MCP2515-I/SO - Stand-Alone CAN 2.0B Controller w/ SPI | Microchip
MPN: MCP2515-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.84 | $184.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.38 | $1,380.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.15 | $3,450.00 |
MCP2515-I/SO Overview
A CAN controller is a dedicated hardware block that implements the ISO 11898-1 data-link layer, offloading bit-stuffing, CRC generation, arbitration, error handling, and acceptance filtering from the host MCU. As part of the controller IC hierarchy, the MCP2515 sits below the CAN transceiver (e.g., MCP2551, TJA1050) which handles the physical layer, and below the full CAN protocol stack running on microcontrollers. It is a member of the interface IC family, bridging a digital MCU to a 2-wire differential CAN bus.
Key features of the MCP2515 include two acceptance masks and six acceptance filters (29-bit extended and standard 11-bit IDs), two receive buffers with prioritization, three transmit buffers with prioritization and abort capability, hardware support for time-triggered protocols (CANopen, DeviceNet), and byte-level data filtering. The part offers both 5V and 3.3V operation with low standby current, supports one-shot mode for retransmission control, and provides an interrupt output for event-driven MCU wake-up.
The MCP2515 is pin- and function-compatible with the older MCP2510, adding faster SPI throughput (10 MHz vs 5 MHz), databyte filtering, and time-triggered protocol support. The internal architecture pairs a CAN protocol engine with two acceptance masks, a 6-filter hardware acceptance filter array, an SPI engine with command-based register access, and flexible interrupt logic that signals MCU-side events via the INT pin.
Typical applications include automotive body and chassis networking, industrial CANopen and DeviceNet nodes, HVAC and elevator controllers, building automation, and Arduino/Raspberry Pi CAN shields. When designing with the MCP2515, pair it with a CAN transceiver (e.g., MCP2551, TJA1050) to convert CMOS TXCAN/RXCAN to the differential bus; without that companion chip the controller cannot drive a real CAN bus.
One important design consideration is the SPI clock and MCU timing budget - while the controller supports up to 10 MHz SPI, the actual achievable bus throughput depends on host MCU SPI peripheral speed, interrupt latency, and buffer-drain handling. Designers should also handle bus-off recovery by software, since the MCP2515 does not auto-recover from bus-off without host intervention.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family and cross-brand replacements, and practical design guidance not bundled in the manufacturer datasheet itself.
Drop-in alternatives for MCP2515-I/SO — 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, CAN Specification, Clock Output, Host Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCP2515-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP2515T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP2515T-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP2515-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCP2515-I/SOVAO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MCP25625-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP2515-I/SO Specifications
| Product Type | Stand-alone CAN Controller |
| CAN Specification | CAN 2.0B (Standard 11-bit and Extended 29-bit IDs) |
| Host Interface | SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) |
| Maximum SPI Clock | 10 MHz |
| Maximum CAN Bit Rate | 1 Mb/s |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V (5V typical) |
| Supply Voltage (datasheet typical) | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C |
| Receive Buffers | 2 with prioritization |
| Transmit Buffers | 3 with prioritization and abort |
| Acceptance Masks / Filters | 2 masks, 6 filters (29-bit extended / 11-bit standard) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Data Length (CAN frame payload) | 0 to 8 bytes |
| Modes | Normal, Sleep, Standby, Listen-Only, Loopback, One-Shot |
| Interrupt Pin | Yes (INT, open-drain) |
| Clock Output | Yes (CLKOUT/SOF) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Lead-Free (Pb-free) |
MCP2515-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | TXCAN — Transmit CAN signal to external transceiver TXD input |
| Pin 2 | RXCAN — Receive CAN signal from external transceiver RXD output |
| Pin 3 | CLKOUT/SOF — Programmable clock output or Start-of-Frame signal |
| Pin 4 | TX0RTS — Transmit buffer 0 request-to-send (input), or digital input |
| Pin 5 | TX1RTS — Transmit buffer 1 request-to-send (input), or digital input |
| Pin 6 | TX2RTS — Transmit buffer 2 request-to-send (input), or digital input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output (leave open for clock input) |
| Pin 8 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input (also accepts external clock) |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 10 | RX1BF — Receive buffer 1 full interrupt / digital output, or digital input |
| Pin 11 | RX0BF — Receive buffer 0 full interrupt / digital output, or digital input |
| Pin 12 | INT — Interrupt output (open-drain) to host MCU |
| Pin 13 | SCK — SPI serial clock input |
| Pin 14 | SI — SPI serial data input (MOSI) |
| Pin 15 | SO — SPI serial data output (MISO), tri-state |
| Pin 16 | CS — Chip select (active low) for SPI |
| Pin 17 | RESET — Active-low hardware reset input |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply (2.7V to 5.5V, typically 5V) |
Typical Applications
MCP2515-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial CANopen Node, Automotive Body and Chassis Networking, Arduino/ESP32 CAN Bus Shield, Building Automation and HVAC, DeviceNet / Industrial Sensor Networks, Medical Instrument Networking.
Industrial CANopen Node
The Microchip MCP2515-I/SO is a natural fit for industrial CANopen slaves such as motor controllers, I/O modules, and sensors that require classic 1 Mb/s CAN with rigorous acceptance filtering. Its 2 masks / 6 acceptance filters with extended-29-bit identifier support let the host MCU reject non-matching frames in hardware, slashing firmware overhead and reducing real-time jitter. Designers typically clock the OSC1/OSC2 stage with a 16 MHz crystal, set CNF segments for a 250 kb/s or 1 Mb/s bus, and pair the controller with an MCP2551 or TJA1050 transceiver for the differential physical layer. The -40C to +125C industrial temperature rating permits deployment in factory cabinets without additional thermal conditioning.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis Networking
In non-safety body and chassis applications (window modules, seat controllers, HVAC flaps), the MCP2515-I/SO provides a proven CAN 2.0B data-link layer offload and an industry-standard SPI interface to small automotive MCUs. Its hardware support for time-triggered protocols (TT-CAN, CANopen) and one-shot transmission mode simplifies scheduling and enables deterministic bus arbitration for body-domain messages. With two receive buffers, six filters, and prioritized transmits, the controller scales from a simple door-node to a multi-message aggregator without hardware redesign. Designers still need to verify AEC-Q100 status for OEM automotive deployments; the industrial-grade MCP2515-I/SO suits aftermarket and accessory designs where certification is not required.
Recommended
Arduino/ESP32 CAN Bus Shield
The MCP2515-I/SO is the canonical CAN front-end on hobbyist and rapid-prototype boards for Arduino UNO/Mega, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi. Library support (Arduino CAN library, due_can, ESP-IDF TWAI bridge) writes the SPI command set in just a few hundred lines, while standard Crystal 8 MHz timing defaults let users transmit at 500 kb/s without rewriting the CNF registers. Designers add an onboard TJA1050 or MCP2551 transceiver on the shield to translate CMOS TXCAN/RXCAN to the differential bus, and a 120 ohm termination resistor is enabled by jumper on bus endpoints. The 18-SOIC footprint lets shields be hand-solderable for small batch runs.
Recommended
Building Automation and HVAC
The MCP2515-I/SO powers BACnet/IP-over-CAN gateways, multi-zone HVAC controllers, and elevator-bus call modules where 100 kb/s or 250 kb/s CANopen frames are exchanged between distributed controllers. Its Sleep/Standby modes let the host power the bus down to a few microamps during quiet periods while still allowing wake-on-RX via the INT pin. Pairing the controller with an isolated CAN transceiver (e.g., ISO1050) is a common pattern for crossing high-voltage isolation barriers in HVAC boards. The -40C to +125C temperature rating supports unconditioned rooftop or basement installations without thermal derating.
Recommended
DeviceNet / Industrial Sensor Networks
On DeviceNet nodes (a CAN-derived protocol at 125/250/500 kb/s), the MCP2515-I/SO implements the necessary CAN 2.0A subset with hardware acceptance filtering that proves decisive when 8-16 nodes share the bus. Designers wire the controller's OSC1/OSC2 to a 16 MHz crystal, load the CNF segments for 125 kb/s DeviceNet timing, and handle message fragmentation above the link-layer via the host MCU. The part is widely supported in industrial fieldbuses beyond DeviceNet, including CANopen and J1939 chassis variants. The 18-SOIC footprint simplifies layout compared to smaller QFNs that require optical inspection.
Recommended
Medical Instrument Networking
For medical instruments connected to hospital CAN-based signaling rails (e.g., anesthesia machines, infusion pumps with CANopen CiA profiles), the MCP2515-I/SO offers clean CAN frame handling with deterministic latency. Its 5V-tolerant logic interfaces and time-triggered protocol support simplify medical alarm handling and event timing. The industrial temperature range covers body-temperature warm-soak repair garages, while an external isolated transceiver (e.g., ADM3053) is recommended for patient-side 1 kV+/5 kV isolation. For FDA-grade designs, designers should consult Microchip's life-support medical qualification list rather than relying on this industrial-grade part alone.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCP2515-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCP2515-E/SO | MCP2515T-I/SO | MCP2515-I/P | MCP2515-I/SOVAO | MCP25625-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SO) | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-PDIP (through-hole) | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +125C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +125C |
| Media / Shipping | Tube (standard), Tape & Reel (TR suffix) | Tube / Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel only | Tube (PDIP) | Tube / Tape & Reel | Tube / Tape & Reel |
| Controller + Transceiver | Controller only | Controller only | Controller only | Controller only | Controller only | Controller + integrated high-speed CAN transceiver |
| CAN Bus Speed (max) | 1 Mb/s (CAN 2.0B) | 1 Mb/s | 1 Mb/s | 1 Mb/s | 1 Mb/s | 1 Mb/s |
| SPI Clock (max) | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Acceptance Masks / Filters | 2 masks / 6 filters (11/29-bit) | 2 masks / 6 filters | 2 masks / 6 filters | 2 masks / 6 filters | 2 masks / 6 filters | 2 masks / 6 filters |
Key Differentiators
- Six hardware acceptance filters with two masks (vs MCP2510)
- Time-triggered protocol hardware support (vs MCP2515T-E/SO tape-and-reel variant)
- 1 Mb/s CAN with 10 MHz SPI throughput (vs MCP2510)
- Wide 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range including 3.3 V (vs 5V-only legacy CAN controllers)
Design Notes
Estimated: the MCP2515-I/SO core draws approximately 5 mA active and 10 uA standby at 5V; bypassing VDD (pin 18) with a 0.1 uF ceramic close to the pin and a 1 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output cuts SPI clock noise. Place the bypass on the same side as the IC and tie the ground pad to VSS (pin 9) with a short, low-inductance trace to avoid CAN timing jitter from reference-noise on the supply rail.
Keep the crystal/clock traces between OSC1 and OSC2 short (under 5 mm) and shield them from the TXCAN/RXCAN lines. According to the Microchip MCP2515 family datasheet guidelines, place the 120 ohm termination resistor only at the two bus ends; leaving it in the middle of a multi-node segment will split signal integrity. SPI traces (SCK, SI, SO, CS) should be routed together with a series resistor near the driver if MCU-to-MCP2515 distance exceeds 50 mm.
Do not forget that the MCP2515 is a controller only - applying 5V CAN-H/CAN-L directly to TXCAN/RXCAN will destroy the part instantly. According to the MCP2515 datasheet, a CAN transceiver (e.g., MCP2551, TJA1050, ISO1050) is mandatory between the controller's CMOS-level TXCAN/RXCAN and any real bus. Also be careful to NOT leave the CS pin floating; if CS is high, the SPI driver is disabled and any write is ignored, which can manifest as silent config-write failures on boot.
At 1 Mb/s CAN bus speeds, the dV/dt on the bus exceeds 30 V/us. According to the MCP2515 family datasheet, provide a CAN-bus ESD/TVS protection diode (e.g., PESD1CAN) within 10 mm of the connector to clamp surges; rely on the transceiver's built-in ESD for normal handling only. For long busses, use twisted-pair cable with characteristic impedance of 120 ohms to match the on-board termination.
Compliance Information
Industrial-grade -40C to +125C part per Microchip datasheet. RoHS and lead-free confirmed via Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - request automotive suffix variants or the MCP2515-I/SOVAO ordering code for OEM automotive production. Halogen-free status not confirmed in the verified web data and is marked 'unknown' accordingly.
