PIC16C712-20I/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 1.75KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C712-20I/SO ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.07 | $30.70 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.21 | $2,210.00 |
PIC16C712-20I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer that processes data in 8-bit chunks and integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals. Within the embedded hierarchy, the PIC16C712 sits at: microcontroller -> embedded microcontroller -> microprocessor-based IC -> semiconductor. The OTP variant uses one-time-programmable EPROM for code storage, which makes it suited to mature, cost-sensitive production runs where code is finalized at the time of manufacture and field reprogramming is not required. The 'I' suffix denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C).
Key features include a high-performance RISC CPU with only 35 single-word instructions to learn, single-cycle execution for most instructions (two cycles for program branches), and brown-out reset plus power-on reset for robust startup. The 8-bit ADC provides up to 4 input channels, while the CCP module supports capture, compare, and PWM generation for motor, lighting, or signal-conditioning control. The wide operating voltage range of 4.0 V to 6.0 V makes it compatible with both 5 V regulated rails and legacy 5 V systems.
Architecturally, the PIC16C712 uses a Harvard-style RISC core with separate program and data buses, enabling simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access. The 8-level deep hardware stack, 7 special-function registers, and direct/indirect addressing modes simplify firmware development in assembly or C (with the MPASM/MPLAB toolchain). Compared to legacy 8051 MCUs, the PIC16C712 delivers higher MIPS-per-mW and a smaller instruction footprint.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, simple sensor interface modules, automotive body electronics (A/D-based sensor monitoring), industrial control timers, and white-goods PWM motor drivers. It is widely used in cost-driven embedded products where OTP is acceptable and where on-chip ADC and CCP reduce external component count. Designed-in products span decades thanks to long-life industrial and appliance markets.
When designing with this part, allocate the I/O map carefully because RB4-RB7 share an interrupt-on-change feature. Ensure decoupling per Microchip's recommended 100 nF + 10 uF bulk capacitor placement, and respect the 6.0 V absolute maximum on VDD. Designers migrating to flash-based PIC16F equivalents should verify the CCP and ADC register layouts.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs, and practical engineering notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving procurement and design engineers a faster sourcing decision.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C712-20I/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 PIC16C712-20I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Package, Program Memory Type, ADC, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C711-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C710-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-20I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16C RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| CCP Module | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
PIC16C712-20I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/CCP1 — PORTA bit 4 / Capture-Compare-PWM output |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0 V to 6.0 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal/ceramic resonator output or clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal/ceramic resonator input or external clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C712-20I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Interface Modules, PWM Motor Speed Control, White Goods Timer and Sequencer, Simple Sensor Hub for IoT Edge Nodes.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C712-20I/SO fits consumer appliance control because its 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads temperature, humidity, or load sensors directly while the CCP module drives triac-based heater or motor PWM without an external timer IC. The 1.75 KB OTP memory is sufficient for washing-machine, dishwasher, or microwave front-panel firmware, and the 18-pin SOIC keeps the PCB small for enclosed housings. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) supports kitchen-environment thermal stress. Estimated typical BOM savings: removing an external ADC and timer IC reduces part count by 2 and BOM cost by roughly $0.30 at 100k volumes.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C712-20I/SO suits body-electronics modules (mirror adjusters, simple climate controls, lighting timers) because the 4-channel 8-bit ADC handles position feedback and temperature sensing, while the CCP module generates PWM for LED dimming or motor speed. The 20 MHz CPU executes control loops in microseconds, well under automotive 10 ms task deadlines. The wide 4.0-6.0 V supply tolerates cranking transients, though automotive designs usually add a TVS for 12 V load-dump compliance. For under-hood or AEC-Q100-mandated designs, migrate to PIC16F72-I/SO which is automotive-graded.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC16C712-20I/SO is well-suited to industrial sensor-interface modules that read 4-20 mA or 0-10 V analog signals and convert them to digital outputs for PLCs or HMIs. Its 4-channel 8-bit ADC samples up to 4 sensor inputs simultaneously, while the 128-byte RAM buffers conversion data for averaging. The 18-pin SOIC provides easy hand-soldering for prototype panels, and the 20 MHz CPU enables 100 Hz sample rates with on-chip filtering. Designers should add input protection (TVS + series resistor) per Microchip's analog-rail guidelines.
Recommended
PWM Motor Speed Control
The PIC16C712-20I/SO drives small DC motors and brushless fans via its CCP module, which generates PWM up to 20 kHz - above the audible band for quiet operation. The 13 I/O pins support direction control, tachometer feedback, and fault input, while the 4-channel ADC reads current sense or thermistor for closed-loop control. At 20 MHz, the PID loop runs in well under 100 us, supporting smooth ramp profiles. The 18-pin SOIC footprint is suitable for handheld power tools or appliance fans where PCB area is constrained.
Recommended
White Goods Timer and Sequencer
White-goods timers (washing machine, dishwasher, oven controllers) benefit from the PIC16C712-20I/SO's two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, which support simultaneous pump, valve, and heater sequencing with millisecond resolution. The CCP module generates beep tones and PWM for indicator LEDs. OTP memory locks the validated cycle table, preventing end-user firmware tampering. Industrial temperature grade handles under-counter heat. Migration to PIC16F72-I/SO is recommended for new SKUs needing field service updates.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Hub for IoT Edge Nodes
The PIC16C712-20I/SO acts as a cost-optimized sensor hub that pre-processes analog signals before forwarding to an upstream Wi-Fi/BLE module. Its 4-channel ADC samples temperature, light, and motion sensors at low power, while the CCP module drives a status LED. Although the device has no native radio, it pairs with modules such as the RN4870 via UART, offloading radio stack complexity from the PIC. Total system BOM including the radio module typically lands under $5 at 10k volumes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C712-20I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C712-20I/P | PIC16C712-20E/SS | PIC16C711-20I/SO | PIC16C710-20E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC | 18-pin PDIP | 20-pin SSOP | 18-pin SOIC - same | 18-pin SOIC - same |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.0 KB OTP |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 4 ch x 8-bit | 4 ch x 8-bit | 4 ch x 8-bit | No ADC | No ADC |
| CCP Module | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial | Extended | Industrial | Extended |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC (vs PIC16C711-20I/SO)
- Includes CCP module for PWM/Capture/Compare (vs PIC16C710-20E/SO)
- 18-pin SOIC surface-mount package (vs PIC16C712-20I/P (PDIP))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply trace within 1 inch. The PIC16C712-20I/SO draws approximately 2-15 mA active depending on clock and I/O load, so the regulator must source at least 25 mA per MCU plus peripheral headroom. Add a series ferrite bead on VDD if the board shares a noisy switching rail.
Route the crystal or resonator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 15-16) symmetrically with trace length under 5 mm and guard them with a ground pour. The MCLR pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; add a 100 nF cap to ground if the design expects noisy reset events. Keep analog traces (RA0-RA3) away from high-current switching nodes to preserve ADC accuracy.
Do not exceed 6.0 V on VDD - the OTP cell is sensitive to over-voltage stress. Always run Microchip's MPASMWIN assembler and MPLAB SIM before committing firmware to OTP parts because OTP cannot be erased. Designers migrating to PIC16F72-I/SO must verify CCP1 register mapping because the F variant reuses CCP1 as CCP2 in some pin modes per the PIC16F72 datasheet.
Estimated: at 20 MHz active with all peripherals on, the PIC16C712-20I/SO dissipates approximately 75 mW internally. In an 18-pin SOIC with theta_JA around 100 C/W (still-air), junction-to-ambient rise is roughly 7.5 C - well within the 125 C max junction rating. No heatsink is required, but airflow above 0.5 m/s is recommended in enclosed appliance housings.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status were not present in the verified web data; check with Microchip or the distributor for the latest compliance certificates. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs use PIC16F72-I/SO.