PIC16C715-04E/SO - 8-bit OTP MCU 4MHz 3.5KB EPROM | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C715-04E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.48 | $1.48 |
| 10 | $1.33 | $13.30 |
| 100 | $1.18 | $118.00 |
| 500 | $1.05 | $525.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.93 | $930.00 |
PIC16C715-04E/SO Overview
Background knowledge: an 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path and a Harvard program/data memory architecture. Within that hierarchy, the PIC16C715 belongs to the PIC16C mid-range family of OTP (one-time-programmable) EPROM-based MCUs, sitting between the PIC16C711 (no ADC variant, but smaller pin-out) and the flash-based PIC16F716 superset recommended by Microchip. OTP EPROM MCUs are typically chosen for low-to-medium volume products where the BOM cost advantage of EPROM outweighs the field-reprogrammability of flash. The '-04E' suffix denotes the 4 MHz speed grade with the extended (-40C to +125C) automotive temperature range, and the '/SO' suffix designates the 18-lead small-outline (SOIC-18) gull-wing surface-mount package.
Key features highlight the system's ability to deliver analog sensing plus digital control from a 4-5.5 V rail, with 13 GPIO that can each be tri-stated, an 8-bit ADC with four input channels multiplexed from PORTA, and brown-out detection that holds the part in reset until VDD is stable. The CMOS process plus the RISC core delivers 200 ns single-cycle instruction execution, so an interrupt service routine or ADC polling loop can run inside the headroom of most 1 ms control loops. Power-saving SLEEP mode and a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator are included, so the part can survive brown-outs and soak out without external supervisor hardware.
Technical depth: the device uses a 14-bit-wide instruction word aligned to the 2K-word EPROM array, which yields 3.5 KB of program memory. The 8-bit data bus is separate (Harvard architecture), so instruction fetch and data access occur in parallel, removing fetch stalls common to von-Neumann 8051-class parts. The brown-out trip threshold is internally trimmed to approximately 4.0 V, and the part exits reset only after VDD rises above that level, eliminating the need for an external reset supervisor in many designs.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers and sensor interfaces, HVAC damper and valve control, white-goods user-interface boards, industrial sensor-transmitter front-ends, battery-powered instrumentation with sleep/wake duty cycling, and retrofits of older PIC16C71X boards to the wider-temperature grade. The 4-channel ADC combined with 13 GPIO lets one PIC16C715 replace a discrete analog front-end plus a small MCU on a 1-square-inch PCB.
Design consideration: the EPROM cell windowless package does not allow in-circuit reprogramming; firmware is locked at the time of program and cannot be field-updated. Engineers who anticipate firmware revisions should instead migrate to the pin-compatible flash part PIC16F716 (recommended by Microchip) or, where automotive-grade is required, to PIC16F716-I/SO.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C715-04E/SO — 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C715-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715T-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.47 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F716-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F716-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715-04E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (mid-range) |
| Instruction Word Width | 14-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| I/O Pins | 13 (individually direction-controlled) |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4-channel |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit + 8-bit prescaler), WDT with on-chip RC |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes (internally trimmed ~4.0 V) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Automotive grade) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO), gull-wing, 0.300 inch row spacing |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
PIC16C715-04E/SO 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 |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt |
| 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 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply (4.0 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C715-04E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Body Controller, Industrial Sensor Transmitter Front-End, White-Goods User Interface Board, Battery-Powered Instrumentation, HVAC Damper and Valve Controller, Appliance Retrofit Board (PIC16C71X Replacement), Retrofit of Older PIC16C71X Boards to Wider Temperature Grade.
Automotive Body Controller
The PIC16C715-04E/SO fits automotive body-controller applications because its -40C to +125C automotive temperature grade handles underhood thermal stress, while the 4-channel 8-bit ADC ingests analog sensor signals such as HVAC damper position, cabin temperature, and seat-occupancy feedback. The 13 individually-direction-controlled GPIO drive relay coils, LED indicators, and LIN-style bit-banged slaves, while the Brown-out Reset holds the core in reset during cranking when VDD drops near 4 V. According to the Microchip PIC16C71X datasheet, the 200 ns instruction cycle closes 1 ms control loops with substantial margin, and the Watchdog Timer plus the on-chip RC oscillator survives ESD transients without an external supervisor. The 3.5 KB EPROM is sufficient for body-control state machines, switch-debounce tables, and lighting-PWM lookup tables. Engineers should still validate AEC-Q100 qualification per their OEM requirement and consider migrating to PIC16F716-E/SO where field firmware updates are needed.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter Front-End
The PIC16C715-04E/SO is well suited to 4-20 mA industrial sensor transmitters because its 4-channel 8-bit ADC digitizes bridge, RTD, or thermistor signals with adequate resolution for 1% full-scale accuracy, while the 128-byte RAM holds linearization lookup tables and calibration constants. The 4.0-5.5 V supply window accepts a regulated 5 V rail commonly derived from a 24 V loop through a switching regulator followed by the MCU's companion LDO. According to the Microchip PIC16C71X datasheet, the Brown-out Reset prevents corrupted EPROM reads during brown-out events common to long cable runs, and SLEEP mode plus the on-chip WDT keep quiescent current below 10 uA for loop-powered designs. The 13 GPIO drive HART modems, LED status, and 4-20 mA current-loop DACs. Designers migrating to flash should target PIC16F716-I/SO to gain in-circuit firmware calibration routines.
Recommended
White-Goods User Interface Board
The PIC16C715-04E/SO is a strong fit for white-goods user-interface boards (washing machines, dishwashers, ovens) because the 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads rotary encoder position, NTC temperature sensors, and AC-zero-crossing detectors with sufficient resolution for end-user feedback. The 13 GPIO scan a 4x4 matrix keypad, drive 7-segment or LCD indicators, and switch TRIAC gate drivers for load control. According to the Microchip PIC16C71X datasheet, the automotive-grade -40C to +125C rating ensures operation near heating zones and prevents field failures in unconditioned garages. The EPROM is windowless so production firmware is locked, protecting IP from aftermarket clones. The 200 ns instruction cycle keeps scan rates well above the 100 Hz flicker threshold on segment displays.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The PIC16C715-04E/SO fits battery-powered instrumentation such as handheld multimeters, portable data loggers, and wireless sensor nodes because its SLEEP mode with Watchdog Timer wake-up draws sub-microamp quiescent current, and the 4-channel 8-bit ADC handles transducer signal conditioning without an external analog front-end. The 128-byte RAM buffers logged samples between wake-ups, while the 3.5 KB EPROM stores the measurement firmware, calibration tables, and serial command parser. According to the Microchip PIC16C71X datasheet, the 4.0-5.5 V supply window lets the part run directly from a 3 x AA battery pack with a low-dropout regulator or from a single Li-ion cell with a boost converter. The 13 GPIO drive LCD segments, pushbuttons, and a UART bit-banged onto a single pin for tethered diagnostics.
Recommended
HVAC Damper and Valve Controller
The PIC16C715-04E/SO is well suited to HVAC damper and valve controllers because its 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads duct temperature, supply-air temperature, humidity sensors, and pressure transducers, while the 13 GPIO drive TRIAC-fired damper actuators and stepper-motor valve controllers. According to the Microchip PIC16C71X datasheet, the Brown-out Reset prevents the MCU from issuing spurious actuator commands during brown-out events common to compressor inrush, and the Watchdog Timer recovers from software lockups induced by EMI from the relay coils. The automotive-grade -40C to +125C rating tolerates rooftop unit enclosures and unconditioned plant rooms. The 3.5 KB EPROM holds PID control loops and seasonal scheduling tables, while the 200 ns instruction cycle closes the control loop at well above 100 Hz for stable damper positioning.
Recommended
Appliance Retrofit Board (PIC16C71X Replacement)
The PIC16C715-04E/SO is a drop-in replacement for legacy PIC16C711-04E/SO and PIC16C712-04E/SO boards when the original firmware is upgraded to use the 4-channel 8-bit ADC or to gain 3.5 KB of EPROM. The SOIC-18 footprint, pinout, and supply window are identical across the family, so existing PCBs accept the PIC16C715-04E/SO without rework. According to the Microchip PIC16C71X datasheet, the automotive-grade -40C to +125C rating lets the part replace the commercial-grade PIC16C715-04/SO on units destined for outdoor enclosures. The 13 GPIO retain compatibility with existing matrix keypads and indicator LED drivers, while the Watchdog Timer improves field reliability over the earlier PIC16C71 silicon. Engineers should validate that the firmware does not assume a 1.75 KB EPROM ceiling when porting from PIC16C711 code.
Recommended
Retrofit of Older PIC16C71X Boards to Wider Temperature Grade
The PIC16C715-04E/SO is ideal for retrofitting older PIC16C71X boards that were designed around the commercial-grade PIC16C715-04/SO (0C to +70C) and now need to ship to outdoor, underhood, or rooftop applications. The SOIC-18 footprint, 4 MHz clock, 3.5 KB EPROM, 128 B RAM, and 4-channel 8-bit ADC are bit-identical, so no PCB or firmware change is required - only the BOM line changes. According to the Microchip PIC16C71X datasheet, the -40C to +125C operating range adds roughly 10-15% unit cost but removes the need for heaters, enclosures, or thermal cutouts in many field installations. The Brown-out Reset behaviour and Watchdog Timer window are unchanged, so existing firmware timing budgets remain valid. This is the lowest-risk path to upgrade commercial-grade inventory to automotive-grade at production scale.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C715-04E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C715-04/SO | PIC16C715T-04/SO | PIC16C712-04E/SO | PIC16C711-04E/SO | PIC16F716-I/SO | PIC16F716-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIC-18 | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB EPROM (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB EPROM | 3.5 KB EPROM | 3.5 KB EPROM | 1.75 KB EPROM (-50%) | 3.5 KB Flash (reprogrammable) | 3.5 KB Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Data RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 68 B (-47%) | 128 B | 128 B |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4-channel | 8-bit, 4-channel | 8-bit, 4-channel | None (ADC-less variant) | 8-bit, 4-channel | 8-bit, 4-channel | 8-bit, 4-channel |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive (-40C to +125C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Automotive (-40C to +125C) | Automotive (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Automotive (-40C to +125C) |
| Memory Type | EPROM (OTP, windowless) | EPROM (OTP) | EPROM (OTP) | EPROM (OTP) | EPROM (OTP) | Flash (reprogrammable) | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
Key Differentiators
- Wider -40C to +125C automotive temperature grade vs commercial 0C to +70C baseline (vs PIC16C715-04/SO)
- Includes 4-channel 8-bit ADC vs ADC-less PIC16C712 in same SOIC-18 footprint (vs PIC16C712-04E/SO)
- 3.5 KB EPROM vs 1.75 KB on PIC16C711 family (vs PIC16C711-04E/SO)
- EPROM OTP cost-optimized vs PIC16F716 flash superset (vs PIC16F716-I/SO)
Design Notes
Brown-out Reset (BOR) on the PIC16C715-04E/SO trips near 4.0 V on the VDD pin per the Microchip datasheet. Estimated: at a 5 V / 100 mA load, a 10 uF decoupling cap on VDD plus a 0.1 uF high-frequency bypass placed within 5 mm of pin 18 will hold VDD above the BOR threshold through a 50 us VDD droop. Place the bulk cap on the same node as the IC VDD, not on the upstream LDO output, so the cap can source transient inrush into the MCU without IR-drop across the trace.
The automotive-grade -40C to +125C operating range refers to junction temperature; in a still-air SOIC-18 mounting on 1 oz copper with no thermal vias, theta_JA is approximately 100 C/W. Estimated: at 4.0 mA active VDD current and 5.0 V supply, the part dissipates 20 mW, yielding a junction temperature rise of 2 C above ambient - well within the 125 C ceiling. Avoid sealing the part inside a potting compound that traps heat; if the enclosure is potted, derate ambient temperature by 10-15 C.
Place the EPROM-programming header footprint on the PCB even though the PIC16C715-04E/SO is windowless OTP. The MCLR/VPP pin on pin 4 is the high-voltage programming entry, and routing it to a 2-pin header (P5) allows factory programming without an ICSP adapter. Per Microchip PIC16C71X programming specifications, the VPP high voltage is 13.0-13.5 V; do not place a clamping TVS on MCLR that would clamp below 13.5 V, or programming will fail. Add a 10 kohm pull-up to MCLR for normal operation.
Do not assume the EPROM cell can be erased - the SOIC-18 /SO package is windowless, and the PIC16C715 family uses one-time-programmable EPROM cells. Field firmware bugs cannot be corrected by re-programming; boards must be discarded. Migrate to PIC16F716-I/SO (industrial) or PIC16F716-E/SO (automotive) for any design where firmware revisions are anticipated. Also note that the 4-channel 8-bit ADC on PORTA pins RA0-RA3 must be disabled via the ADCON0 register before PORTA is used as digital GPIO, or the analog input will hold the pin in an indeterminate state.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip material declaration sheets; lead-free matte-tin plating on SOIC-18 leads; halogen-free molding compound. The 'E' suffix denotes the automotive -40C to +125C temperature grade per Microchip ordering nomenclature; AEC-Q100 qualification status should be confirmed with Microchip sales for safety-relevant automotive deployments.
