AEC-Q100 documentation.
