PIC16C715/JW - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU, 3.5KB EPROM, 18-CERDIP Window | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C715/JW β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $13.2 | $132.00 |
| 100 | $11.95 | $1,195.00 |
| 500 | $10.8 | $5,400.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
PIC16C715/JW Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and configurable peripherals on one die. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C715 belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller family, specifically Microchip's mid-range PIC16C architecture (PIC16 -> PIC16C -> PIC16C7xx), itself a branch of the PIC RISC family of microcontrollers and finally a category of embedded processors / semiconductors. Engineers choose OTP-EPROM PIC MCUs for low-volume production runs where in-system reprogrammability is not required but a known-good code pattern has been validated.
Key features include 4 channels of 8-bit A/D conversion (suitable for sensor interfaces in automotive, industrial, appliance, and consumer products), 13 digital I/O pins, a 20MHz oscillator input that yields 200ns instruction execution, and only 35 single-word instructions to learn. The CERDIP window package allows UV erasure during development, which is uncommon in modern MCU packages and signals the part's heritage as a development-friendly variant within the PIC16C7xx line.
The PIC16C715 core is a Harvard-architecture RISC CPU with separate program and data buses, supporting a 14-bit instruction word and an 8-bit data path. It executes one instruction per internal clock cycle (four oscillator clocks) and provides a hardware interrupt controller, watchdog timer, and power-on reset. The 8-bit A/D converter uses successive-approximation register (SAR) topology with analog input multiplexing across four channels.
Typical applications include automotive sensor interfaces, industrial control, consumer appliance controllers, and low-cost embedded products requiring analog input. The wide 4V-5.5V range and 13 I/O pins make it well suited to motor-control front ends and user-interface panels with mixed analog/digital signals.
When designing with the PIC16C715, ensure your toolchain is configured for the PIC16C7xx device family and use Microchip's MPASM assembler or C compilers with the appropriate header file. The /JW windowed package is intended for engineering development; for production, switch to a one-time-programmable PDIP or windowless CERDIP variant.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from Microchip's PIC16C family and competing 8-bit MCU lines, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C715/JW β 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/JW (same form factor and footprint) β differing in I/O Pins, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, RoHS Status, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F716-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712/JW
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$11.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C711/JW
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C71/JW
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$11.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F716T-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715/JW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C / 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP, UV-erasable in window package) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| A/D Converter | 4 channels x 8-bit SAR |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Package | 18-CERDIP window (through-hole) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP/WDIP) |
| RoHS Status | Contains Pb (non-RoHS, windowed CERDIP) |
PIC16C715/JW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | /MCLR β Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 β PORTA bit 3 / analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4 β PORTA bit 4 (digital only) |
| Pin 7 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1 β External oscillator input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2 β Oscillator output / external clock |
| Pin 10 | RC0 β PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 11 | RC1 β PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RC2 β PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 β PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RC4 β PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RC5 β PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RC6 β PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 17 | RC7 β PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 18 | VDD β Positive supply (4.0V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C715/JW is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Sensor Interface, Industrial Process Control, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Embedded Education and Prototyping, User Interface Panel Controllers, Low-Volume Legacy Equipment Repair.
Automotive Sensor Interface
The PIC16C715/JW's 4 channels of 8-bit A/D converter are well matched to automotive sensor interfaces where multiple analog inputs (temperature, pressure, position) require digitization. With 20MHz clock and 200ns instruction execution, the MCU handles real-time sampling up to several kHz per channel. The 4V to 5.5V operating range tolerates typical automotive 5V rails, though a regulator is recommended for 12V battery inputs.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control
For industrial process controllers monitoring multiple analog inputs and driving digital outputs, the PIC16C715/JW provides 4 A/D channels and 13 I/O pins in one package. The PIC RISC core's deterministic 200ns instruction timing simplifies PLC-style control loop design. The wide 4-5.5V supply tolerates regulated 5V industrial rails with brown-out margin.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
Consumer appliances such as washing machines, microwave ovens, and HVAC controls need a low-cost 8-bit MCU with analog inputs for sensor feedback and digital I/O for switches, relays, and displays. The PIC16C715/JW integrates 4 A/D channels plus 13 I/O, enabling single-chip control of user interface plus sensor monitoring. The windowed CERDIP is ideal for prototype development.
Recommended
Embedded Education and Prototyping
The /JW windowed CERDIP package makes the PIC16C715 a popular choice for embedded systems education and prototype development. The UV-transparent quartz window allows full EPROM erasure and reprogramming, supporting iterative development cycles typical in academic and R&D environments. The simple 35-instruction PIC mid-range instruction set eases learning.
Recommended
User Interface Panel Controllers
The PIC16C715/JW handles user-interface panels that combine multiple analog inputs (e.g., trim pots, light sensors) with digital switch scanning and LED or 7-segment display driving. With 13 I/O pins and 4 A/D channels, it can directly interface with button matrices and analog adjustments without external multiplexing. The PIC RISC architecture supports fast button-debounce and display-multiplex routines.
Recommended
Low-Volume Legacy Equipment Repair
The PIC16C715/JW is sought for repairing legacy industrial and scientific equipment where the original EPROM-based MCU must be replaced with a pin-compatible part. As of 2026-09-18, the NRND status means inventory is shrinking, making this windowed CERDIP a critical replacement part for end-of-life systems. Engineers should validate firmware compatibility before swap-in.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C715/JW β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F716-I/P | PIC16C712/JW | PIC16C711/JW | PIC16C71/JW | PIC16F716T-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-CERDIP window | PDIP-18 | 18-CERDIP window | 18-CERDIP window | 18-CERDIP window | SSOP-20 |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3.5KB EPROM (2K x 14) | 3.5KB Flash | 3.5KB EPROM (2K x 14) | 1.75KB EPROM (1K x 14) | 1.75KB EPROM (1K x 14) | 3.5KB Flash |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 68 bytes | 36 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Max Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| A/D Converter | 4 ch x 8-bit | 4 ch x 8-bit | 8 ch x 8-bit | None | 4 ch x 8-bit | 4 ch x 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 (with SSOP-20 pinout) |
| Memory Type | EPROM (UV window) | Flash | EPROM (UV window) | EPROM (UV window) | EPROM (UV window) | Flash |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | NRND | NRND | EOL | Active |
Key Differentiators
- 4-channel 8-bit A/D converter integration (vs PIC16C711)
- Windowed CERDIP package for development (vs PIC16F716-I/P)
- Same JW footprint as PIC16C712 (vs PIC16C712/JW)
Design Notes
The PIC16C715 operates from 4.0V to 5.5V; a regulated 5V supply is recommended. For battery or unregulated inputs, add a 100nF decoupling capacitor close to VDD and a bulk capacitor of at least 10uF on the supply rail. Power-on reset is internal but the /MCLR pin should be pulled high through a 10kohm resistor for reliable cold-start behavior.
Place the external crystal (or ceramic resonator) within 1cm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins to minimize parasitic capacitance. Add the manufacturer's specified load capacitors (typically 15-33pF) on each oscillator pin to ground. Keep oscillator traces short and away from high-current switching nodes to prevent clock corruption.
The PIC16C715/JW is OTP EPROM: in non-windowed CERDIP variants the program memory cannot be erased. The /JW windowed package allows UV erasure only with adequate UV exposure (typically 20-30 minutes under a UV eraser). For development iteration cycles, consider migrating to PIC16F716-I/P which supports in-circuit serial programming and 1000+ erase/write cycles.
Analog inputs AN0-AN3 share pins with PORTA digital I/O. Configure them as analog inputs by clearing the corresponding bits in the CMCON/ADCON1 registers before sampling, or the digital input buffer will inject noise into the A/D conversion. Add a small RC filter (1kohm + 100pF) on each analog input to limit broadband noise pickup before the SAR converter samples.
Compliance Information
PIC16C715/JW in windowed CERDIP contains lead (Pb) in the ceramic glass seal and is not RoHS compliant. Microchip product page recommends PIC16F716 for new designs. REACH and halogen status not explicitly stated in distributor data.
