PIC16C712T-20I/SS - 8-bit CMOS MCU, 1.75KB OTP, 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C712T-20I/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.04 | $3.04 |
| 10 | $2.74 | $27.40 |
| 100 | $2.43 | $243.00 |
| 500 | $2.13 | $1,065.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.91 | $1,910.00 |
PIC16C712T-20I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer integrating a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripherals such as ADCs, timers, and communication interfaces. In the broader system hierarchy, the PIC16C712 belongs to: microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. Within Microchip's taxonomy, the PIC16C family targets 8-bit mid-range applications, sitting between the smaller PIC12C and the more capable PIC17C/18F families.
Key features of the PIC16C712T-20I/SS include a 20MHz operating frequency, 20ns instruction cycle, 128-byte SRAM data memory, 13 digital I/O pins, 4-channel 8-bit ADC, integrated CCP module, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, watchdog timer with on-chip oscillator, and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) capability. The OTP (One-Time Programmable) program memory is suited for mature, cost-sensitive production volumes.
Technically, the device uses a RISC Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access. Brown-out Reset, Power-on Reset, and a wide 2.5V-5.5V operating range support reliable operation in industrial environments, while the -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade (the I suffix) enables use in non-automotive harsh environments.
Typical applications include appliance control, motor control PWM loops, sensor signal conditioning with on-chip ADC, automotive body electronics (non-safety), industrial automation modules, and white-goods control boards. The integrated ADC and CCP module reduce BOM count in mixed-signal designs.
When designing with this part, account for the OTP memory constraint: firmware must be fully validated before programming since it cannot be re-flashed. For field-upgradable designs, choose the flash-based PIC16F712 equivalent instead. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible variants, and practical design considerations not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C712T-20I/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-20I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Timers, Core Architecture, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C712T-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C711T-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711T-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712T-20I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Operating Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 4-channel, 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| CCP Module | Yes (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip oscillator |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (0.209" / 5.30mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C712T-20I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input or ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input or external clock input |
| Pin 3 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output or clock output |
| Pin 4 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O or analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 7 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O or analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 8 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O or analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 9 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Digital I/O, analog input 3, or ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 10 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O or Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RA5/SS/AN4 — Digital I/O, SPI slave select, or analog input 4 |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1 — Oscillator input (secondary, if configured) |
| Pin 14 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (secondary) |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — Digital I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — Digital I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O or CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — Digital I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 19 | RC4 — Digital I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 20 | RC5 — Digital I/O port C bit 5 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C712T-20I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Industrial Automation Modules, Motor Control PWM Loops, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Sensor Signal Conditioning, White Goods Control Boards.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C712T-20I/SS fits appliance control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves) where its 1.75KB OTP memory and 20MHz operation deliver deterministic 200ns instruction cycles for real-time control. Its 4-channel 8-bit ADC directly reads temperature, water level, and door-switch sensors without external ADC ICs. The CCP module generates PWM for motor speed and valve control, while 13 GPIO drive relays and triac triggers. The -40C to +85C industrial grade handles kitchen and laundry thermal stress. Compared to ASICs, the PIC16C712 offers flexibility for late-stage firmware changes before OTP programming.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Modules
For industrial automation PLC sub-blocks and remote sensor interfaces, the PIC16C712T-20I/SS provides 20MHz deterministic control, Brown-out Reset, and a watchdog timer with on-chip oscillator for unattended deployments. The 13 GPIO drive digital sensors and indicator LEDs, while the 4-channel ADC integrates analog inputs from 4-20mA current loops (with external conditioning). ICSP allows in-circuit firmware provisioning during factory calibration. Compared to FPGA-based designs, the PIC16C712 cuts BOM cost and complexity for low-speed deterministic control.
Recommended
Motor Control PWM Loops
The PIC16C712T-20I/SS excels in DC motor and brushless DC (BLDC) commutation control thanks to its integrated CCP module working with Timer2 to generate precise PWM at 20MHz CPU clock. The 4-channel ADC samples current shunt amplifiers for closed-loop torque control, while the 16-bit Timer1 captures Hall-sensor feedback for RPM calculation. With 128-byte RAM, the device fits small BLDC control state machines and sensorless startup routines. Compared to dedicated motor controllers, the PIC16C712 keeps firmware flexible across motor variants without mask changes.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16C712T-20I/SS is suited to non-safety automotive body electronics such as HVAC blend-door actuators, interior lighting controllers, and accessory multiplexers, where its -40C to +85C industrial grade meets cabin thermal demands and its 13 GPIO drive small signal loads. The 4-channel ADC reads potentiometers for blend-door position feedback, while ICSP supports end-of-line calibration. Note that automotive safety applications require AEC-Q100 qualified parts - the PIC16C712 is not AEC-Q100 qualified per Microchip datasheet marking.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
For sensor signal conditioning hubs, the PIC16C712T-20I/SS integrates a 4-channel 8-bit ADC and PIC16C processing core in a single chip, replacing separate ADC+microcontroller pairs. Its 20MHz CPU executes digital filtering algorithms (averaging, threshold detection) on multiple analog channels, while 13 GPIO drive LED indicators and digital sensors. Brown-out Reset ensures clean ADC readings during supply brown-outs. The 20-pin SSOP package fits small sensor modules. Compared to fixed-function analog front-ends, the PIC16C712 adds configurability via OTP code changes.
Recommended
White Goods Control Boards
White goods such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens rely on the PIC16C712T-20I/SS for cost-effective control of compressor relays, temperature probes, and user interface keypads. Its 1.75KB OTP fits typical appliance state machines, while the 4-channel ADC reads NTC thermistors for temperature regulation. The watchdog timer prevents lock-ups in unattended operation. Compared to high-end MCUs, the PIC16C712's lower cost and lower power consumption match the BOM constraints of mass-market white goods. The OTP memory is well suited to mature, stable appliance firmware.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C712T-20I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C712T-04I/SS | PIC16C712-20I/SS | PIC16C711T-20I/SS | PIC16C711T-04I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 4 ch x 8-bit | 4 ch x 8-bit | 4 ch x 8-bit | 2 ch x 8-bit | 2 ch x 8-bit |
| CCP Module | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC reduces BOM (vs PIC16C711T-20I/SS)
- 20MHz speed grade supports real-time control loops (vs PIC16C712T-04I/SS)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade (vs PIC16C712-20E/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16C712T-20I/SS uses One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory, meaning firmware can be programmed only once and cannot be erased or rewritten. Field returns or firmware bugs require physical chip replacement. Validate firmware thoroughly on PIC16F712-equivalent flash prototypes before committing to OTP programming. Use Microchip's ICSP for in-circuit programming during production but ensure no programming voltage is applied during normal operation to avoid unintended resets.
The PIC16C712T-20I/SS operates from 2.5V to 5.5V. At 20MHz, the device draws approximately 10-15mA active and a few mA in sleep mode. Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the VDD pin and a 10uF tantalum or electrolytic bulk capacitor. Use separate analog (AVDD) and digital (VDD) supply traces if your design includes precision analog; the PIC16C712 has VREF pins for ADC reference decoupling. Brown-out Reset should be enabled in configuration fuses for unattended deployments.
The 20-pin SSOP package has a 0.65mm pitch requiring fine-pitch PCB layout. Use 0.4mm-wide traces with 0.2mm clearance, and route oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) as short as possible to minimize EMI pickup. Keep the crystal within 5mm of the MCU, with a ground plane underneath for shielding. Place decoupling capacitors on the same layer as the IC to minimize loop inductance. Use a ground pour on the top layer stitched with vias to the bottom ground plane.
Compliance Information
RoHS, lead-free, and halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data for this obsolete part. PIC16C712T-20I/SS is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications use AEC-Q100 qualified variants. Conflict Minerals: Microchip publishes a compliant CMRT.