PIC16C712T-20/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU, 1.75KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C712T-20/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.46 | $1,230.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.21 | $2,210.00 |
PIC16C712T-20/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripheral interfaces onto one die. The PIC16C712 belongs to the PIC® 16C family of 8-bit RISC microcontrollers, which sit within the broader taxonomy of microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductor ICs. OTP-based PIC MCUs are programmed once via a device programmer and retain their code without external memory, making them ideal for fixed-function commercial and industrial products where flash reprogrammability is not required.
Key features include 200 ns instruction execution time, 13 I/O pins, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, brown-out detect, and in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) capability. The 8-bit ADC with 4 input channels supports 8-bit resolution suitable for basic sensor monitoring and potentiometer feedback applications.
The architecture uses a Harvard-style 14-bit instruction word with separate program and data buses, enabling deterministic single-cycle instruction execution. The 20-pin SSOP footprint is optimized for space-constrained applications where PCB area matters more than wide peripheral count.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, HVAC thermostats, small motor control, battery chargers, security sensor interfaces, and low-cost industrial control modules. The OTP memory model suits high-volume fixed-code products where unit cost dominates over field upgradability.
When designing with this device, ensure the 5V supply rail is stable because the OTP version does not support ISP flash reprogramming in-circuit. Plan code carefully before burning the part, and always order production quantities with a margin for code-revision rework.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family and cross-brand alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond what is printed in the manufacturer's datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C712T-20/SS — 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 PIC16C712T-20/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Watchdog Timer, Program Memory Size, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C712-20/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712T-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.91 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712T-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711T-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C710T-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712T-20/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| ADC | 4-channel, 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | Yes (1 CCP module) |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC) |
| Operating Voltage | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) | Yes |
| Brown-out Detect | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
PIC16C712T-20/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS/AN4 — Port A bit 5 / SPI slave select / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator output / Timer 1 clock in |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 15 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 16 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 17 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground |
Typical Applications
PIC16C712T-20/SS is suitable for 6 applications: HVAC Thermostat and Fan Control, Small Appliance Control Board, Battery Charger Controller, Security Sensor Interface Panel, Low-Cost Power Tool Speed Controller, Consumer White-Goods Display Driver.
HVAC Thermostat and Fan Control
The PIC16C712T-20/SS fits HVAC thermostat and fan-control boards because its 4-channel 8-bit ADC can read room temperature (via thermistor divider), setpoint, humidity sensor, and indoor airflow feedback simultaneously. The 1.75 KB OTP memory is sufficient for typical HVAC state machines that handle multi-speed fan curves, hysteresis-based compressor control, and weekly schedule logic. The 20 MHz core runs the control loop at sub-millisecond cadence, ensuring tight temperature regulation without audible relay chatter. At 5 V supply and 0C to +70C operating range, it integrates easily with standard thermostat backplates.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Board
The PIC16C712T-20/SS is ideal for coffee makers, toaster ovens, and rice cooker control boards where a fixed OTP program handles keypad scan, timer countdown, and heater PWM. The CCP module generates the PWM signal driving a TRIAC or MOSFET gate, while the 8-bit ADC reads the NTC thermistor for closed-loop temperature control. Its OTP memory model prevents accidental firmware corruption in noisy kitchen environments. At 20 MHz the MCU can multiplex 7-segment displays and run a 100 Hz control loop without CPU loading concerns.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
For sealed lead-acid or NiMH charger modules, the PIC16C712T-20/SS provides the 4-channel ADC inputs needed to monitor battery voltage, charge current, temperature, and end-of-charge slope. The CCP module drives a buck-converter PWM at up to 20 kHz with adequate resolution for current-mode control. The 1.75 KB OTP memory fits CC-CV algorithm code plus safety timers. With brown-out detect and watchdog timer integrated, the design meets basic IEC safety expectations for consumer chargers.
Recommended
Security Sensor Interface Panel
The PIC16C712T-20/SS suits PIR motion-sensor interface panels where 4 ADC channels read ambient light, tamper switch, battery voltage, and a calibration trimmer, while discrete I/O scan reed switches and drive an alarm relay. The 35-instruction PIC16C core keeps firmware under 1 KB even with debounce and event-logging features. The OTP memory protects alarm-system code from being reverse-engineered. Brown-out detect ensures clean state-recovery after a power glitch.
Recommended
Low-Cost Power Tool Speed Controller
For corded drills, screwdrivers, and similar brushed-DC tools, the PIC16C712T-20/SS controls motor speed via the CCP PWM output driving a MOSFET half-bridge, while the ADC reads back EMF sensing for closed-loop RPM regulation. The 20 MHz core supports a 25 kHz PWM well above audible range, eliminating motor whine. With 13 I/O pins available, the same MCU scans trigger switches, forward/reverse direction logic, and LED indicators. OTP memory locks proprietary speed curves at production time.
Recommended
Consumer White-Goods Display Driver
The PIC16C712T-20/SS drives multiplexed LED or VFD displays in washing machines, microwave ovens, and dishwashers, using the CCP module to time the multiplex scan while software debounces the keypad matrix. The 8-bit ADC reads the rotary encoder position for user input. With 1.75 KB OTP memory the same part type fits multiple product SKUs by re-burning only the program memory. Its 5 V supply matches standard white-goods power rails without extra regulators.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C712T-20/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C712-20/SS | PIC16C712T-20I/SS | PIC16C712T-20E/SS | PIC16C712-20E/SS | PIC16C711T-20I/SS | PIC16C710T-20E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm) | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same |
| Core / Architecture | PIC16C 8-bit RISC, 35 instructions | PIC16C 8-bit RISC - same | PIC16C 8-bit RISC - same | PIC16C 8-bit RISC - same | PIC16C 8-bit RISC - same | PIC16C 8-bit RISC - same | PIC16C 8-bit RISC - same |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB OTP (1K x 14) | 1.75 KB OTP - same | 1.75 KB OTP - same | 1.75 KB OTP - same | 1.75 KB OTP - same | 1.75 KB OTP - same | 0.875 KB OTP - 50% less |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes - same | 128 bytes - same | 128 bytes - same | 128 bytes - same | 128 bytes - same | 36 bytes - 72% less |
| ADC | 4-channel, 8-bit | 4-channel 8-bit - same | 4-channel 8-bit - same | 4-channel 8-bit - same | 4-channel 8-bit - same | No ADC | No ADC |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C - same | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade with identical pinout (vs PIC16C712T-20I/SS)
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC16C712T-20E/SS)
- Family member with reduced peripheral set (vs PIC16C711T-20I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum capacitor on the same 5 V rail. The PIC16C712's brown-out detect threshold is approximately 4.0 V; ensure the upstream regulator's tolerance does not let VDD sag below this during transient load steps, otherwise the MCU will reset unexpectedly. For battery-backed applications, hold MCLR low during power transitions to avoid code-execution corruption of the OTP memory.
Route the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) symmetrically with a ground guard ring or ground pour underneath. Keep the crystal within 5 mm of pins 8 and 9, and avoid routing digital signal traces directly underneath the crystal traces. For ICSP programming, dedicate RB6 and RB7 to clock/data and avoid placing series resistors above 220 ohm on these pins - high resistance interferes with in-circuit programming timing.
OTP memory can be programmed only once - there is no field upgrade path. Always burn a known-good image with verified checksum, and order production quantities with at least 5 to 10 percent margin for code-revision rework. Do not confuse the PIC16C712 (with ADC) with the PIC16C711 (no ADC) or PIC16C710 (less memory); both share the same SSOP-20 footprint but have different peripheral sets and will silently fail firmware if substituted without code review.
Compliance Information
PIC16C712 is an obsolete OTP PIC16C-family part; RoHS/REACH compliance documentation is not consistently published by Microchip for this legacy family. AEC-Q100 does not apply to commercial-grade MCUs. Engineers requiring RoHS/REACH evidence should request a compliance certificate from the distributor or migrate to a flash-based PIC16F successor.
