PIC16C712T-20E/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU, 1.75KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C712T-20E/SO ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.85 | $7.85 |
| 10 | $7.1 | $71.00 |
| 100 | $6.25 | $625.00 |
| 500 | $5.6 | $2,800.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.05 | $5,050.00 |
PIC16C712T-20E/SO Overview
What is an OTP microcontroller? An OTP (One-Time Programmable) microcontroller is a type of embedded computing device whose program memory can be written only once after manufacture, using a programmable ROM cell that is permanently altered (typically by blowing a fuse or antifuse) during device programming. OTP MCUs occupy a middle ground between mask-ROM parts (cheapest at high volume but require factory commitment) and flash-based MCUs (reprogrammable in-circuit but slightly more expensive per unit). They are favored in cost-sensitive, high-volume, mature products where firmware has stabilized and field updates are not required, such as appliance controllers, simple sensor interfaces, and consumer toys.
The PIC16C712T-20E/SO integrates a 4-channel 8-bit Analog-to-Digital converter with 2 additional timers (Timer0, Timer1, and Timer2 plus a Capture/Compare/PWM module), enabling mixed-signal embedded designs in a single chip. The 35 single-word instruction RISC architecture simplifies code development, while upward compatibility with PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX allows firmware migration from older PIC designs. The 18-pin SOIC form factor suits through-hole-free, surface-mount assembly and supports the operating voltage range of 4.0V to 5.5V.
Typical applications include appliance control boards, low-cost motor control loops via the CCP module, simple sensor interface front-ends, hobbyist and educational projects, and legacy industrial controller retrofits. The extended temperature range makes the "E" suffix variant suitable for under-hood automotive subsystems and outdoor industrial installations.
A key design consideration when selecting an OTP MCU is field-serviceability: once programmed, the device cannot be firmware-updated, so designers must provision programming test pads or sockets in production. Also note that the PIC16C712 series is in mature/legacy status with Microchip, so the PIC16F877A or PIC16F18855 flash-based equivalents are typically preferred for new designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C712T-20E/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 PIC16C712T-20E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC Channels, Operating Temperature Range, Operating Voltage Range, RAM Size, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C712-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712T-20/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712T-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711T-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.69 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C710T-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712T-20E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC Channels | 4 x 8-bit |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP module |
| Operating Voltage Range | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
PIC16C712T-20E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset input / 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 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 16 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 18 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C712T-20E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Low-Cost PWM Motor Control, Sensor Interface Front-Ends, Hobbyist and Educational Projects, Legacy Industrial Controller Retrofits, Simple Consumer Electronics.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C712T-20E/SO is well suited to washing-machine, dishwasher, and microwave-oven control boards because its 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads temperature and humidity sensors, the 20 MHz core handles user-interface button scanning with sub-microsecond response, and the 1.75 KB OTP program memory accommodates fixed-function appliance firmware. Compared with a flash MCU, OTP programming at the contract manufacturer reduces per-unit cost in high-volume appliance runs above 50 k units, where the extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade also covers under-cabinet thermal exposure near heating elements.
Recommended
Low-Cost PWM Motor Control
The Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module and 20 MHz instruction rate of the PIC16C712T-20E/SO make it a practical controller for small DC motor speed loops, valve actuators, and LED dimming circuits. At 20 MHz the PWM period can be set with 200 ns resolution, supporting switching frequencies up to ~78 kHz at 8-bit duty resolution while leaving CPU bandwidth for ADC feedback processing. The 13 GPIO pins provide dedicated lines for direction, brake, current sense, and tachometer feedback in a typical H-bridge drive topology, all in a compact 18-SOIC footprint that fits space-constrained motor housings.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Front-Ends
The 4-channel 8-bit ADC, 20 MHz core, and 13 GPIO of the PIC16C712T-20E/SO suit it as a low-cost sensor-interface front-end for HVAC duct sensors, environmental monitors, and battery management daughter-boards. The ADC delivers 8-bit resolution across a 0 V to VDD input range, which is adequate for thermistor, photodiode, and simple voltage-sense channels after external signal conditioning. The 128-byte RAM supports averaging and moving-window filtering algorithms on multiple channels concurrently, and the extended temperature grade allows deployment in outdoor enclosures and industrial cabinets without additional thermal management.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Projects
The PIC16C712T-20E/SO is a common teaching MCU in university embedded-systems laboratories and hobbyist maker projects because its 35-instruction PIC16C RISC architecture is simple to learn, the 18-SOIC package is hand-solderable on breakout boards, and the 1.75 KB OTP memory forces students to write tight, efficient assembly or C code. Its 20 MHz speed supports LED blinking, servo driving, basic UART communication, and simple closed-loop control exercises. The Microchip PICkit programmer ecosystem provides low-cost in-circuit programming during the prototype phase even for OTP parts, supporting classroom workflows that later translate to mask-ROM high-volume designs.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Controller Retrofits
The PIC16C712T-20E/SO is frequently deployed as a form-fit-function replacement for legacy PIC16C712 controllers already installed in factory automation systems, process-control transmitters, and building-automation panels. Because the PIC16C712 family has been in production for decades, maintenance teams stock this part specifically for field-service swaps in equipment where the original firmware has been validated and cannot be re-qualified for a flash-based equivalent. The extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade and 5 V operation match the 5 V industrial backplanes common in PLC I/O modules and instrumentation.
Recommended
Simple Consumer Electronics
The PIC16C712T-20E/SO fits fixed-function consumer products such as electronic toys, remote-control transmitters, timer-based kitchen gadgets, and decorative LED controllers. The 13 GPIO pins directly drive LED matrices, keypads, and low-power relays without external glue logic, while the 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads battery voltage, light sensors, or potentiometer inputs for user-controlled effects. Because OTP programming locks firmware at the factory, consumer brands can prevent field modification of calibration curves, brightness profiles, and safety limits, and the 18-SOIC package supports automated surface-mount assembly on consumer price-point PCBs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C712T-20E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C712-20E/SO | PIC16C712T-20/SO | PIC16C712T-20I/SO | PIC16C711T-20E/SO | PIC16C710T-20E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC (tray) | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC |
| Brand | 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 KB OTP | 512 x 14 OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 68 B | 36 B |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit |
| CCP Module | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest temperature grade option in the 18-SOIC PIC16C712 family (vs PIC16C712T-20/SO)
- Largest OTP memory in the PIC16C71x 18-SOIC family (vs PIC16C711T-20E/SO)
- Includes CCP module unlike the lower-end PIC16C710 (vs PIC16C710T-20E/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C712T-20E/SO operates from 4.0 V to 5.5 V; place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 17) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor at the PCB power entry. The device draws approximately 2 mA active at 20 MHz and 5 V; for battery-powered applications, drop to 4 MHz (HS-mode crystal replaced by a low-frequency XT mode) to reduce current to under 500 uA.
Keep the MCLR/VPP trace (pin 4) short and route it away from the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces to minimize capacitive coupling that could trigger spurious resets. The 18-SOIC land pattern uses standard 1.27 mm pitch SOIC footprints; reserve an uncommitted test pad on the MCLR line for in-circuit programming using the PICkit 3. Always include a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR and a 100 nF cap to ground for proper reset behavior.
OTP program memory cannot be erased or rewritten; a programming error burns the device permanently. Estimated: at typical programming yields of 95-98%, plan for 2-5% extra units in the production BOM. Also note that the PIC16C712 family is in Microchip's last-time-buy status, so for new designs migrate to the flash-based PIC16F873A-I/SO or PIC16F18855 to avoid future supply risk.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status not explicitly confirmed in the verified web data; the part was launched in the late 1990s and may predate the RoHS directive. Microchip publishes a general conflict-minerals compliance statement for its full portfolio.