PIC12HV615-E/MF - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 1.75KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC12HV615-E/MF ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.52 | $1.52 |
| 10 | $1.36 | $13.60 |
| 100 | $1.18 | $118.00 |
| 500 | $0.95 | $475.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.79 | $790.00 |
PIC12HV615-E/MF Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a small computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, program memory (flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripherals (ADC, timers, I/O) into a single IC. The PIC12HV615 belongs to the mid-range PIC® family that uses a 14-bit instruction word and a RISC architecture, occupying a position in the taxonomy: PIC12HV615 -> PIC12F MCU family -> 8-bit PIC MCU -> PIC microcontroller -> microcontroller unit (MCU) -> embedded semiconductor. These MCUs target cost- and space-constrained designs where a full 32-bit processor would be overkill but a simple logic circuit is insufficient.
Key features of the PIC12HV615-E/MF include the integrated 8MHz internal oscillator (eliminates external crystal), 10-bit ADC with 4 channels for analog signal acquisition, a 5-bit DAC for analog output, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, an enhanced PWM module, an internal voltage reference, and nanoWatt technology for ultra-low sleep currents. The "HV" shunt regulator is the critical differentiator: it accepts inputs up to the device maximum and internally regulates to 5V, simplifying power supply design in 12V battery and unregulated supply scenarios.
Typical applications include LED lighting controllers, battery chargers, sensor signal conditioning, simple motor control loops, low-cost consumer appliances, and home automation sensor nodes. The compact 3x3mm DFN package combined with only 8 pins forces tight firmware design but enables PCBs under 10mm square.
Design consideration: ensure exposed pad (EP) on the DFN-8 package is soldered to the PCB ground plane for proper thermal dissipation and electrical grounding. The internal shunt regulator dissipates excess voltage as heat; size the input current budget accordingly.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible same-brand alternatives within the PIC12F family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12HV615-E/MF — 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 PIC12HV615-E/MF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature, MSL Level, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F615-E/MF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F617-I/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.73 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F609-E/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12HV609-E/MF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F635-E/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1840-E/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12HV615-E/MF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC12 (8-bit RISC) |
| Family | PIC® 12F |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) Flash |
| Data RAM Size | 64 B |
| Data EEPROM Size | 128 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Module | Enhanced (ECCP) |
| Voltage Reference | Internal |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| Package | DFN-8 (3x3 mm) with EP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Shunt Regulator | Internal (HV variant) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12HV615-E/MF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — Bidirectional I/O pin / oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/OSC2/CLKOUT — Bidirectional I/O pin / oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — Input-only I/O / Master Clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | GP2/AN2/T0CKI/P1A/COG1FLT — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / timer0 clock / PWM output / comparator gate fault |
| Pin 6 | GP1/AN1/C1IN-/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / comparator input / ICD clock |
| Pin 7 | GP0/AN0/C1IN+/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / comparator input / ICD data |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12HV615-E/MF is suitable for 7 applications: LED Lighting Controllers, Battery Chargers and Power Management, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Simple Motor Control (Fan/Pump), Low-Cost Consumer Appliances, Home Automation Sensor Nodes, Automotive Accessory Modules.
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC12HV615-E/MF is well suited for LED lighting controllers because the internal HV shunt regulator accepts inputs up to 5.5V directly from rectified mains or 12V battery without external regulation, drastically reducing BOM. Its 20MHz core supports smooth PWM dimming via the ECCP module generating >1kHz PWM with 10-bit resolution, eliminating visible flicker. The 10-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors for daylight harvesting, while 64B RAM stores fade curves. At $1.52 unit price, it enables sub-$3 retail LED bulb electronics.
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Power Management
In single-cell Li-ion or NiMH charger applications, the PIC12HV615-E/MF's HV shunt regulator operates directly from 4.5V-5.5V USB or 6V-12V solar input while charging the battery at controlled currents. The 10-bit ADC accurately measures charge voltage and current via shunt resistors, supporting CCV (constant-current constant-voltage) profiles. nanoWatt sleep mode drops quiescent current to <100nA between samples, preserving battery life in solar-powered installations. The 3x3mm DFN package fits inside the smallest solar garden light housings.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC12HV615-E/MF excels in low-cost sensor signal conditioning nodes where 4 ADC channels and the integrated DAC generate excitation signals for thermistor, RTD, or bridge sensors. The 8MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystal cost, while the 20MHz CPU runs calibration math and linearization algorithms in real time. The HV shunt accepts 12V industrial supply rails directly. UART/SPI/I2C peripherals communicate with host controllers or share data over RS-485 networks, making it ideal for industrial sensor modules under $5.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control (Fan/Pump)
BLDC and brushed DC motor control in fans, pumps, and small appliances benefits from the PIC12HV615-E/MF's ECCP PWM module with dead-band control and 10-bit resolution. The 20MHz instruction cycle generates 20kHz PWM above audible range for quiet operation, while 6 I/O pins drive direction, brake, and tachometer feedback. The HV shunt accepts 12V motor supply directly. At <$1.50 unit cost, this MCU is a strong fit for ceiling fans, range hoods, and PC cooling fans under $10 retail.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Appliances
The PIC12HV615-E/MF drives capacitive touch buttons, LED indicators, and simple user interfaces in coffee makers, toasters, and small kitchen appliances where unit cost must stay below $1.50. Its nanoWatt technology enables standby power under 100nA, critical for ENERGY STAR compliance. The internal 8MHz oscillator eliminates external components, while 6 I/O pins drive relays via MOSFET drivers, read selector switches, and pulse status LEDs. The compact DFN-8 fits inside toaster-control PCBs under 30mm square.
Recommended
Home Automation Sensor Nodes
In home automation, the PIC12HV615-E/MF serves as an ultra-low-cost endpoint node for motion sensors, door/window contacts, and water leak detectors communicating via UART to a Zigbee or LoRa module. The HV shunt accepts 3V-5V battery or 12V adapter input, while nanoWatt sleep modes extend coin-cell battery life beyond 5 years. The 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage and analog sensors, and the small 3x3mm DFN package fits inside PIR motion sensor housings under 20mm thick for discreet wall mounting.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Modules
The PIC12HV615-E/MF's -40C to +125C operating range and internal HV shunt regulator make it suitable for automotive accessories operating from 12V battery directly, including USB chargers, interior LED lighting, and sensor modules. Its 6 I/O pins drive status LEDs, read switches, and communicate via LIN or CAN with vehicle networks. While not AEC-Q100 qualified (the -I and -E grades are industrial), the ruggedized silicon and wide temp range suit non-safety automotive applications like interior lighting controls.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12HV615-E/MF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F615-E/MF | PIC12F617-I/MF | PIC12F609-E/MF | PIC12HV609-E/MF | PIC12F1840-E/MF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | DFN-8 (3x3 mm) | DFN-8 (3x3 mm) - same | DFN-8 (3x3 mm) - same | DFN-8 (3x3 mm) - same | DFN-8 (3x3 mm) - same | DFN-8 (3x3 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash | 2 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash |
| Data RAM | 64 B | 64 B | 128 B | 64 B | 64 B | 256 B |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4-ch | 10-bit, 4-ch | 10-bit, 4-ch | None | None | 10-bit, 4-ch |
| HV Shunt Regulator | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2V to 5.5V | 2V to 5.5V | 2V to 5.5V | 2V to 5.5V | 2V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated HV shunt regulator (vs PIC12F615-E/MF)
- Larger flash within same 8-pin footprint (vs PIC12F1840-E/MF)
- ADC plus DAC in 8 pins (vs PIC12HV609-E/MF)
Design Notes
The DFN-8 package exposed pad (EP) on the underside MUST be soldered to the PCB ground plane to provide the electrical ground reference for the internal HV shunt regulator and ensure proper thermal dissipation. Estimate: leaving EP unsoldered increases junction-to-ambient thermal resistance by ~40% and may cause the internal shunt regulator to fail under high input voltage conditions. Use at least 4 thermal vias in the EP land pattern to conduct heat into inner ground planes.
The HV shunt regulator dissipates excess input voltage as heat: P_shunt = (V_in - 5.5V) x I_load. Estimate: at V_in=12V and I_load=20mA, P_shunt = 130mW. The thermal limit at 125C ambient requires P_shunt < 200mW with proper PCB copper. For inputs above 15V, use the PIC12F615 (no shunt) with an external regulator like MCP1700 to avoid thermal runaway. Add a 100nF ceramic bypass capacitor within 3mm of VDD and a 10uF bulk capacitor for HV shunt stability.
Avoid these common PIC12HV615 design errors: (1) Forget to configure the internal 8MHz oscillator via OSCCON register - code stuck because no clock; (2) Use GP3 as output - GP3 is input-only and will read back as 0; (3) Skip the configuration word settings and leave WDT enabled - MCU keeps resetting unexpectedly; (4) Forget to clear the POR/BOR status bits before checking them in firmware. Always read and clear RCON before relying on reset source flags. Use ICSP pins (GP0/GP1) for programming - these are shared with ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK.
Keep analog input traces (GP0-GP2 with AN0-AN2 functions) away from digital switching signals and PWM outputs to minimize ADC noise coupling. Use a separate analog ground island connected to the EP ground at a single point. Place the 100nF VDD bypass within 3mm of the VDD pin and route the analog reference (if used externally) through a guarded trace. The 3x3mm DFN package permits tight PCB layouts but requires 0.5mm pitch pads - use NSMD (non-solder mask defined) pads for better paste release.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. E (extended) temperature grade operates -40C to +125C but is not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F15313 or PIC18F series for AEC-Q100 automotive designs. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.
