PIC12LC672T-04I/MF - 8-Bit OTP MCU 3.5KB 4MHz 8-DFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LC672T-04I/MF β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.46 | $1,230.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.19 | $2,190.00 |
PIC12LC672T-04I/MF Overview
What is an 8-bit OTP microcontroller? An OTP (One-Time Programmable) microcontroller is a class of MCU whose program memory can be written exactly once after manufacture, using a programmer or high-voltage serial protocol. Unlike flash-based MCUs, OTP parts cannot be field-updated, but they cost less per die and are well-suited to high-volume, fixed-function products such as appliance controllers, sensor signal conditioners, and disposable medical accessories. PIC12C67x parts sit in the hierarchical taxonomy of microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> CMOS RISC MCU -> PIC architecture -> PIC12C family, providing a baseline platform for simple control loops, A/D conversion, and timing tasks.
Key features include a 4 MHz internal RC-like or external oscillator option, 1 Β΅s instruction cycle, six I/O pins, a single 8-bit timer (TMR0) with watchdog, an analog comparator, brown-out reset, and an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface. The OTP variant offers cost-optimized one-time programming for high-volume production runs where firmware stability is guaranteed.
Architecturally, the PIC12LC672 uses a Harvard RISC core with separate program and data buses, a single accumulator (W) and 32-byte file-register area, allowing most instructions to execute in a single cycle. The integrated ADC delivers 8-bit resolution across 4 analog channels with successive-approximation conversion, sharing pins with the digital I/O ports. The 8-DFN-S exposed pad improves thermal dissipation for industrial temperature operation from -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C.
Typical applications include battery chargers, LED lighting controllers, smoke detectors, simple sensor interfaces, and small appliance control. This component integrates seamlessly with Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler toolchain for development and programming.
When designing with this part, allocate pin 3 (GP3/MCLR) carefully because it doubles as the master-clear reset input and as a general-purpose input; the device has no dedicated MCLR-disable mode. For high-noise environments, place a 0.1 Β΅F decoupling capacitor adjacent to the VDD pin and use the exposed pad as a ground plane anchor.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametrically-similar Microchip alternatives, and design considerations not consolidated on the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LC672T-04I/MF β 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 PIC12LC672T-04I/MF (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Number of I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Oscillator Type, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LC672-04I/MF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C672T-04I/MF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12C672-04E/MF
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12C672T-10I/MF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LC672T-04I/MF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | None |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 1 Β΅s |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 5 GPIO + 1 input-only |
| ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0 with WDT) |
| Comparators | 1 analog comparator |
| Package | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad (DFN-S 6x5 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Type | External RC or internal |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (in-circuit serial programming) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (integrated with TMR0) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12LC672T-04I/MF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN β General-purpose I/O / oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 2 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT β General-purpose I/O / oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 3 | GP3/MCLR/VPP β General-purpose input (only) / Master Clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | GP2/AN2/TOCKI/INT β Digital I/O / analog channel 2 / TMR0 clock input / external interrupt |
| Pin 5 | GP1/AN1 β Digital I/O / analog channel 1 |
| Pin 6 | GP0/AN0 β Digital I/O / analog channel 0 |
| Pin 7 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12LC672T-04I/MF is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Smoke Detector, LED Lighting Controller, Small Appliance Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning Module, Battery Charger Controller, Industrial Timer and Sequencer.
Battery-Powered Smoke Detector
The PIC12LC672T-04I/MF suits smoke-detector designs where its 2.5 V minimum supply enables single 3 V lithium-cell operation and its CMOS RISC core consumes under 2 mA at 4 MHz/5 V. The integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC digitizes the ionization-chamber or photoelectric sensor signal, while the on-chip watchdog timer ensures recovery from lockup during the multi-year battery life. Place 0.1 Β΅F decoupling at the VDD pin and tie the exposed pad to a continuous ground plane for noise immunity, allowing the device to operate reliably across the industrial -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C range inside the detector housing.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
For LED lighting controllers the PIC12LC672T-04I/MF drives PWM dimming via its TMR0 timer and software bit-banging on GPIO pins, while the analog comparator can implement constant-current feedback without an external op-amp. Its 4 MHz clock and 1 Β΅s instruction cycle give enough bandwidth for smooth 8-bit PWM dimming at typical LED refresh rates of a few hundred hertz, and the 8-DFN-S (6x5 mm) footprint saves PCB space in compact bulb form factors. The OTP memory protects the dimming curve against tampering in production, ensuring consistent light output across the entire product run.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control
In small appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, or fan controllers, the PIC12LC672T-04I/MF manages button input, motor PWM, temperature sensing, and timer sequencing within a single 8-pin IC. Its 3.5 KB OTP program memory fits substantial state-machine firmware for these products, while the 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads thermistor or motor-current feedback with adequate resolution for set-point control. Brown-out reset prevents corruption during AC-line brown-outs, and the 8-DFN-S package's exposed pad keeps the junction temperature well below limits when driving low-side MOSFETs for motor speed control.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Module
The PIC12LC672T-04I/MF works as a low-cost sensor signal conditioner that digitizes analog transducer outputs and transmits results via bit-banged serial protocols. Its 4-channel 8-bit ADC accepts outputs from thermistors, photodiodes, or strain gauges, while the integrated analog comparator can implement threshold detection for alarm outputs. The wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range accommodates both 3.3 V and 5 V transducer signals, and the compact 8-DFN-S package enables miniaturized sensor modules. For modules requiring field calibration updates, consider migrating to the flash-based PIC12F675-I/MF in the identical footprint.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
For simple linear or switch-mode battery chargers, the PIC12LC672T-04I/MF monitors charge current via ADC, controls charge-enable MOSFETs through GPIO, and implements timeout safety via TMR0. Its OTP program memory locks the charging algorithm in firmware to prevent user modification that could compromise battery safety. The 8-pin DFN-S package fits into compact charger form factors, while the brown-out reset ensures graceful shutdown if the input supply drops below the safe charging threshold. Pair with a Microchip MCP1700 LDO for a complete USB-powered single-cell Li-ion charger reference design.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Sequencer
In industrial timing applications such as relay sequencers, conveyor controls, or process timers, the PIC12LC672T-04I/MF offers reliable 8-bit control with its TMR0/watchdog timer pair and 4-channel ADC for monitoring sensor inputs. The industrial -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C operating range handles factory-floor thermal conditions, and the OTP memory guarantees firmware stability over the equipment lifetime. The exposed pad on the 8-DFN-S package provides low thermal resistance for designs that continuously drive GPIO outputs to relays or solid-state switches, ensuring long-term reliability in 24/7 industrial deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LC672T-04I/MF β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LC672-04I/MF | PIC12C672T-04I/MF | PIC12C672-04E/MF | PIC12C672T-10I/MF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad (6x5 mm) | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad (6x5 mm) - same | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad (6x5 mm) - same | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad (6x5 mm) - same | 8-VDFN Exposed Pad (6x5 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP |
| Maximum Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C | -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C | -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C | -40 Β°C to +125 Β°C | -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Wide supply voltage down to 2.5 V (vs PIC12C672T-04I/MF)
- Modern flash-based drop-in available (vs PIC12F675-I/MF)
- 10 MHz speed-grade option available (vs PIC12C672T-10I/MF)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 Β΅F ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 8) and connect the exposed thermal pad to a continuous ground plane. The exposed pad is the primary thermal and electrical return path for the DFN-S package. Estimated: at 4 MHz, 5 V active mode, ICC is approximately 2 mA per the datasheet DC characteristics; adding a 10 Β΅F bulk capacitor near the IC suppresses supply transients when GPIO outputs switch.
Pin 3 (GP3/MCLR/VPP) is shared between a general-purpose input-only function, the master-clear reset input, and the ICSP programming voltage. If MCLR is unused, configure it as an input via the configuration bits and tie it through a 10 kΞ© resistor to VDD. Never leave pin 3 floating, as noise on this pin will randomly reset the device. The configuration word's MCLRE bit determines whether pin 3 functions as MCLR (1) or as GP3 input (0).
Avoid using the ADC channels on GP0-GP2 while those pins are configured as digital outputs - this creates contention and yields invalid ADC readings. Configure ADCON1 to select which channels are analog versus digital. Also note that the OTP memory can be programmed only once; verify firmware thoroughly on a flash-based PIC12F675-I/MF (same 8-DFN-S footprint) before committing to the OTP PIC12LC672T-04I/MF in production. Brown-out reset must be enabled in the configuration word to ensure reliable startup from low-voltage conditions.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part targets consumer/industrial applications, not automotive. For automotive-grade Microchip 8-bit alternatives consider the PIC16F family with AEC-Q100 qualification.
