Microchip PIC12C672-10I/SM: A Compact 8-Bit Powerhouse for Embedded Control

The Microchip PIC12C672-10I/SM is a fully-featured 8-bit microcontroller housed in an ultra-compact 8-pin SOIC package. This device is a member of Microchip’s renowned PIC12Cxxx family, engineered to deliver high performance and a rich set of peripherals while minimizing board space and power consumption. It is an ideal solution for a vast array of embedded control applications, including automotive, industrial, consumer, and sensor interface modules.

Architected around a high-performance RISC CPU core, the PIC12C672 executes most instructions in a single clock cycle, achieving a throughput of up to 10 MIPS at its maximum operating frequency of 10 MHz. This efficiency allows for deterministic response to real-time events in time-critical applications. The microcontroller operates over a wide voltage range (2.5V to 6.0V), making it suitable for both battery-powered and mains-connected systems.

A key feature of this MCU is its integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The 8-bit resolution ADC features four input channels, enabling the device to interface directly with a variety of analog sensors—such as thermistors, potentiometers, or light sensors—without requiring external components. This simplifies design and reduces the overall bill of materials.

Further enhancing its integration are its on-chip timers and a watchdog timer (WDT). The device includes one 8-bit timer/counter and one 16-bit timer/counter, which are essential for creating precise timing intervals, waveform generation, and event counting. The watchdog timer, with its own internal RC oscillator, provides unparalleled reliability by independently resetting the processor in the event of a software malfunction, ensuring the system recovers from unexpected states.

Memory resources are ample for its class. The PIC12C672-10I/SM provides 1.25 KB of user-programmable Flash memory for application code and 64 bytes of RAM for data manipulation. Additionally, it features 128 bytes of EEPROM data memory, which is invaluable for storing critical calibration constants, device parameters, or user data that must be retained even after a power cycle.

The device supports a flexible oscillator structure, capable of operating in several modes, including the power-saving LP (Low-Power) crystal mode and the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator, which eliminates the need for external timing components. Its CMOS technology is fundamental to its low-power operation, with typical standby currents in the nanoampere range, crucial for portable and battery-dependent designs.

Packaged in an 8-pin SOIC (SM) surface-mount package, the PIC12C672-10I/SM offers a minimal footprint, making it an excellent choice for space-constrained PCB designs. The industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) ensures reliable operation in harsh environmental conditions.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip PIC12C672-10I/SM stands out as a highly integrated, space-efficient, and reliable 8-bit microcontroller. Its combination of RISC performance, built-in ADC, non-volatile EEPROM, and robust peripheral set in an 8-pin package offers designers a powerful and cost-effective solution for embedding intelligence into a diverse range of products.

Keywords:

1. 8-bit Microcontroller

2. RISC CPU

3. Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)

4. EEPROM Memory

5. SOIC Package