PIC16C715-20/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 3.5KB 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C715-20/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.47 | $4.47 |
| 10 | $3.99 | $39.90 |
| 100 | $3.49 | $349.00 |
| 500 | $3.05 | $1,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.79 | $2,790.00 |
PIC16C715-20/SO Overview
Background - what is an OTP microcontroller? An OTP (One-Time Programmable) microcontroller is a non-erasable variant of flash/EPROM-based MCUs that is programmed once at production or in-system and cannot be reprogrammed. OTP parts are commonly used where cost-sensitive, high-volume consumer or industrial applications do not require firmware updates. They sit within the broader category of 8-bit microcontrollers (8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor), and the PIC16C715 belongs to Microchip's PIC16 mid-range architecture that uses a 14-bit instruction word and 35 single-word instructions.
Key features include a 13-bit I/O count, four 8-bit A/D input channels for direct sensor interfacing, low-power CMOS static design with a commercial 0C to +70C operating range, watchdog timer, power-on reset, and a programmable code-protection mechanism. The RISC architecture delivers deterministic interrupt response and predictable cycle counts - essential for real-time control loops.
The PIC16C715 architecture combines a Harvard bus with separate program and data paths, allowing the 14-bit instruction fetch and 8-bit data read/write to occur in the same cycle. The 8-bit ADC includes its own sample-and-hold, and the device is upwards compatible with PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX for code portability. With the '-20' speed grade, the oscillator supports up 20MHz, providing roughly 5 MIPS throughput.
Typical applications include appliance control boards, simple sensor interfaces that need on-chip ADC, low-cost consumer products, automotive body modules (legacy), industrial timers and counters, and remote-control transmitters. The integrated ADC removes the need for an external analog front end in cost-sensitive designs.
When designing with this device, note that the PIC16C715 is OTP and cannot be firmware-updated in the field - use PIC16F716 or PIC16F716-I/SO for flash-based equivalents. Commercial grade (0C to +70C) limits deployment in extended-temperature environments; consider PIC16C715-20I/SO for industrial -40C to +85C.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in a single datasheet reference, helping procurement and embedded engineers evaluate the part in context.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C715-20/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 PIC16C715-20/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C715-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.93 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F716-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C711-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-20/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C710-20/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-20/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (mid-range) |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (at 20 MHz) |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Support | External RC / XT / HS / LP |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C715-20/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / analog channel 2 input |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O / analog channel 3 input |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Digital I/O port B |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Digital I/O port B |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Digital I/O port B |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Digital I/O port B |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Digital I/O port B |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Digital I/O port B |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Digital I/O port B |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog channel 0 input |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog channel 1 input |
Typical Applications
PIC16C715-20/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Home Appliance Control Boards, Simple Sensor Interface with On-Chip ADC, Industrial Timers and Counters, Remote Control Transmitters, Automotive Body Modules (Legacy), Low-Cost Consumer Electronics, Power Supply Monitoring and Sequencing.
Home Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C715-20/SO fits home appliance control boards such as washing machines, microwave ovens, and dishwashers because its 3.5KB OTP, 13 I/O pins, and 4-channel 8-bit ADC cover the typical sensing needs (water level, temperature, door switch, motor current) while the OTP cost structure keeps unit pricing low at high volumes. The 20 MHz core delivers 5 MIPS, enough to scan keypads, drive triac outputs, and run a simple PID for temperature regulation in real time. Placing the MCU between a 5V rail and the user-interface board, with the ADC inputs reading resistive sensors, gives BOM consolidation versus a discrete analog front end.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface with On-Chip ADC
The PIC16C715-20/SO is ideal for low-cost sensor interface nodes because its integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC eliminates an external ADC chip, reducing BOM and PCB area. The 128-byte RAM and 3.5KB OTP are sufficient for periodic sampling of thermistors, photodiodes, or potentiometers with linearization done in firmware. At 5 MIPS throughput, polling four analog channels at 100 Hz each leaves ample CPU margin for UART reporting or LED feedback - a common architecture for HVAC remote sensors and IoT edge nodes.
Recommended
Industrial Timers and Counters
The PIC16C715-20/SO supports industrial timer and counter modules such as conveyor controllers, machine-hour meters, and process timers because its 13 digital I/O can drive relays and read optocouplers while the deterministic 200ns instruction cycle supports accurate timing loops. The integrated watchdog timer and power-on reset enhance field reliability in noisy industrial environments. For -40C to +85C factory-floor deployment, the PIC16C715-20I/SO variant shares the same SOIC footprint and die, enabling drop-in temperature hardening.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16C715-20/SO fits RF remote control transmitters (garage doors, ceiling fans, toy RC) because OTP programming protects firmware from cloning while the 8-bit core easily generates PWM modulation at 38 kHz carrier or Manchester-coded ASK at 433 MHz. Low static CMOS current draw is critical for battery life, and 13 I/O accommodate button matrices of up to 3x4 plus LED indicators. The same 18-SOIC footprint allows easy migration to PIC16F716 for firmware-updatable premium SKUs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Modules (Legacy)
The PIC16C715-20/SO has historically been used in automotive body control modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and basic lighting drivers because the integrated ADC reads potentiometers for position feedback and the 13 I/O drive small relays and LEDs. The OTP memory prevents unauthorized firmware swaps that could violate vehicle homologation. For new automotive designs, prefer AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F716 variants; the PIC16C715-20/SO remains in legacy service and aftermarket only.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Electronics
The PIC16C715-20/SO is well suited to low-cost consumer electronics such as electronic thermometers, kitchen scales, simple toys, and educational kits because OTP pricing minimizes BoM cost at high volume while the 8-bit PIC mid-range core is easy to program in C or assembly. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads load-cell bridges, thermistor dividers, or battery voltage without external analog ICs. The 18-SOIC package is hand-solderable for hobby and prototype use, and Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE supports legacy PIC16C715 development.
Recommended
Power Supply Monitoring and Sequencing
The PIC16C715-20/SO fits power-supply monitoring and rail-sequencing modules in distributed power systems because its 4-channel ADC samples multiple rail voltages while the 13 I/O drive MOSFET gates for soft-start control. The deterministic 200ns instruction cycle ensures accurate timing of sequencing events, and the OTP memory prevents accidental firmware corruption in noisy SMPS environments. Place the MCU near the output filter with the ADC inputs reading divided-down rail voltages through protection resistors.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C715-20/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C715-20I/SO | PIC16F716-I/SO | PIC16C712-20/SO | PIC16C715-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP | OTP |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 2 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| ADC Channels x Resolution | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C |
Key Differentiators
- Modern flash-based replacement available in same package (vs PIC16F716-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature variant shares exact SOIC footprint (vs PIC16C715-20I/SO)
- Lower-cost speed grade available for non-timing-critical designs (vs PIC16C715-04/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C715-20/SO VDD range is typically 3.0V to 5.5V (exact minimum not specified in the verified data). Add a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 14) plus a 10uF bulk capacitor on the supply rail. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) should be pulled up to VDD through a 10k resistor for normal operation, and a 100nF cap on MCLR prevents spurious resets in noisy environments per Microchip PIC mid-range design guidelines.
Place the crystal or resonator within 5mm of OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) to minimize parasitic capacitance and noise pickup on the oscillator traces; Microchip recommends guarding them with a ground ring and short, equal-length traces for HS-mode operation above 4 MHz. Keep ADC analog traces (RA0-RA3/AN0-AN3) short and away from digital switching signals to reduce ADC noise coupling - the 8-bit ADC has limited dynamic range and is easily corrupted by digital crosstalk.
Estimated: the OTP memory can only be programmed once - verifying firmware on a PIC16F716 flash equivalent first is strongly recommended before committing to OTP production. Forgetting to enable the watchdog timer (WDTE configuration bit) leaves the MCU vulnerable to code runaway in field deployments. Code-protect (CP) bits should be enabled before final programming if firmware confidentiality matters; once OTP is programmed, there is no erase path.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - use PIC16F716 automotive variants for new automotive designs. Conflict-minerals statement available from Microchip.
