You could use a low drop out regulator from Maxim part number Max667.  This
has a nice feature that can tell the pic when the battery is too low.  Two
of these chips can be obtained for free as samples if you want. Just connect
to their web site. I think it is www.maxim.com.
-----Original Message-----
From: RHS Linux User <chip@CROWSNEST.AEUG.ORG>
To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU>
Date: Monday, July 20, 1998 6:12 AM
Subject: Re: 12c508 fed by 9V battery


>On Thu, 16 Jul 1998, Leo van Loon wrote:
>
>> 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?
>
>  LM2931Z-5.0  -- a low-dropout voltage regulator specifically made for
>battery-powered applications.  (National Semiconductor, if the 'LM' wasn't
>a dead giveaway)
>
>  --Crow
>
>/**/
>