PIC16C712T-20I/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 1.75KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C712T-20I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.1 | $3.10 |
| 10 | $2.78 | $27.80 |
| 100 | $2.35 | $235.00 |
| 500 | $1.98 | $990.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.72 | $1,720.00 |
PIC16C712T-20I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), working RAM, and a rich set of peripheral blocks (I/O ports, timers, ADC, communications) onto one die. The PIC16C family uses a Harvard RISC core with a small, deterministic instruction set, allowing most instructions to execute in a single oscillator cycle (4 clocks). Within the broader taxonomy, an 8-bit MCU sits below 16-bit and 32-bit controllers in computational throughput but excels in low cost, low power, and deterministic interrupt response, making it the workhorse of cost-sensitive embedded designs.
Key features of the PIC16C712 include an integrated 4-channel, 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), a 13-bit I/O count across two ports (PORTA and PORTB), a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, a programmable code-protection mechanism, and an operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 6.0 V (typical 5 V). The 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging, '20' indicates the 20 MHz speed grade, and 'I' marks the -40C to +85C industrial temperature range.
From an architectural standpoint, the device has a 14-bit instruction word, a 35-instruction set, two 8-bit timer/counters (Timer0, Timer2) plus a 16-bit timer (Timer1), and a 5-channel 8-bit ADC with selectable reference voltages. The 18-pin SOIC package supports through-hole-free assembly and is one of the most widely used footprints for cost-sensitive consumer, industrial, and appliance applications.
Typical applications include motor control (small DC and stepper drivers), battery chargers and smart power management, small appliances (coffee makers, hand tools), automotive body controllers (non-safety subsystems), and general-purpose sensor-interface boards. The on-chip ADC allows direct connection to potentiometers, thermistors, and low-bandwidth analog sensors without an external converter.
When designing with this part, note that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit; for prototypes choose a windowed (JW) or Flash-based PIC16F equivalent. Also confirm oscillator configuration (RC, XT, HS, LP) matches the crystal or resonator in use, and respect the 20 MHz VDD-dependent limit to avoid timing violations in high-Vdd designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package-level alternatives, and design notes specific to the PIC16C712 SOIC-18 footprint, going beyond the manufacturer datasheet to add selection guidance for engineers evaluating cross-brand 8-bit MCU replacements.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C712T-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 PIC16C712T-20I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Program Memory Type, RAM Size, Package, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C712-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-20I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712T-20/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C711T-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712T-20I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Word Width | 14 bits |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Typical Operating Voltage | 5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC Channels | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I' grade) |
| Package Type | 18-pin SOIC (7.50 mm / 0.295 in body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel ('T' suffix) |
PIC16C712T-20I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/CVREF — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 / Comparator voltage reference output |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / Voltage reference input |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7/VDD — PORTC bit 7 (shared function) / Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C712T-20I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Small Appliance Control, Battery Charger Controller, Sensor Interface Module, Small DC Motor and Fan Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Timer and Counter Module.
Small Appliance Control
The PIC16C712T-20I/SO is widely deployed in small appliance controllers such as coffee makers, toasters, hand blenders, and electric kettles. Its 20 MHz clock and 5 MIPS instruction rate comfortably handle user-interface scanning (button matrix, LED indicators), temperature profiling via the integrated 8-bit ADC, and TRIAC-based heater phase-angle control. The 128-byte RAM supports simple state-machine firmware without external memory. The OTP program memory locks the production firmware once and prevents end-user code tampering. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) tolerates the thermal environment inside a toaster or coffee machine. The 18-pin SOIC footprint allows low-cost PCB assembly with hand-solderable repair.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
The PIC16C712T-20I/SO provides a deterministic RISC core ideal for closed-loop battery charging algorithms (CC/CV, Li-ion, NiMH, lead-acid). The 4-channel ADC continuously monitors battery voltage, charge current (via shunt), and temperature (via NTC thermistor), enabling accurate termination decisions. The on-chip 16-bit Timer1 can measure charge time and trigger periodic maintenance cycles, while the watchdog timer protects against firmware lockup during long charging sessions. Operating from 2.5 V to 6.0 V allows direct connection to a single-cell Li-ion or 4-cell NiMH stack without additional regulators. The 20 MHz throughput supports PWM generation for synchronous buck charger topologies.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Module
In distributed sensor modules for HVAC, building automation, and industrial telemetry, the PIC16C712T-20I/SO offers an integrated 8-bit ADC that digitizes up to four analog channels directly from thermistors, photocells, potentiometers, or 4-20 mA loop transducers. The 128-byte data RAM accommodates small circular sample buffers without external memory. The low power consumption in SLEEP mode (typical <1 uA) suits battery-powered wireless sensor nodes. The 13 digital I/O pins drive status LEDs, control relays, or bit-bang simple serial protocols (UART, SPI master) to a remote radio module. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range covers outdoor and factory-floor installations.
Recommended
Small DC Motor and Fan Control
The PIC16C712T-20I/SO drives small DC brushed motors, fans, pumps, and stepper motors in HVAC, white goods, and automotive body subsystems. The PWM output (via CCP module or Timer2) provides variable-speed or variable-torque control of brushed DC loads via MOSFET gate drivers. The 4-channel ADC reads back tachometer, current sense, and temperature for closed-loop control. The 20 MHz throughput executes PID loops faster than 1 kHz update rate, sufficient for most comfort-fan and small-pump applications. The 13 I/O pins drive direction-control relays, fault LEDs, and a TTL-level RS-232/RS-485 debug port.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
For non-safety automotive body applications such as interior lighting, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, window lifts, and rain-sensor modules, the PIC16C712T-20I/SO provides sufficient processing and analog capability. The -40C to +125C automotive temperature tolerance exceeds the device's industrial rating, so for safety-critical or under-hood applications an AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F equivalent (e.g., PIC16F1936-I/SO) is required. The integrated ADC reads automotive sensor signals (battery voltage, current shunt, position potentiometer). The OTP memory locks the production firmware, preventing end-user modification while supporting low-cost high-volume assembly.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Counter Module
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial counters, and event loggers leverage the PIC16C712T-20I/SO's three hardware timers (Timer0 8-bit, Timer1 16-bit with capture, Timer2 8-bit with compare). The 16-bit Timer1 captures input edges from optical encoders or proximity sensors for accurate RPM or position counting. The watchdog timer protects unattended industrial nodes from firmware lockup. The ADC monitors analog process variables (pressure, level, flow) from 4-20 mA transducers. Operating from an unregulated 24 V industrial rail requires a separate 5 V regulator, but the resulting design is robust and proven across decades of factory-floor deployment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C712T-20I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C712-20I/SO | PIC16C712-20I/P | PIC16C712T-20/SO | PIC16C711T-20I/SO | PIC16C711-20I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 18-PDIP - through-hole | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB OTP (1K x 14) | 1.75 KB OTP (1K x 14) | 1.75 KB OTP (1K x 14) | 1.75 KB OTP (1K x 14) | 1.75 KB OTP (1K x 14) | 1.75 KB OTP (1K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| 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 | 0 (none) | 0 (none) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC on-chip (vs PIC16C711T-20I/SO)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range (vs PIC16C712T-20/SO)
- Surface-mount SOIC-18 footprint with tape-and-reel (vs PIC16C712-20I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C712T-20I/SO operating range is 2.5 V to 6.0 V. Add a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18 in SOIC-18) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. For battery-powered applications below 3 V, switch to a PIC16LC (low-voltage) variant if available. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) close to the MCLR pin and decouple with a 100 nF capacitor to VSS for noise immunity.
Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and routed over a continuous ground plane. Avoid running noisy signals (PWM, relay coils, switching regulators) parallel to the crystal traces to prevent injection of jitter into the system clock. If the design uses an external resonator, place the load capacitors directly between OSC1/OSC2 and ground with short traces. For RC oscillator mode, place the resistor and capacitor close to OSC1 with the capacitor grounded close to the device ground pin.
Because OTP memory can be programmed only once, production firmware bugs cannot be fixed by re-flashing in the field. Always prototype with the JW windowed ceramic package or a Flash-based PIC16F equivalent (e.g., PIC16F1936-I/SO) and migrate to PIC16C712T-20I/SO only after firmware is fully validated. Also note that PORTA pins configured as analog inputs read as '0' on digital reads; configure ADCON1 to set the analog/digital mode correctly before reading digital inputs on shared pins.
The PIC16C712T-20I/SO in the 18-pin SOIC package has a thermal resistance (theta JA) of approximately 100 C/W when mounted on a standard JEDEC test PCB with 1 oz copper. At typical MCU current consumption (a few mA active, uA in sleep), self-heating is negligible. However, ensure the maximum ambient temperature plus self-heating stays within the -40C to +85C industrial operating range. For outdoor enclosures with poor ventilation, derate the oscillator frequency at the upper temperature limit per the datasheet electrical characteristics table.
Compliance Information
PIC16C OTP family was originally designed before RoHS mandates. RoHS/lead-free status is not explicitly stated in our verified data; check the latest Microchip product declaration or factory date code for current compliance. AEC-Q100 qualification is not available for PIC16C OTP devices; for AEC-Q100 needs, migrate to PIC16F1936 or another Flash-based automotive-grade device.
