Microchip PIC12C508-04I/SM 8-Bit Microcontroller Overview

The Microchip PIC12C508-04I/SM is a prominent member of the PIC® microcontroller family, renowned for its compact size, cost-effectiveness, and robust performance in embedded control applications. This 8-bit microcontroller combines a powerful core with a suite of integrated peripherals, making it an ideal solution for space-constrained and high-volume consumer, industrial, and automotive products.

Housed in an 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, this device exemplifies high integration in a minimal footprint. Its architecture is built around a high-performance RISC CPU, which features a reduced instruction set for optimized and efficient operation. With all instructions being single-cycle (except for program branches) and a clock speed of 4 MHz, the PIC12C508-04I/SM delivers a consistent 1 MIPS performance, ensuring responsive control for a wide array of tasks.

A key characteristic of this microcontroller is its on-chip 512 x 12-bit program memory (EEPROM). This provides a reliable and rewritable storage solution for firmware, allowing for flexibility during development and in-field updates. Complementing this is 25 bytes of RAM for data variable manipulation and a 41-byte EEPROM data memory for non-volatile storage of critical parameters without requiring an external chip.

The PIC12C508-04I/SM is designed for versatile I/O control. It offers 6 I/O pins, each configurable on a pin-by-pin basis. These pins can source up to 25 mA of current, enabling them to drive LEDs or small relays directly without the need for external drivers, thus simplifying board design and reducing the overall component count. The device also includes an integrated 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit programmable prescaler, providing essential timing functions for applications.

Other integrated features enhance its stand-alone capability. An on-chip watchdog timer (WDT) with its own independent RC oscillator improves system reliability by recovering from software malfunctions. The microcontroller also supports a power-saving SLEEP mode, drastically reducing power consumption for battery-operated devices. Its operating voltage range is specified from 2.5V to 5.5V, accommodating both low-power and standard voltage applications.

The "-04I" suffix indicates its industrial temperature grade, guaranteeing stable operation within an ambient temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. This makes it suitable for harsh environments beyond typical commercial use cases. The "/SM" denotes the surface-mount package type.

In summary, the PIC12C508-04I/SM is a highly integrated, flexible, and reliable microcontroller that packs a significant amount of functionality into one of the smallest available form factors.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC12C508-04I/SM stands out for its exceptional balance of miniaturization, cost-efficiency, and integrated features. Its 8-pin SOIC package, rewritable memory, and industrial temperature rating make it a superior choice for designers tackling space-constrained, high-volume, or environmentally challenging embedded control systems.

Keywords:

8-bit Microcontroller

SOIC Package

EEPROM Memory

Industrial Temperature

Embedded Control