PIC16C712-20I/P - 8-bit 20MHz OTP MCU with 4-ch ADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C712-20I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.34 | $3.34 |
| 10 | $3 | $30.00 |
| 100 | $2.51 | $251.00 |
| 500 | $2.18 | $1,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.86 | $1,860.00 |
PIC16C712-20I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), data memory (RAM), and programmable peripherals. MCUs are the central building blocks of embedded systems, used wherever sensors must be read, actuators must be controlled, or communication protocols must be managed. The PIC16C712 sits within the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Its OTP (One-Time Programmable) program memory makes it suited for low-cost, high-volume production where firmware is finalized before manufacturing.
Key features of the PIC16C712-20I/P include a 35-instruction RISC architecture with all single-cycle except program branches (2 cycles), an operating voltage range of 4.0 V to 6.0 V, low-power operation, and a hardware USART for serial communication. The 8-bit ADC supports up to 4 channels for direct sensor interfacing. The CCP module enables PWM generation for motor speed control, dimming, and timing applications.
The architecture uses a Harvard-style bus with separate program and data paths, enabling simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. Its 14-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path balance code density with arithmetic precision. The PIC16C712 is code-compatible with the PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX families, easing migration and code reuse.
Typical applications include white-goods and appliance controls, automotive body modules, industrial sensor interfaces, simple motor control, and consumer electronics. The 4-channel ADC allows direct connection of analog sensors, eliminating an external ADC and reducing BOM cost.
Designers should note that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit; firmware must be verified via a windowed (JW) package before committing. Industrial-grade (-I) suffix parts are specified from -40C to +85C; verify supply voltage tolerance for battery-powered designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16C alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C712-20I/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 PIC16C712-20I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Timers, ADC, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C712-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711-20I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C71-20I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C710-20I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-04E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-20I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 (Timer0, Timer2) |
| CCP Module | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Package | 18-PDIP (P) - through-hole |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole DIP |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Pin Count | 18 |
PIC16C712-20I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/SS/AN4 — Digital I/O / Slave Select / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / External interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / Clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C712-20I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Interfaces, Small Motor and PWM Drivers, Consumer Remote Controls and IR Toys, Smart Sensors and Data Loggers.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C712-20I/P is widely deployed in white-goods and home-appliance control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, HVAC controllers) because its 4-channel 8-bit ADC can read NTC thermistors, water-level sensors, and door switches directly without external ADCs. The CCP module generates triac-firing PWM for motor-speed and heater regulation, while 13 I/O pins drive relays, LEDs, and seven-segment displays. At 20 MHz (5 MIPS) the MCU handles user-interface scanning and serial EEPROM writes simultaneously. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) tolerates kitchen and garage environments, and the OTP-programmed cost-down curve keeps unit price low at high MOQ.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C712-20I/P serves automotive body-control modules such as seat-position controllers, mirror-adjust units, climate-control faceplates, and lighting dimmers where a small, low-cost MCU with analog input and PWM is required. Its 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads potentiometers and photodiodes for ambient-light sensing, while the CCP module generates PWM signals for LED dimming and small DC-motor speed control. The 4-6 V supply range matches 5 V automotive regulators, and the -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade covers cabin environments. Note: under-the-hood AEC-Q100 applications should migrate to PIC16F or PIC18 automotive parts; the PIC16C712-20I/P is industrial-grade, not automotive-qualified.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
For industrial 4-20 mA loop sensors, bridge-amplifier signal conditioners, and panel-meter readouts, the PIC16C712-20I/P provides an integrated 8-bit ADC and USART for digital readout. Its 5 MIPS throughput executes moving-average filtering, linearization, and HART-style communication on a single chip, reducing BOM cost relative to a separate ADC plus MCU architecture. The CCP module can be re-tasked as a 10-bit PWM output for proportional-valve control. Industrial temperature grade supports factory-floor deployment from -40C to +85C. Designers should add external ESD/TVS protection on analog inputs since the on-chip ADC lacks integrated clamping.
Recommended
Small Motor and PWM Drivers
The PIC16C712-20I/P's Capture/Compare/PWM module generates precise PWM outputs for small DC motors, fan-speed control, solenoid drivers, and LED dimming. At 20 MHz the PWM resolution reaches 10 bits (period = 1024 ticks), sufficient for smooth dimming and motor control without external PWM ICs. The 4-channel ADC reads back tachogenerators and current-sense amplifiers for closed-loop control. With 13 I/O pins, the MCU also handles direction-control logic, fault inputs, and serial reporting. This makes it a popular choice for small-form-factor motor-control boards where cost, pin count, and PWM accuracy are all critical.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls and IR Toys
Battery-powered consumer devices such as universal remote controls, IR-controlled toys, and educational electronics kits use the PIC16C712-20I/P for its low cost and integrated peripherals. The CCP module can be configured for IR carrier generation (typically 38 kHz / 40 kHz), while the 8-bit ADC reads battery voltage or joystick potentiometers. OTP program memory prevents firmware theft and supports high-volume pricing. The 4.0-6.0 V supply range is compatible with 4.5 V (3xAA) and 6 V (4xAA) battery packs. For lower-power designs, look at PIC16F or PIC18 LF parts; the PIC16C712 lacks nanoWatt sleep modes.
Recommended
Smart Sensors and Data Loggers
Low-cost smart-sensor designs (temperature/humidity loggers, energy-metering front-ends, simple weather stations) leverage the PIC16C712-20I/P's ADC, timers, and serial USART to sample, timestamp, and transmit sensor data. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC is sufficient for thermistor bridges and LDR-based light sensors. The hardware USART interfaces to RS-232 or RS-485 transceivers for wired data transmission. With 128 bytes of RAM, the MCU buffers samples before transmitting. Designers typically add an external I2C EEPROM for non-volatile storage. Industrial temperature grade allows outdoor sensor-pod deployment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C712-20I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C712-20/P | PIC16C711-20I/P | PIC16C71-20I/P | PIC16C710-20I/P | PIC16C712-04E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-PDIP (P) | 18-PDIP (P) - same | 18-PDIP (P) - same | 18-PDIP (P) - same | 18-PDIP (P) - same | 18-PDIP (P) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1K x 14 OTP | 0.875 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP |
| ADC Channels | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 8 x 8-bit | 2 x 8-bit | 2 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit |
| CCP/PWM Module | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 6.0 V | 4.0 V to 6.0 V | 4.0 V to 6.0 V | 4.0 V to 6.0 V | 4.0 V to 6.0 V | 4.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (extended) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated CCP/PWM module (vs PIC16C711-20I/P)
- 4-channel 8-bit ADC vs only 2 channels in predecessors (vs PIC16C71-20I/P)
- Industrial temperature grade vs commercial (vs PIC16C712-20/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C712-20I/P requires a regulated 4.0-6.0 V supply. Use a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor on VDD placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. Brown-out reset (BOR) is not enabled by default on all configurations - configure CONFIG register bits to enable it for reliable industrial operation.
OTP program memory cannot be erased or re-programmed in-circuit. Always validate firmware on a PIC16C712/JW windowed package or with a software simulator (MPLAB SIM) before committing to OTP. A single code bug will scrap the entire production batch. Plan for pre-programming by MicrochipDirect or authorized distributors for high-volume runs.
The 8-bit ADC has no integrated input clamping; add external TVS diodes or resistor-zener protection on analog inputs exposed to industrial transients. Use a 100 nF + 10 uF capacitor pair on the analog VDD reference (if used) for clean ADC readings. Acquisition time must be programmed for the source impedance - allow >= 20 us for 10 kohm sources.
Place the 20 MHz crystal (or ceramic resonator) within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 with short traces and a ground guard ring. Use two 22 pF load capacitors to GND. For clock-sensitive peripherals (USART, CCP), add a 100 ohm series resistor on CLKOUT if driving multiple loads.
Compliance Information
PIC16C712-20I/P is a legacy through-hole part with tin-lead (SnPb) finish - not RoHS compliant. Industrial grade (not AEC-Q100). For new designs requiring RoHS/lead-free, use flash-based PIC16F or PIC18 equivalents. REACH compliance per Microchip product declaration.
