PIC12F615T-I/MF - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU, 1.75KB Flash, 8-DFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F615T-I/MF β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.86 | $0.86 |
| 10 | $0.78 | $7.80 |
| 100 | $0.66 | $66.00 |
| 500 | $0.58 | $290.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.5 | $500.00 |
| 3,300 | $0.46 | $1,518.00 |
PIC12F615T-I/MF Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and programmable peripherals (timers, ADC, communication interfaces) on one die. The PIC12F615 belongs to the mid-range PIC architecture with 35 instructions, 8 stack levels, and Harvard memory organization. Within the broader taxonomy it sits at: PIC12F -> PIC12 family -> PIC microcontroller -> Microcontroller (MCU) -> Microprocessor & Embedded IC -> Semiconductor. The "12F" suffix indicates Flash-based program memory and small 8/14/20-pin pin-count family.
Key features include 1.75 KB Flash (10,000 erase/write cycles typical), 64 bytes SRAM, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, ultra-low-power wake-up, a wide 2.0V-5.5V operating voltage range (the "HV" siblings extend to 15V for fan-control applications), and a user-configurable comparator with hysteresis. The 8-pin DFN package combines a 3x3 mm footprint with an exposed thermal pad that enhances power dissipation for harsh industrial environments.
The mid-range PIC12F615 core executes one instruction per cycle except for branches, giving deterministic interrupt latency suited to real-time control. Its internal 4 MHz or 8 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystal cost, while the 20 MHz external clock option supports higher-speed UART, SPI, and timing applications. The integrated analog comparator plus the Capture/Compare/PWM module enables brushed DC motor control, fan control, and battery-charging regulation without external analog circuitry.
Typical applications include fan/motor control (especially with the HV variant), LED driving circuits, battery chargers, small appliance controllers, IoT sensor nodes, smoke detectors, remote control transmitters, and low-cost general-purpose embedded control. The 8-pin DFN variant (T-I/MF suffix) targets space-constrained surface-mount designs in commercial and industrial-grade temperature ranges.
When designing with this device, ensure your code fits the 1K x 14 word Flash budget and that interrupt service routines do not exceed the 8-level hardware stack. Use the ICSP clock/data pins for in-circuit programming; isolate them from analog comparator inputs with a series resistor or buffer if both functions are needed simultaneously.
This page consolidates real-time distributor pricing, drop-in replacement MPNs, and practical design notes beyond the manufacturer datasheet to accelerate your sourcing and BOM decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F615T-I/MF β 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 PIC12F615T-I/MF (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Internal Oscillator, Package, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash), MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F615T-E/MF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F615-I/MF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F615-E/MF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F617T-I/MF
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.19 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12F609T-I/MD
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.51 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12HV615T-I/MF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F519T-I/MC
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12F615T-I/MF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-Bit Flash Microcontroller |
| Core | PIC (Mid-Range) |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 64 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm, exposed pad) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 / 8 MHz (factory calibrated) |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit) |
| Analog Comparator | 1 with user-configurable hysteresis |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA |
| ICSP | Yes (2-wire in-circuit serial programming) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, 8 stack levels |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <30 C / 85% RH) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes (per Microchip product page) |
PIC12F615T-I/MF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.0V-5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/T1CKI/OSC1/CLKIN β GPIO GP5 / Timer1 clock input / crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/AN3/T1G/OSC2/CLKOUT β GPIO GP4 / analog input AN3 / Timer1 gate / crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP β GPIO GP3 (input only) / Master Clear reset (active low) / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | GP2/AN2/T0CKI/INT/COUT/CCP1 β GPIO GP2 / analog input AN2 / TMR0 clock input / external interrupt / comparator output / CCP1 PWM |
| Pin 6 | GP1/AN1/CIN-/ICSPCLK β GPIO GP1 / analog input AN1 / comparator inverting input / ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | GP0/AN0/CIN+/ICSPDAT β GPIO GP0 / analog input AN0 / comparator non-inverting input / ICSP data |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin EP | EP β Exposed thermal pad, tie to VSS for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC12F615T-I/MF is suitable for 6 applications: Brushless DC Fan Speed Control, LED Lighting and Signage Controllers, Battery Charging and Power Management, Small Appliance Control (Coffee, Mixer, Toaster), IoT Sensor Node and Remote Transmitter, Smoke Detector and Safety Sensor Front-End.
Brushless DC Fan Speed Control
The PIC12F615T-I/MF is well suited to closed-loop BLDC fan control because its 20 MHz CPU and 16-bit TMR1 deliver the timing precision required for back-EMF zero-cross detection, while the integrated analog comparator directly senses the motor neutral point without external op-amps. The 25 mA I/O source/sink current drives the gate-driver interface or low-side FET directly for small fans under 1 A. Per Microchip datasheet DS41362D, the internal 8 MHz oscillator with +/-1% accuracy after calibration provides stable commutation timing across the -40 C to +85 C industrial range, eliminating external crystal cost. For high-voltage fan rails above 5.5 V, the PIC12HV615T-I/MF variant accepts up to 15 V on Vdd directly from a 12 V bus, making the family ideal for PC case fans, server fans, and appliance blowers.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Signage Controllers
The PIC12F615T-I/MF drives LED arrays directly through its 25 mA I/O pins, allowing up to 6 individually controlled LED channels without external transistors. Its internal PWM module (TMR2 + CCP) generates accurate 8-bit duty cycles at the 20 MHz CPU clock, enabling smooth dimming and color mixing for RGB accent lighting, channel letters, and decorative strips. The 1.75 KB Flash comfortably holds animation sequences for small signage, while the integrated comparator supports ambient-light feedback via an LDR or photodiode for automatic brightness adjustment. Per Microchip datasheet DS41362D, the 2.0V-5.5V operating range lets the part run directly from a 3.3 V or 5 V LED driver rail, and the 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) footprint fits inside tight luminaire enclosures.
Recommended
Battery Charging and Power Management
For low-power battery chargers (NiMH, Li-Ion single cell with external FET, or supercapacitor backup), the PIC12F615T-I/MF provides a flexible voltage-mode control loop using the integrated analog comparator to sense battery voltage against an internal reference. The 6 GPIO pins are sufficient for CHARGE/STATUS/DONE outputs plus a pushbutton input for user interface, and the 64 bytes SRAM handles small state machines for charge profiles. Per Microchip datasheet DS41362D, the 2.0V minimum operating voltage allows operation down to deeply discharged Li-Ion cells, and the ICSP interface supports in-field firmware updates as battery chemistries evolve. The industrial temperature grade suits automotive and outdoor solar charger deployments.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control (Coffee, Mixer, Toaster)
The PIC12F615T-I/MF is well matched to small kitchen and household appliances where cost, footprint, and reliability dominate the design. Its 1.75 KB Flash stores the user-interface state machine, timer routines, and safety checks for appliances like coffee makers, hand mixers, and toaster ovens. The 20 MHz CPU executes PWM for motor speed control (mixer), heating element modulation (toaster), or pump control (coffee), while the analog comparator provides over-temperature or low-water protection via an NTC sensor. The 25 mA I/O drive directly switches low-power relays or TRIAC interfaces, and the industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range handles under-cabinet and outdoor appliance environments. Per Microchip datasheet DS41362D, ICSP allows end-of-line firmware calibration per SKU without retooling.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Node and Remote Transmitter
For ultra-low-cost IoT endpoints and remote-control transmitters, the PIC12F615T-I/MF combines a small footprint, internal oscillator (no crystal), and ICSP reprogrammability in a compact 8-pin DFN package. The MCU reads a sensor through one ADC-capable pin or comparator channel, processes the data with simple averaging/threshold logic in its 1.75 KB Flash, and transmits via a low-power RF module (e.g., 433 MHz OOK/FSK) driven from a GPIO pin. The 2.0V minimum operating voltage supports 2xAA battery or single Li-Ion cell deployments. Per Microchip datasheet DS41362D, nanoWatt technology provides sleep currents under 1 uA typical, enabling years of battery life for remote sensors, door/window contacts, and simple wireless buttons.
Recommended
Smoke Detector and Safety Sensor Front-End
The PIC12F615T-I/MF provides a low-cost alarm controller for smoke, CO, or gas detectors by combining its integrated analog comparator for ionization-chamber signal conditioning with the 16-bit TMR1 for precise beep-pattern timing. The 25 mA I/O drives a piezoelectric buzzer directly and interfaces to a low-power LED for visual indication, while ICSP allows end-of-line sensitivity calibration per chamber batch. The 8-pin DFN package fits inside standard detector housings, and the industrial temperature range suits ceiling-mounted deployments in unconditioned spaces. Per Microchip datasheet DS41362D, the internal 4/8 MHz oscillator eliminates the external crystal that is otherwise sensitive to humidity-induced drift in life-safety equipment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F615T-I/MF β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F615T-E/MF | PIC12F615-I/MF | PIC12F615-E/MF | PIC12F617T-I/MF | PIC12F609T-I/MD | PIC12HV615T-I/MF | PIC12F519T-I/MC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-DFN (3x3 mm, exposed pad) | 8-DFN (3x3 mm, exposed pad) - same | 8-DFN (3x3 mm, exposed pad) - same | 8-DFN (3x3 mm, exposed pad) - same | 8-DFN (3x3 mm, exposed pad) - same | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (3x3 mm, exposed pad) - same | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) - same |
| Core / Speed | PIC mid-range 8-bit / 20 MHz | PIC mid-range 8-bit / 20 MHz | PIC mid-range 8-bit / 20 MHz | PIC mid-range 8-bit / 20 MHz | PIC mid-range 8-bit / 20 MHz | PIC mid-range 8-bit / 20 MHz | PIC mid-range 8-bit / 20 MHz | PIC mid-range 8-bit / 20 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 2 KB (+14%) | 1 KB (-43%) | 1.75 KB | 1 KB (-43%) |
| SRAM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 128 bytes (+100%) | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 15 V (high-voltage) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Approx. Unit Price @ 1k (USD) | $0.50 | $0.52 | $0.50 (tube) | $0.52 (tube) | $0.62 | $0.45 | $0.72 | $0.47 |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging optimized for SMT production (vs PIC12F615-I/MF (tube))
- Wider 5.5V supply tolerance vs legacy 5V-only PICs (vs PIC12F509T-I/MC)
- Pin-compatible Flash upgrade path within same DFN footprint (vs PIC12F617T-I/MF)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 1) of the PIC12F615T-I/MF. The exposed thermal pad (EP) MUST be soldered to a VSS-connected copper pour of at least 1 square inch to meet the thermal resistance specifications in Microchip datasheet DS41362D. Without proper EP soldering, junction temperature can exceed limits at high ambient temperatures. Use a star-ground topology if the design mixes analog comparator inputs (GP1/GP0) with high-current switching outputs (GP4/GP5) on the same PCB.
Estimate: at VDD=5V, CPU=20MHz, and all peripherals active, the PIC12F615T-I/MF draws approximately 2.2 mA. In sleep mode the nanoWatt technology drops this to under 1 uA typical, enabling years of battery life for IoT applications. Always use the internal oscillator INTOSC block's OSCTUNE register to fine-tune frequency over temperature; the factory calibration gives +/-1% accuracy at 5V/25C but degrades to +/-2% at 2V/-40C. For UART communication, use the auto-baud detector feature rather than relying on the untrimmed oscillator.
Pin 4 (GP3/MCLR/VPP) is input-only and serves as the Master Clear reset. Add a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground on MCLR to prevent spurious resets from ESD or conducted noise. If using ICSP, isolate the ICSPDAT and ICSPCLK lines from sensitive analog comparator inputs with 1 kohm series resistors to prevent programming-voltage leakage into the analog path. The GP0/GP1 pins are shared between GPIO, analog comparator inputs, and ICSP, so plan your firmware to release these pins from analog mode after programming.
Avoid using PIC12F615T-I/MF with firmware that exceeds the 8-level hardware stack - deep nested interrupts or recursive functions will cause unpredictable resets without warning. The 1K x 14 Flash word size means a single 14-bit instruction word, so C compilers may emit inefficient code that fills Flash faster than expected; consider migrating to PIC12F1822 (2K x 14) if code size approaches 1.4 KB. Do not apply 5V signals to GP3/MCLR when VDD is below 4V, as this can latch-up the device; use a series resistor or level translator if 5V signals must be sensed in 3.3V systems.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C); AEC-Q100 not applicable. For automotive-grade needs, consult Microchip automotive PIC portfolio. Lead-free and halogen-free packaging confirmed.
