PIC12F615T-I/MS - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 1.75KB Flash MSOP-8 | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F615T-I/MS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.21 | $1.21 |
| 10 | $1.08 | $10.80 |
| 100 | $0.92 | $92.00 |
| 500 | $0.81 | $405.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.74 | $740.00 |
| 2,500 | $0.66 | $1,650.00 |
PIC12F615T-I/MS Overview
What is a PIC microcontroller? A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) is a family of Harvard-architecture microcontrollers built around a RISC instruction set, a separate program and data memory bus, and integrated peripherals such as timers, ADC, comparators, and PWM. The PIC12F615 belongs to Microchip's mid-range 8-bit lineup, which sits between baseline 8-bit cores and the 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC families. Inside a system it sits below the power management and analog front-end, providing deterministic control of sensors, switches, and small actuators.
Key features of the PIC12F615 include 64 bytes of SRAM, 128 bytes of EEPROM, a 4-channel 10-bit ADC, two comparators, enhanced PWM/capture/compare, an internal 8 MHz oscillator, and an operating voltage range of 2.0V to 5.5V. These capabilities let the device drive small-signal logic, battery chargers, LED controllers, and consumer appliance subsystems while drawing minimal current in sleep mode (around 50 nA typical).
The architecture combines Microchip's mid-range 8-bit RISC core with NanoWatt technology for low-power operation, an 8 MHz internal RC oscillator, and a configurable instruction set with single-cycle multiply. This blend of deterministic core, integrated analog peripherals, and wide supply range makes the PIC12F615 well suited to compact analog-meets-digital designs.
Typical applications include battery chargers, LED drivers, smart sensor nodes, consumer electronics, and small appliance controls. The small MSOP-8 footprint also benefits space-constrained designs such as wearable accessories and IoT edge nodes. Industrial-grade temperature range ensures reliable operation in harsher environments.
When designing with the PIC12F615, ensure decoupling with 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors placed close to VDD, and verify the supply voltage stays within 2.0V to 5.5V across all operating conditions. Use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for code development, and consider the PICkit 4 or Snap programmer for in-circuit debugging.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on any single distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F615T-I/MS — 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/MS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in MSL Level, CPU Speed, Operating Temperature, Package, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F1501T-I/MS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1822T-I/MS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1571T-I/MS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.46 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F509T-I/MS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F615T-I/MS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) Flash |
| RAM Size | 64 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 128 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Package | 8-MSOP |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| ADC | 4-channel x 10-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| PWM Channels | Enhanced PWM, Capture, Compare |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (calibrated, software-selectable) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Connectivity | No dedicated I2C/SPI/UART hardware (GPIO bit-bang supported) |
PIC12F615T-I/MS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO 5 / Oscillator input / Clock in |
| Pin 3 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO 4 / Oscillator output / Clock out |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO 3 / Master clear reset / Programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | GP2/AN2/T0CKI/COG/PWM/INT — GPIO 2 / Analog ch2 / Timer0 clock / Complementary output generator / PWM / External interrupt |
| Pin 6 | GP1/AN1/CIN-/VREF/ICSPCLK — GPIO 1 / Analog ch1 / Comparator in- / Voltage reference / ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | GP0/AN0/CIN+/PWM/ICSPDAT — GPIO 0 / Analog ch0 / Comparator in+ / PWM / ICSP data |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12F615T-I/MS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, LED Lighting Driver, Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Interior Accessory, IoT Edge Sensor / Wearable, Small DC Motor / Fan Speed Controller.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC12F615T-I/MS suits battery-powered sensor nodes because of its NanoWatt technology drawing approximately 50 nA in sleep mode, which extends coin-cell life to multiple years. Its 4-channel 10-bit ADC digitizes temperature, light, or voltage inputs directly without an external ADC chip. The 8-pin MSOP footprint fits on tiny breakout boards smaller than 10 mm x 10 mm. Wake-up via INT pin lets the MCU sample periodically and return to sleep, making the part a strong fit for wireless sensors and remote IoT edge nodes. Industrial -40C to +85C operation handles outdoor and automotive cabin environments.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver
The PIC12F615T-I/MS drives LED lighting fixtures via its Enhanced PWM/Capture/Compare module, supporting single-output and half-bridge topologies. The 20 MHz CPU generates high-resolution PWM for smooth dimming without visible flicker. Internal comparator and reference support constant-current control loops without external op-amps, reducing BOM cost. Operating from 2.0V to 5.5V covers both 3.3V LED drivers and 5V mains-derived supplies. The MSOP-8 footprint fits into MR16, GU10, and linear LED tubes where height is constrained to under 1 mm on the PCB.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC12F615T-I/MS provides cost-effective digital control in small consumer appliances such as coffee makers, fans, and toothbrush chargers. Its 1.75 KB Flash accommodates state-machine firmware plus capacitive-touch sensing via the on-chip comparators. Six GPIO pins drive relays, triacs, indicator LEDs, and UART bit-banged debug ports. Industrial temperature range meets kitchen and bathroom operating conditions. The MSOP-8 supports automated SMT assembly at scale, keeping per-unit cost below most Cortex-M0 competitors.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified itself, the PIC12F615T-I/MS is used in non-critical interior accessories such as ambient lighting, USB chargers, and cabin-fan controls. The 20 MHz CPU and Enhanced PWM generate smooth color-mixing and dimming transitions. Wide 2.0V-5.5V input tolerates automotive 12V post-regulator transients down to 6V during cranking. Six I/O pins connect to MOSFET drivers, CAN transceivers (bit-bang), or LIN slaves via software UART. The MSOP-8 footprint fits into compact accessory modules where height under PCB top is limited.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor / Wearable
The PIC12F615T-I/MS fits IoT edge sensors and wearable devices where board space is at a premium and power consumption must be measured in nanoamps. Its 50 nA sleep current lets a 100 mAh coin cell run for over a decade at one wake-up per hour. The 10-bit ADC samples heart-rate, motion, or gas-sensor outputs directly, and the internal 8 MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal. The MSOP-8 fits inside hearing-aid, fitness-band, and smart-watch sub-boards where height clearance is sub-millimeter. XLP technology extends battery runtime beyond typical Cortex-M0 designs.
Recommended
Small DC Motor / Fan Speed Controller
The PIC12F615T-I/MS regulates small brushless DC fans and vibration motors via its Enhanced PWM output and on-chip comparators for back-EMF sensing. At 20 MHz the PWM frequency can exceed 100 kHz, which keeps switching noise outside the audible band. Six GPIO pins handle hall-sensor input, PWM output, tachometer feedback, and fault indicator LED. The 2.0V-5.5V supply range supports 3.3V and 5V motor rails. The MSOP-8 surface-mount package reduces PCB area for ultra-compact fan modules in laptops, routers, and small appliances.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F615T-I/MS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F1501T-I/MS | PIC12F1822T-I/MS | PIC12F1571T-I/MS | PIC12F615-I/SN | PIC12F509T-I/MS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-MSOP | 8-MSOP (same) | 8-MSOP (same) | 8-MSOP (same) | 8-SOIC (different) | 8-MSOP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB |
| RAM | 64 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 64 bytes | 41 bytes |
| ADC | 4-ch x 10-bit | 4-ch x 10-bit + 5-bit DAC | 4-ch x 10-bit | 4-ch x 10-bit | 4-ch x 10-bit | None (baseline core) |
| Hardware I2C/SPI/UART | None (bit-bang) | None | I2C + SPI + EUSART | None | None (bit-bang) | None |
| PWM Channels | Enhanced PWM (single/half/full-bridge) | 2 x 10-bit PWM | 2 x 10-bit PWM | 16-bit PWM + NCO | Enhanced PWM | None |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
Key Differentiators
- Compact 8-pin MSOP with full mid-range peripherals (vs PIC12F509T-I/MS)
- Lower cost than PIC12F1822 with adequate performance (vs PIC12F1822T-I/MS)
- Wide supply range including low-voltage battery operation (vs PIC12F1501T-I/MS)
- Industrial temperature grade by default (vs PIC12F615-E/P (extended grade))
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 1) with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the package, plus a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF capacitor if the supply trace exceeds 25 mm. The PIC12F615T-I/MS draws ~50 nA in sleep mode but can burst to ~7 mA when CPU, ADC, and PWM are active. Without local decoupling the internal 2.5V regulator will droop and the ADC may return erroneous readings. Estimated: based on Microchip PIC12F615 datasheet DC characteristics.
Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kOhm) close to pin 4 and ensure the ICSP clock/data traces (GP1/GP0) do not cross noisy switching traces. For MSOP-8 land patterns use 0.3 mm lead pitch with solder mask slivers between pads to prevent solder bridges during reflow. Exposed pad on MSOP-8 is not present, so thermal relief is moderate; copper pour helps dissipate ~100 mW internal dissipation at 20 MHz full load.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating; an unconnected MCLR will cause random resets from injected noise. Ensure GP3 is configured as digital input only when MCLR is disabled, otherwise it becomes a reset-only pin. When using the internal oscillator, allow 1 ms startup delay before code execution (configured via CONFIG register). Programming pins GP0 and GP1 should have series resistors or be dedicated to ICSP only during in-circuit programming to avoid contention with application circuitry.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Standard part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; not recommended for safety-critical automotive ECUs. For automotive designs, use PIC12F615-H/xxx extended-temperature variants or migrate to a PIC16F1xxx AEC-Q100 part.
