PIC16C715T-20E/SO - 8-bit OTP MCU, 3.5KB, 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C715T-20E/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.81 | $3.81 |
| 10 | $3.42 | $34.20 |
| 100 | $2.95 | $295.00 |
| 500 | $2.55 | $1,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.2 | $2,200.00 |
PIC16C715T-20E/SO Overview
An OTP-based 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a single-chip computing core that combines a RISC CPU, non-volatile program memory, RAM, peripherals, and I/O on one silicon die. Unlike flash-based MCUs, OTP memory can be programmed once after manufacture, lowering unit cost for high-volume production runs where firmware is stable. The PIC16C71X family sits within the broader PIC mid-range architecture, which itself is a member of the 8-bit microcontroller category under embedded microcontrollers and integrated circuits. The part also supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for development despite its OTP nature.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions, an 8-bit timer/counter with a prescaler, a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, and 13 I/O pins with individual direction control. The integrated 8-bit A/D converter has 4 input channels and supports both ratiometric and absolute voltage measurements with reference options from device VDD or external VREF. Brown-out reset and power-on reset are integrated, reducing external component count.
The architecture is built on a Harvard-style RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word, two-stage pipeline, and 8-bit data path. The OTP program memory is implemented as EPROM cells, providing non-volatility at lower cost than flash. The 20 MHz clock rate delivers 5 MIPS of throughput, sufficient for sensor sampling, motor control loops, and simple user-interface tasks.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, sensor signal conditioning, simple motor drivers, battery management, and white-goods appliance controls. The automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) qualifies the part for under-hood and cabin electronic modules. When designing with this part, ensure the ICSP programming header is accessible during board bring-up, because OTP memory cannot be erased and re-flashed in production.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C715T-20E/SO 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 PIC16C715T-20E/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, RoHS Status, Timers.
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PIC16C715T-20/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715-20E/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715-04E/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.93 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C712T-04I/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C715T-20E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Family | PIC16C71X (PIC16CXX mid-range) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 0 bytes (no on-chip EEPROM) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit timer/counter with prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5V to 5.5V (5V typical) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (automotive / extended grade) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO), 7.50 mm body width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (legacy OTP product) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit wide |
PIC16C715T-20E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 β PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/MCLR/VPP β PORTA bit 5 / Master Clear (reset) input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC β PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD β PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (4.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C715T-20E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Controllers, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery-Powered White Goods Appliances, Simple DC Motor Speed Control, LED Lighting Controllers, Battery Management Monitoring.
Automotive Body Controllers
The PIC16C715T-20E/SO fits automotive body controller modules because its automotive -40C to +125C temperature grade meets cabin and under-hood thermal stress while its 3.5KB OTP memory holds fixed-function body-control firmware. The 8-bit 4-channel ADC handles analog sensor inputs such as switch contact voltages, thermistor dividers, and battery current shunts. The integrated watchdog timer and brown-out reset ensure recovery from automotive load-dump transients without external supervisory ICs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C715T-20E/SO is well suited to industrial sensor signal conditioning because its 8-bit 4-channel ADC supports ratiometric measurements using the supply as reference, and the 20 MHz core delivers 5 MIPS for linearization math and digital filtering. The 13 I/O pins drive LEDs, optocouplers, and relay coils directly. Extended temperature operation allows deployment in factory-floor cabinets without additional thermal conditioning.
Recommended
Battery-Powered White Goods Appliances
In white-goods appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and microwave ovens, the PIC16C715T-20E/SO provides a cost-optimized 8-bit controller for user-interface scanning, timer sequencing, and motor-load switching. The 13 I/O pins multiplex keypad matrices, seven-segment displays, and TRIAC drivers. OTP memory locks the final firmware to prevent field tampering, an advantage over flash parts in cost-sensitive high-volume appliances.
Recommended
Simple DC Motor Speed Control
The PIC16C715T-20E/SO can implement a basic PWM-based DC motor speed controller by toggling an I/O pin in software and reading back-EMF through the ADC for closed-loop regulation. The 8-bit timer provides the timebase for PWM generation, and 13 I/O pins allow direction control, brake logic, and fault feedback. Operating at 5 MIPS, the controller can run a 5 kHz PWM with 1 percent duty-cycle resolution and still service the ADC interrupt.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16C715T-20E/SO can drive LED lighting fixtures through PWM dimming on its 13 I/O pins while sampling ambient light or button inputs through the 8-bit ADC. The 5 MIPS throughput is sufficient for color-mixing algorithms in RGB fixtures or for blinking-pattern generation in signage. OTP memory locks dimming curves to prevent field tampering and ensures deterministic boot behavior in safety-critical signage.
Recommended
Battery Management Monitoring
The PIC16C715T-20E/SO is well matched to battery monitoring peripherals where it samples cell voltage and current via the 8-bit ADC, drives status LEDs through GPIO, and asserts low-battery cutoffs through firmware logic. The automotive temperature grade allows deployment in engine-bay battery packs, and the watchdog timer protects against firmware lock-up during long standby periods. OTP memory eliminates field-reprogramming concerns in safety-certified packs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C715T-20E/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C715T-20/SO | PIC16C715-20E/SO | PIC16C715-04E/SO | PIC16C712T-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-18 (SO) 7.50 mm | SOIC-18 (SO) - same | SOIC-18 (SO) - same | SOIC-18 (SO) - same | SOIC-18 (SO) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 2KB OTP (-43%) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz (-80%) | 4 MHz (-80%) |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40C to +125C (E) | Commercial 0C to +70C | Extended -40C to +125C (E) | Extended -40C to +125C (E) | Industrial -40C to +85C (I) |
| Shipping Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel |
| I/O Pin Count | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC16C715T-20/SO)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for SMD production lines (vs PIC16C715-20E/SO)
- Full 20 MHz operation in extended temperature grade (vs PIC16C715-04E/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C715T-20E/SO requires a stable 4.5V to 5.5V supply with bulk decoupling of 10 uF tantalum or electrolytic plus a 0.1 uF ceramic cap placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin. Brown-out reset (BOR) is integrated but should be enabled in the configuration word to protect against voltage sags below 4.5 V. A series ferrite bead or 10 ohm resistor on VDD reduces switching-injected noise from relays or motor loads sharing the rail.
Layout the ICSP header (PGC on RB6, PGD on RB7, MCLR/VPP on RA5, VDD, VSS) on every board, even production units. Because OTP memory cannot be erased, a fresh blank part must be installed if firmware changes are required. Keep the ICSP traces short (under 50 mm) and add 4.7 kohm pull-ups on PGC and PGD to prevent in-circuit programming glitches from stray capacitance.
Common pitfalls: (1) Leaving the MCLR pin floating - it must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor or driven by an external supervisor; a floating MCLR causes intermittent resets. (2) Using the internal RC oscillator without calibration - the 4 MHz internal RC drifts up to 8 percent over temperature; for UART timing-sensitive applications use an external crystal. (3) Assuming the watchdog timer is enabled by default - it is OFF after POR and must be enabled in firmware.
Compliance Information
RoHS status non-compliant per third-party distributor listings; the PIC16C71X OTP family pre-dates RoHS transitions. AEC-Q100 qualification is not formally published for this part number despite its automotive temperature grade - the E suffix denotes Microchip's extended temperature grade, not AEC-Q100 automotive certification. Reach, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not stated in verified data and marked unknown.
