ATMEGA8515L-8JC - 8KB AVR MCU 8MHz 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA8515L-8JC ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.4 | $5.40 |
| 10 | $4.86 | $48.60 |
| 100 | $4.32 | $432.00 |
| 500 | $3.89 | $1,945.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.51 | $3,510.00 |
ATMEGA8515L-8JC Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is an integrated circuit that integrates a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals such as timers, PWM generators, and communication interfaces onto a single chip. The AVR family, originally developed by Atmel and now maintained by Microchip Technology, is a classic RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture: 130 powerful instructions, most executing in a single clock cycle, feeding a Harvard-architecture pipeline that delivers approximately one MIPS per MHz.
Key features of the ATMEGA8515L-8JC include its wide 2.7V to 5.5V operating voltage range (the L speed grade permits full-rated 8MHz operation across the entire supply range), In-System Programmable Flash enabling field firmware updates, and integrated Brown-out Detect/Reset, Power-on Reset, PWM, and Watchdog Timer peripherals. It also supports up to 64KB of external SRAM expansion via its external memory interface, making it suitable for applications outgrowing internal RAM.
On the technical side, the device provides 35 general-purpose I/O lines in the 44-pin package, a UART for serial communication, an SPI interface, 8-bit and 16-bit timers with PWM outputs, and an analog comparator. Fully static operation allows the clock to be stopped without loss of register contents, supporting aggressive low-power designs.
Typical applications include industrial control and automation, consumer electronics, legacy embedded systems maintenance, motor control, and instrumentation where a proven 8-bit architecture, external memory expandability, and PLCC through-hole-serviceable footprint are valued.
A key design consideration: the commercial-grade C suffix limits operation to 0C to +70C; industrial designs must select the I-variant instead. Also verify PLCC socket availability early, as this package style is increasingly legacy.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA8515L-8JC — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ATMEGA8515L-8JC (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Communication Interfaces, Package, Core Architecture, Instructions, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA8515-16JC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515-16JI
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515L-8JI
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515L-8JU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515L-8JC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit AVR RISC |
| Flash Program Memory | 8 KB (4K x 16) In-System Programmable |
| SRAM Data Memory | 544 Bytes internal + up to 64 KB external |
| EEPROM | 512 Bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Throughput | Up to 8 MIPS at 8 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) 16.6 x 16.6 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Instruction Set | 130 instructions, most single-cycle |
| Integrated Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, analog comparator |
| External Memory Interface | Yes, up to 64 KB external SRAM |
| In-System Programming | Yes (ISP via SPI) |
| In-Circuit Debugging | Yes, via ICSP connector (2 I/O pins + reset) |
ATMEGA8515L-8JC 44-plcc (j-lead) 16.6 x 16.6 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA8515L-8JC (44-plcc (j-lead) 16.6 x 16.6 mm package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for ATMEGA8515L-8JC.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA8515L-8JC is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Automation, Legacy Embedded System Maintenance, Battery-Powered Consumer Devices, Motor Control and PWM Systems, Instrumentation and Data Acquisition, Networking and Communication Nodes.
Industrial Control and Automation
The ATMEGA8515L-8JC fits industrial controllers that need deterministic 8-bit control loops plus expansion headroom. Its 130-instruction AVR RISC core delivers up to 8 MIPS at 8MHz, adequate for PID loops and sequential control, while the external memory interface extends SRAM to 64KB for data logging and HMI buffering beyond the 544-byte internal SRAM. Integrated brown-out detection and watchdog timer provide the fault recovery behavior demanded on factory floors, and the PLCC-44 package suits socketed, serviceable control boards. Use the SPI UART to link with RS-485 transceivers and driving stages for relays or motor drivers.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded System Maintenance
For legacy products originally designed around the Atmel ATmega8515, the ATMEGA8515L-8JC keeps production lines running without redesign. Its 8KB ISP Flash is programmed in-system via SPI, letting technicians update firmware in the field with a standard AVR ISP programmer through the PLCC socket - a major serviceability advantage over soldered QFN parts. The 2.7V to 5.5V supply range keeps it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V legacy boards, and 512 bytes of EEPROM retain calibration data across power cycles. Distributors including DigiKey and Heisener still carry stock (3,840 pieces at Heisener as of 2026-09-18), simplifying end-of-life bridging.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Consumer Devices
With a 2.7V floor and fully static core, the ATMEGA8515L-8JC operates directly from two lithium coin cells or a single Li-ion cell via LDO, eliminating boost converters in 3.3V consumer products. The L speed grade sustains the full 8MHz clock across the entire voltage window, so performance does not degrade as the battery discharges - a key differentiator versus the non-L 16MHz grade that needs 4.5V. AVR power-saving sleep modes cut current dramatically between wake-ups, and the 35 GPIO lines drive keys, LEDs, and displays directly. Pair with a low-Iq LDO and the internal brown-out detector supervises brown-out glitches during battery sag.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Systems
The ATMEGA8515L-8JC integrates hardware PWM outputs driven by its 8-bit and 16-bit timers, offloading pulse-width generation from software for jitter-free DC motor and LED dimming control. At 8MHz, 8-bit PWM resolution yields roughly 31kHz carrier rates, beyond audible range for fan and pump control. The analog comparator supports zero-cross detection for triac phase control, while the watchdog timer guards against firmware lockup in unattended equipment. The external memory interface can hold large lookup tables for sensor linearization, and the UART bridges to supervisory controllers. Use gate drivers between the AVR PWM pins and the power stage.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
Instrument builders value the ATMEGA8515L-8JC's combination of EEPROM calibration storage, SPI for precision ADC communication, and UART for PC connectivity. The 512-byte EEPROM holds per-unit calibration constants that survive power cycles and firmware updates, and the analog comparator plus timer-capture supports frequency and period measurement. External SRAM expansion to 64KB buffers waveform captures far beyond the 544-byte internal RAM, and the deterministic single-cycle instruction core enables precise software timing where needed. The socketed PLCC-44 package also suits bench and lab equipment where firmware iteration is frequent.
Recommended
Networking and Communication Nodes
The ATMEGA8515L-8JC serves as a protocol-bridge node in embedded networking: its hardware UART handles RS-232/RS-485 links while the SPI port talks to Ethernet controllers or CAN peripherals. At 8MHz the core sustains respectable serial throughput for 9600-115200 baud links with headroom for protocol framing. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer deliver the unattended-restart behavior expected in distributed I/O nodes, and the 64KB external memory interface supports message queues in larger buffers. The wide 2.7V to 5.5V input range lets one firmware image serve both 3.3V and 5V node variants, simplifying spares inventory.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA8515L-8JC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA8515-16JC | ATMEGA8515-16JI | ATMEGA8515L-8JI | ATMEGA8515L-8JU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-PLCC (16.6x16.6 mm) | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| Max Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| SRAM | 544 B internal (+64 KB ext) | 544 B internal (+64 KB ext) | 544 B internal (+64 KB ext) | 544 B internal (+64 KB ext) | 544 B internal (+64 KB ext) |
| EEPROM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B |
Key Differentiators
- Full-speed 8MHz operation down to 2.7V (vs ATMEGA8515-16JC)
- Commercial-grade availability of low-voltage L silicon (vs ATMEGA8515L-8JI)
- Socketed serviceability with field ISP (vs ATMEGA8515L-8AI)
Design Notes
Decouple VCC with 0.1uF ceramic capacitors placed at each supply pin pair of the PLCC-44, plus one 10uF bulk capacitor near the MCU. Because this L-grade part can run at 3.3V or 5V, ensure the brown-out detector threshold is programmed in EEPROM/fuses to match your rail (2.7V-class BOD for 3.3V systems) - a 4.3V BOD setting on a 3.3V board will cause constant resets. Estimated: at 8MHz/5V, active current is in the several-milliamp class per AVR family norms; verify against the datasheet current-consumption table for your exact configuration.
The C suffix means 0C to +70C commercial temperature only - do not deploy in enclosed outdoor or automotive-adjacent enclosures. Use ATMEGA8515L-8JI instead for -40C to +85C. Second pitfall: the non-L 16MHz drop-ins (ATMEGA8515-16JC/JI) require at least 4.5V supply; substituting them on a 3.3V board will violate minimum voltage at full speed even though the footprint matches. Third: confirm RoHS certificate for your specific date code, since legacy PLCC stock may predate lead-free conversion.
The 44-PLCC J-lead footprint (16.6x16.6mm body, 1.27mm lead pitch) is generous by modern standards, but follow the land-pattern recommendation in the manufacturer package drawing rather than scaling old footprints - PLCC leads sit outside the body and corner leads are chamfered for pin-1 identification. If socketing for field service, specify a certified PLCC socket with low-insertion-force contacts and verify socket contact resistance adds negligible series impedance on reset and ISP (SPI) lines, as flaky socket contacts are the most common field failure mode in socketed AVR designs.
Compliance Information
Verified web data does not state RoHS/lead-free status for the -8JC ordering code specifically. Microchip offers green packaging options in the ATmega8515 family, but the legacy C-suffix PLCC stock may predate lead-free conversion - request a RoHS certificate per date code before purchase.
