PIC16LC712-04I/SO Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC16LC712-04I/SO is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's PIC® 16C series, designed for embedded applications requiring low-power operation. This device features 1.75KB of OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory, 128 bytes of RAM, and operates at 4MHz with a supply voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V. The part is currently active in production and widely available with 1126 units in stock.

Finding equivalent or substitute parts becomes necessary when OTP memory limitations require reprogramming capability, when higher performance is needed, or when supply constraints affect availability. The PIC16F716-I/SO serves as the primary substitute, offering enhanced memory and speed specifications while maintaining pin-compatible packaging.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Core Processor	PIC
Core Size	8-Bit
Program Memory Type	OTP
Program Memory Size	1.75KB (1K x 14)
RAM Size	128 x 8
Speed	4MHz
Voltage Supply (Vcc/Vdd)	2.5V ~ 5.5V
Number of I/O	13
Data Converters	A/D 4x8b
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package	18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
Peripherals	Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PIC16LC712-04I/SO is determined by the following critical parameters:

Pin Compatibility: Both the main part and substitute must share the same 18-SOIC package footprint and pin configuration to ensure direct board-level replacement without layout modifications.

Core Architecture: The PIC processor core must remain consistent to maintain instruction set compatibility and firmware portability.

I/O Count: The number of available I/O pins must be equal or greater to support existing circuit designs.

Memory Architecture: While program memory size and type may differ, the RAM size (128 x 8 bytes) and data converter specifications (A/D 4x8b) establish the baseline functional requirements.

Voltage Supply Range: The substitute must operate within or encompass the original supply voltage range (2.5V ~ 5.5V) to ensure compatibility with existing power delivery systems.

Peripheral Set: Core peripherals including Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, and WDT must be present in the substitute device.

The PIC16F716-I/SO qualifies as a direct substitute based on these criteria, with enhancements in program memory capacity (4.6KB FLASH vs. 1.75KB OTP) and maximum operating speed (20MHz vs. 4MHz).

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	PIC16LC712-04I/SO	PIC16F716-I/SO	Compatibility Notes
Manufacturer	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology	Same manufacturer
Series	PIC® 16C	PIC® 16F	Different series; F-series offers FLASH memory
Core Processor	PIC	PIC	Identical
Core Size	8-Bit	8-Bit	Identical
Program Memory Type	OTP	FLASH	FLASH allows reprogramming; OTP is one-time only
Program Memory Size	1.75KB (1K x 14)	4.6KB (2K x 14)	Substitute offers 2x memory capacity
RAM Size	128 x 8	128 x 8	Identical
Speed	4MHz	20MHz	Substitute offers 5x performance increase
Voltage Supply (Vcc/Vdd)	2.5V ~ 5.5V	2V ~ 5.5V	Substitute has lower minimum voltage (2V vs. 2.5V)
Number of I/O	13	13	Identical
Data Converters	A/D 4x8b	A/D 4x8b	Identical
Oscillator Type	External	External	Identical
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)	-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)	Identical
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Identical
Package / Case	18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)	18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)	Pin-compatible footprint
Peripherals	Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT	Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT	Identical peripheral set
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Both compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	Identical
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	Both unaffected

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: PIC16F716-I/SO

The PIC16F716-I/SO is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the PIC16LC712-04I/SO. Both devices maintain Active product status and full compliance with ROHS3, REACH, and MSL requirements. The substitute provides direct pin-compatible replacement in the 18-SOIC package without requiring PCB layout modifications.

The key technical advantage of the PIC16F716-I/SO is the transition from OTP to FLASH memory technology. This enables in-system reprogramming and field updates, eliminating the one-time programming limitation of the original device. The doubled program memory capacity (4.6KB vs. 1.75KB) and increased clock speed (20MHz vs. 4MHz) provide additional design headroom for more complex applications.

The substitute's lower minimum supply voltage (2V vs. 2.5V) expands operational flexibility in battery-powered or low-voltage applications. All peripheral functions, I/O count, RAM capacity, and data converter specifications remain identical, ensuring functional compatibility at the firmware level.

Both devices are verified as programmable through DiGi-Electronics channels and carry identical environmental compliance certifications, making the PIC16F716-I/SO a direct engineering replacement suitable for new designs and legacy system upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PIC16F716-I/SO be used as a direct drop-in replacement for the PIC16LC712-04I/SO?

A: Yes. Both devices share identical 18-SOIC package dimensions, pin configuration, I/O count (13 pins), RAM size (128 x 8), peripheral set, and operating temperature range. No PCB modifications are required for physical replacement.

Q: What is the primary difference between these two microcontrollers?

A: The main difference is program memory technology. The PIC16LC712-04I/SO uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory, while the PIC16F716-I/SO uses FLASH memory. FLASH memory allows multiple reprogramming cycles, whereas OTP can only be programmed once during manufacturing or initial deployment.

Q: Will existing firmware for the PIC16LC712-04I/SO run on the PIC16F716-I/SO?

A: Firmware compatibility depends on code size and specific peripheral usage. The PIC16F716-I/SO provides 4.6KB of program memory compared to 1.75KB in the original device, so code that fits within 1.75KB will execute on the substitute. Both devices share the same PIC core architecture and identical peripheral implementations (PWM, WDT, Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR).

Q: What are the voltage supply differences?

A: The PIC16LC712-04I/SO operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, while the PIC16F716-I/SO operates from 2V to 5.5V. The substitute has a lower minimum voltage specification, making it suitable for applications requiring operation at voltages below 2.5V.

Q: Does the PIC16F716-I/SO offer performance improvements?

A: Yes. The substitute operates at a maximum clock speed of 20MHz compared to 4MHz for the original device, providing a 5x performance increase. This allows for faster instruction execution and more responsive real-time applications.

Q: Are both devices RoHS and REACH compliant?

A: Yes. Both the PIC16LC712-04I/SO and PIC16F716-I/SO are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected, with identical Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) ratings of 1 (Unlimited).

Q: What is the packaging format for both devices?

A: Both devices are supplied in 18-SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) surface mount packages with a width of 0.295 inches (7.50mm). The PIC16F716-I/SO is available in Tube packaging.

Q: Can I use the PIC16F716-I/SO in a design originally specified for the PIC16LC712-04I/SO?

A: Yes, provided the application firmware fits within the available program memory and does not rely on OTP-specific programming characteristics. The identical peripheral set, I/O configuration, and core architecture ensure functional compatibility. The enhanced memory and speed specifications of the substitute provide additional design flexibility.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message