This application note describes how to decode standard DTMF tones using the minimum number of external discrete components and a PIC. The two examples use a PIC which has an 8 bit timer and either a comparator or an ADC, although it can be modified for use on a PIC which has only digital I/O. The Appendices have example code for the 16C662 (with comparator) and 16F877 (using the ADC).As the majority of the Digital Signal Processing is done in software, little is required in the way of external signal conditioning. Software techniques are used to model the individual elements of a DTMF Decoder IC.