PIC12LC672-04/SM - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 3.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LC672-04/SM ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.85 | $925.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.65 | $1,650.00 |
PIC12LC672-04/SM Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory, RAM, and peripherals. The PIC12C/12CE/12F family from Microchip Technology uses a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) Harvard architecture, which separates program and data memory paths to enable single-cycle instruction execution and deterministic interrupt response. The PIC12LC672 sits in the hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC.
Key features include an operating voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V, 33 single-word instructions, a Power-On Reset (POR) circuit, a Device Reset Timer (DRT), and a Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable recovery from firmware faults. The internal 4 MHz oscillator eliminates the need for external clock components, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The 8-bit A/D converter provides four analog input channels with selectable reference voltages, enabling direct sensor interfacing without external ADC ICs.
The PIC12LC672 uses Microchip's mature OTP program memory architecture, which allows prototyping and low-volume production using inexpensive programming tools, while the LC variant indicates operation down to 2.5V for battery-powered applications. The integrated peripherals allow designers to replace multiple discrete components with a single MCU, simplifying BOM and improving reliability through reduced part count.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, simple motor drivers, LED controllers, and embedded control subsystems in consumer and industrial products. The combination of low power, integrated ADC, and small 8-pin package makes it well-suited to cost-sensitive designs where board space is at a premium.
When designing with this part, use Microchip's MPLAB development environment for code generation and debugging. Ensure decoupling capacitors are placed close to VDD and that the MCLR pin is properly biased. The OTP memory is one-time programmable; once programmed, the code cannot be erased or rewritten.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC12C/12CE family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing and substitution decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LC672-04/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 PIC12LC672-04/SM (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Timers, Operating Temperature, Package, Watchdog Timer.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12C672-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12CE673-04/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LC672-04I/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LC672T-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LC672-04/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LC672-04/SM Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit with programmable prescaler) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Power-On Reset | Yes (POR) |
| Device Reset Timer | Yes (DRT) |
| Package | 8-SOIJ (208-mil SOIJ) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12LC672-04/SM Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — General-purpose I/O / oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 2 | GP0/AN0 — General-purpose I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | GP1/AN1/VREF — General-purpose I/O / analog input channel 1 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 4 | GP2/AN2/T0CKI — General-purpose I/O / analog input channel 2 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 5 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — General-purpose input only / master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 6 | GP4/AN3/OSC2/CLKOUT — General-purpose I/O / analog input channel 3 / oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12LC672-04/SM is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, LED Lighting Controller, Simple Motor Driver Control, Consumer Remote Control / IR Transmitter, Industrial Control Subsystem, Smart Home Sensor Hub Edge Node.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC12LC672-04/SM's 2.5V minimum operating voltage and integrated 8-bit ADC make it ideal for battery-powered sensor nodes monitoring temperature, humidity, or light. With 4 ADC channels, six I/O pins, and 3.5KB OTP memory, the part can sample multiple sensors, run basic filtering, and drive a low-power RF or wired transmitter. The LC variant's low-voltage operation extends battery life in 2xAA or coin-cell designs, while the SOIJ-8 package keeps board area under 30 mm squared.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
For entry-level LED controllers and dimmers, the PIC12LC672-04/SM provides sufficient compute to drive PWM channels, read user inputs (buttons, potentiometers via ADC), and implement simple lighting effects. The 4 MHz clock and 33-instruction RISC core handle multi-channel PWM generation while the 128-byte RAM supports modest state machines. The wide 2.5V-5.5V supply range allows direct operation from rectified 5V or 3.3V LED driver rails.
Recommended
Simple Motor Driver Control
In small brushed DC motor or solenoid driver designs, the PIC12LC672-04/SM can generate PWM control signals, monitor current via the ADC, and handle fault detection through the watchdog timer. Six I/O pins are sufficient for direction, PWM, enable, and a tachometer or current sense input. The integrated watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator provides fault recovery critical for motor control safety, ensuring the system resets cleanly if firmware hangs.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control / IR Transmitter
For low-cost IR remote controls and consumer wireless transmitters, the PIC12LC672-04/SM offers 3.5KB OTP memory for protocol stacks (RC5, NEC, SIRC) and 6 I/O for buttons and IR LED drive. The 4 MHz instruction rate generates accurate carrier frequencies (36-56 kHz typical), and the SOIJ-8 package enables ultra-thin remote form factors. The LC variant's low-voltage operation supports 2xAAA battery designs with extended life.
Recommended
Industrial Control Subsystem
As a sub-processor or supervisory controller in industrial equipment, the PIC12LC672-04/SM handles status monitoring, button debouncing, and inter-IC communication. The integrated ADC reads panel voltages, the watchdog timer protects against firmware faults in noisy industrial environments, and the wide 2.5V-5.5V supply tolerance tolerates 24V-derived industrial rails after regulation. The 0-70C operating range suits cabinet-mounted commercial equipment.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Hub Edge Node
For edge nodes in smart home or IoT sensor hubs, the PIC12LC672-04/SM provides local ADC sampling, simple threshold detection, and interrupt-driven wake-up behavior. Six I/O pins support a sensor, status LED, and a UART link to a host MCU or RF module. The LC variant's 2.5V minimum enables 2xAA battery operation with years of standby life, and the small 8-SOIJ package fits inside compact sensor enclosures for retrofit installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LC672-04/SM — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12C672-04/SM | PIC12LC672-04I/SM | PIC12LC672T-04/SM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-SOIJ | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-SOIJ - same | 8-SOIJ - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP |
| Maximum Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Min | 2.5 V | 3.0 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4-ch | 8-bit, 4-ch | 8-bit, 4-ch | 8-bit, 4-ch |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 2.5V operation for battery designs (vs PIC12C672-04/SM)
- Industrial temperature grade option available (vs PIC12LC672-04/SM (standard))
- Integrated 4-channel ADC eliminates external converter (vs PIC12F509)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 4 MHz clock and 5V supply, the PIC12LC672-04/SM draws approximately 2 mA active current and 1 uA standby. For battery applications below 3V, the LC variant enables direct 2xAA operation without boost conversion. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the supply rail to handle inrush during ADC conversion.
The 8-SOIJ package requires careful PCB layout for the exposed padless SOIJ footprint. Ensure pad dimensions follow the Microchip SOIJ-8 land pattern specification, with pad pitch of 1.27 mm and pad width of approximately 0.6 mm. Keep traces to GP3/MCLR short to minimize noise coupling, and route ADC analog traces away from digital switching signals to preserve conversion accuracy.
The OTP memory is one-time programmable - once written, the program cannot be erased or rewritten. Engineers prototyping with this part should plan for OTP programming via MPLAB PM3 or compatible programmer before committing to PCB assembly. Verify the MCLR pin is not left floating; tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation or to the programmer for in-circuit serial programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature variants available with -04I suffix. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not intended for automotive safety applications.
