PIC16LC715-04/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz MCU, 3.5KB OTP | Microchip | 18-SOIC
MPN: PIC16LC715-04/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.1 | $3.10 |
| 10 | $2.78 | $27.80 |
| 100 | $2.45 | $245.00 |
| 500 | $2.15 | $1,075.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.85 | $1,850.00 |
PIC16LC715-04/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), data memory (RAM), and peripherals on one die. The PIC16LC715 belongs to the PIC16C mid-range architecture, a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) design with only 35 single-word instructions and 200ns instruction execution time. Within the broader product hierarchy, it sits as: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The LC suffix indicates a low-voltage CMOS variant optimized for battery-friendly operation.
Key features include 13 I/O pins, 4-channel 8-bit ADC with internal reference, two 8-bit timers (Timer0, Timer2) and one 16-bit timer (Timer1), a watchdog timer, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and 8-level hardware stack. Power-saving features include SLEEP mode and a selectable oscillator source (internal 4MHz RC or external crystal). The OTP memory allows one-time programming—suitable for production runs but not for prototyping requiring frequent firmware changes.
Technical depth: The PIC16LC715-04 uses Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction fetch. The ADC features 8-bit resolution with 4 input channels multiplexed to a single sample-and-hold circuit, supporting both internal and external voltage references. The brown-out reset and power-on reset ensure reliable startup from various supply conditions.
Typical applications include sensor interfacing, simple motor control, battery chargers, consumer appliance controls, and industrial automation. The integrated ADC eliminates the need for external analog converters in temperature monitoring, potentiometer reading, and voltage measurement designs.
When designing with this part, note that the -04 speed suffix indicates 4MHz operation; the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) must remain accessible for production programming. The OTP memory means firmware bugs cannot be patched—use the PIC16F716 (Flash-based successor, per Microchip recommendation) for development.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative analysis, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, with all data verified as of 2026-09-22.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC715-04/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 PIC16LC715-04/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Timers, ADC, Data EEPROM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F716-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.13 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC711-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC715-04/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C RISC (mid-range) |
| Program Memory | 3.5KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (Flash-based successor PIC16F716 recommended) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz (-04 speed suffix) |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns at 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Package | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (RB6/RB7) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels |
PIC16LC715-04/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / External ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 external clock input |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 8 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / External interrupt input |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock (programming) |
| Pin 18 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data (programming) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC715-04/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Interface, Small Appliance Control, Industrial Control and Monitoring, Simple Motor Speed Control, Consumer LED Lighting Control, Educational and Hobby Embedded Projects.
Battery-Powered Sensor Interface
The PIC16LC715-04/SO suits battery-powered sensor nodes because of its 2.5V to 5.5V operating range and integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC. Connected to temperature, light, or pressure sensors, it samples analog inputs, applies linearization in firmware, and wakes periodically from SLEEP mode. The LC variant's low-voltage tolerance extends battery life in 3.3V or two-cell alkaline designs. The 13 I/O pins can drive indicator LEDs or communicate via UART/I2C to a host controller, while the 128 bytes of RAM accommodates small sensor state buffers. Engineers value the OTP memory for fixed-function sensor calibrations where firmware is set once per device.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control
In small appliances such as coffee makers, fans, or simple thermostats, the PIC16LC715-04/SO provides adequate processing power at low cost. The 13 I/O pins drive triacs or relays for heater/coil control, read user buttons, and interface with an LED or 7-segment display via multiplexing. The 4-channel ADC monitors thermistor inputs for closed-loop temperature regulation. The 200ns instruction execution time at 4MHz enables 5 MIPS performance, sufficient for PID loops running at 100Hz update rates. The 18-SOIC package fits compact consumer-product PCBs, and OTP memory locks firmware against field tampering.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Monitoring
The PIC16LC715-04/SO fits industrial control panels for simple sequencing, status monitoring, and analog measurement. Its brown-out reset and watchdog timer improve reliability in electrically noisy 24V-derived supply rails. The 8-bit ADC reads 4-20mA loop signals (via shunt resistor) for process-variable monitoring, while digital I/Os drive indicator lamps or interface to optocouplers controlling contactors. Industrial users appreciate the hardware determinism of RISC architecture for predictable timing of control loops. Engineers should derate the LC variant's 2.5V minimum by adding a 3.3V LDO upstream if supply transients threaten regulation.
Recommended
Simple Motor Speed Control
For low-power DC fan or pump speed control, the PIC16LC715-04/SO generates a PWM signal (via Timer2) and adjusts duty cycle based on ADC feedback from a current-sense or tachometer input. The 4MHz clock provides 1024 PWM steps per period at 1kHz, sufficient for smooth fan-speed ramps. The 13 I/O pins accommodate direction control, fault inputs, and tachometer capture (using Timer1 in counter mode). OTP memory ensures speed curves remain locked once production-calibrated. The 18-SOIC package is widely available in low-cost driver boards for consumer cooling products.
Recommended
Consumer LED Lighting Control
The PIC16LC715-04/SO drives RGB or warm-white LED strings in decorative lighting where dimming curves and color mixing are required. The 4-channel ADC reads ambient light sensors and potentiometers for dimmer input, while PWM outputs (one timer, one or two software-PWM channels) set LED brightness with 8-bit resolution per color channel. The 2.5V to 5.5V range accommodates 3.3V logic-level LEDs and 5V analog control signals. OTP memory locks color profiles to prevent end-user tampering. For dimmer applications, the ADC's 8-bit resolution (256 levels) is typically sufficient for perceptible smoothness.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Embedded Projects
The PIC16LC715-04/SO is widely used in educational microcontroller labs because of its simple 35-instruction RISC architecture and integrated peripherals. Students learn ADC sampling, timer interrupts, and ICSP in-circuit programming on a real silicon part rather than a simulator. The 18-SOIC package is breadboard-friendly with SOIC-to-DIP adapter boards. However, the OTP memory limits classroom reuse—one chip per student per lab session—making the Flash-based PIC16F716-I/SO a more economical choice for institutions with high student turnover.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC715-04/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F716-I/SO | PIC16C715-20/SO | PIC16C715-04I/SO | PIC16C715-04/SO | PIC16LC711-04/SO | PIC16C711-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | 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 | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory Type | 3.5KB OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 1.75KB OTP | 1.75KB OTP |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V (C variant) | 4.5V to 5.5V (C variant) | 4.5V to 5.5V (C variant) | 2.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V |
| ADC Channels | 4 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage operation (LC variant) extends battery life in 3.3V designs (vs PIC16C715-04/SO)
- Flash memory enables in-field firmware updates (vs PIC16F716-I/SO)
- Larger program memory accommodates more complex firmware (vs PIC16LC711-04/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC715-04/SO operates from 2.5V to 5.5V. Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 10), with a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the supply rail within 25mm. For battery-powered designs, use a low-Iq LDO such as MCP1700 to extend battery life, and ensure the supply does not drop below 2.5V during peak ADC conversion current draw. The brown-out reset circuit monitors VDD and holds the MCU in reset if voltage dips below threshold, preventing code execution corruption.
OTP memory can be programmed only once. Do not use this part for prototype development—firmware bugs cannot be patched in-circuit. For development and low-volume production, use the Flash-based PIC16F716-I/SO which is pin-compatible in the same 18-SOIC package. Also, the ICSP pins RB6 (pin 17) and RB7 (pin 18) must remain accessible in the PCB layout for production programming; do not lock these pins to peripheral-only functions in production designs.
Route the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 6 and 7) short and symmetrically. Place the crystal or resonator within 10mm of the MCU and guard the traces with a ground pour to reduce EMI coupling. For designs using the internal 4MHz RC oscillator, leave OSC1/OSC2 unconnected or use them as GPIO. The MCLR pin (pin 8) requires a 10k pull-up to VDD for normal operation; a push-button to ground on this pin provides manual reset capability.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not available in verified web data. The part is marked obsolete by Microchip, so a current RoHS/REACH declaration may not be published. Verify compliance with the supplier if required for new product designs.