PIC16LC715-04I/P - 3.5KB EPROM MCU, 20MHz, 13 I/O, Industrial | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC715-04I/P β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.36 | $2.36 |
| 10 | $2.12 | $21.20 |
| 100 | $1.88 | $188.00 |
| 500 | $1.72 | $860.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.56 | $1,560.00 |
PIC16LC715-04I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, single-chip computer that combines a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals on a single die. PIC16-family microcontrollers sit at the low-power, deterministic-execution tier of the embedded controller hierarchy: MCU -> 8-bit microcontroller -> PIC16 family -> mid-range core. PIC MCUs execute one instruction per instruction cycle (4 clock cycles), which simplifies real-time control timing versus accumulator-based 8-bit cores. The integrated A/D converter eliminates an external ADC chip for simple analog sensing tasks.
Key features include three timers (Timer0 8-bit with prescaler, Timer1 16-bit with sleep-increment capability, Timer2 8-bit), a 5-channel 8-bit ADC, brown-out reset (BOR), and a programmable watchdog timer. The Harvard architecture separates program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access.
The RISC-based mid-range core implements 35 single-word instructions and 8-level deep hardware stack. The integrated ADC provides 5 analog inputs multiplexed to a single sample-and-hold, with conversion times suitable for slow analog signals (sensors, pots, battery monitors) rather than audio sampling.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor interfaces, simple motor control loops, low-cost consumer appliances, industrial control signal conditioning, and educational/development platforms. The wide 2.5-5.5V supply range supports both 3.3V and 5V system rails. The industrial temperature grade enables outdoor and factory-floor deployment.
When designing with this part, plan the oscillator network carefully: ceramic resonators save cost but crystals give the timing accuracy needed for UART comms. Use the BOR feature rather than relying on a manual reset circuit, and budget for code size in the 3.5KB EPROM - this is not a Flash device, so OTP programming is one-shot.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, providing AEO-optimized decision context for sourcing and component selection.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC715-04I/P 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 PIC16LC715-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Watchdog Timer.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC715-04/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.57 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16LC715-04I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F716-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F716-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC711-04I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.78 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16LC715-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Oscillator Speed Grade | 4 MHz (-04 suffix) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (programmable) |
| Package Type | 18-pin PDIP (P), 0.300 INCH / 7.62mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, I suffix) |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, 14-bit word |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LC715-04I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 β Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 β Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI β Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP β Master clear (reset) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT β Digital I/O / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6 β Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / Clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / External clock |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 β Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 β Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC715-04I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Interface, Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller, Industrial Control Signal Conditioning, Educational Microcontroller Platform, Simple Closed-Loop Motor Control, Automotive Cabin Accessory Module.
Battery-Powered Sensor Interface
The PIC16LC715-04I/P is well-suited to battery-powered sensor nodes because the low-voltage "LC" core operates from 2.5V to 5.5V and the integrated 5-channel 8-bit ADC eliminates a separate ADC chip, reducing BOM cost and quiescent drain. The 3.5KB EPROM stores compact sensor-fusion routines and Timer1's ability to increment during sleep enables periodic sampling intervals of seconds-to-hours without waking the core. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS30203E), brown-out reset prevents erroneous readings when the battery drops below threshold. Compared to a discrete ADC + MCU design, this single-chip solution reduces PCB area by ~30% and total quiescent current by 1-2 mA, which directly extends battery life in remote deployments.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller
For cost-sensitive consumer appliances (small kitchen gadgets, white-goods sub-modules, simple HVAC controllers), the PIC16LC715-04I/P provides the right balance of integration and price. The 13 digital I/O pins drive relays, LEDs, keypads, and seven-segment displays directly via current-limited outputs; the 8-bit ADC reads thermistors, potentiometers, and water-level sensors. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS30203E), the 35-instruction RISC core allows deterministic firmware timing, which simplifies safety-critical sequencing. The OTP EPROM is acceptable here because production firmware is locked, and the one-time-programmed device is cheaper than its Flash equivalent - typically 10-20% lower at 1k+ volumes.
Recommended
Industrial Control Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LC715-04I/P's industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating and integrated brown-out reset make it deployable in factory-floor signal-conditioning modules. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads 4-20mA loop sensors via a shunt resistor, while the 13 I/O pins interface to opto-isolated outputs driving solenoids and indicator LEDs. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS30203E), the BOR threshold prevents false outputs during supply brown-outs, and the 20 MHz core provides the throughput needed for 100 Hz control loops. Compared to using a discrete op-amp + comparator circuit, this MCU-based design saves 4-5 components per channel and enables field-reconfigurable logic.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Platform
The PIC16LC715-04I/P remains a popular teaching platform because the 18-pin PDIP form factor fits standard breadboards and the PIC16 mid-range architecture exposes students to a real RISC core, hardware stack, and integrated peripherals (ADC, timers, BOR) without overwhelming complexity. The 3.5KB program memory accommodates moderate lab assignments, while the 13 I/O pins are sufficient for traffic-light, line-follower, and simple robotic projects. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS30203E), the 35-instruction set is well-documented in academic textbooks. Compared to modern 32-bit dev boards, the 8-bit PIC keeps students focused on fundamentals - register-level programming, timing, and analog-digital conversion.
Recommended
Simple Closed-Loop Motor Control
For low-speed motor control such as small DC fans, solenoid PWM, and stepper sequencing, the PIC16LC715-04I/P's Timer2 8-bit PWM capability drives the H-bridge or driver stage while the 5-channel ADC reads back EMF or position feedback. The 20 MHz instruction cycle enables PWM frequencies above audible range (>20 kHz) at moderate duty resolution. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS30203E), Timer1's 16-bit range captures tachometer pulses for RPM measurement. Compared to using a dedicated motor-controller IC, this general-purpose MCU design allows flexible control algorithms and diagnostics in firmware at lower unit cost.
Recommended
Automotive Cabin Accessory Module
In automotive cabin accessory applications (seat controllers, mirror adjusters, simple interior lighting), the PIC16LC715-04I/P's industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating and wide 2.5-5.5V supply tolerance handle cranking transients and temperature swings inside the passenger compartment. The 13 I/O pins drive LEDs and read switches, while the 5-channel ADC monitors potentiometers for dimming or position feedback. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS30203E), brown-out reset prevents erratic behavior during load-dump recovery. Compared to AEC-Q100 automotive-grade MCUs, this industrial-grade part reduces BOM cost by 30-50% in non-safety accessory functions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC715-04I/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC715-04/P | PIC16LC715-04I/SO | PIC16F716-I/P | PIC16F716-I/SO | PIC16LC711-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-18 | PDIP-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same pinout | PDIP-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same pinout | SOIC-18 - same pinout |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (3.5 KB) | OTP EPROM (3.5 KB) | OTP EPROM (3.5 KB) | Flash (3.5 KB) | Flash (3.5 KB) | OTP EPROM (2 KB) |
| ADC Resolution / Channels | 8-bit / 5 channels | 8-bit / 5 channels | 8-bit / 5 channels | 8-bit / 5 channels | 8-bit / 5 channels | 8-bit / 4 channels |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 68 bytes |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 2.5-5.5V core supports 3.3V and 5V rails natively (vs PIC16F716-I/P (F716 has 2.0-5.5V but typically priced higher at 1k+ volumes))
- 5-channel 8-bit ADC vs 4 channels on LC711 family (vs PIC16LC711-04I/SO)
- Timer1 16-bit can increment during sleep (vs PIC16F84A (no Timer1 sleep mode))
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD=5V and 20 MHz active mode, the PIC16LC715-04I/P core draws approximately 4-8 mA per Microchip datasheet (DS30203E); at 32 kHz sleep current drops to microAmpere range. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to pin 14 (VDD) and a 10 uF bulk cap at the regulator output. The brown-out reset (BOR) circuit must be enabled in the configuration word to prevent undefined behavior during supply droops below 2.5V.
Keep the crystal/oscillator traces (pins 15 and 16) short and symmetric, with a ground guard ring if possible. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) close to pin 4. For ICSP programming via pins 12 (RB6/ICSPCLK) and 13 (RB7/ICSPDAT), route these to accessible test points or pad holes so that in-circuit programming works without removing the MCU from the board.
The PIC16LC715 uses OTP EPROM, which cannot be erased or modified after programming. Always verify compiled firmware on a PIC16F716-I/P (Flash variant with identical peripherals) before committing to OTP programming - this saves $1-2 per failed chip. The ADC requires the A/D converter to be enabled via ADCON0, the channel selected via ADCON0, and adequate acquisition time (typically 20 us) before conversion start. Also note: the RA4 pin is open-drain and requires an external pull-up if used as a digital output.
The PIC16LC715-04I/P's industrial -40C to +85C rating covers most indoor and outdoor cabinet applications, but does not extend to under-hood automotive use. For continuous high-temperature operation, derate clock speed and minimize I/O switching current. The 18-pin PDIP package has a theta_JA of approximately 100 C/W in still air; in enclosed housings, ensure the ambient temperature at the case does not exceed 70C to maintain 15C junction margin.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; this is an industrial-grade part, not automotive. Halogen-free status not explicitly listed in verified data.
