MCP2515T-I/ST - 1 Mbps CAN Controller SPI 20-TSSOP | Microchip Technology
MPN: MCP2515T-I/ST ✓ ActiveMCP2515T-I/ST Overview
A CAN controller is a communications IC that manages the framing, arbitration, acknowledgment, and error handling required by the Controller Area Network standard. In an embedded system, the MCP2515T-I/ST connects a host microcontroller through SPI while a separate CAN transceiver converts the controller's logic-level signals into the physical CAN bus differential signals. This separation allows the controller to operate with digital hosts while the external transceiver handles bus-line protection and signal levels.
Key verified features include support for CAN specification version 2.0B, standard and extended data frames, remote frames, two receive buffers, masks and filters, and operation up to 1 Mb/s. The MCP2515T-I/ST operates from a 5 V supply and is specified over an operating temperature range of -40 C to +125 C. Its 20-pin TSSOP package provides a compact surface-mount footprint suitable for industrial control, automotive accessory, embedded instrumentation, and CAN gateway equipment.
The controller's SPI host interface simplifies connection to microcontrollers and digital signal processors. The host can configure bit timing, receive filters, interrupt sources, operating modes, and message objects through SPI registers. Interrupts allow the host to respond to received frames, transmit complete events, error conditions, and wake-up activity without continuous polling.
Use the MCP2515T-I/ST with a compatible CAN transceiver rather than connecting controller pins directly to a CAN bus. The transceiver must match the intended bus topology, speed, fault tolerance, and isolation requirements. Power-supply decoupling, ground-return planning, and signal-integrity layout are important because the SPI link and the external bus interface operate in different electrical domains.
The MCP2515T-I/ST is suitable for applications requiring a dedicated CAN protocol engine while the host processor has limited CAN peripherals. It is also useful in legacy systems that already use the MCP2515 ecosystem, provided that the original TSSOP footprint, voltage, timing, and interrupt behavior remain unchanged. This page combines verified manufacturer and distributor information with practical application guidance, procurement notes, and same-package replacement information.
Drop-in alternatives for MCP2515T-I/ST — 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/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Host Interface, Package, CAN Specification, Operating Temperature, Receive Buffers.
MCP2515T-E/ST
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MCP2515-I/ST
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MCP2515T-I/ST Specifications
| Product Type | Stand-alone CAN controller |
| CAN Specification | CAN version 2.0B |
| Maximum CAN Data Rate | 1 Mb/s |
| Host Interface | SPI |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| Supported Frame Types | Standard data frames, extended data frames, and remote frames |
| Receive Buffers | 2 receive buffers |
| Receive Filtering | Masks and filters |
| Package | 20-pin TSSOP, 4.0 mm x 4.0 mm, 0.90 mm height |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead-free package |
| CAN Transceiver Requirement | External CAN transceiver required |
MCP2515T-I/ST 20-pin tssop, 4.0 mm x 4.0 mm, 0.90 mm height Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCP2515T-I/ST (20-pin tssop, 4.0 mm x 4.0 mm, 0.90 mm height 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/ST.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCP2515T-I/ST is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial CAN Control, Automotive Accessory Network, Embedded CAN Gateway, CAN-Based Test and Measurement, Robotics and Sensor Networking, Legacy SPI-to-CAN Upgrade.
Industrial CAN Control
The MCP2515T-I/ST fits industrial equipment that uses CAN for sensor, actuator, and controller communication. Its 1 Mb/s CAN 2.0B capability supports standard and extended frames, while two receive buffers and masks and filters help the host separate important messages from general traffic. The SPI host interface allows an embedded controller to configure the CAN node efficiently. In a typical design, the MCP2515T-I/ST sits beside the host processor and a CAN transceiver, with filtered messages delivered through interrupts. The verified -40 C to +125 C operating range makes the part suitable for temperature-varying industrial environments when the complete external transceiver and power system are selected for the same enclosure conditions.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Network
The MCP2515T-I/ST can support low-speed CAN communication in automotive accessory, body, and diagnostic modules when its grade and qualification requirements match the vehicle program. The controller handles CAN 2.0B framing, acknowledgments, error handling, and reception filters while the host communicates through SPI. A suitable external transceiver provides the physical differential interface and bus fault tolerance. Designers should verify AEC-Q100 status, automotive qualification requirements, temperature grade, transient immunity, and wake/sleep behavior from the manufacturer documents because those specific qualifications were not included in the supplied verified snippets.
Recommended
Embedded CAN Gateway
The MCP2515T-I/ST is appropriate for gateways that translate between SPI-connected processors and CAN-connected subsystems. Its 1 Mb/s controller performance, two receive buffers, and configurable masks and filters support efficient message handling in gateways carrying status, configuration, and diagnostic data. The host processor can initialize the controller, establish bit timing, assign acceptance filters, and service interrupts for received frames or error events. Because MCP2515T-I/ST is a controller rather than a transceiver, the gateway also needs a separate transceiver and carefully isolated power and return paths. The SPI interface keeps the host-side connection compact while allowing the CAN physical layer to be selected according to bus speed, protection, and isolation needs.
Recommended
CAN-Based Test and Measurement
The MCP2515T-I/ST can serve as the CAN protocol engine in test, measurement, and diagnostic instruments that need deterministic access to a CAN bus. The SPI host interface allows a controller or processor to exchange setup commands and measurement results with a dedicated CAN node. Standard and extended frame support accommodates different message formats, while masks and filters reduce unnecessary interrupt traffic. The external CAN transceiver should be selected according to bus speed, isolation, and environmental requirements. Designers should also account for the controller's supply requirements and implement the manufacturer-recommended decoupling and layout practices, because clean logic behavior and accurate CAN error handling depend on a stable 5 V rail and controlled ground references.
Recommended
Robotics and Sensor Networking
The MCP2515T-I/ST is useful in robot controllers and distributed sensor nodes that use CAN for deterministic command and telemetry traffic. The controller's 1 Mb/s rate supports communication among motion controllers, sensor hubs, and remote actuators, while the host uses SPI for efficient register configuration and message transfer. Acceptance masks and filters help each node respond only to relevant identifiers. A matching CAN transceiver is required to interface with the physical network. For mobile or battery-powered systems, evaluate the complete power budget, standby behavior, transceiver quiescent current, and bus wake-up requirements. The verified controller temperature range of -40 C to +125 C supports robust indoor or industrial robotics when the rest of the node is appropriately qualified.
Recommended
Legacy SPI-to-CAN Upgrade
The MCP2515T-I/ST provides a straightforward CAN upgrade for an existing embedded design whose host already provides an SPI peripheral but lacks a satisfactory CAN controller. The part implements CAN 2.0B message handling, including standard frames, extended frames, remote frames, receive buffers, masks, and filters. This allows the host to concentrate on application processing while the MCP2515T-I/ST manages CAN protocol traffic and reports events through interrupts. Retaining the established MCP2515 register and interrupt architecture also benefits legacy designs. Before integrating it, verify that the existing board has the required 20-pin TSSOP footprint, compatible 5 V supply, external transceiver, oscillator support, and firmware resources for initialization and interrupt servicing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCP2515T-I/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCP2515T-E/ST | MCP2515-I/ST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin TSSOP | 20-pin TSSOP | 20-pin TSSOP |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Product Type | Stand-alone CAN controller | MCP2515T-family CAN controller | MCP2515-family CAN controller |
| CAN Specification | CAN version 2.0B | CAN version 2.0B | CAN version 2.0B |
| Maximum CAN Data Rate | 1 Mb/s | 1 Mb/s | 1 Mb/s |
| Host Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI |
| Supported Frame Types | Standard data, extended data, and remote frames | Standard data, extended data, and remote frames | Standard data, extended data, and remote frames |
| Receive Buffers | 2 receive buffers | 2 receive buffers | 2 receive buffers |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount | Surface mount | Surface mount |
Key Differentiators
- Dedicated CAN 2.0B protocol controller with integrated frame and filter support (vs MCP2515-I/ST)
- Compact 20-pin TSSOP integration (vs MCP2515T-E/ST)
- Host-friendly SPI configuration and event handling (vs MCP2515-I/ST)
Design Notes
Place the MCP2515T-I/ST close to the host microcontroller and external CAN transceiver to minimize SPI trace length and keep switching-node currents away from sensitive CAN interface routing. Follow the pin arrangement and decoupling recommendations in the manufacturer MCP2515 Family Data Sheet. Provide a stable 5 V supply and place local high-frequency bypass capacitance at the appropriate power pin using the shortest possible ground return. Confirm the final pin names and exposed or no-connect positions against the current manufacturer pinout before fabrication.
Do not route the SPI bus as an uncontrolled long trace through a noisy environment. Use a continuous ground reference, avoid stubs, and keep the SPI clock and data paths away from switching power inductors and high-current motor outputs. The CAN_H and CAN_L pair belongs to the external transceiver and should be routed as a differential pair with the bus-specific impedance and termination strategy. The MCP2515T-I/ST itself is a digital controller and should not be treated as the physical CAN-line driver.
A common design error is treating the MCP2515T-I/ST as a standalone transceiver or omitting the external CAN physical-layer device. Another error is assuming controller compatibility guarantees complete-system compatibility. Validate bit timing, oscillator requirements, interrupt polarity, acceptance-filter configuration, transceiver logic levels, bus termination, and sleep or standby behavior in hardware. When substituting MCP2515T-E/ST or MCP2515-I/ST, confirm the manufacturer ordering information, temperature grade, qualification status, and lifecycle status rather than relying only on package similarity.
Compliance Information
The verified technical listing describes the MCP2515T-I/ST package as lead-free, 4 mm x 4 mm, and 0.90 mm high. RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status were not explicitly supplied and therefore remain unknown.
