PIC16C712-20E/SO - 8-bit 20MHz OTP MCU 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C712-20E/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.57 | $1.57 |
| 10 | $1.42 | $14.20 |
| 100 | $1.28 | $128.00 |
| 500 | $1.15 | $575.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.02 | $1,020.00 |
PIC16C712-20E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory, RAM, and integrated peripherals such as timers, ADCs, and communication interfaces. MCUs sit at the lowest layer of embedded computing hierarchy: MCU -> embedded controller -> embedded system -> IoT device. The PIC16C712 belongs to the PIC16 mid-range family, one of the most widely deployed 8-bit cores in industrial, automotive, and consumer embedded designs due to its compact instruction set, deterministic timing, and broad peripheral integration.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions, all single-cycle except program branches (two cycles), 8-level hardware stack, 13 I/O pins with individual direction control, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) capability, and a wide 2.5V to 6.0V operating voltage. The on-chip 8-bit ADC with 4 input channels eliminates external converter cost in sensor-interface applications, while the CCP module supports PWM motor control and periodic-event capture.
Architecturally, the PIC16C712 uses a Harvard RISC core with separate program and data buses. The 14-bit-wide instruction word allows most operations to execute in a single instruction cycle, achieving 5 MIPS at 20 MHz. The 'E' suffix denotes the extended industrial temperature grade (-40C to +125C), and '20' specifies the 20 MHz maximum clock. The 'SO' suffix denotes the 18-lead Small-Outline IC package supplied in tube.
Typical applications include automotive sensor interfaces, HVAC damper control, white-goods appliance controllers, battery chargers, simple motor drives (fans, pumps), and low-end consumer products requiring analog sensing plus deterministic digital I/O. The integrated ADC and PWM make it especially attractive for closed-loop feedback control.
When designing, observe the OTP-programmed nature: code cannot be changed after programming. Plan for prototype validation on a windowed (JW) or flash-based PIC16F equivalent before committing to OTP volume production. The 18-SOIC package has a typical theta_JA of approximately 75 C/W, providing adequate thermal margin for normal industrial environments.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a one-stop view for sourcing and replacement decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C712-20E/SO 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 PIC16C712-20E/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Timers, Core Architecture, ADC, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C711-20I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C711-20E/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-20/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-20I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.21 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C712-04E/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.47 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F716-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-20E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C Mid-Range 8-bit MCU |
| Core Architecture | RISC (Harvard), 14-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (OTP family) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade, extended) |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP module |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO, .300 inch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Interrupt Sources | Multiple (peripheral and external) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip WDT) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free SO package) |
PIC16C712-20E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 β Bidirectional I/O / analog channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 β Bidirectional I/O / analog channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI β Bidirectional I/O / 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 Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC β Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD β Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Crystal output / Fosc/4 clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 β Bidirectional I/O / analog channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 β Bidirectional I/O / analog channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C712-20E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Sensor Interface, Appliance Control (White Goods), Battery Charger Controller, HVAC Damper and Fan Control, Industrial Process Sensor Transmitter, Low-End Consumer Products (Toys, Small Appliances), Simple Motor Driver (Fan / Pump).
Automotive Sensor Interface
The PIC16C712-20E/SO's extended -40C to +125C temperature grade and 4-channel 8-bit ADC suit it to under-hood automotive sensor conditioning, such as reading MAP, MAF, or temperature sensors. At 20 MHz the MCU executes instructions in 200 ns, allowing 5 MIPS of deterministic throughput - enough to run a 1 kHz control loop with margin. The CCP module can drive a PWM solenoid or gauge directly. Engineers should place 100 nF decoupling at VDD and add ESD protection on analog inputs per Microchip AN786 guidelines.
Recommended
Appliance Control (White Goods)
Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators use the PIC16C712-20E/SO for low-cost user-interface and motor-control logic. The 13 GPIO pins drive 7-segment displays and keypads; the 4-channel ADC reads water level, temperature, and door-position sensors; the CCP module generates PWM for variable-speed pump or fan drives. According to the Microchip PIC16C712 product brief, this MCU family is designed for appliance applications. The 18-SOIC package reflows cleanly on standard lead-free SMT lines at 245 C peak per IPC J-STD-020.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
The PIC16C712-20E/SO is well-suited for lead-acid or NiMH charger control: the 8-bit ADC monitors battery voltage and current with 0.39% resolution (5V / 256), the CCP module drives the PWM charge profile, and the 2.5V to 6.0V operating range matches a single lithium cell or 4-cell NiMH pack. The 200 ns instruction cycle supports CC/CV state-machine updates at 50 kHz, far above the typical 1 Hz charge loop. OTP memory prevents firmware corruption from voltage transients on the battery rail.
Recommended
HVAC Damper and Fan Control
HVAC zone controllers leverage the PIC16C712-20E/SO for closed-loop damper position and variable-speed fan drive. The CCP module generates a 25 kHz PWM with 10-bit effective resolution (via timer pre-scaler) to drive a BLDC or shaded-pole motor; the ADC reads thermistor inputs from multiple zones. Extended temperature grade supports attic-mounted equipment at +70 C ambient. The 13 GPIO pins handle thermostat inputs and triac-fired damper actuators without external logic.
Recommended
Industrial Process Sensor Transmitter
In 4-20 mA loop-powered transmitters, the PIC16C712-20E/SO conditions a bridge sensor (pressure, load cell) using its 8-bit ADC and linearizes the output through lookup tables in OTP memory. The 2.5V minimum operating voltage fits a 4 mA loop with a series regulator. At 20 MHz, the MCU digitizes and filters at 1 kS/s with 50 Hz mains-noise rejection via averaging. The extended temperature range handles plant-floor extremes. Engineers must add input protection (TVS + series resistor) for IEC 61000-4 surge compliance.
Recommended
Low-End Consumer Products (Toys, Small Appliances)
Cost-sensitive consumer goods like educational toys, simple kitchen timers, and small plug-in appliances use the PIC16C712-20E/SO for its sub-$1.50 price point at 100-piece volume (as of 2026-09-18) combined with integrated ADC, PWM, and timers. The 18-SOIC is hand-solderable for low-volume SKUs. OTP memory prevents field firmware tampering - a regulatory plus for safety-certified appliances. The 35-instruction RISC core is straightforward for junior embedded engineers; Microchip's MPLAB X IDE supports the PIC16C712 with a free toolchain.
Recommended
Simple Motor Driver (Fan / Pump)
Brushed DC motor and small pump drivers use the PIC16C712-20E/SO's CCP module for PWM speed control plus the ADC for tachometer or current feedback. At 20 kHz PWM the MCU can modulate motor speed without audible whine, while the 8-bit ADC samples back-EMF for closed-loop RPM regulation. The 13 GPIO pins drive H-bridge enable, direction, and brake logic directly. For higher-current motors (>1 A), pair with an external MOSFET gate driver like TC4427.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C712-20E/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C711-20I/SO | PIC16C711-20E/SO | PIC16C712-20/SO | PIC16C712-20I/SO | PIC16C712-04E/SO | PIC16F716-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 2 KB Flash (rewritable) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz (-80%) | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| CCP Module | Yes (1 CCP) | No | No | Yes (1 CCP) | Yes (1 CCP) | Yes (1 CCP) | Yes (1 CCP) |
| ADC Channels | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time) | OTP (one-time) | OTP (one-time) | OTP (one-time) | OTP (one-time) | OTP (one-time) | Flash (rewritable) |
| Pin Count | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade -40C to +125C (vs PIC16C712-20I/SO)
- Flash-programmable alternative available with same pinout (vs PIC16F716-I/SO)
- Includes CCP module for PWM and capture (vs PIC16C711-20I/SO)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 14) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic at the board supply input. The PIC16C712-20E/SO draws approximately 2-5 mA active at 20 MHz / 5V and <1 uA in SLEEP. For battery-backed designs, add a 100kohm pull-up on MCLR/VPP (pin 4) to prevent spurious reset from below 1.5V VDD brownouts. Verify supply ramp time is <300 ms to satisfy the Power-on Reset (POR) timing per Microchip PIC16C712 datasheet section 12.
Route the crystal or resonator between OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) with traces no longer than 10 mm to limit EMI and stray capacitance. Place the load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF for an HC-49 crystal) as close to the MCU pins as possible with a ground pour underneath. Keep switching traces (PWM outputs, clock) away from analog ADC inputs (RA0-RA3) to avoid digital crosstalk; a ground trace between analog and digital sections improves noise immunity by approximately 6 dB.
Three frequent PIC16C712-20E/SO design mistakes: 1) Attempting to use the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) as a general-purpose input without a series resistor - this prevents in-circuit serial programming (ICSP). Always include a 10kohm pull-up on MCLR; 2) Forgetting that the I/O pin RB3 (pin 9) on some PIC16C7xx variants is a PGM-only input - check the device configuration bits before driving RB3 as output. 3) Programming OTP memory in-circuit with VPP above 13.5V without current limiting - use a 100 ohm series resistor on VPP per Microchip programming spec.
Estimated: at -40C to +125C extended temperature grade, the 18-SOIC package's theta_JA is approximately 75 C/W on a standard JEDEC 2-layer test board. Power dissipation at 20 MHz / 5V is approximately 25 mW, producing a 1.9 C junction temperature rise above ambient - well within thermal margin. No external heatsink is required. For sealed enclosures without airflow, derate ambient by 5 C per watt of external load to maintain reliability per Microchip AN781.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The PIC16C712-20E/SO is not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs requiring full AEC-Q100, choose PIC16F716 with appropriate automotive grade suffix. Lead-free SO package reflows per IPC J-STD-020.
