PIC12LCE518-04/SM - 8-bit OTP MCU 768B 4MHz SOIJ-8 | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LCE518-04/SM ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.65 | $2.65 |
| 10 | $2.38 | $23.80 |
| 100 | $2.12 | $212.00 |
| 500 | $1.89 | $945.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.68 | $1,680.00 |
PIC12LCE518-04/SM Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a self-contained computing element that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/OTP/Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces onto a single silicon die. Within the broader taxonomy, MCUs sit below microprocessors (which require external memory and peripherals) and above simple state machines; the PIC12C5XX family specifically targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications where a few pins of digital I/O, a hardware timer, and a low-power sleep mode are sufficient. The Harvard RISC architecture uses separate program and data buses, allowing most instructions to execute in a single instruction cycle (1 µs at 4 MHz).
Key features include 33 single-word instructions, all single-cycle except program branches (two cycles), an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit programmable prescaler, Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT), Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own dedicated on-chip RC oscillator, and 16 bytes of EEPROM data memory. The 12-bit instruction width delivers approximately 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit architectures in the same price tier.
The PIC12LCE518 architecture combines a RISC CPU with a precise 4 MHz internal oscillator and analog-friendly digital I/O, enabling deterministic interrupt response and minimal code overhead. In-system programmability is not supported on this OTP variant - the device must be programmed before final PCB assembly.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, IR remote controls, battery-powered sensor interfaces, LED lighting controllers, and simple standby controllers in white goods. Its low-voltage capability also suits 2x AA / 3x AAA battery packs and energy-harvesting subsystems where quiescent current directly impacts battery life.
When designing with this MCU, note that the OTP memory cannot be re-programmed - any firmware bug discovered after programming requires replacing the chip. The 8-SOIJ package provides better thermal performance and lower profile than standard SOIC-8, but requires careful PCB land pattern matching; verify footprint against the Microchip packaging specification rather than assuming SOIC-8 compatibility.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, enabling faster sourcing and substitution decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LCE518-04/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 PIC12LCE518-04/SM (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Instruction Set, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LC518-04/SM
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12CE518-04/SM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12CE519-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12C672-04/SM
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12CE518-04E/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LC672-04/SM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LCE518-04/SM Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC12C) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 OTP) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 16 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 1 us at 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit) + WDT |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Power-On Reset | Yes |
| Device Reset Timer | Yes |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions (12-bit wide) |
| Package | 8-SOIJ (208 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC12LCE518-04/SM Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — Bidirectional I/O pin / Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 2 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT — Bidirectional I/O pin / Oscillator crystal output / Clock output (4 MHz) |
| Pin 3 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O pin / Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 4 | GP2/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O pin / TMR0 external clock input |
| Pin 5 | GP1 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 6 | GP0 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12LCE518-04/SM is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IR Remote Control, LED Lighting Controller, Low-Cost Sensor Interface / Data Logger, White Goods Standby Controller, Consumer Appliance Remote Sensor, Toy and Hobby Electronics.
Battery-Powered IR Remote Control
The PIC12LCE518-04/SM is well-suited for handheld IR remote controls where its 2.5V minimum supply voltage extends battery life when 2x AA alkaline cells drop below 3.0V during discharge. With 768 bytes of OTP program memory, the device can store IR protocol encoding tables (NEC, RC5, Sony SIRC) and 6 I/O pins provide direct LED drive and IR demodulator interface. The internal 4 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystals, shrinking BOM cost, while the 1 us instruction cycle delivers deterministic carrier generation at 38 kHz / 40 kHz without software jitter. Estimated standby current using sleep mode with WDT wake-up is below 1 uA, enabling multi-year battery life on a typical remote control duty cycle.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC12LCE518-04/SM fits cost-sensitive LED lighting drivers where a small MCU generates PWM dimming and color-mixing sequences. Its 25-byte RAM and 8-bit TMR0 with programmable prescaler produce stable PWM frequencies from a few hundred Hz to tens of kHz, while the 2.5V-5.5V supply range supports both single-cell Li-ion and 5V USB-powered fixtures. Hardware PWM via the TMR0 prescaler plus firmware-based duty-cycle control delivers smooth dimming down to <1% without external driver ICs in low-power RGB accent applications. The 16-byte EEPROM stores calibration coefficients and last-set brightness levels across power cycles.
Recommended
Low-Cost Sensor Interface / Data Logger
The PIC12LCE518-04/SM functions as a minimal sensor frontend MCU that reads a single analog or digital sensor, processes threshold logic, and outputs an alarm or counter pulse. Its 16-byte on-chip EEPROM retains calibration constants and runtime counters across power cycles, while TMR0 with prescaler handles interval-based sampling without firmware overhead. With 6 I/O pins, one can implement a complete digital sensor interface (clock + data + interrupt) plus an LED status output. The low 2.5V minimum supply makes it ideal for 2x AA battery sensor nodes in remote monitoring or industrial predictive maintenance.
Recommended
White Goods Standby Controller
In washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators, the PIC12LCE518-04/SM serves as a low-power standby controller that monitors user inputs and wakes the main appliance controller. Its Power-On Reset and Watchdog Timer with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator provide fail-safe recovery without external components, while 6 I/O pins handle button matrix scanning, LED indicators, and a single serial wake-up line to the main MCU. Operating from 2.5V to 5.5V, it shares the standby power rail directly with main appliance logic. The OTP memory ensures the firmware is tamper-proof once programmed, an advantage for compliance in regulated appliance markets.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Remote Sensor
The PIC12LCE518-04/SM is ideal for low-cost wireless sensor transmitters used in home automation or appliance remote panels. Its 4 MHz internal oscillator and 1 us instruction cycle allow precise timing of OOK/FSK modulation in the 315 MHz / 433 MHz ISM bands when paired with a SAW resonator-based transmitter module. The Watchdog Timer with dedicated RC oscillator protects against firmware lockups in unattended sensor installations. Six I/O pins are sufficient for one digital sensor input, one transmit data line, and a low-battery LED indicator, making this a true single-chip solution.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
Mass-produced toys and hobby electronics require an MCU priced under $2 in volume with reliable OTP memory that cannot be accidentally reprogrammed by end users. The PIC12LCE518-04/SM at roughly $1.68 per unit at qty-1000 fits this niche, offering 768 bytes of OTP for sound-effect sequencing, motor-PWM generation, and LED pattern control in toys, model trains, and educational kits. Its 2.5V minimum supply supports 2x AA battery packs commonly used in children's products, and the 8-SOIJ package provides a low-profile mounting solution for thin-form-factor handheld devices.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LCE518-04/SM — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LC518-04/SM | PIC12CE518-04/SM | PIC12CE519-04/SM | PIC12C672-04/SM | PIC12LC672-04/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 |
| Program Memory | 768 B (512 x 12 OTP) | 768 B (512 x 12 OTP) - same | 768 B (512 x 12 OTP) - same | 1024 B (512 x 12 EPROM) +33% | 2K x 14 EPROM | 2K x 14 EPROM |
| RAM | 25 B | 25 B - same | 25 B - same | 41 B +64% | 128 B +412% | 128 B +412% |
| EEPROM | 16 B | 0 B - removed | 16 B - same | 16 B - same | 0 B - removed | 0 B - removed |
| Min Supply Voltage | 2.5 V | 2.5 V - same | 3.0 V +20% | 3.0 V +20% | 3.0 V +20% | 2.5 V - same |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 - same | 6 - same | 6 - same | 5 - 17% fewer | 5 - 17% fewer |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest minimum supply voltage in PIC12C5XX family (vs PIC12CE518-04/SM)
- Includes 16 bytes of on-chip EEPROM data memory (vs PIC12LC518-04/SM)
- Smaller package with better thermal performance than SOIC-8 (vs PIC12F519-I/SN (SOIC-8 variant))
Design Notes
The 'SM' suffix denotes the 8-SOIJ (208-mil) package, which has a different PCB land pattern than the more common 8-SOIC (150-mil 'SN' suffix). Do not assume SOIC-8 footprints will accept SOIJ-8 parts - the body is wider and lead pitch geometry differs. Always verify the PCB land pattern against the Microchip packaging specification before ordering PCBs. Mixing 'SM' and 'SN' packages on the same board requires two distinct footprints.
Because this part uses One-Time-Programmable (OTP) memory, firmware bugs discovered after programming cannot be fixed via in-circuit programming - the chip must be physically replaced. Implement a thorough firmware validation process including simulation, in-circuit emulation (using PIC12C5XX ICE modules), and small-batch pre-production runs before committing to volume OTP programming. Consider PIC12F519 Flash-based variant for prototypes that may require firmware iteration.
Place the GP3/MCLR/VPP pin decoupling directly at VDD (pin 8) and VSS (pin 7), with a 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitor within 3 mm of the supply pins. Keep the GP5/OSC1 and GP4/OSC2 traces short and symmetric if using an external crystal - even though this part defaults to the internal 4 MHz oscillator, the layout must accommodate the optional crystal without signal coupling. Avoid routing high-frequency digital signals adjacent to GP3, which doubles as the MCLR reset input.
Estimated: at 4 MHz clock and 5.5V supply with all 6 I/O pins driving 20 mA loads, power dissipation reaches approximately 165 mW. The 8-SOIJ package thermal resistance is approximately 100 C/W (theta_JA), resulting in a 16.5 C junction temperature rise above ambient. At 25 C ambient this is well within the 150 C absolute maximum, but at 70 C ambient in an enclosed appliance housing, designers should derate I/O loading or improve PCB copper pour area beneath the exposed pad region.
Compliance Information
Specific RoHS / REACH compliance status not present in verified web data; consult Microchip product declaration documents for authoritative compliance information. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial/industrial grade part.
