PIC16C715T-04I/SO - 8-Bit PIC MCU, 4MHz, 3.5KB OTP, 18-SOIC
MPN: PIC16C715T-04I/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.93 | $19.30 |
| 100 | $1.71 | $171.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.43 | $1,430.00 |
PIC16C715T-04I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU, program memory, data RAM, peripherals, and I/O on one die; the PIC16C715 sits in the legacy "C" OTP generation between the original PIC16C5X baseline and the modern flash-based PIC16F series, designed for high-volume, cost-sensitive embedded control where code is finalized at production and reprogramming is not required. The PIC16C715 family remains pin-compatible and instruction-set compatible with the PIC16C71X group, supporting assembler and C development under MPLAB and the XC8 compiler.
Key specifications include a 200 ns instruction cycle, a wide 3.0 V to 5.5 V operating range, an industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature grade, and the proprietary PIC RISC architecture with only 35 single-word instructions. The 13 I/O pins can source/sink up to 25 mA for direct LED drive, and the 4-channel 8-bit ADC simplifies sensor-interface designs without external converter ICs.
The PIC16C715 uses a Harvard-class architecture with separate program and data buses, a hardware accumulator-based ALU, and an integrated 8-bit successive-approximation ADC. Its OTP EPROM cell provides one-time field or factory programmability at lower mask cost than ROM, making the part attractive for mid-volume production runs where unit pricing matters more than in-system re-programmability.
Typical applications include appliance control, sensor signal conditioning, low-cost motor drive, simple LED display drivers, and battery-powered instrumentation. Microchip explicitly recommends the flash-based PIC16F716 as the recommended migration path for new designs and for designs requiring in-system reprogramming.
When laying out the PCB, place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD, reserve the MCLR pin for a proper reset circuit (do not leave floating), and configure the ADC inputs with adequate trace guarding if the digital switching currents are large. The 04 speed grade denotes 4 MHz operation; the 20 MHz equivalent is the PIC16C715T-20I/SO.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, application recommendations, and design notes not consolidated on any single distributor page, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing, replacement, and design-in decisions for the legacy PIC16C715T-04I/SO.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C715T-04I/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 PIC16C715T-04I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Type, ADC, Data RAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C715-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715T-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715T-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F716-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715T-04I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Series | PIC16C7xx (mid-range) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 128 B |
| Data EEPROM | None |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit Timer/Counter |
| I/O Sink/Source Current | 25 mA per pin |
| Package | SOIC-18 (SO) 7.5 mm body |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Speed Grade | 04 (4 MHz) |
| Delivery Form | Tape & Reel |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (legacy OTP windowed/erasable line) |
PIC16C715T-04I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset, active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Port A bit 3 / analog input channel 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 (open-drain) / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 8 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 9 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 10 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 11 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 13 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 14 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 17 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal/Resonator output / clock output |
| Pin 18 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal/Resonator input / external clock input |
Typical Applications
PIC16C715T-04I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Sensor Signal Conditioning Modules, LED Display and Indicator Drivers, Simple Motor Control (DC and Small Stepper), Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Legacy Replacement / Industrial Aftermarket.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C715T-04I/SO is well-suited for low-to-mid complexity appliance control such as washing-machine timers, microwave user interfaces, and small kitchen appliances. Its 4 MHz core runs the 35-instruction PIC mid-range ISA, providing enough headroom for keypad scanning, relay drivers, and 7-segment LED multiplexing. The 13 I/O pins each sink or source 25 mA, allowing direct drive of triac optocouplers and small relays without buffer transistors. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC handles thermistor (NTC) inputs for temperature feedback and water level sensing. Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature grade ensures reliability in laundry-room and kitchen thermal environments.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Modules
The PIC16C715T-04I/SO is a natural fit for low-cost sensor signal-conditioning modules where analog front-ends feed into its 4-channel 8-bit ADC. Operating from 3.0 V to 5.5 V, it interfaces directly to resistive-bridge sensors, NTC thermistors, and potentiometric position sensors without an external op-amp rail. The PIC16C71X core executes the linearization and scaling algorithm in firmware, transmitting results via UART or PWM-style pulses. With OTP memory, the calibration coefficients are burned in once at factory calibration, locking the module's behavior. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor and HVAC sensor installations.
Recommended
LED Display and Indicator Drivers
The PIC16C715T-04I/SO drives 7-segment LED displays, bar-graph arrays, and discrete indicator clusters directly through its 25 mA per-pin I/O capability. With 13 I/O available, it can multiplex up to four 7-segment digits (8 segments + 4 digit commons = 12 lines) with a 4 MHz instruction cycle keeping refresh flicker well above 100 Hz. The 8-bit timer generates the multiplexing interrupt without software overhead. Industrial temperature grade and 3.0-5.5 V operation suit automotive interior, signage, and industrial control panel indicator designs where wide supply tolerance and thermal resilience are required.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control (DC and Small Stepper)
For small DC brushed motors and unipolar stepper drive in low-power applications, the PIC16C715T-04I/SO provides just enough peripheral and I/O to implement open-loop speed and direction control. The 8-bit timer/counter generates the PWM via software toggle with adequate resolution at 4 MHz. The 4-channel ADC reads back current-sense or back-EMF signals for simple protection algorithms. H-bridge drivers are commanded through GPIO pairs, with 25 mA per-pin source/sink directly interfacing to logic-level MOSFET gate drivers. Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C grade handles small fan, pump, and valve actuator environments.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The PIC16C715T-04I/SO is appropriate for portable, battery-powered instruments such as handheld thermometers, basic multimeters, and digital scales. Its 3.0 V to 5.5 V operating range is directly compatible with two AA cells or a single Li-ion / LiFePO4 cell. The PIC16C71X core's sleep mode drops current draw to a few microamps, and the 200 ns instruction cycle allows the MCU to wake, sample the ADC, perform the calculation, and return to sleep quickly, maximizing battery life. OTP memory locks the calibration table at production, preventing field tampering with measurement accuracy. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor field-use cases.
Recommended
Legacy Replacement / Industrial Aftermarket
The PIC16C715T-04I/SO is in active demand for the industrial aftermarket, where equipment originally designed in the 1990s still requires spare-part controllers for repair and refurbishment. End customers in factory automation, HVAC, and process control specify this exact part number to keep decades-old machines running. Microchip's NRND status still guarantees production for several years, while authorized distributors stock the part on tape-and-reel for OEM repair workflows. Designers should still plan migration to PIC16F716-I/SO for new production but keep the PIC16C715T-04I/SO as a long-term service part.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C715T-04I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C715-04I/SO | PIC16C715T-04/SO | PIC16C715-04/SO | PIC16C715T-20I/SO | PIC16F716-I/SO | PIC16C712-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIC-18 | SOIC-18 | SOIC-18 | SOIC-18 | SOIC-18 | SOIC-18 | SOIC-18 |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB Flash | 1 KB OTP |
| Max CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +70C | Commercial 0C to +70C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM (one-time) | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (100k cycles) | OTP EPROM |
| RoHS Compliance | Non-compliant (legacy) | Non-compliant | Non-compliant | Non-compliant | Non-compliant | Compliant | Non-compliant |
| ADC Channels | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging for SMT production (vs PIC16C715-04I/SO)
- Microchip-recommended modern migration target exists (vs PIC16F716-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature grade versus commercial (vs PIC16C715T-04/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 16) with a short, wide trace to the VSS pin (pin 15). The PIC16C715's 4 MHz internal state machine can draw fast transient currents when the EPROM charge pump and ADC switcher operate; inadequate decoupling will appear as ADC noise or code-execution glitches. For designs using the ADC at full 8-bit resolution, add a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the VDD rail near the MCU to filter low-frequency supply noise from relay or solenoid switching.
Do not leave the MCLR pin (pin 1) floating. A floating MCLR can cause random resets in noisy industrial environments. Either tie MCLR directly to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor (with the decoupling capacitor as close to VDD as possible) for always-running operation, or add a proper reset circuit with a pushbutton and ESD diode. Additionally, when using the internal RC oscillator (if available in your configuration), configure the OSCCAL register properly - never assume the factory default is correct for your VDD and temperature range.
Route the ADC analog inputs (RA0-RA3) on a separate analog plane or guard trace if digital switching lines run parallel, to prevent digital-to-analog crosstalk. Keep the VREF source impedance below 10 kΩ for accurate 8-bit conversion, and add a small RC filter (100 Ω + 100 nF) on each analog input if the source impedance is higher. The SOIC-18 footprint leaves plenty of room for ground pouring under the device - use a continuous ground plane on the opposite PCB layer for best ADC and EMI performance.
When driving long cables or relay coils from the RB0-RB7 port pins, add series resistors (100-470 Ω) close to the MCU to limit ringback and EMI. The 25 mA source/sink capability is meant for direct LED drive, not cable drive - external buffer transistors or driver ICs are required for inductive loads beyond a few centimeters of trace. For I2C or SPI bit-banged on PORTB, observe the 200 ns instruction cycle when calculating bus clock rates - 4 MHz CPU gives roughly 5 MHz max bit-banged toggle.
Compliance Information
Legacy OTP EPROM product family predates RoHS directive; lead-bearing terminations typical for this generation. REACH compliance per Microchip product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial grade, not automotive).
