>Dear friends,
>
>I am producing an electronic dice with a PIC12C508 as a kit for children.
>For simplicity I must use a 9V block battery, but the PIC does not like 9V.
>How can I reduce 9V to 5V with a minimum of components?
>Does only a serial 4,7 V zener work?
>I feed the seven LED's of the display directly from the battery, that can be
>no problem.
>

I've been quite successful at driving LEDs directly from a '508 with a 3V
supply, and no series resistor. The LED current is typically about 10mA.
Food for thought...

        Jim