PIC12LCE673-04/P - 8-Bit 4MHz MCU 1.75KB OTP 8-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LCE673-04/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.24 | $4.24 |
| 10 | $3.82 | $38.20 |
| 100 | $3.4 | $340.00 |
| 500 | $3.05 | $1,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.78 | $2,780.00 |
PIC12LCE673-04/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral blocks. The PIC12C family uses a Harvard RISC architecture with 33 single-word instructions, delivering 1 µs instruction execution at 4 MHz. As part of the broader microcontroller category, PIC12C devices sit at the entry-level of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio above simpler 5xx parts and below the PIC16F mid-range series, occupying the 'low-pin-count, OTP-programmed, cost-optimised' niche.
Key features include 8-bit real-time counter TMR0 with 8-bit programmable prescaler, Power-On Reset (POR), Device Reset Timer (DRT), Watchdog Timer (WDT) with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator, and selectable oscillator modes (RC, LP, XT, HS, INTOSC). The OTP EPROM provides one-time field programming suitable for production volumes where firmware is fixed and stable. Brown-out Reset and code protection are also supported for reliable field deployment.
Internally, the PIC12LCE673-04/P employs a 14-bit instruction word with single-cycle execution except for program branches (two-cycle). The 8-level hardware stack and 7 special function registers keep the core footprint minimal. The integrated 8-bit A/D converter (where applicable on the CE sibling) and on-chip EEPROM data memory (CE-only) distinguish it from earlier 12C5xx devices. The Harvard bus separates program fetches from data accesses, eliminating Von Neumann bottleneck and enabling deterministic instruction timing suitable for real-time control loops.
Typical applications include low-power battery-operated sensor nodes, automotive body controllers, appliance control boards, IR remote control transmitters, smoke detectors, electronic locks, smart toys, and simple lighting controllers. The wide 2.5V-5.5V supply range and 6 I/O pins make it a strong fit for human-interface and sensing subsystems that previously required multiple discrete components.
When designing with this part, choose the PIC12CE673-04/P variant if non-volatile EEPROM data memory is required for parameter storage. The 'L' low-voltage suffix is essential for 3V-only systems; standard PIC12C673-04/P requires 3.0V-6.0V. PCB layout should minimise noise coupling to the OSC1/OSC2 pins and provide adequate decoupling on VDD/VSS within 25 mm of the package pins.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LCE673-04/P — 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 PIC12LCE673-04/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, I/O Pins, Program Memory Type, Program Memory Size.
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No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPIC12LCE673-04/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC® 12C |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) OTP |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 1 µs @ 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit with 8-bit prescaler), WDT with on-chip RC |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| Stack Depth | 8 levels (hardware) |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (0.300 inch / 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| Oscillator Modes | RC, LP, XT, HS, INTOSC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (One-Time-Programmable) |
PIC12LCE673-04/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP2/INT — GPIO / external interrupt input |
| Pin 2 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO / Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/T0CKI/OSC2 — GPIO / Timer0 clock input / crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 4 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO / crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | GP0/AN0 — GPIO / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 7 | GP1/AN1/VREF — GPIO / analog input channel 1 / ADC voltage reference input |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12LCE673-04/P is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Automotive Body Control Module, IR Remote Control Transmitter, Smoke Detector / Fire Sensor, Electronic Lock / Access Control, Appliance Control Board, LED Lighting Controller.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC12LCE673-04/P is an excellent fit for battery-powered wireless sensor nodes thanks to its 2.5 V minimum supply, allowing direct operation from a single CR2032 lithium coin cell or 2x AA alkaline stack without a boost regulator. Its 6 GPIO pins can drive a low-power RF transmitter (such as an ASK/OOK module), read an analog sensor through a simple RC network, and control an indicator LED - all within $3 BOM cost. The integrated WDT with on-chip RC oscillator (independent of system clock) ensures the MCU can recover from firmware hangs without external components. With 1 µs instruction cycle and 33 RISC instructions, simple duty-cycled firmware (1% active duty cycle) can run for 2-3 years on a 220 mAh coin cell. The OTP memory locks firmware into production-ready state, preventing costly field tampering or firmware drift.
Recommended
Automotive Body Control Module
In automotive body electronics (window lifts, mirror adjusters, seat controllers, lighting), the PIC12LCE673-04/P serves as a sub-controller for distributed I/O expansion. Its 6 GPIO pins can drive power MOSFETs via gate drivers or read Hall-effect position sensors. The wide 2.5 V-5.5V supply range tolerates 12V battery transients after external regulation. With 1.75 KB OTP, fixed production firmware prevents unauthorized reflashing in safety-relevant subsystems. The PIC12LCE673-04I/P industrial-temperature variant extends operation to -40C to +85C for under-dash and under-hood-near applications. The hardware watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator provides a failsafe independent of system clock integrity. Compared to relay-only designs, the MCU enables PWM dimming, soft-start ramps, and fault diagnostics over a single LIN or K-Line bus.
Recommended
IR Remote Control Transmitter
Consumer IR remote controls for TVs, set-top boxes, audio equipment, and air conditioners are a signature application for the PIC12LCE673-04/P. The 6 GPIO pins are sufficient to scan a 5x5 keypad matrix (5 outputs, 1 input via interrupt) while one dedicated pin drives the IR LED through a transistor. The 1.75 KB OTP holds sophisticated RC5/RC6, SIRC, NEC, or proprietary protocols with full command-set look-up tables. The PIC12C core's 33-instruction RISC set and deterministic timing make PWM/PPM IR carrier generation (typically 36-40 kHz) trivial via TMR0 toggling. Operating from 2.5 V to 5.5 V, the same design works for both 3 V coin-cell remotes and 4.5 V (3x AAA) designs. The low-cost OTP programming is ideal for the consumer-electronics cost-down engineering cycle.
Recommended
Smoke Detector / Fire Sensor
The PIC12LCE673-04/P is well-suited for residential smoke and CO detector controllers. Its low-voltage operation allows direct 3 V battery backup (typically a 9 V alkaline with simple regulator). The TMR0 timer handles the chirp pattern generation, while one ADC-capable pin reads the photoelectric or ionization chamber signal through an analog front-end. The watchdog timer provides mandatory self-test functionality required by UL 217 / EN 14604 fire safety standards. OTP memory prevents field firmware modification after safety certification, an important regulatory consideration. With only 6 I/O pins the design integrates the piezo buzzer driver, LED status indicator, low-battery test, and hush button in a single compact 8-pin PDIP package. Unit cost stays under $3 even at low volumes.
Recommended
Electronic Lock / Access Control
For electronic locks, keypad access controllers, and simple RFID reader interfaces, the PIC12LCE673-04/P offers the right balance of capability and cost. The 1.75 KB OTP stores 4-digit PIN codes, lockout state, and tamper counter, while the 6 GPIO pins connect to a 3x4 keypad matrix, magnetic door sensor, relay driver for the solenoid, status LED, and buzzer. Code protection via the CONFIG word prevents reverse-engineering of the access control algorithm - critical for security products. The low-voltage operation enables battery-backed designs that survive 6-12 months on 4x AA cells. Production programming via OTP keeps per-unit cost low for consumer-grade products where secure firmware is needed but field updates are not.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board
White-goods appliance controllers (rice cookers, fans, washing-machine sub-boards, coffee makers) routinely use the PIC12LCE673-04/P as a low-cost sub-controller or user-interface MCU. The 6 GPIO drive TRIAC interfaces, read temperature sensors (NTC via ADC), control seven-segment or LED indicators, and accept membrane-switch input. Operating from 2.5 V-5.5 V, the same MCU works for both 3.3 V logic and 5 V designs. The OTP memory prevents unauthorized 'speed hack' modifications to motor controllers - a regulatory and brand-protection concern. With 1 µs instruction cycle, the MCU executes PWM fan-speed control, soft-start ramp generation, and timer sequencing in real time without interrupt overhead. The 8-pin PDIP is preferred over SMD for hand-soldered repair in after-market appliance service.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
Low-cost decorative and architectural LED lighting drivers often center on the PIC12LCE673-04/P. The 25 mA source/sink GPIO pins can directly drive small indicator LEDs or interface to external MOSFET drivers for higher-current LED strings. TMR0 generates the PWM dimming waveform, while one pin accepts a 0-10 V analog dimming input or DALI/0-10V digital control signal. The OTP memory prevents after-market 'brightness hack' modifications that could damage LED lifetimes. The 8-pin PDIP is well-suited for through-hole assembly in lighting-fixture junction boxes. Operating from 2.5 V-5.5 V, the same MCU works for both 12 V and 24 V LED driver designs after simple regulator input. The 1.75 KB program memory holds complex color-mixing algorithms for RGBW fixtures in cost-sensitive applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LCE673-04/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12CE673-04/P | PIC12CE673-10E/P | PIC12CE674-04/P | PIC12CE674-10I/P | PIC12LC672-04/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-PDIP (0.300 in) | 8-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 8-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 8-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 8-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 8-PDIP (0.300 in) - same |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP (+100%) | 3.5 KB OTP (+100%) | 1.75 KB EPROM (windowed) |
| Data EEPROM | 0 bytes (no EEPROM) | 16 bytes EEPROM | 16 bytes EEPROM | 16 bytes EEPROM | 16 bytes EEPROM | 0 bytes (no EEPROM) |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (L) | 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 | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| GPIO Count | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit (4 channels) | 8-bit (4 channels) | 8-bit (4 channels) | 8-bit (4 channels) | 8-bit (4 channels) | None (digital only) |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial 0C to +70C | Commercial 0C to +70C | Industrial -40C to +125C | Commercial 0C to +70C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +70C |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 2.5 V minimum supply enables direct coin-cell operation (vs Standard PIC12C673 (3.0 V minimum))
- OTP memory locks production firmware against field modification (vs Flash-based PIC12F675-I/P)
- Integrated 8-bit A/D converter eliminates external ADC chip (vs PIC12LC672-04/P (no ADC))
Design Notes
The PIC12LCE673-04/P is specified for 2.5 V to 5.5 V operation. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 8), with a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail if the source impedance is high (battery or long cable). The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 2) requires a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD for normal operation; during ICSP programming, this pin is driven to ~13 V. Estimated: total quiescent current draw is typically < 1 mA at 4 MHz / 5 V and < 0.4 mA at 4 MHz / 3 V.
Use the 8-pin PDIP land pattern with 2.54 mm (0.100 in) pin pitch. Keep the crystal or resonator within 5 mm of OSC1 (pin 4) and OSC2 (pin 3) to minimise parasitic capacitance that can cause oscillator startup failures at low supply voltages. The VDD/VSS traces should be at least 0.3 mm wide; for production designs running above 4 MHz at 5 V, increasing VDD trace width to 0.5 mm reduces supply droop during GPIO switching events. Keep analog inputs (GP0/GP1) traces short and shielded from digital switching traces to reduce ADC noise coupling.
Three common pitfalls when designing with the PIC12LCE673-04/P: (1) Do NOT select the 'L' variant for 5 V-only systems above 5.5 V - the absolute maximum is 6.5 V and any transient above that damages the device; use the standard PIC12C673 instead. (2) The OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten - the development cycle must use a windowed PIC12CE673 JW part or simulator before locking production firmware. (3) Brown-out Reset (BOR) must be enabled in the CONFIG word for reliable operation in noisy environments; disabling BOR saves ~50 µA but risks data corruption during supply dips.
Compliance Information
Lifecycle stage ACTIVE per DigChip 2026 listing. RoHS/REACH compliance not confirmed in the provided web data; users should verify directly with Microchip product compliance system for the latest environmental certification status.
