PIC16C715-04I/P - 4MHz 8-bit CMOS MCU 3.5KB OTP 18-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C715-04I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.42 | $4.42 |
| 10 | $3.85 | $38.50 |
| 100 | $3.1 | $310.00 |
| 500 | $2.65 | $1,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.3 | $2,300.00 |
PIC16C715-04I/P Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller? An 8-bit MCU is a single-chip computer with an 8-bit data path that executes one instruction per cycle and integrates CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals. The PIC16C715 belongs to the mid-range PIC16C family and inherits the RISC-based PIC architecture, executing instructions in 200ns at 4MHz. As an OTP part, it is intended for volume production where field firmware updates are not required.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions, 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler, 4-channel 8-bit ADC, brown-out reset (BOR), power-on reset (POR), and a watchdog timer (WDT). The 13 I/O pins each have individually programmable direction control, and the device supports in-circuit serial programming via the ICSP interface. The PIC architecture is upwards compatible with the PIC16C5X baseline and PIC12CXXX devices, simplifying code migration across the family.
The PIC16C715 is built on a CMOS process and operates over the industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C as indicated by the /I designator. It is recommended by Microchip as a legacy successor part for designs previously using the PIC16C71X series; the newer flash-based PIC16F716 is suggested as an upgrade path for new designs.
Typical applications include industrial control nodes, appliance controllers, automotive body electronics (where OTP cost advantage matters), consumer products with simple A/D sensing, and educational or hobby microcontroller projects. The 4-channel ADC enables direct interfacing with analog sensors (temperature, light, potentiometers).
Designers should consider the OTP limitation (no field re-programming) and plan to use PIC16F716-I/P or similar flash parts if firmware iteration is required. The 18-PDIP package remains a strong choice for through-hole prototyping, breadboarding, and educational kits because it is easy to handle and socket-compatible with most PIC16C71X variants.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16C71X family, and design notes that extend the manufacturer datasheet with practical selection guidance for replacement and migration scenarios.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C715-04I/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 PIC16C715-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Data RAM, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C715-04/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715-04E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-20I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F716-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F716-20I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C711-04I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-04I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16C (8-bit RISC, mid-range) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns at 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | Timer0: 8-bit with 8-bit prescaler |
| Peripherals | Brown-Out Reset (BOR), Power-On Reset (POR), Watchdog Timer (WDT) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, '/I' suffix) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (0.300 inch / 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| ROM Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Architecture Compatibility | Upwards compatible with PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16C715-04I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 3 / ADC reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock in |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| Pin 8 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C715-04I/P is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Nodes, Appliance Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics, Consumer Electronics with Analog Sensing, Educational and Hobby Microcontroller Projects, Sensor Interface Modules, Legacy Replacement / EOL Mitigation.
Industrial Control Nodes
The PIC16C715-04I/P fits industrial control nodes thanks to its -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating and brown-out reset (BOR) for reliable operation on noisy 24V/5V rails. Its 4-channel 8-bit ADC directly interfaces with sensor outputs (temperature, pressure, flow), while 13 GPIO drive LEDs, relays, and discrete control lines. Per the manufacturer datasheet, the device draws minimal quiescent current, making it suitable for always-on supervisory nodes that must survive brown-out events without latching up.
Recommended
Appliance Controllers
White-goods and small appliance controllers are a primary application for the PIC16C715-04I/P because OTP memory minimizes unit cost at high volumes and the 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads thermistor, water-level, and motor-current-sense signals. The 200ns instruction execution time at 4MHz is sufficient for sensor sampling, debounce, and basic state-machine control loops. The 13 GPIO can directly sink LED indicators, buzzer drivers, and triac interfaces via optocouplers.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C715-04I/P is used in automotive body electronics (interior lighting, mirror controllers, simple sensor modules) because its -40C to +85C industrial grade handles under-dash thermal environments and its BOR prevents malfunction during cranking transients. While not AEC-Q100 qualified, it is widely deployed in non-safety automotive subsystems. The 4-channel ADC reads switch and sensor inputs, and the 13 GPIO drive relay coils and LED indicators.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics with Analog Sensing
Consumer products requiring analog sensing - such as digital scales, thermostats, and small home appliances - benefit from the PIC16C715-04I/P's integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC, eliminating the need for an external ADC chip. The PIC RISC core running 1 MIPS at 4MHz is sufficient for sensor sampling, low-pass filtering, and LCD/LED driving via GPIO. OTP memory drives unit cost down in mature consumer SKUs.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Microcontroller Projects
The PIC16C715-04I/P remains a popular educational MCU because its 18-pin PDIP package fits standard breadboards and IC sockets, and the 35-instruction PIC RISC instruction set is approachable for beginners. Hobbyists use the 4-channel ADC for sensor experimentation (photodiodes, potentiometers, joysticks) and the 13 GPIO for LED, button, and servo interfacing. The PIC16F716-I/P drop-in replacement is preferred when field re-programming is desired.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Modules
Dedicated sensor interface modules (4-20mA digitizers, thermistor readers, bridge-sensor front-ends) use the PIC16C715-04I/P to digitize analog signals and translate them into serial/UART outputs. The 4-channel ADC samples up to four sensors simultaneously, and 128 bytes of RAM store moving-average and calibration coefficients. The brown-out reset prevents corrupted readings during power dips on long sensor cables.
Recommended
Legacy Replacement / EOL Mitigation
When an existing design using a PIC16C71X device (such as PIC16C71 or PIC16C711) reaches end-of-life or becomes hard to source, the PIC16C715-04I/P provides a pin-compatible OTP upgrade path with the added advantage of a 4-channel ADC. Per Microchip's cross-reference search, the PIC16C715 is the recommended successor in the 18-pin PDIP family for legacy OTP designs. Migration to PIC16F716-I/P is recommended when field re-programming is needed.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C715-04I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C715-04/P | PIC16C715-20I/P | PIC16F716-I/P | PIC16F716-20I/P | PIC16C711-04I/P | PIC16C712-04I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-PDIP | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB Flash (reprogrammable) | 3.5 KB Flash (reprogrammable) | 1.75 KB OTP | 2 KB OTP |
| ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | No ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| PWM | None | None | None | 1 channel PWM (CCP) | 1 channel PWM (CCP) | None | 1 channel PWM (CCP) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Pin Count | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC in 18-PDIP (vs PIC16C711-04I/P)
- Flash memory enables firmware iteration (vs PIC16F716-I/P)
- Higher 20MHz clock option in same package (vs PIC16C715-20I/P)
- PIC RISC mid-range architecture - 35 instructions (vs PIC16C711-04I/P)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 14) with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the pin, plus a bulk 10uF electrolytic on the same 5V rail. The PIC16C715-04I/P is rated for 4.0V to 5.5V operation; do not exceed 5.5V or the brown-out reset (BOR) may mis-trigger. For battery-powered applications, add a reverse-protection diode and a low-quiescent LDO such as the MCP1700.
Place the 18-PDIP socket or footprint with pin 1 marker matching the notch on the IC. Keep crystal or resonator traces (OSC1 pin 6, OSC2 pin 7) short - within 10mm - and surround them with a ground pour to minimize EMI. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) requires a 10k pull-up to VDD for normal operation; if in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) is used, route this pin to the programming header with a series resistor (typically 10k) to limit inrush.
PIC16C715-04I/P uses OTP (one-time programmable) memory - code cannot be erased or rewritten after programming. Always verify firmware in a windowed CERDIP version (PIC16C715/JW) before committing to OTP production. For new designs, strongly consider the flash-based PIC16F716-I/P, which is pin-compatible and enables in-circuit reprogramming. Do not assume the 8-bit ADC provides more than 8-bit accuracy - INL and DNL are typically +/-1 LSB; use averaging for higher precision.
When sampling analog signals on RA0-RA3 (pins 17, 18, 1, 2), add a 100nF ceramic bypass capacitor at each ADC input to filter high-frequency noise. The ADC reference voltage (VREF) can be tied to VDD or driven externally for ratiometric measurements; for absolute accuracy, use a low-noise reference such as the MCP1525. Switch digital outputs to high-impedance during ADC conversion to avoid coupling noise into the analog inputs.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance status not explicitly stated in verified data. The /P (PDIP) package is a through-hole plastic DIP; commercial-grade parts may have matte-tin lead finish. AEC-Q100 not qualified - not recommended for safety-critical automotive. For automotive body electronics, prefer AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F series variants.
