PIC16C715-04E/P - 8-bit CMOS MCU, 4MHz, 3.5KB EPROM | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C715-04E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.32 | $4.32 |
| 10 | $3.85 | $38.50 |
| 100 | $3.41 | $341.00 |
| 500 | $2.94 | $1,470.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC16C715-04E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer with an 8-bit data path, ALU, registers, program memory, and integrated peripherals. The PIC16C7X family sits in the PIC mid-range hierarchy - more capable than the baseline PIC16C5X/PIC12CXXX but below the PIC17C/PIC18 enhanced families. The PIC16C715 specifically adds an integrated multi-channel ADC and Brown-out Reset (BOR) circuitry, positioning it as a compact analog-friendly MCU.
Key features include 13 bidirectional digital I/O pins with individual direction control, an 8-bit Timer0 with an 8-bit programmable prescaler, 4-channel 8-bit A/D converter, on-chip Brown-out Reset (BOR), Power-on Reset (POR), and a Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator. The device is fully static CMOS, OTP-based, and offers upward code compatibility with PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX devices, easing migration.
Architecturally, the PIC16C715 uses a Harvard-style separate program and data bus design with a 14-bit instruction word, two-stack hardware stack (PIC16C71X class), and direct/indirect addressing modes. The internal oscillator support and low-power CMOS design suit battery and line-powered embedded applications. BOR and POR ensure defined startup and brown-out recovery, critical for industrial and automotive-grade embedded designs.
Typical applications include industrial sensor signal conditioning, low-cost motor control interfaces, automotive body and sensor electronics, appliance control boards, and embedded measurement instruments. The 18-pin PDIP form factor remains popular for through-hole prototyping, educational platforms, and legacy industrial retrofits where surface-mount is impractical.
When designing with this MCU, observe the 5.5 V absolute maximum supply and ensure the EPROM programming voltage is correctly sequenced during in-circuit or in-socket programming. For new designs, Microchip recommends the pin-compatible PIC16F716 (Flash-based successor) as a forward migration path with the same 18-pin DIP footprint but in-system programmability.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical engineering notes not found in a single distributor datasheet tab.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C715-04E/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 PIC16C715-04E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Mounting Type, Data RAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C715-04/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F716-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715-04E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16CXX mid-range, 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Instruction Word Size | 14 bits |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 bidirectional |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Timers | Timer0: 8-bit with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| Power-on Reset (POR) | Yes |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (DIP-18), through-hole |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Code Compatibility | Upward compatible with PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX |
| Technology | CMOS, fully static |
PIC16C715-04E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input (open-drain output) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active-low |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply (4.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C715-04E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Automotive Body and Sensor Electronics, Appliance Control Boards, Educational Microcontroller Trainer Boards, Low-Cost Embedded Measurement Instruments, Hobbyist and Legacy Replacement Stock.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C715-04E/P's integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC and 13 digital I/O pins suit multi-sensor data acquisition in industrial environments. Its 4.0-5.5 V supply matches the standard 5 V industrial rail, and the BOR circuitry ensures defined reset behavior on noisy factory power. The 8-bit Timer0 with 8-bit prescaler drives sample-rate generation for thermocouple, pressure, or level sensors. With 3.5 KB of EPROM, designers can host lookup tables, linearization routines, and HMI command sets for compact panels. Microchip's recommended Flash successor PIC16F716-I/P shares the same 18-pin PDIP footprint and is recommended for new deployments. The E temperature grade extends operation across factory floor thermal ranges. Pair with a 5 V LDO and 10 uF decoupling for stable ADC reference performance.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Sensor Electronics
The PIC16C715-04E/P's extended temperature grade makes it suitable for under-dash automotive body controllers, seat controllers, and sensor interface modules where AEC-Q100 certification is not mandatory. Its on-chip Brown-out Reset handles load-dump and cranking transients on the 12 V vehicle bus, while the Watchdog Timer recovers the MCU from firmware lock-ups. The 4-channel ADC reads thermistor, resistive sensor, or 0-5 V analog signals from body sensors, and the 13 GPIO pins drive relays, LEDs, and LIN bus transceivers. Note: this OTP-EPROM part is recommended only for service replacement of existing production; for new automotive programs, use the AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F1936 or PIC16F15344 family. The 18-pin PDIP package is preferred for through-hole field service kits.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C715-04E/P delivers sufficient compute and I/O for washing-machine, dishwasher, and microwave control boards where a low-cost 8-bit MCU with on-chip ADC is preferred over a 32-bit Cortex-M0 device. Its 35-instruction PIC mid-range core is straightforward to program in C using MPLAB XC8, and the integrated ADC reads keypad resistance, temperature sensor (NTC), and motor current via a shunt. Brown-out Reset and Power-on Reset guarantee clean startup from AC-line-derived 5 V rails. With 13 GPIO, designers can drive 7-segment displays, triac-fired heater loads, and buzzer feedback. The 18-pin PDIP remains popular for hand-soldered service boards. Migration target is the PIC16F716-I/P for new appliance programs needing Flash re-programmability in production.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Trainer Boards
The PIC16C715-04E/P is a common microcontroller on legacy university curriculum trainer boards and PIC16F877 development kits where the through-hole PDIP-18 package simplifies breadboard prototyping. Its 35 single-word instruction set gives students a tractable RISC architecture to learn assembly and embedded C. The 4-channel ADC teaches analog-to-digital concepts with on-chip hardware, and the WDT/BOR/POR circuitry introduces real-world reset behavior. The 18-pin DIP allows reuse on solderless breadboards and stripboard. While production designs should use the Flash-based PIC16F716-I/P, the PIC16C715-04E/P remains a popular teaching example for OTP-EPROM programming. Recommended for course material on the PIC16C7X family and Harvard architecture demonstrations.
Recommended
Low-Cost Embedded Measurement Instruments
The PIC16C715-04E/P supports hand-held multimeters, panel meters, and HVAC field-test instruments that need a 5 V-tolerant MCU with integrated ADC and minimal external components. Its 8-bit ADC achieves adequate resolution for display-grade measurements, while the 13 GPIO drive LCD segments, push-button inputs, and RS-232 level shifters. The 4.0-5.5 V supply draws from a 4xAA battery pack or 5 V USB-derived rail. The 3.5 KB EPROM stores calibration constants, custom unit conversions, and proprietary firmware. The Brown-out Reset prevents corrupted EEPROM data on weak battery conditions. For new designs the PIC16F716-I/P is recommended for its Flash memory and ICSP support; the legacy PIC16C715-04E/P remains in service replacement stock.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Legacy Replacement Stock
The PIC16C715-04E/P remains a popular part for hobbyists restoring 1990s-vintage PIC-based projects, retrocomputing kits, and educational demos that targeted the original PIC16C7X family. Its 18-pin PDIP format fits classic solderless breadboards, and the OTP EPROM allows students to program their own firmware with an EPROM eraser. The integrated ADC and WDT simplify hobbyist designs that would otherwise require additional glue logic. Distributors like LCSC, Mouser, and DigiKey list remaining tube inventory for hobbyist and service use. New hobbyist projects should prefer the Flash-based PIC16F716-I/P, which retains the same DIP-18 footprint and peripheral set but supports in-system reprogramming without UV erasure.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C715-04E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C715-04/P | PIC16C715-04I/P | PIC16C711-04E/P | PIC16C712-04E/P | PIC16F716-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-18 (through-hole) | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM | 1 KB OTP EPROM | 1 KB OTP EPROM | 8 KB Flash |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 68 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (re-programmable) |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels (with additional PWM) |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (E suffix) | Commercial (no E suffix) | Industrial (I suffix) | Extended (E suffix) | Extended (E suffix) | Industrial (I suffix) |
| Approx. Unit Price (USD, qty 1) | $4.32 | $3.95 | $4.20 | $3.45 | $3.60 | $2.80 |
Key Differentiators
- Largest EPROM in PIC16C71X PDIP-18 family at 3.5 KB (vs PIC16C711-04E/P)
- Recommended forward-migration Flash successor with same DIP-18 outline (vs PIC16F716-I/P)
- Extended temperature grade on a 4-channel ADC MCU (vs PIC16C715-04/P)
Design Notes
Operate the PIC16C715-04E/P from a regulated 4.0-5.5 V supply with a decoupling 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic at the PCB power entry. The internal Brown-out Reset (BOR) triggers at approximately 4.0 V; ensure the supply stays above this threshold under full load to avoid unintended resets. For ADC accuracy, the VDD ripple must remain below 50 mVpp because the A/D converter ratiometric conversion is referenced to VDD.
Route the analog inputs (RA0-RA3) away from switching nodes such as the oscillator traces and any PWM-driven outputs to minimize ADC coupling noise. Place the 4.7 nF to 0.1 uF analog VDD bypass physically close to the analog reference pin if used, and consider a guard ring around analog traces tied to VSS. The OSC1/OSC2 traces should be kept short (<10 mm) and surrounded by a ground pour for stable 4 MHz crystal operation.
Do not apply signals to RA4 (pin 3) above VDD because it is an open-drain output only - exceeding VDD can latch-up the CMOS I/O. Always tie MCLR (pin 4) to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up; do not leave it floating, or the device may intermittently reset due to noise. OTP EPROM parts cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit; ensure firmware is fully validated before committing to programming time. Watchdog Timer must be disabled in configuration bits or periodically cleared in firmware, otherwise the MCU will reset every ~18 ms.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free/halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data snippets - set to 'unknown' rather than fabricate. AEC-Q100 not documented for this OTP part. Conflict-minerals compliance assumed per Microchip corporate policy.
