ATMEGA8515L-8PC - 8-bit AVR MCU 8KB Flash 40-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA8515L-8PC ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.62 | $5.62 |
| 10 | $5.06 | $50.60 |
| 100 | $4.5 | $450.00 |
| 500 | $4.06 | $2,030.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.65 | $3,650.00 |
ATMEGA8515L-8PC Overview
An 8-bit AVR microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around the AVR enhanced RISC architecture, in which most of the 130 powerful instructions execute in a single clock cycle. Within the power-management hierarchy, an MCU integrates processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals (SPI, UART/USART, external memory interface) into one package, replacing multi-chip processor systems in embedded designs.
Key features include up to 8 MIPS throughput at 8 MHz, 32 general-purpose working registers, in-system self-programming Flash, an external bus interface (EBI/EMI) for up to 64 KB of external SRAM, and low-voltage 'L' grade operation typically spanning 2.7V to 5.5V. The through-hole 40-PDIP (0.600 inch, 15.24 mm) format makes the part ideal for prototyping, sockets, and legacy through-hole production lines.
Architecturally, the Harvard-architecture AVR core separates program and data buses, achieving near one MIPS per MHz efficiency. Fully static operation allows the clock to be stopped without register loss, supporting aggressive power management in battery-powered designs.
Typical applications include industrial control boards, legacy equipment maintenance and repair, educational/training platforms, and low-volume instrumentation where Flash reprogrammability and DIP sockets simplify field updates.
Design consideration: the L-grade device tops out at 8 MHz; for 16 MHz designs choose the non-L ATmega8515-16 grades instead, as overclocking beyond the speed-grade limit violates datasheet timing margins.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA8515L-8PC — 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-8PC (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Instruction Set, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA8515L-8PI
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515-16PC
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515-16PI
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515L-8AC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515L-8PC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | AVR |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Speed | 8 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| SRAM | 544 B internal + up to 64 KB external |
| Connectivity | EBI/EMI, SPI, UART/USART |
| Peripherals | External Memory Interface, SPI, UART/USART, Timer/PWM |
| Operating Temperature | 0C ~ 70C (TA) |
| Package | 40-PDIP (0.600", 15.24mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Instruction Set | 130 powerful instructions, most single-cycle |
| Throughput | Up to 8 MIPS at 8 MHz |
| Programmability | 8 KB In-System Programmable (self-programming) Flash |
ATMEGA8515L-8PC 40-pdip (0.600", 15.24mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA8515L-8PC (40-pdip (0.600", 15.24mm) 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-8PC.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA8515L-8PC is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Boards, Legacy Equipment Maintenance and Repair, Educational and Training Platforms, Low-Volume Instrumentation, Data Logging and Memory Expansion Systems, Embedded Communication Nodes.
Industrial Control Boards
The ATMEGA8515L-8PC fits industrial control and automation boards where a dependable 8-bit MCU with an external memory interface is needed. Its EBI/EMI expands SRAM to 64 KB for data buffering, while the UART/USART and SPI peripherals handle PLC-style communication with sensors and drives. The 40-PDIP through-hole package withstands vibration better than fine-pitch SMD in some fixtures and allows socketed replacement during line maintenance. Operating from 0C to +70C, the commercial grade suits indoor control cabinets; choose the -8PI grade for unheated factory floors. At 8 MHz the core delivers 8 MIPS, ample for relay sequencing, PID loops, and HMI polling without an RTOS.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Maintenance and Repair
Service organizations repairing 1990s-2000s industrial and telecom equipment frequently need the ATMEGA8515L-8PC because many original designs socketed this exact 40-PDIP part. Its through-hole DIP format allows replacement without hot-air rework, and the in-system self-programming Flash lets technicians load recovered firmware from a socket programmer in minutes. Because the part remains active at Microchip with stock at DigiKey as of 2026-09-19, repair shops avoid the gray market. The L-grade 8 MHz speed matches the original clocking of most legacy boards, so no timing re-verification is needed. Keeping 25-50 pieces on the shelf covers typical annual repair volume for mixed fleets.
Recommended
Educational and Training Platforms
Universities and vocational programs use the ATMEGA8515L-8PC on breadboards and trainer boards because the 0.600-inch 40-PDIP package plugs directly into standard sockets and solderless breadboards - impossible with QFN or TQFP devices. The AVR RISC core with 130 mostly single-cycle instructions teaches assembly and C fundamentals on real hardware, while the external bus interface demonstrates memory-system design with up to 64 KB external SRAM. UART, SPI, timers, and 32 I/O-capable port pins support labs on serial communication, PWM motor control, and keypad/LED interfacing. The 8 MHz L-grade runs from simple crystal or RC clock sources, and miswiring damage is cheap to fix on a socketed DIP.
Recommended
Low-Volume Instrumentation
Bench instruments, environmental loggers, and custom test fixtures benefit from the ATMEGA8515L-8PC's combination of self-programming Flash and DIP socketability, letting one PCB serve multiple product variants by swapping firmware at final assembly. The 512 B EEPROM stores calibration constants that survive power cycles, and the 8 KB Flash holds application code plus a bootloader for field updates over UART. Where 544 B internal SRAM is insufficient, the EBI adds external SRAM without an external bus controller chip. Low-power 'L' grade operation supports battery-backed portable instruments, and fully static core operation permits clock gating during idle measurement windows to stretch battery life.
Recommended
Data Logging and Memory Expansion Systems
The ATMEGA8515L-8PC is specifically suited to datalogging designs because its external memory interface addresses up to 64 KB of external SRAM beyond the 544 B internal block - a capability few 8-bit MCUs of its generation offered. The EBI multiplexes address lines on port pins and generates read/write strobes automatically, so a static RAM chip plus latch adds a large ring buffer for sensor streams sampled via SPI ADCs. The UART/USART streams buffered data to a PC or modem, and EEPROM retains configuration across power loss. At 8 MHz, the core sustains roughly 8 MIPS, enough to service interrupts, format records, and manage the bus concurrently without dropping samples in typical low-rate logging profiles.
Recommended
Embedded Communication Nodes
Serial-centric embedded nodes - protocol converters, remote I/O heads, and telemetry units - leverage the ATMEGA8515L-8PC's UART/USART and SPI peripherals. The USART links to RS-485 transceivers for multi-drop industrial networks, while SPI interfaces to external EEPROM, RTCs, and ADCs at multi-MHz rates. The external bus interface can memory-map peripheral banks, and general port pins handle chip-selects and flow control. The 8 KB Flash accommodates a Modbus-style stack plus application logic, and in-system programming permits firmware updates without desoldering - valuable for nodes mounted in accessible sockets. Commercial 0C to +70C rating fits indoor network cabinets; select the -8PI industrial grade for exterior installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA8515L-8PC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA8515L-8PI | ATMEGA8515-16PC | ATMEGA8515-16PI | ATMEGA8515L-8AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-PDIP (0.600", 15.24mm) | 40-PDIP (0.600") - same | 40-PDIP (0.600") - same | 40-PDIP (0.600") - same | TQFP-44 - different footprint |
| Brand | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology (Atmel) |
| Max Clock Speed | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB (4K x 16) ISP | 8 KB ISP | 8 KB ISP | 8 KB ISP | 8 KB ISP |
| EEPROM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B |
| SRAM | 544 B internal + up to 64 KB external | 544 B + 64 KB external | 544 B + 64 KB external | 544 B + 64 KB external | 544 B + 64 KB external |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole | Through Hole | Through Hole | Through Hole | Surface Mount |
Key Differentiators
- Identical die in industrial temperature grade available as true drop-in (vs ATMEGA8515L-8PI)
- Double the throughput option in the same socket (vs ATMEGA8515-16PC)
- External memory expansion up to 64 KB SRAM (vs ATMEGA8515L-8AC)
Design Notes
Respect the 8 MHz speed-grade limit of the 'L' (low-voltage) part. The ATMEGA8515L-8PC is qualified to 8 MHz; driving a 16 MHz crystal violates datasheet timing margins and flash access times, causing intermittent failures that worsen with temperature. If your board was designed for a 16 MHz ATmega8515, either fit an ATMEGA8515-16 grade part or reconfigure fuse bits for a divided clock source. Always verify fuse settings (clock source, brown-out, lock bits) with a programmer before first power-up, since wrong clock fuses can brick board bring-up.
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor directly across VCC/GND pins of the 40-PDIP, with leads as short as possible - DIP sockets add several nH of inductance that degrades decoupling at harmonic frequencies. When the external bus interface drives external SRAM, the simultaneous switching of 16+ address/data lines causes ground bounce; add a bulk 10 uF capacitor near the MCU and route the external memory bus away from the reset line to prevent spurious resets. For through-hole designs, a ground grid or plane on the solder side significantly improves EMI performance.
The UART/USART on this device is reliable up to its rated baud at 8 MHz, but non-standard baud rates suffer from clock-division rounding error; calculate the actual error percentage from the datasheet baud-rate tables and keep error below approximately 2% for robust RS-485 networking. The external memory bus (EBI) benefits from the shortest possible traces to external SRAM - under 10 cm for 8 MHz operation - and series resistors (22-33 ohm) on data lines reduce ringing on wire-wrapped or prototyping boards where controlled impedance is impossible.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not stated in the provided web data; verify RoHS/REACH status on the official Microchip product page for ATmega8515 before procurement.
