PIC12F615-I/MD - 8-bit MCU, 1.75KB Flash, 20MHz, 8-DFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F615-I/MD ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.2 | $1.20 |
| 10 | $1.08 | $10.80 |
| 100 | $0.92 | $92.00 |
| 500 | $0.81 | $405.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.72 | $720.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.64 | $1,920.00 |
PIC12F615-I/MD Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory (Flash/ROM for code, RAM for data, EEPROM for non-volatile storage), and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC12F series belongs to Microchip's 8-bit mid-range core architecture, sitting within the broader taxonomy of: PIC12F -> PIC12 family -> PIC mid-range core -> 8-bit microcontroller -> embedded microcontroller -> semiconductor. This 8-bit RISC architecture executes one instruction per clock cycle (except branches) and uses a 14-bit instruction word, enabling compact code density suited to small-footprint applications.
Key features include a 20MHz internal/external oscillator, two PWM modules with enhanced capture/compare, a comparator module with absolute voltage reference, and an enhanced USART (EUSART) for serial communication. The 8-DFN (MD) package measures 4x4mm with an exposed pad for thermal dissipation, making the device one of the smallest PIC mid-range MCUs available. Operating temperature range spans -40C to +85C (industrial grade, indicated by the "I" suffix), and the device is qualified to Microchip's standard reliability flow.
The PIC12F615 is built on Microchip's nanoWatt process technology, which adds ultra-low-power sleep modes, software-controlled clock scaling, and peripheral disable registers. The 10-bit ADC supports up to 4 analog input channels with internal voltage reference options, while the comparator module can wake the device from sleep. Code protection, brown-out reset (BOR), and watchdog timer (WDT) with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator are all integrated.
Typical applications include consumer appliance controls, LED lighting drivers, sensor interface modules, battery-powered remote controls, and small motor/relay controllers. The combination of PWM, ADC, comparator, and EUSART on only six I/O pins makes it ideal for compact mixed-signal designs where board space is at a premium.
When designing with the PIC12F615, place a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin and follow Microchip's recommended PCB layout for the DFN exposed pad (the e-pad must be soldered to the ground plane for proper thermal and electrical performance). Avoid routing high-speed digital signals near the analog AVCC/AVSS pins to minimize ADC noise coupling.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives drawn from the same PIC12 family, and practical design notes drawn from Microchip application notes - information not consolidated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F615-I/MD — 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 PIC12F615-I/MD (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Internal Oscillator, Program Memory (Flash), Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F615T-I/MD
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F615-E/MD
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F615-H/MD
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F609-I/MD
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F509-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F615-I/MD Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC12 8-bit RISC (mid-range) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 64 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 4 channels |
| Timers | Two 8-bit, one 16-bit |
| PWM Modules | 2 (Enhanced CCP) |
| Comparators | 1 with absolute voltage reference |
| Communication | Enhanced USART (EUSART) |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt (sleep current ~50 nA typical) |
| Programming | In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12F615-I/MD Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 2 | RA5/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO / Crystal oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA4/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO / Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO / Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA2/AN2 — GPIO / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 6 | RA1/AN1 — GPIO / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 7 | RA0/AN0 — GPIO / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin EP | VSS (Exposed Pad) — Must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC12F615-I/MD is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, LED Lighting Drivers, Sensor Interface Modules, Battery-Powered Remote Controls, Small Motor and Relay Controllers, Compact Mixed-Signal Sensor Conditioning.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC12F615-I/MD is well suited to consumer appliance control boards (coffee makers, microwave keypads, washing-machine sub-controllers, toaster ovens) where 6 I/O pins and 1.75 KB Flash provide enough code space for state machines, button de-bounce, and LED driving. Its PWM outputs drive small TRIAC/MOSFET gate signals for heater regulation, while the 10-bit ADC reads NTC thermistors for closed-loop temperature control. The 2.0V-5.5V supply range supports both 3.3V and 5V rails common in appliance power supplies, and nanoWatt sleep current extends battery life in cordless products.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
In LED lighting driver modules (MR16 bulbs, accent strips, RGB controllers), the PIC12F615-I/MD serves as the control brain. Its two PWM outputs drive constant-current MOSFET stages for dimming, while the comparator with internal voltage reference monitors current-sense feedback for closed-loop brightness regulation. The 20 MHz clock supports smooth 8-bit PWM dimming at frequencies above audible range, eliminating flicker. The small 8-pin DFN (4x4 mm) package fits inside the tightest bulb form factors, and nanoWatt technology keeps standby power below regulatory thresholds for energy-rated products.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC12F615-I/MD is an excellent fit for compact sensor interface modules such as digital temperature probes, humidity sensors, or simple gas-sensor readout boards. The 10-bit ADC with 4-channel input multiplexes analog sensor outputs, while the EUSART transmits readings over UART to a host processor. The 128-byte EEPROM stores calibration coefficients and sensor IDs, retaining data through power cycles. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply range supports battery-powered sensor tags and industrial 5V sensor boards, and the nanoWatt sleep modes stretch battery life to years in periodic-sampling applications.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Controls
The PIC12F615-I/MD is widely used in handheld remote controls, key fobs, and wireless sensor transmitters where ultra-low standby power and small package size matter most. The nanoWatt sleep current of approximately 50 nA typical allows coin-cell battery life to extend past 5 years in typical duty-cycled use. Six I/O pins drive IR LEDs, RF module enable lines, and a matrix of push-buttons, while the EUSART interfaces directly to low-cost 433MHz/315MHz ASK transmitters. The 8-DFN (4x4 mm) package fits inside the smallest key-fob enclosures, and the industrial temperature range supports outdoor garage-door and gate-control applications.
Recommended
Small Motor and Relay Controllers
In small brushed-DC motor speed controllers, solenoid drivers, and relay sequencing modules, the PIC12F615-I/MD provides the timing, PWM, and feedback handling needed for compact motion or actuator control. The two PWM channels drive low-side MOSFETs or H-bridge pre-drivers, while the 10-bit ADC reads back EMF or current-sense signals for closed-loop regulation. The 16-bit timer enables precise event sequencing for relay timing applications, and the comparator provides hardware overcurrent protection that can shut down the PWM in microseconds. Industrial -40C to +85C operation supports factory automation and HVAC damper/valve actuator use.
Recommended
Compact Mixed-Signal Sensor Conditioning
The PIC12F615-I/MD integrates the comparator, ADC, voltage reference, and PWM into a single 8-pin package, making it a strong fit for mixed-signal sensor conditioning where a small analog front-end feeds a digital host. Applications include load-cell signal conditioning, thermistor linearization, optical pulse-oximetry front-ends, and piezoelectric sensor pulse shapers. The comparator's internal programmable voltage reference replaces an external reference IC, saving board space, while the EUSART transmits conditioned data. The 2.0V-5.5V supply range supports both 3.3V sensor rails and 5V industrial analog chains, and 64 bytes of RAM handles per-sample filtering in real time.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F615-I/MD — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F615T-I/MD | PIC12F615-E/MD | PIC12F615-H/MD | PIC12F609-I/MD | PIC12F509-I/MC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-DFN (4x4 mm) | 8-DFN (4x4 mm) - same | 8-DFN (4x4 mm) - same | 8-DFN (4x4 mm) - same | 8-DFN (4x4 mm) - same | 8-DFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.5 KB |
| RAM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 41 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +150C (High-temp) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| PWM Modules | 2 (ECCP) | 2 (ECCP) | 2 (ECCP) | 2 (ECCP) | 0 (none) | 0 (none) |
| EUSART | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | None |
| Comparator | Yes (with VREF) | Yes (with VREF) | Yes (with VREF) | Yes (with VREF) | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Most integrated peripherals per I/O pin in PIC12F 8-pin family (vs PIC12F609-I/MD)
- True drop-in for industrial-grade designs with no code changes (vs PIC12F615-E/MD)
- Mid-range 14-bit core enables modern toolchain support (vs PIC12F509-I/MC)
Design Notes
The 8-pin DFN (MD) package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that MUST be soldered to the PCB ground plane for both thermal dissipation and electrical grounding. Per Microchip's DFN PCB layout guidelines, the e-pad land should contain a grid of thermal vias (typically 5-9 vias on 0.3mm pitch) connecting to an internal ground plane. Failure to solder the e-pad correctly can cause intermittent operation, ADC noise issues, and thermal stress failures. Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (within 2mm trace length) with the ground return via placed adjacent to the VSS pin.
Power supply design for the PIC12F615-I/MD should include a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor on VDD and optionally a 10uF bulk capacitor if the supply impedance is high above 1MHz. The device supports supply voltages from 2.0V to 5.5V but configure the brown-out reset (BOR) threshold via configuration bits to match the actual supply rail - using a BOR threshold above the minimum supply can cause unintended resets during power-down. For battery applications, the nanoWatt sleep current of approximately 50 nA typical enables multi-year battery life on coin cells when the wake-up duty cycle is below 1%.
When migrating code from PIC12F609 to PIC12F615, do NOT assume the I/O pin function mapping is identical - the PIC12F615 adds PWM, comparator, and EUSART alternate functions on shared pins that must be explicitly configured via APFCON, CM1CON0, and TXSTAbits registers. When migrating code from PIC12F509 (12-bit core) to PIC12F615 (14-bit mid-range core), the entire assembly instruction set differs - code must be recompiled with a mid-range toolchain such as XC8. Lastly, the RA3/MCLR pin is input-only on the PIC12F615 - never configure it as an output in firmware.
For mixed-signal designs that use both the ADC and the comparator on the PIC12F615-I/MD, separate the analog and digital ground/power returns. Connect the analog supply VDD directly to the digital VDD pin (no inductor/ferrite) and place a ferrite bead if isolation is required - but the simplest approach is to use a single VDD rail with the 100nF decoupling capacitor and a star-ground topology tying AGND (if used) and DGND at the IC. Route the analog input traces (RA0-RA2) away from the PWM output traces (also RA2/RA5) and the crystal/clock traces to minimize ADC channel-to-channel crosstalk.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page (PIC12F615 family). Not AEC-Q100 qualified; use PIC12F615-E/MD or automotive-grade PIC variants for AEC-Q100 requirements.
