PIC16C712-04/SS - 4MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU with 8-bit ADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C712-04/SS β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.5 | $4.50 |
| 10 | $4.05 | $40.50 |
| 100 | $3.55 | $355.00 |
| 500 | $3.1 | $1,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.75 | $2,750.00 |
PIC16C712-04/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, memory (program + data), peripherals (timers, ADC, communication), and I/O pins on one IC. The PIC16C712 belongs to the PIC16 mid-range family β a category of 8-bit RISC microcontrollers from Microchip Technology widely used in embedded control. Within the broader taxonomy it sits as: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 mid-range -> PIC16C71x sub-family. RISC architecture, OTP memory and integrated ADC make this category the workhorse for cost-sensitive, low-volume embedded designs.
Key features of the PIC16C712 include: 13 I/O pins (one input-only), four interrupt sources, two 8-bit timers (Timer0, Timer2) plus one 16-bit timer (Timer1) with capture, a 4-channel 8-bit ADC, and a Capture/Compare/PWM module. The Harvard memory architecture separates program (1.75 KB EPROM) and data (128 B SRAM) buses to allow simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access, improving throughput vs. von-Neumann CISC 8-bit MCUs of the same vintage.
The PIC16C712 uses a 14-bit wide instruction word with 35 single-cycle opcodes, delivering 4 MIPS at 4 MHz. Internal RC oscillator and external crystal/RC modes are supported. The 8-bit successive-approximation ADC shares pins with digital I/O and has its own reference inputs (VREF+/VRREF-). Brown-out Reset, Power-on Reset, Watchdog Timer with on-chip RC oscillator, and code protection protect firmware in noisy industrial environments.
Typical applications include industrial appliance control, automotive subsystems (HVAC, lighting, instrument clusters), consumer products, and analog-signal-conditioning front-ends where the integrated ADC eliminates an external converter. Designers choose the PIC16C712 for cost-sensitive production runs where OTP programming is acceptable.
When designing with this device, account for OTP memory β firmware cannot be updated in the field. Engineers developing prototypes should use the PIC16F712 flash variant for iteration, then migrate the validated firmware to the PIC16C712 for low-cost production. The 4 MHz speed grade supports instruction execution up to 1 us per instruction.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, cross-reference data, and design notes that are not aggregated in any single manufacturer or distributor source, giving engineers a single reference for evaluating drop-in substitutes and lifecycle risk.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C712-04/SS 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 PIC16C712-04/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Timers, ADC, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C712-04I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712T-04/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C711-04/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C710-04/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F712-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-04/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB |
| RAM Size | 128 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Word Width | 14 bit |
| ADC Channels | 4 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP module (16-bit) |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Package | SSOP-20 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (typical 5 V) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C712-04/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β Digital I/O / AN2 analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β Digital I/O / AN3 analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 β Digital I/O / T0CKI timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP β Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT β Digital I/O / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6 β Digital I/O / ICD clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β Digital I/O / ICD data |
| Pin 14 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / external clock |
| Pin 17 | RA0 β Digital I/O / AN0 analog input |
| Pin 18 | RA1 β Digital I/O / AN1 analog input |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C712-04/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Appliance Control, Automotive Subsystem Control, Consumer Electronics Control, Analog Sensor Signal Conditioning, PWM Motor Speed Control, HVAC Thermostat and Fan Control.
Industrial Appliance Control
The PIC16C712-04/SS fits industrial appliance control because its 4-channel 8-bit ADC and one 16-bit CCP module integrate sensor sampling and PWM actuation in a single SSOP-20 IC. Its 13 I/O pins drive relays, switches, and indicator LEDs in washing machines, dryers, and HVAC fan controllers. At 4 MHz and 5 V supply, the OTP RISC core executes 4 MIPS β sufficient for closed-loop PID loops with 1 ms update rates typical in appliance thermostats.
Recommended
Automotive Subsystem Control
In automotive subsystems such as HVAC flap motors, instrument cluster drivers, and interior lighting, the PIC16C712-04/SS provides a cost-optimized OTP MCU with 4-channel ADC for analog sensing and a CCP module for PWM dimming. Its 0C to +70C commercial grade limits it to cabin applications β for under-hood use, the PIC16C712-04I/SS industrial variant or PIC16F712-I/SS is preferred. SSOP-20 surface-mount packaging supports high-density PCB layouts in space-constrained automotive ECUs.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Control
The PIC16C712-04/SS serves consumer remote controls, IR-driven toys, and low-cost appliance interfaces where the integrated 8-bit ADC reads potentiometers or thermistors and the CCP module generates the carrier-frequency PWM for IR LED transmission. Its 128 B RAM accommodates user-input debouncing state machines and LED pattern tables. OTP programming locks the firmware per model, preventing reverse engineering of consumer features.
Recommended
Analog Sensor Signal Conditioning
For analog sensor signal conditioning, the PIC16C712-04/SS converts up to 4 analog inputs to 8-bit digital values using its successive-approximation ADC, with independent VREF+/VREF- references for ratiometric measurements. The RISC core runs linearization algorithms (e.g., thermistor Steinhart-Hart, bridge compensation) at 4 MIPS. SSOP-20 packaging fits densely populated sensor-interface PCBs alongside op-amp signal conditioning chains.
Recommended
PWM Motor Speed Control
The PIC16C712-04/SS's 16-bit Capture/Compare/PWM module generates high-resolution PWM at the 4 MHz clock, suitable for brushed DC motor speed control in small fans, pumps, and hobby robotics. The CCP module supports up to 10-bit PWM resolution (1024 steps) and can drive external MOSFET drivers via the MCU's 13 I/O pins. The CCP capture function measures back-EMF from Hall sensors for closed-loop motor commutation.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat and Fan Control
The PIC16C712-04/SS controls HVAC thermostats by sampling thermistor or RTD temperature via its 8-bit ADC and driving fan/relay outputs through the CCP PWM module and I/O pins. At 4 MIPS the core implements hysteresis control, filter averaging, and relay de-bounce algorithms simultaneously. The 1.75 KB OTP EPROM stores thermostat setpoints, calibration constants, and fan-mode lookup tables. SSOP-20 footprint fits slim wall-thermostat enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C712-04/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C712-04I/SS | PIC16C712T-04/SS | PIC16C711-04/SS | PIC16C710-04/SS | PIC16F712-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 (same) | SSOP-20 (same) | SSOP-20 (same) | SSOP-20 (same) | SSOP-20 (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB OTP EPROM | 1.75 KB OTP EPROM | 1.75 KB OTP EPROM | 1.75 KB OTP EPROM | 1.75 KB OTP EPROM | 2 KB Flash |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 4 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (in-system reprogrammable) |
| CCP Module | 1x 16-bit CCP | 1x 16-bit CCP | 1x 16-bit CCP | 1x 16-bit CCP | None (no CCP) | 1x 16-bit CCP |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade available in same package (vs PIC16C712-04/SS (commercial))
- Flash memory migration path in same package (vs PIC16C712-04/SS (OTP EPROM))
- Faster 20 MHz clock with same peripheral set (vs PIC16C712-04/SS (4 MHz))
- Active lifecycle status vs obsolete target part (vs PIC16C712-04/SS (obsolete))
Design Notes
The PIC16C712-04/SS uses One-Time-Programmable (OTP) EPROM, which cannot be erased. Once a unit is programmed with firmware, errors in the firmware image force the device to be discarded. Engineers prototyping firmware should use the PIC16F712-I/SS (flash) variant for development, then migrate the validated firmware to the PIC16C712 for production. This avoids wasting OTP devices during firmware iteration.
The PIC16C712-04/SS operates from a single 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply. Decouple VDD (pin 20) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the IC, plus a 10 uF bulk electrolytic on the PCB. The VSS pins (5, 14, 19) should each connect to a common ground plane to minimize digital switching noise coupling into the ADC analog inputs (AN0-AN3) on PORTA.
When using the 4-channel 8-bit ADC for precision measurements, configure RA0-RA3 as analog inputs by clearing the appropriate TRISA bits and the PCFG bits in ADCON1. Use VREF+ and VREF- as dedicated analog reference inputs rather than sharing them with digital signals. Acquire analog signals for at least 10 us before initiating conversion to allow the internal sample-and-hold capacitor to settle.
The SSOP-20 package has 0.65 mm pin pitch. PCB land patterns should follow IPC-7351 nominal footprints with at least 0.4 mm wide pads. Route traces from SSOP pins on inner PCB layers or escape them on the top layer with short fanouts. Keep the exposed ground paddle (if present on package variant) connected to the ground plane for thermal dissipation.
Compliance Information
Compliance information not provided in the verified web data. The PIC16C712 is an obsolete OTP MCU originally designed before modern automotive qualification standards were universally applied to 8-bit MCUs. AEC-Q100 grade is not qualified.
