PIC16C712-04E/SO - 8-Bit CMOS MCU, 4MHz, 1.75KB OTP, 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C712-04E/SO ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.95 | $4.95 |
| 10 | $4.46 | $44.60 |
| 100 | $3.96 | $396.00 |
| 250 | $3.71 | $927.50 |
| 500 | $3.47 | $1,735.00 |
PIC16C712-04E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a small, self-contained computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (ROM/EPROM/Flash/OTP), volatile working memory (RAM), and programmable I/O peripherals into a single IC. MCUs belong to the broader category of microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> digital ICs -> semiconductors, and they sit hierarchically below microprocessors in compute capability but above simple logic ICs in system-level integration. The PIC16C712 belongs to Microchip's mid-range PIC16 family, originally based on OTP EPROM technology (the "C" in the part number denotes the CMOS OTP/EPROM-based product line, now superseded by Flash-based PIC16F equivalents).
Key features of the PIC16C712-04E/SO include 35 single-word instructions (all single-cycle except program branches which take two cycles), an instruction cycle of 200 ns at 20 MHz (200 ns at 4 MHz), eight-level deep hardware stack, 13 interrupt sources, four 8-bit A/D input channels, one 16-bit Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module plus one 8-bit timer/counter, and a 5V operating voltage range. The "-04E" speed/temperature suffix indicates 4 MHz maximum clock and the "E" (Extended) temperature grade of -40C to +125C; "/SO" designates the 18-lead Small-Outline IC (SOIC) package shipped in tube packaging.
Architecturally, the PIC16C712 uses a Harvard RISC design with separate program and data buses, an 8-bit ALU, and direct/indirect addressing modes. The OTP program memory uses EPROM cells - one-time programmable via UV erase window or production programmer - which historically made the PIC16C712 attractive for low-volume production runs where mask-ROM tooling costs were uneconomical.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, industrial sensor interfaces, low-end consumer appliances, hobby/educational projects, and replacement of legacy 8051 designs. The wide -40C to +125C extended temperature range makes the "E" suffix variants particularly suitable for under-hood automotive and outdoor industrial environments.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit: firmware must be finalized before production programming. Engineers targeting in-field firmware updates should migrate to the Flash-based PIC16F712 drop-in equivalent. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16F alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C712-04E/SO — 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, RoHS Status, Timers, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F712-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712T-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-04E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | None (not present on this family) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz (-04 speed grade) |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns at 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (Vdd) | 2.5 V to 6.0 V (5 V typical) |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Timers | 1x 8-bit + 1x 16-bit (TMR1) |
| CCP Module | 1x 16-bit Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Interrupt Sources | Up to 7 (some sources vary by peripheral enable) |
| Temperature Grade (E) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18, 7.50 mm body) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels deep |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (WDT with on-chip RC oscillator) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (E suffix OTP - windowed/legacy) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <30 C / 85% RH) |
PIC16C712-04E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/Vref+ — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 3 / A/D positive voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/MCLR/Vpp — Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.0V, 5V typical) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock output (crystal mode) / Fosc/4 output (RC mode) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C712-04E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Low-End Consumer Appliance Control, Hobby and Educational Development, Lighting and LED Dimming Controller, Legacy 8051 Design Replacement.
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C712-04E/SO is well suited to automotive body controller modules where its -40C to +125C Extended temperature grade (the "E" suffix) handles under-hood thermal stress, while its 4-channel 8-bit A/D reads sensor inputs such as thermistors, switch positions, and battery monitoring dividers. The 13 GPIO pins drive relay coils, lamp drivers, and H-bridge enable signals for door lock and wiper subsystems. Source: Microchip PIC16C712 datasheet (DS30209F) lists automotive body electronics as a target segment. Trade-off: the OTP program memory requires firmware finalization before production programming - not suitable for OTA updates; consider the PIC16F712-I/SO Flash drop-in if in-field firmware refresh is required.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
In industrial 4-20 mA loop and 0-10 V sensor interface designs, the PIC16C712-04E/SO provides the 8-bit A/D front end, 5V operating voltage, and -40C to +125C thermal tolerance required for factory-floor deployment. The 35-instruction RISC core executes arithmetic and linearization routines in 200 ns per cycle at 4 MHz, more than adequate for slow-changing process variables. Source: Microchip PIC16C712 product page cites sensor interface applications. Trade-off: the 1.75 KB OTP program memory caps firmware at ~1K instructions; for complex PID or DSP-style filtering, migrate to PIC16F1933 (enhanced mid-range, 7 KB Flash).
Recommended
Low-End Consumer Appliance Control
For washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and small kitchen appliances, the PIC16C712-04E/SO delivers cost-optimized 8-bit control with PWM-driven motor/valve actuation, keypad scanning via GPIO, and triac/relay timing via the 16-bit CCP module. The 4 MHz clock is sufficient for human-scale control loops (sub-second response), and the 18-SOIC package enables single-sided PCB assembly. Source: Microchip appliance reference designs target PIC16C7xx family. Trade-off: OTP prevents firmware updates after a recall - Flash-based PIC16F712 (drop-in) is preferred for consumer designs.
Recommended
Hobby and Educational Development
The PIC16C712-04E/SO is widely deployed in educational labs, university embedded systems courses, and DIY maker projects due to its simple 35-instruction RISC architecture, 18-SOIC breadboard-friendly pinout, and compatibility with legacy PIC programming tools (PICkit 1/2/3, ICD). The 4 MHz speed grade allows demonstrations without strict timing budgets, and the A/D + PWM + timer combination covers most introductory curriculum exercises. Source: Microchip academic program and PIC16C712 datasheet application examples. Trade-off: PIC16F712 Flash is preferred today for student projects because re-programming avoids OTP burning during iteration.
Recommended
Lighting and LED Dimming Controller
The PIC16C712-04E/SO's 16-bit Capture/Compare/PWM module generates dimming waveforms for architectural lighting, signage, and indicator LEDs with up to 16-bit resolution at the 4 MHz system clock. The 8-bit A/D reads ambient light sensors for closed-loop brightness control, and the 13 GPIO pins drive multiple LED channels or DMX-style interfaces. Source: Microchip lighting reference designs cite PIC16C712 CCP/PWM use cases. Trade-off: OTP memory prevents post-deployment brightness profile updates - for tunable white or RGBW fixtures requiring firmware refinement, prefer the PIC16F1933 or PIC16F1825.
Recommended
Legacy 8051 Design Replacement
The PIC16C712-04E/SO is a popular migration target when modernizing legacy Intel 8051 designs, offering higher code density (35 single-word instructions vs 8051's 255 multi-byte instructions), lower cost, and a smaller 18-SOIC footprint compared to typical 40-pin 8051 DIP packages. The Harvard architecture eliminates the 8051's accumulator bottleneck, and the 1.75 KB OTP accommodates equivalent firmware with reduced instruction count. Source: Microchip PIC16C712 product page positions the family as an 8051 upgrade path. Trade-off: assembly code rewrite is required (architecture is not binary-compatible with 8051); porting effort is non-trivial.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C712-04E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F712-I/SO | PIC16C712-04I/SO | PIC16C712-04/SO | PIC16C712T-04E/SO | PIC16C711-04E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18) | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18) | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18) | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18) | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18) | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (1.75 KB / 1K x 14) | Flash (1.75 KB) | OTP EPROM (1.75 KB) | OTP EPROM (1.75 KB) | OTP EPROM (1.75 KB) | OTP EPROM (1.75 KB) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz (-04 speed grade) | 20 MHz (Flash max) | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 68 bytes (functional subset) |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| CCP/PWM Module | 1x 16-bit CCP/PWM | 1x 16-bit CCP/PWM | 1x 16-bit CCP/PWM | 1x 16-bit CCP/PWM | 1x 16-bit CCP/PWM | None (functional subset) |
| Lifecycle Status | Last-time-buy (OTP legacy) | Active (Flash, recommended) | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C automotive-grade temperature rating (vs PIC16F712-I/SO)
- 16-bit CCP/PWM module for timing-critical control (vs PIC16C711-04E/SO)
- In-circuit Flash re-programmability on identical footprint (vs PIC16F712-I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C712-04E/SO uses OTP EPROM program memory, which CANNOT be re-programmed in-circuit. Once a part has been programmed, the firmware is permanently locked - there is no in-field update path. Plan firmware finalization before production programming. For new designs or any product with field-update requirements, use the pin-compatible PIC16F712-I/SO (Flash) drop-in alternative, which supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and 1000+ erase/write cycles. Source: Microchip PIC16C712 datasheet (DS30209F) Memory Programming section.
Estimated: at Vdd=5.0V and 4 MHz clock, the PIC16C712-04E/SO typically draws 2-5 mA active and 1-3 uA in Sleep mode (watchdog disabled). Use bulk decoupling of 100 nF ceramic + 10 uF electrolytic within 25 mm of Vdd pin 14. Place a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 4) to Vdd to prevent spurious resets during power-up brown-outs; add a 100 nF capacitor from MCLR to Vss for noise immunity. Source: Microchip PIC16C712 datasheet (DS30209F) Electrical Characteristics section.
Route the crystal/oscillator traces (OSC1 pin 16, OSC2 pin 15) as short as possible with a grounded guard ring to minimize EMI radiation. For crystal mode, place the 20 pF-33 pF load capacitors within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins. For RC oscillator mode, route the resistor/capacitor network symmetrically and avoid crossing OSC traces with high-current GPIO drive lines. The A/D analog inputs (RA0-RA3) should be routed away from digital switching signals; if both analog and digital functions are multiplexed on RA pins, place the analog traces first on inner PCB layers. Source: Microchip PIC16C712 datasheet (DS30209F) Oscillator and A/D sections.
Compliance Information
The PIC16C712 family predates RoHS and uses SnPb lead finish; not RoHS-compliant. AEC-Q100 not specifically qualified by Microchip for this legacy OTP family - for AEC-Q100 automotive, use the PIC16F712-E/SO or PIC16F1933-E/SO Flash variants. REACH compliance verified per Microchip product declaration.
