PIC16C712-20/P - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, 1.75KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C712-20/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.18 | $4.18 |
| 10 | $3.84 | $38.40 |
| 100 | $3.62 | $362.00 |
| 500 | $3.41 | $1,705.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.18 | $3,180.00 |
PIC16C712-20/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory and programmable I/O peripherals around an 8-bit data bus. Within the semiconductor hierarchy, an MCU sits under microprocessor -> microcontroller -> embedded controller. The PIC16C712 belongs to the PIC16C7xx mid-range family, which adds an integrated 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) and a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module to the baseline PIC16Cxxx core.
Key features include 13 digital I/O pins, 4 channels of 8-bit ADC with up to 8 external input channels (some shared with digital I/O), a 16-bit timer/counter with capture, compare and PWM capability, an 8-bit timer/counter, a programmable code protection bit, and a wide operating voltage range of 2.5V to 6.0V. The device also supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for production line updates despite being OTP, plus a watchdog timer for enhanced reliability in unattended applications.
The PIC16C712 architecture uses a Harvard-design RISC core with 35 single-cycle instructions, delivering near-1 MIPS/MHz performance. The integrated ADC uses successive approximation, while the CCP module supports PWM, capture and compare modes for motor control and signal measurement. Power management features include low-power sleep mode and a programmable brown-out reset.
Typical applications include automotive sensor interfaces, industrial control loops, white-goods appliance controllers and consumer electronics with embedded analog sensing. The ADC simplifies designs where these decisions involve temperature, voltage or current monitoring without an external converter.
When designing with this device, ensure the oscillator configuration matches the application: an external crystal is required for precise timing, while the internal RC option reduces BOM cost. OTP memory requires masked programming at production; prototype with the JW windowed variant and migrate to PIC16C712-20/P for volume.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C712-20/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 PIC16C712-20/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Timers, ADC, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C711-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711-20I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C710-20/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-04/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C711-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-20I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-20/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Timers | 1x 16-bit (TMR1), 1x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1x CCP module (16-bit) |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (WDT) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes (programmable) |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming | Yes (ICSP) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (0.300", 7.62mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-cycle instructions |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
PIC16C712-20/P 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 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/SS/AN4 — Bidirectional I/O / slave select / analog input channel 4 |
| 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 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 15 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C712-20/P is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Sensor Interface, Industrial Control Loops, White-Goods Appliance Controllers, Consumer Electronics with Analog Sensing, HVAC Zone Controllers, Educational and Hobbyist Projects.
Automotive Sensor Interface
The PIC16C712-20/P's integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC and 16-bit CCP module make it well-suited for automotive sensor interface designs. The ADC reads analog sensors (temperature, pressure, position) with 8-bit resolution, sufficient for dashboard and body-control modules. The CCP module provides PWM output for actuator control and capture input for frequency measurement of speed sensors. Operating from 2.5V to 6.0V, the PIC16C712 handles the 12V automotive bus after external regulation. The 13 I/O pins drive LEDs, relays and LIN bus transceivers; OTP memory prevents unauthorized firmware changes in the field. Industrial-grade parts are recommended for under-hood designs; commercial-grade PIC16C712-20/P suits cabin applications. Engineers can use MPLAB X IDE with the PIC16C712 header for firmware development and ICSP for production programming.
Recommended
Industrial Control Loops
In industrial control loops, PIC16C712-20/P acts as the local PID controller or sensor aggregator, with the ADC reading process variables (pressure, flow, temperature) and the CCP module generating PWM outputs to drive valves or heater elements. The 20MHz CPU executes the control law at 5 MIPS, well above the bandwidth of typical thermal and fluid processes. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer provide fault recovery for unattended operation. Operating voltage of 2.5V to 6.0V supports both 3.3V and 5V industrial rails. The 18-pin PDIP package is convenient for prototyping and through-hole assembly in maintenance-friendly industrial designs. The 35-instruction RISC core simplifies code review and certification for safety-relevant applications.
Recommended
White-Goods Appliance Controllers
White-goods appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators benefit from PIC16C712-20/P's combination of OTP memory (securing proprietary firmware), integrated ADC (key-reading water level and temperature sensors), and CCP PWM (driving motor speeds and heater elements). The 128-byte RAM is adequate for state machines governing wash cycles and compressor control. Commercial temperature grade suits indoor appliance environments. The 13 I/O interface directly to keypads, LED displays and triac drivers. OTP memory at $3-4 per unit in 1k quantity makes the part cost-effective for high-volume appliance production. Heisener lists 4,304 pieces in stock as of 2026-09-18, supporting both prototype and production builds.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics with Analog Sensing
Consumer products with embedded analog sensing - battery chargers, power tools, toys and small appliances - benefit from PIC16C712-20/P's integrated ADC eliminating the need for a separate converter. The CCP module generates PWM for LED dimming, motor speed control and audio tone generation. Operating from a single Li-ion cell (regulated to 3.3V) or 4xAA battery pack, the part supports portable designs. The ICSP programming interface allows factory firmware updates via test points, even on OTP parts. Brown-out reset protects against low-cell conditions that could corrupt RAM state. Through-hole PDIP packaging suits hand-soldered hobbyist and educational products, including university microcontroller courses.
Recommended
HVAC Zone Controllers
HVAC zone controllers deploy PIC16C712-20/P for thermostats, damper actuators and per-room climate control where the integrated ADC reads temperature sensors and the CCP module drives PWM-controlled fan speeds or proportional valves. The 20MHz CPU executes multi-zone scheduling with adequate headroom for filter compensation algorithms. Brown-out reset handles power glitches during compressor cycling. The 13 I/O interface to keypads, LCD character displays (via shift register expansion) and relay drivers for HVAC contactors. OTP memory locks calibration coefficients to prevent field tampering. Through-hole PDIP is preferred by HVAC OEMs for field serviceability of legacy installations.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Projects
PIC16C712-20/P remains popular in academic microcontroller courses and hobbyist projects due to its through-hole PDIP package (breadboard-friendly), 20MHz speed (fast for educational timing demos), integrated ADC and CCP peripherals (teaches both analog and PWM concepts), and low cost ($3-4 in single-piece quantities). The 35-instruction RISC core is documented extensively in textbooks and online tutorials, with assembly-language instruction giving students visibility into the CPU state. ICSP programming allows in-circuit firmware updates for iterative learning. The PIC16C7xx family has a 25+ year ecosystem of example code, application notes and university course materials. The OTP-only limitation teaches students about code versioning and production programming workflows.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C712-20/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C711-20/P | PIC16C711-20I/P | PIC16C710-20/P | PIC16C712-04/P | PIC16C711-04/P | PIC16C712-20I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP - same | 1.75 KB OTP - same | 0.75 KB OTP (-57%) | 1.75 KB OTP - same | 1.75 KB OTP - same | 1.75 KB OTP - same |
| RAM Size | 128 B | 128 B - same | 128 B - same | 36 B (-72%) | 128 B - same | 128 B - same | 128 B - same |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 4 MHz (-80%) | 4 MHz (-80%) | 20 MHz - same |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4 channels | None | None | None | 8-bit, 4 channels - same | None | 8-bit, 4 channels - same |
| CCP Module | 1x 16-bit CCP | None | None | None | 1x 16-bit CCP - same | None | 1x 16-bit CCP - same |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC on-chip (vs PIC16C711-20/P)
- 16-bit Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module (vs PIC16C710-20/P)
- Industrial temperature grade option (PIC16C712-20I/P) (vs PIC16C712-04/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C712-20/P operates from 2.5V to 6.0V; the on-chip POR (Power-on Reset) and brown-out reset must be configured via configuration bits. Add a 100nF decoupling capacitor close to VDD pin 14, plus a bulk capacitor (10uF) on the supply rail. For battery-powered designs, the brown-out voltage should be set above the minimum operating voltage (typically 2.5V) to prevent code execution below the rated spec. The ADC reference voltage (VREF) can be tied to VDD or driven from an external precision reference for absolute-accuracy measurements.
Through-hole 18-pin PDIP layouts should reserve a standard 0.300 inch (7.62mm) row spacing with 0.1 inch (2.54mm) pin pitch. Place the decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin, and keep the crystal oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and symmetric with a ground guard ring to minimize EMI susceptibility. Analog input traces should be routed away from digital switching signals to preserve ADC accuracy; consider a small RC filter (100 ohm + 100nF) on each analog input if the source impedance exceeds 2.5k ohm.
OTP memory cannot be erased after programming - prototype with the PIC16C712/JW UV-erasable windowed variant during firmware development, then migrate to PIC16C712-20/P for production volume. Configuration bits (oscillator selection, watchdog enable, brown-out voltage, code protection) must be set correctly during programming; an unconfigured watchdog will reset the MCU every ~18ms. The ADC requires the A/D conversion time per bit specification; using an inappropriate RC oscillator frequency will result in inaccurate conversions. Always read the device ID after ICSP to verify successful firmware load.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable for commercial-grade part; not designed to automotive safety standards. Not recommended for new designs (NRND lifecycle status as of 2026-09-18).
