MCP2515T-I/SO - 1 Mbps CAN Controller with SPI | Microchip Technology
MPN: MCP2515T-I/SO ✓ ActiveMCP2515T-I/SO Overview
A CAN controller, also called a CAN protocol controller, is an interface IC within the broader network interface and communications semiconductor category. It manages CAN frame transmission and reception while a host processor configures registers, reads status information, and exchanges data through SPI. The MCP2515 family is positioned between simple serial transceivers and more integrated CAN solutions because it provides protocol handling without requiring the host MCU to implement the complete CAN frame format.
Key features of the MCP2515 include CAN 1 Mb/s operation, support for both standard and extended identifiers, two receive buffers, programmable acceptance masks and filters, and support for time-triggered protocols. The SPI host interface allows a microcontroller to control the controller and retrieve received CAN frames. The verified part information identifies the MCP2515 as a second-generation stand-alone CAN controller that is pin and function compatible with the MCP2510 while adding faster throughput, databyte filtering, and time-triggered protocol support.
The MCP2515T-I/SO uses a nominal 5 V supply and is specified over an operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. The package is a lead-free 4 mm × 4 mm plastic SOIC, identified in distributor listings as an 18-pin SOIC. The controller handles the CAN protocol layer and its digital host interface; a separate CAN transceiver is required to connect the CANRX and CANTX pins to the physical CAN bus.
Typical applications include industrial automation equipment, automotive diagnostic and test systems, embedded control modules, instrumentation, and CAN-based sensor networks. In these systems, the MCP2515T-I/SO is commonly connected to a host MCU over SPI and to a 3.3 V or 5 V CAN transceiver over the CANRX and CANTX signals. The controller's filtering capability helps reduce host processing by accepting only selected identifiers.
Designers should verify the exact pin names and electrical limits against the manufacturer datasheet before layout, especially the transceiver interface, crystal or clock requirements, reset behavior, and input filtering. PCB placement should keep SPI traces short, provide a stable ground return, and follow the datasheet recommendations for decoupling and bus signal integrity.
This page consolidates the verified manufacturer and distributor information, identifies same-package drop-in candidates where available, and provides practical comparison and design guidance beyond a basic catalog listing. Pricing references are current only as of 2026-10-28.
Drop-in alternatives for MCP2515T-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 MCP2515T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in CAN Specification, Host Interface, Package, Receive Buffers.
MCP2515-I/SO
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MCP2515T-E/SOVAO
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MCP2510T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP2515T-I/SO Specifications
| Device Type | Stand-alone CAN controller |
| CAN Specification | Version 2.0B |
| Maximum CAN Bit Rate | 1 Mb/s |
| Host Interface | SPI |
| Supported Frame Types | Standard data frames, extended data frames, and remote frames |
| Receive Buffers | 2 |
| Receive Masks and Filters | 2 acceptance masks and 6 acceptance filters |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C |
| Package Type | SOIC-18 |
| Package Dimensions | 4 mm × 4 mm |
| Package Height | 0.90 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Process Technology | CMOS |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead-free plastic package |
| Time-Triggered Protocol Support | Supported |
| Databyte Filtering | Supported |
MCP2515T-I/SO 0.90 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCP2515T-I/SO (0.90 mm package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for MCP2515T-I/SO.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCP2515T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controller, Automotive Diagnostic Interface, CAN-Based Sensor Network, Test and Measurement Equipment, Embedded CAN Communication Module, Robotic and Motor-Control Network.
Industrial Automation Controller
The MCP2515T-I/SO fits industrial automation nodes that require a dedicated CAN protocol controller and an operating range of -40°C to +125°C. A host MCU configures the controller through SPI, while the MCP2515 handles standard and extended CAN frames at up to 1 Mb/s. Two receive buffers and six acceptance filters allow selected identifiers to be processed without burdening the host with irrelevant traffic. Using a separate CAN transceiver, the design can connect motor drives, remote I/O, sensors, and service equipment to a common industrial field bus. The controller operates from a nominal 5 V supply and its 18-pin SOIC package supports compact controller boards.
Recommended
Automotive Diagnostic Interface
The MCP2515T-I/SO is appropriate for automotive diagnostic and test equipment that must exchange CAN messages with a host processor over SPI. Its industrial-temperature coverage of -40°C to +125°C supports harsh operating environments, while CAN 2.0B support handles standard and extended identifiers plus remote frames. The controller provides acceptance masks and filters that help isolate relevant diagnostic identifiers. A suitable CAN transceiver is still required for the differential bus connection, and the final module must independently verify vehicle EMC, ESD, and functional-safety requirements.
Recommended
CAN-Based Sensor Network
The MCP2515T-I/SO can serve as the protocol engine in a CAN-based sensor network where a central microcontroller aggregates measurements from remote sensors. SPI communication separates the CAN protocol handling from the host's real-time control tasks, and acceptance filters reduce the number of frames copied into application software. At rates up to 1 Mb/s, the controller supports demanding industrial sensor traffic while handling standard, extended, and remote frames. The design should pair the controller with a compatible transceiver and properly terminated bus wiring, with filtering configured to accept only required sensor identifiers.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
The MCP2515T-I/SO is useful in CAN-capable instrumentation, analyzers, and automated test fixtures that need a deterministic SPI-controlled CAN endpoint. The host processor can issue configuration commands, transmit test frames, and inspect received messages without implementing the complete CAN controller architecture itself. Support for 1 Mb/s operation allows the instrument to participate in high-speed diagnostic sessions, while masks and filters help isolate traffic under test. A suitable transceiver, controlled termination, and careful grounding are required for repeatable measurements in laboratory and production-test environments.
Recommended
Embedded CAN Communication Module
The MCP2515T-I/SO is a practical choice for retrofitting CAN communication onto an embedded controller board that already has SPI but no CAN controller. The nominal 5 V supply, -40°C to +125°C range, and 18-pin SOIC package support industrial embedded modules without requiring a large custom CAN controller. The host MCU can exchange frames and control filters through SPI, while an external transceiver connects the module to the bus. For compact products, layout review should confirm decoupling, clock implementation, exposed-pin requirements, thermal performance, and the exact manufacturer footprint before fabrication.
Recommended
Robotic and Motor-Control Network
The MCP2515T-I/SO can act as the CAN communication controller in robot controllers, motor-control boards, and multi-axis equipment. Its 1 Mb/s capability is suitable for coordinated messaging among motion and machine nodes, while programmable acceptance filters reduce unnecessary MCU interrupts. The controller's standard and extended frame support accommodates different CAN identifier strategies used across actuators and sensors. The application requires a separate transceiver, correct bus termination, and fault-tolerant wiring. Software should include CAN error counters, bus-off recovery, timeout handling, and safe output states for connected actuators.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCP2515T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCP2515-I/SO | MCP2515T-E/SO | MCP2510T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-18 | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Device Function | Stand-alone CAN controller with SPI interface | Stand-alone CAN controller | Stand-alone CAN controller | Stand-alone CAN controller |
| Enhanced Features | Faster throughput, databyte filtering, and time-triggered protocol support | MCP2515 second-generation feature set | MCP2515 feature set with sleep and standby modes | First-generation MCP2510 feature set |
Key Differentiators
- Second-generation filtering and protocol features (vs MCP2510T-I/SO)
- Industrial-temperature ordering option (vs MCP2515-I/SO)
- Explicit low-power mode support (vs MCP2515T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place the MCP2515T-I/SO close to its host MCU and separate CAN transceiver, and route CANRX and CANTX as short, clean digital traces. Keep SPI clock and data traces away from noisy switching nodes, provide a continuous ground reference, and place the datasheet-required bypass capacitors at the supply pins. The SOIC-18 footprint is compact enough that pin escape constraints can lengthen these routes, so review the complete pin table before placement rather than assigning functions from memory.
Use a stable 5 V supply for the MCP2515T-I/SO and decouple it according to the manufacturer datasheet. The controller operates alongside an external CAN transceiver, whose supply, ground, and interface requirements must be coordinated so that CANTX and CANRX levels remain within the controller's specified input thresholds. Confirm the transceiver's dominant, recessive, standby, and sleep states against the verified pin and timing requirements rather than assuming every mode is compatible.
Do not treat the MCP2515T-I/SO as a complete physical-layer CAN solution; it requires a separate CAN transceiver. Also verify the oscillator implementation, reset polarity, interrupt configuration, SPI mode, and acceptance-mask defaults before firmware is committed. For legacy MCP2510 designs, account for the MCP2515's faster throughput, databyte filtering, and time-triggered protocol additions rather than assuming every old bit-timing assumption remains valid.
Keep the digital controller section separated from the transceiver and connector-side CAN interface. Use the shortest practical CANRX and CANTX path, provide an uninterrupted ground plane, and follow the selected transceiver's recommended layout for bus-side isolation, common-mode components, and protection. A controller's compliance with CAN timing does not guarantee system EMC performance, so validate the completed assembly against the applicable product-level requirements.
Compliance Information
The verified part data identifies the package as lead-free. RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100 qualification, halogen-free status, and conflict-minerals compliance were not stated in the supplied results and are therefore recorded as unknown.
