PIC16C712-04E/P - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 1.75KB, 18-DIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C712-04E/P β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.22 | $2.22 |
| 10 | $2.05 | $20.50 |
| 100 | $1.8 | $180.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.32 | $1,320.00 |
PIC16C712-04E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a microprocessor integrated with program memory, data memory, I/O peripherals, and a CPU on a single silicon die, optimized for embedded control tasks. Within the semiconductor taxonomy, it falls under microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit. The PIC16C7xx family specifically targets applications that require on-chip analog conversion and PWM generation, eliminating the need for external ADC or timer ICs in cost-sensitive industrial, automotive, appliance, and consumer designs.
Key differentiating specifications include the 35-instruction RISC instruction set (all single-cycle except program branches), the integrated 8-bit ADC with 4 input channels, the CCP module supporting PWM generation for motor and lighting control, and the wide operating voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V with automotive temperature grade support (-40C to +125C). The device also integrates a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation in noisy environments.
The PIC16C712-04E/P is fabricated in CMOS technology, offering low power consumption with standby currents below 1 microamp. Its Harvard architecture separates program and data buses, enabling simultaneous instruction fetch and data access, which is why a 4 MHz oscillator can execute instructions in 200 ns. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, enabling firmware updates after PCB assembly.
Typical applications include automotive sensor interfacing, industrial process control, appliance motor control (washing machines, HVAC fans), consumer white goods, and low-cost data acquisition systems. The 'E' suffix denotes the extended automotive temperature grade of -40C to +125C, while the '04' speed grade indicates 4 MHz maximum operation, and '/P' designates the PDIP package.
When designing with this device, ensure that the MCLR pin is properly pulled high through a resistor and that the decoupling capacitor on VDD is placed within 0.25 inches of the supply pin. The OTP memory can be programmed only once, so consider using the PIC16F712 (Flash-based equivalent) for prototypes or production runs that require firmware updates.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C712-04E/P 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 PIC16C712-04E/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Instruction Cycle Time, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F712-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-04/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-20E/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-04I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C712-04E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | None (OTP only) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 instructions |
| ADC | 4 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP module |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended 'E' grade) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (DIP-18, 0.300 inch) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) | Yes |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
PIC16C712-04E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β Digital I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β Digital I/O / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β Digital I/O / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF β Digital I/O / analog input channel 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1 β Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2 β Oscillator output / connects to crystal |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 module |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 β Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM module 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC4 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC5 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC6 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC7 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C712-04E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Sensor Interface, Industrial Process Control, Appliance Motor Control, Consumer White Goods, Low-Cost Data Acquisition, HVAC Fan Control.
Automotive Sensor Interface
The PIC16C712-04E/P's 4-channel 8-bit ADC and extended automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) make it ideal for automotive sensor interface modules. The integrated ADC reads analog signals from temperature, pressure, or position sensors without requiring an external ADC IC, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. With 1.75KB of OTP program memory, the device is well-suited to high-volume automotive production where firmware is fixed. Typical circuits use the CCP module to generate PWM outputs for actuator control, while timers handle debouncing of digital inputs from switches and Hall sensors. The 35-instruction RISC core provides deterministic interrupt response times critical for safety-related automotive subsystems. The 18-pin PDIP package remains the preferred form factor for serviceable under-hood automotive modules.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control
In industrial process control applications, the PIC16C712-04E/P serves as a low-cost embedded controller for monitoring analog process variables and driving digital actuators. The 8-bit ADC reads 4-20 mA loop signals (after resistor conversion to 0-5V) or direct voltage outputs from pressure and flow transmitters. The CCP module generates PWM signals to control proportional valves, while the 13 digital I/O pins interface to relays, contactors, and indicator LEDs. The 4 MHz clock provides sufficient computational bandwidth for simple PID control loops at sub-kHz update rates. The OTP memory secures firmware IP in industrial settings where reverse-engineering protection matters. The wide 2.5V-5.5V supply range tolerates industrial 24V-derived DC rails with appropriate regulation.
Recommended
Appliance Motor Control
The PIC16C712-04E/P is widely deployed in white-goods appliance motor control for washing machines, dishwashers, and HVAC fans. The CCP module generates PWM drive signals for TRIAC or MOSFET-based motor speed controllers, while the 8-bit ADC monitors motor current via shunt resistors for overload detection. With 1.75KB OTP memory, the device stores fixed motor control algorithms optimized for the specific appliance model. The extended automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) tolerates the high ambient temperatures inside appliance enclosures near motors and heating elements. The 18-pin PDIP package supports hand-soldering and rework during appliance service. The Watchdog Timer with dedicated RC oscillator ensures recovery from firmware lockups in unattended appliance operation.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods
Consumer white goods such as microwave ovens, coffee makers, and small kitchen appliances use the PIC16C712-04E/P for user-input decoding and timing control. The 13 digital I/O pins read push-button matrices, rotary encoders, and sensor switches, while timers generate the precise timing needed for cooking cycles or brewing profiles. The integrated ADC can monitor temperature via thermistor voltage dividers for closed-loop cooking control. The OTP memory ensures the firmware cannot be modified by end-users, preventing warranty-fraud scenarios where users alter appliance firmware. The low-cost PDIP-18 package fits the aggressive BOM cost targets of consumer appliance designs while supporting wave-soldering on mixed-technology PCBs that include through-hole components.
Recommended
Low-Cost Data Acquisition
Low-cost data acquisition modules use the PIC16C712-04E/P to digitize analog signals and transmit data via UART or I/O pins. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC samples voltages at up to approximately 20 kSPS aggregate rate, sufficient for monitoring slowly-varying process signals such as battery voltage, environmental parameters, or industrial sensor outputs. The 35-instruction RISC core performs averaging, scaling, and linearization calculations on ADC readings before formatting them for transmission. With 128 bytes of RAM, the device buffers multiple samples for packet transmission. The extended temperature grade supports outdoor or industrial data logger deployments. The OTP memory locks the firmware to prevent tampering with measurement calibration data, important for certified metrology applications.
Recommended
HVAC Fan Control
HVAC fan control modules use the PIC16C712-04E/P to drive variable-speed fans via TRIAC or IGBT bridge circuits. The CCP module generates zero-crossing-detected PWM signals synchronized to the AC line, enabling smooth fan speed adjustment without audible motor noise. The 8-bit ADC reads temperature sensors and user-setpoint potentiometers to compute the required fan speed using simple proportional control. With 1.75KB of OTP memory, the device stores lookup tables for fan curves and ramp profiles optimized for specific HVAC models. The extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) supports rooftop and attic-mounted HVAC equipment. The Watchdog Timer with its own RC oscillator protects against firmware lockups in 24/7 HVAC operation where service calls are expensive.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C712-04E/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F712-I/P | PIC16C712-04/P | PIC16C712-20E/P | PIC16C712-04I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-pin PDIP | 18-pin PDIP | 18-pin PDIP | 18-pin PDIP | 18-pin PDIP |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (1.75 KB) | Flash (1.75 KB) | OTP (1.75 KB) | OTP (1.75 KB) | OTP (1.75 KB) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| ADC | 4-ch, 8-bit | 4-ch, 8-bit | 4-ch, 8-bit | 4-ch, 8-bit | 4-ch, 8-bit |
| CCP Module | 1 CCP | 1 CCP | 1 CCP | 1 CCP | 1 CCP |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| In-Circuit Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Extended automotive temperature grade (vs PIC16F712-I/P)
- OTP memory for IP protection (vs PIC16F712-I/P)
- 4 MHz speed grade for low-power designs (vs PIC16C712-20E/P)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 18) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 0.25 inches of the supply pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on the same supply rail. The PIC16C712-04E/P draws peak currents up to 30 mA during ADC conversion, and inadequate decoupling causes corrupted ADC readings and CCP PWM jitter. Place a separate analog supply AVdd if precision ADC readings are required, per Microchip datasheet section on ADC design.
Do not assume that any PIC16C712 part will work in a design targeting PIC16F712 - the OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed, so any firmware bug discovered after programming is permanent. For prototype development, always use PIC16F712-I/P first and only migrate to PIC16C712-04E/P for production runs after firmware is fully validated. Also note that the 'E' (extended) and 'I' (industrial) temperature grades differ in maximum operating temperature (125C vs 85C); verify the application environment before substituting.
Place the 4 MHz crystal or ceramic resonator within 0.5 inches of OSC1 (pin 8) and OSC2 (pin 9), with short, symmetric traces to minimize stray capacitance. Add 22-33 pF load capacitors from each oscillator pin to ground. Keep oscillator traces away from high-current switching signals such as PWM outputs on RC2/CCP1 to avoid injecting noise that causes clock jitter and ADC errors.
The MCLR pin (pin 1) requires a pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) to VDD for normal operation. During ICSP programming, this pin receives the high-voltage VPP signal, so ensure no series resistor in the MCLR path that would limit programming current. Add a 100 nF capacitor from MCLR to ground if the application has a noisy environment to prevent spurious resets.
When using the 8-bit ADC, sample rates above 20 kHz introduce aliasing of input signals above the Nyquist frequency. Add an RC low-pass filter (typically 1 kohm + 100 nF = 1.6 kHz cutoff) on each analog input to bandlimit the input signal. For sensor signals with high source impedance (above 10 kohm), add a unity-gain buffer (such as MCP6002 op-amp) between the sensor and the ADC input to prevent ADC sample-capacitor charging errors.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not specified in the verified web results for this obsolete part. RoHS status marked as [DATA_NEEDED] in specs because no verified source confirms compliance. AEC-Q100 is not applicable as this is a general-purpose microcontroller, not a qualified automotive part. Contact Microchip directly for obsolete-part compliance documentation.
