PIC12F615-I/P - 8-bit 20MHz 1.75KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F615-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.1 | $1.10 |
| 10 | $0.99 | $9.90 |
| 100 | $0.92 | $92.00 |
| 500 | $0.85 | $425.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.78 | $780.00 |
PIC12F615-I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, working RAM, data EEPROM, and configurable I/O peripherals into one device. PIC® microcontrollers form a sub-family of 8-bit RISC MCUs from Microchip, where each instruction executes in a fixed number of clock cycles. The 8-pin PIC12F series (mid-range core) is the entry-level tier targeted at space-constrained designs that still need on-chip analog, timers, and interrupts. In the broader hierarchy: PIC12F615 -> PIC12 mid-range family -> PIC12F 8-pin series -> PIC microcontroller -> Microcontroller -> Microprocessor/SoC -> Semiconductor.
Key differentiating features include an integrated 10-bit A/D converter with 4 channels, an 8-bit/16-bit timer (Timer0) plus Timer1 and Timer2, two PWM modules with hardware capture/compare/PWM (ECCP + CCP), an enhanced USART (EUSART) with auto-baud detection, a comparator module with internal programmable reference, and an internal 8 MHz oscillator. The device also features an internal voltage reference and a 4x PLL that can boost the internal oscillator to 32 MHz. Six general-purpose I/O pins share package leads with the analog and peripheral functions, enabling a wide range of mixed-signal applications in just 8 pins.
Architecturally, the PIC12F615 uses a Harvard memory structure (separate code and data buses) which lets the CPU fetch an instruction and access data in a single cycle. The flash-based program memory is in-circuit programmable via ICSP, and the device is supported by the MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and Microchip's free development toolchain. The integrated peripherals remove the need for external ADC, comparator, and voltage reference ICs, reducing BOM cost and board area for low-pin-count designs.
Typical applications include LED lighting control (using PWM and the comparator for current sensing), battery chargers (ADC for voltage/current sense), small appliance controls (washing machines, coffee makers), power-tool motor control (low-side PWM drive), and IoT sensor edge nodes (ADC + EUSART for sensor readouts). The 2.0 V to 5.5 V operating range makes the part suitable for both 3.3 V and 5 V supply rails.
A key design tip: the I/P suffix denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +85 °C) and PDIP-8 package. For surface-mount designs, choose the I/SN variant (SOIC-8); for automotive use, the -E/P extended grade is available. When designing, take care to assign unused pins to outputs (not inputs) and add the recommended 0.1 µF Vdd bypass capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives, recommended companion ICs, and practical design notes that are not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving you a single-page engineering reference for part selection.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F615-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 PIC12F615-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Timers, Internal Oscillator, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F609-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F617-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.14 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F519-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F675-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATtiny13A-PU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F615-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC® 8-bit RISC (mid-range enhanced) |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 64 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Number of Instructions | 35 (single-word, single-cycle) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial, "I") |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, 4 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0 8/16-bit, Timer1 16-bit, Timer2 8-bit) |
| PWM Channels | 2 (ECCP + CCP) |
| Comparators | 1 with internal programmable reference |
| Communication | EUSART with auto-baud |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz with 4x PLL (32 MHz) |
| Package | PDIP-8 (through-hole) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12F615-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage (+2.0V to +5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5/T1CKI/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO RA5 / Timer1 clock input / oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN3/T1G/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO RA4 / ADC channel 3 / Timer1 gate / oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/Vpp — GPIO RA3 (input only) / Master Clear reset (active-low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | RA2/AN2/T0CKI/INT/COUT — GPIO RA2 / ADC channel 2 / Timer0 clock input / external interrupt / comparator output |
| Pin 6 | RA1/AN1/CIN-/Vref/ICSPCLK — GPIO RA1 / ADC channel 1 / comparator inverting input / voltage reference / ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | RA0/AN0/CIN+/ICSPDAT/ULPWU — GPIO RA0 / ADC channel 0 / comparator non-inverting input / ICSP data / ultra-low-power wake-up |
| Pin 8 | Vss — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12F615-I/P is suitable for 7 applications: LED Lighting and Dimmer Control, Battery Charger and Power Management, Small Appliance Control, Power Tool Motor Control, IoT Edge Sensor Node, Automotive Interior Lighting, Remote Control and IR Transmitter.
LED Lighting and Dimmer Control
The PIC12F615-I/P drives low-side PWM dimming of single- or multi-channel LED strings at up to 20 MHz with two hardware PWM modules (ECCP + CCP). Its 10-bit ADC samples a potentiometer or digital input for dim level, while the on-chip comparator with internal programmable reference enables current sensing for constant-current LED drivers. Compared with discrete 555-timer designs, the integrated solution saves PCB area and adds support for daisy-chained DMX-like protocols over the EUSART, while the 2.0 V-5.5 V range accommodates both 3.3 V logic-level LEDs and 5 V analog strips. The part also supports firmware-defined fade curves without external RC timing components.
Recommended
Battery Charger and Power Management
The PIC12F615-I/P monitors battery voltage and current with its 10-bit ADC (4 channels) and uses one PWM channel to drive a buck converter MOSFET. The internal comparator and programmable voltage reference implement CC/CV charge-termination logic without external op-amps. The wide 2.0 V-5.5 V supply range suits single-cell Li-ion, two-cell alkaline, and USB-powered charger designs, while the 20 MHz CPU provides fast loop response. Compared with a dedicated charger IC, this MCU-based approach supports custom chemistry profiles (Li-ion, NiMH, lead-acid) via firmware updates, reducing SKU proliferation.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control
The PIC12F615-I/P serves as the central controller in small kitchen and household appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, and blenders. The EUSART interfaces to a control-panel key matrix or rotary encoder, while two PWM channels drive a heating element (via TRIAC) and a low-voltage DC motor. The integrated 10-bit ADC reads NTC thermistor temperature for closed-loop thermal regulation, and the internal 8 MHz oscillator with 4x PLL eliminates the external crystal, reducing BOM cost. The -40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature range tolerates under-cabinet thermal environments in consumer appliances.
Recommended
Power Tool Motor Control
Low-side PWM control of brushed DC motors in cordless drills, screwdrivers, and garden tools is a natural fit for the PIC12F615-I/P. The 10-bit ADC samples motor current through a sense resistor for stall detection, while the comparator triggers hardware shutdown on overcurrent events without software latency. The 20 MHz CPU executes field-oriented-control loops at kHz rates when needed. The industrial -40 °C to +85 °C range handles outdoor and under-hood thermal stress, and the through-hole PDIP package absorbs vibration better than SMD equivalents, important for power-tool longevity.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Node
The PIC12F615-I/P can serve as a low-power sensor front-end in IoT deployments, reading up to four analog sensors with its 10-bit ADC and forwarding the data over EUSART to a host MCU or radio module. Sleep current is in the microampere range (per the Microchip 41278E datasheet), extending battery life in remote sensor applications. The 8-pin PDIP footprint fits in coin-cell-powered sensor packages, and the 1.75 KB Flash is sufficient for averaging, threshold, and protocol formatting logic. Compared with full WiFi/BLE modules, this PIC-based architecture keeps the BOM cost under $1.50.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lighting
For non-safety interior lighting such as dome lights, ambient RGB strips, and puddle lamps, the PIC12F615-I/P drives multiple PWM channels at varying duty cycles for smooth color mixing and fade effects. The EUSART accepts LIN-bus or CAN-bridge commands from the body controller, and the 10-bit ADC reads ambient light for automatic brightness adjustment. The industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature range covers cabin environments, and the integrated comparator can detect open-circuit LED faults. For under-hood or safety-critical automotive use, choose a part with AEC-Q100 qualification instead.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
The PIC12F615-I/P is well suited for low-cost IR remote control transmitters and receivers. The EUSART generates accurate IR carrier frequencies (36 kHz, 38 kHz, 40 kHz) by feeding Timer2 PWM into the I/O pin, while one ADC channel monitors battery voltage for low-battery indication. The 1.75 KB Flash fits RC5/RC6/ NEC/Sony SIRC protocols with a single firmware image. Sleep current is low enough to support coin-cell operation, and the 8-pin PDIP package fits inside standard remote-control enclosures. For learning/universal remotes, the same code base can be ported to the larger PIC16F series.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F615-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F609-I/P | PIC12F617-I/P | PIC12F519-I/P | PIC12F675-I/P | ATtiny13A-PU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (Atmel) |
| Package | PDIP-8 | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) | 2.8 KB (2K x 14) | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) | 1 KB |
| SRAM | 64 B | 64 B | 128 B | 41 B | 64 B | 64 B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 8 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | No ADC | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels |
| PWM Channels | 2 (ECCP + CCP) | 1 (CCP) | 2 (ECCP + CCP) | 1 (CCP) | 0 | 2 |
| Internal Comparator | Yes (with Vref) | No | Yes (with Vref) | Yes | Yes (with Vref) | Yes (with Vref) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Larger Flash and richer peripheral set than 12F519 at same price tier (vs PIC12F519-I/P)
- Internal 4x PLL generates 32 MHz from internal oscillator (vs PIC12F675-I/P)
- Two PWM channels vs one on PIC12F609 (vs PIC12F609-I/P)
- Drop-in replacement path with double memory upgrade (vs PIC12F617-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the Vdd pin (Pin 1) and a bulk capacitor (4.7 µF to 10 µF) near the Vdd rail. The PIC12F615 datasheet 41278E specifies a maximum Vdd rise time of 0.05 V/µs; if Vdd ramps faster during power-up, the internal POR may mis-trigger and cause undefined program execution. Estimated: at 5 V supply, the typical active current is ~2 mA at 20 MHz and ~20 µA in sleep, per Microchip electrical characteristics.
Pin 4 (RA3/MCLR/Vpp) is input-only and serves as the Master Clear reset when configured as MCLR. If MCLR is disabled in configuration bits, RA3 is released as a digital input only - it cannot drive outputs. Always tie MCLR to Vdd through a 10 kΩ resistor (or directly when MCLR is unused for reset) to prevent spurious resets. When using ICSP, the MCLR pin must be accessible to the programmer for Vpp generation. Failing to follow this is the most common cause of bricking the MCU during firmware update.
When using the internal 8 MHz oscillator with 4x PLL, the resulting 32 MHz internal clock is more sensitive to Vdd noise than an external crystal. Estimated: at 32 MHz the Vdd supply rejection spec is approximately 40 dB at 1 MHz ripple - place decoupling within 5 mm and use a star-ground topology. For designs requiring precise serial-baud timing, use the EUSART auto-baud feature to compensate for internal-oscillator tolerance (±1% typical, ±2% over temperature).
The ICSP pins (ICSPCLK = RA1, ICSPDAT = RA0) share package leads with general-purpose I/O. When designing the PCB, isolate any pull-ups or series resistors on these pins from high-current loads to avoid loading the programming signals. The Microchip ICD/PICKit programmer expects RA0/RA1 to be high-impedance during programming. Adding a 10 kΩ pull-up to Vdd on RA0/RA1 is acceptable but avoid lower values that could exceed the 5 mA ICSP sink/source rating.
The PDIP-8 package has a typical thermal resistance (θJA) of approximately 100 °C/W. At an active current of 2 mA and 5 V supply (10 mW dissipation), junction temperature rise is only 1 °C above ambient - thermal management is not a concern for typical 8-pin PIC designs. However, when driving GPIO outputs at maximum source/sink current (25 mA per pin, 125 mA total per package), the dissipation can reach 0.6 W. Estimated: at 0.6 W the junction rises 60 °C above ambient, which can exceed the 125 °C maximum in high-temperature environments - derate output drive current accordingly.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page. The -I/P industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +85 °C) is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications use a -E/P extended grade or AEC-Q100 qualified MCU.
