MCP2515-I/P - CAN 2.0B SPI Standalone CAN Controller | Microchip
MPN: MCP2515-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.2 | $3.20 |
| 10 | $2.85 | $28.50 |
| 100 | $2.4 | $240.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.78 | $1,780.00 |
MCP2515-I/P Overview
What is a CAN controller? A CAN controller is a serial communications device implementing the ISO 11898 Controller Area Network protocol used in automotive, industrial automation, and embedded systems. The MCP2515 sits in the hierarchy: CAN controller -> serial communication IC -> interface IC -> integrated circuit. Unlike microcontrollers with built-in CAN, the MCP2515 is a pure controller (no transceiver, no CPU), so it requires an external CAN transceiver such as the MCP2551 or TJA1050 to physically drive the bus.
Key features include full CAN 2.0B compliance with standard (11-bit) and extended (29-bit) identifier support, six acceptance filters and two acceptance masks to offload host MCU processing, a maskable interrupt output, and a programmable clock output derived from the on-chip oscillator. The device integrates two 8-bit timing registers and one 29-bit identifier mask/filter for robust message acceptance.
Architecturally, the MCP2515 implements a three-buffer transmit engine with prioritisation and rollback, dual 11-bit/29-bit acceptance filters, and a 40-byte FIFO for received messages. The 18-pin PDIP package uses through-hole mounting suited for industrial modules, retrofit projects, development boards and educational platforms; an SOIC variant (MCP2515-I/SO) and tape-and-reel SO versions exist for SMD designs.
Typical applications include Arduino CAN bus shields, Raspberry Pi HAT-based CAN modules, industrial sensor gateways, automotive diagnostics, building automation backbones, and battery management CAN reporting. The MIPI/SPI interface simplifies attachment to virtually any MCU with an SPI master port.
When designing with the MCP2515-I/P, ensure the external transceiver, termination resistors (120 ohm each end of bus) and a high-speed SPI clock source are present. The 18-pin PDIP footprint is identical to the legacy MCP2510-I/P, enabling drop-in migration paths across two chip generations.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, cross-brand drop-in alternatives, and PCB-level design notes not collected in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MCP2515-I/P — 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 MCP2515-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in CAN Specification, Clock Output, Host Interface, Mounting Type, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCP2515-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MCP2510-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP2515T-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP2515-I/P Specifications
| Function | Stand-alone CAN 2.0B controller |
| Host Interface | SPI (up to 10 MHz) |
| CAN Specification | CAN 2.0B (standard 11-bit and extended 29-bit ID) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial -I grade) |
| Acceptance Filters | 6 hardware filters |
| Acceptance Masks | 2 hardware masks |
| Receive Buffers | 2 with 40-byte FIFO |
| Transmit Buffers | 3 with prioritisation |
| Clock Input | External oscillator or crystal input at OSC1 |
| Clock Output | Programmable CLKOUT with prescaler (derived from OSC1) |
| Interrupt Output | Maskable INT pin (active low) |
| Reset | Active-low RESET pin with internal 100 kohm pull-up |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (P), 7.62 mm (300 mil) body width |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) | 1 (unlimited floor life, through-hole) |
MCP2515-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | TXCAN — CAN transmit output to external transceiver |
| Pin 2 | RXCAN — CAN receive input from external transceiver |
| Pin 3 | CLKOUT/SOF — Programmable clock output or Start-of-Frame signal |
| Pin 4 | TX0RTS — Transmit buffer 0 request-to-send (active low) |
| Pin 5 | TX1RTS — Transmit buffer 1 request-to-send (active low) |
| Pin 6 | TX2RTS — Transmit buffer 2 request-to-send (active low) |
| Pin 7 | OSC2 — Oscillator output - connect to crystal or leave open if external clock used |
| Pin 8 | OSC1 — Oscillator input - external clock or one terminal of crystal |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RX1BF — Receive buffer 1 interrupt (active low) |
| Pin 11 | RX0BF — Receive buffer 0 interrupt (active low) |
| Pin 12 | INT — Interrupt output to host MCU (active low) |
| Pin 13 | SCK — SPI serial clock input from host |
| Pin 14 | SI — SPI serial data input (MOSI from host) |
| Pin 15 | SO — SPI serial data output (MISO to host) |
| Pin 16 | CS — SPI chip-select input (active low) |
| Pin 17 | RESET — Active-low reset input with internal 100 kohm pull-up |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply, 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
Typical Applications
MCP2515-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Arduino CAN Bus Shield, Raspberry Pi CAN HAT / Industrial Gateway, Automotive Diagnostics (OBD-II) Interface, Industrial Sensor CAN Node, Battery Management System CAN Reporting, Building Automation / HVAC CAN Bus.
Arduino CAN Bus Shield
The MCP2515-I/P is the canonical CAN controller on Arduino UNO and Mega shields - including the SparkFun CAN-Bus Shield and the Keyestudio CAN-BUS shield - because its SPI interface maps directly onto the Arduino ICSP header (SCK, MISO, MOSI) and its 5 V tolerant supply matches the Arduino's 5 V rail. Designers wire the SPI bus at 10 MHz (Arduino SCK/16 prescaler), use digital pin 9 as chip select and pin 2 as INT, and pair the part with an MCP2551 or TJA1050 transceiver for the physical CAN_H/CAN_L lines. Why this part fits: 2.7-5.5 V supply, simple SPI command set, and six hardware acceptance filters that offload CAN message filtering from the 16 MHz ATmega328P - critical at 1 Mbps CAN bit rates where software filtering would saturate the CPU.
Recommended
Raspberry Pi CAN HAT / Industrial Gateway
The MCP2515-I/P appears on Waveshare RS485 CAN HATs and similar Pi accessories because its SPI slave port ties directly to the Raspberry Pi's SPI0 pins (GPIO9 MISO, GPIO10 MOSI, GPIO11 SCK) without external level shifting at 3.3 V. Why this part fits: it accepts the 3.3 V VDD of the Raspberry Pi, the 10 MHz SCK pairs well with the Pi's 250 MHz SPI clock dividers, and the active-low INT pin driving a Pi GPIO simplifies interrupt-driven message processing in Linux SocketCAN. The Performance consideration is the SPI throughput ceiling at 10 MHz - for CAN FD traffic above 1 Mbps designers should migrate to the MCP2517FD or TCAN4550.
Recommended
Automotive Diagnostics (OBD-II) Interface
For OBD-II diagnostics on 1996-onward vehicles (ISO 15765 / ISO 11898 CAN), the MCP2515-I/P at the industrial -40C to +85C grade paired with a high-speed transceiver provides a reliable bus-side interface. Why this part fits: the SPI command set supports CAN 2.0B extended 29-bit identifiers required by UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services) over CAN, and the six acceptance filters accelerate the standard 0x7DF broadcast ID decode flow. The performance consideration: for under-dash automotive cabin applications select the AEC-Q100 qualified MCP2515-E/P (-40C to +125C) with the same PDIP-18 footprint - drop-in thermal upgrade without PCB changes.
Industrial Sensor CAN Node
In factory automation backbones using CANopen (CiA 301) or DeviceNet, the MCP2515-I/P serves as the communication controller for sensor nodes such as pressure transmitters, flow meters and proximity sensors. Why this part fits: the 18-pin PDIP footprint through-hole assembly survives industrial vibration environments better than fine-pitch SMD equivalents, the -40C to +85C industrial grade spans most factory ambient ranges, and the acceptance masks enable efficient TPDO/RPDO (transmit/receive process data object) filtering - reducing SPI traffic and host interrupt load. The performance consideration: at CANopen 1 Mbps the MCP2515's transmit prioritisation engine handles three pending messages without host intervention.
Recommended
Battery Management System CAN Reporting
Lithium-ion battery management systems (BMS) commonly multiplex cell-voltage telemetry onto a CAN bus using an MCP2515-I/P as the upstream communications controller. Why this part fits: its SPI host interface is widely supported across low-cost BMS MCUs and the 2.7-5.5 V supply range matches typical battery stack voltages. Designers wire the MCP2515-I/P between the BMS MCU and an isolated CAN transceiver such as the ADM3053 or ISO1042 for high-voltage stack isolation. The performance consideration: for daisy-chained BMS topologies the acceptance filters selectively route only relevant cell modules' messages, cutting SPI bandwidth consumption by 50-80%.
Recommended
Building Automation / HVAC CAN Bus
BACnet MS/TP over CAN and proprietary building automation protocols use MCP2515-I/P for distributed HVAC controllers, lighting nodes and access-control panels. Why this part fits: through-hole PDIP assembly simplifies field-service replacement, the part's mature long-term-availability protects against HVAC equipment's 15-20 year lifecycle expectations, and the dual acceptance masks enable efficient broadcast message filtering for BACnet Who-Is/I-Am flows. The performance consideration: routing CAN bus traffic onto BACnet/IP gateways requires an additional Ethernet controller; the SPI bandwidth headroom of the MCP2515 leaves MCU cycles available for that translation stack.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCP2515-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCP2515-E/P | MCP2510-I/P | MCP2515T-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-PDIP (P) | 18-PDIP (same) | 18-PDIP (same) | 18-PDIP (same) |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended/AEC-Q100) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| CAN Specification | CAN 2.0B | CAN 2.0B | CAN 2.0B | CAN 2.0B |
| Host Interface | SPI up to 10 MHz | SPI up to 10 MHz | SPI up to 5 MHz | SPI up to 10 MHz |
| Acceptance Filters / Masks | 6 filters / 2 masks | 6 filters / 2 masks | 6 filters / 2 masks | 6 filters / 2 masks |
| Data-Byte Filtering | Yes (MCP2515 generation) | Yes | No (MCP2510 generation) | Yes |
| Automotive (AEC-Q100) | No | Yes (AEC-Q100) | No | No |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatible with MCP2515-I/P | Yes (reference) | Yes - drop-in | Yes - drop-in (predecessor) | Yes - drop-in |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-grade upgrade path within the same Microchip 18-PDIP footprint (vs MCP2510-I/P)
- Drop-in AEC-Q100 automotive upgrade with same 18-PDIP footprint (vs MCP2515-E/P)
- Wider host MCU compatibility via 2.7-5.5 V supply (vs MCP25625)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD pin 18 with a short ground return to VSS pin 9. Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the supply rail entry point to handle inrush during bus error recovery. Route the SPI traces (SCK, SI, SO, CS) as a matched-length group under 50 mm to avoid signal-integrity issues at 10 MHz; place CLKOUT and INT away from sensitive analog traces. The 18-pin PDIP footprint tolerates large ground planes on inner PCB layers; flood the bottom layer under the IC for thermal dissipation and EMI shielding.
Do NOT forget the CAN bus termination: 120 ohm resistors (typically 1% tolerance) must be installed at BOTH physical ends of the CAN bus segment - missing termination causes reflections that fail CAN protocol compliance at higher bit rates. Ensure the crystal at OSC1/OSC2 is rated for the chosen bit rate (1 Mbps typically needs 10 MHz or 16 MHz crystal with adjusted CNF registers). External clock on OSC1 requires OSC2 to be left floating, and using a CMOS oscillator with TTL levels may damage the input - per the datasheet the OSC1 input is not 5 V TTL tolerant when VDD = 3.3 V.
At 1 Mbps CAN bit rates the SPI transactions and bus turnaround times become critical: keep the SPI clock at 10 MHz (MCP2515 maximum) and use the TXnRTS pins to chain transmit operations without repeated CS toggling. For mixed 3.3 V and 5 V systems add a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD on the CS line so a floating host doesn't accidentally select the MCP2515. The INT pin is open-drain with internal pull-up architecture - place a 10 kohm external pull-up if the host operates above 5 V VDD or in electrically noisy environments (motor drives, solenoids).
Estimated: the MCP2515-I/P draws approximately 5-10 mA active current at 5 V VDD, giving worst-case dissipation of 50 mW - well below the 18-PDIP package's 1 W thermal budget. The dominant power consideration is the external transceiver (MCP2551 draws ~50 mA in dominant state). For 3.3 V battery-powered sensor nodes place the MCP2515 in sleep mode between transmissions: the deep-sleep current typically drops below 1 uA, allowing months of standby operation on a single 18650 cell.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose MCP2515-E/P for automotive applications. Lead-free terminations. Conflict-minerals statement available from Microchip on request.
