PIC16LC715-04I/SS - 8-bit MCU, 4MHz, 3.5KB OTP, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC715-04I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.96 | $1.96 |
| 10 | $1.78 | $17.80 |
| 100 | $1.62 | $162.00 |
| 500 | $1.48 | $740.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.35 | $1,350.00 |
PIC16LC715-04I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), volatile data memory (RAM), and configurable peripherals onto one IC. The PIC16CXX mid-range family uses a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, enabling deterministic single-cycle instruction execution. The PIC16LC715 sits within the broader taxonomy of microcontrollers -> microcontrollers and microprocessors -> digital ICs -> integrated circuits, providing the lowest-cost entry point into embedded control for simple sensor reading, actuator driving, and user-interface tasks.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions, 8-level hardware stack, four 8-bit A/D channels with 8-bit resolution, two 8-bit timers (Timer0, Timer2) plus one 16-bit timer (Timer1), a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and Power-on Reset / Brown-out Reset / Power-up Timer for robust industrial startups. The part carries the -04 speed grade (4 MHz oscillator / 200 ns instruction cycle) and the -I industrial temperature suffix (-40C to +85C), distinguishing it from the -E extended grade (-40C to +125C).
Typical applications include industrial sensor signal conditioning, battery chargers, small appliance controllers, and consumer white-goods user interfaces where a 4-channel 8-bit A/D converts thermistor, potentiometer, or current-sense signals directly into digital form. The 20-pin SSOP footprint, 128-byte data RAM, and 3.5KB OTP suit it to firmware under 2K instruction words - any larger requires a sibling such as the PIC16F716 (Flash-based, recommended modern equivalent).
Design tip - choose this part when OTP cost advantage and a small analog channel count are more important than in-system reprogrammability; otherwise consider the PIC16F716 in the same 20-SSOP footprint for Flash-based flexibility. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives, and design notes not collected in any single distributor listing.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC715-04I/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size, Watchdog Timer, ADC, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC715-04I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.56 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC715T-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F716-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC711-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC715-04I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16CXX mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 instructions) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | None |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with dedicated on-chip RC) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Stack Depth | 8 levels (hardware) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-up Timer | Yes |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.3 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Gull Wing) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LC715-04I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4 — Port A bit 5 / analog input 4 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5-5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock in |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC715-04I/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery Charger Controller (Lead-Acid / NiMH), Small Appliance Control (Coffee Makers, Irons, Toasters), Consumer User Interface (Buttons + LCD/LED), Automotive Accessory (Non-Safety, Body Electronics), Hobby / Maker Projects (RC Servo, Model Railroad), HVAC Thermostat (Low-End Residential).
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LC715-04I/SS is well suited to industrial sensor-front-end designs where a small number of analog signals must be converted and acted upon without the cost of a larger MCU. Its 4 channels of 8-bit A/D accept signals from thermistors, photocells, or 4-20 mA current-sense shunts (after scaling to 0-VDD), and the 128-byte RAM supports simple moving-average filters. The 3.5 KB OTP stores finite-state-machine control logic, while the Brown-out Reset and Watchdog Timer together provide the robustness required for factory-floor EMC immunity.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller (Lead-Acid / NiMH)
For low-to-mid-power battery chargers, the PIC16LC715-04I/SS delivers enough compute to run CC-CV charge profiles, periodic equalization cycles, and temperature-foldback safety logic. Its 2.5-5.5 V supply range lets it run directly from a 2xAA stack or 3.3 V regulator, while Timer1 (16-bit) provides accurate long-duration charge-time measurement. The OTP memory locks the firmware at production, preventing field tampering with safety thresholds - a key advantage in consumer battery packs where regulatory compliance is mandatory.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control (Coffee Makers, Irons, Toasters)
White-goods appliance controllers benefit from the PIC16LC715-04I/SS combination of low cost, 13 digital I/O for keypad and relay drive, and 4 A/D channels for temperature and current sensing. The 8-bit core runs simple PID loops for temperature regulation in irons and coffee makers, while the Watchdog Timer and Power-on Reset give fault recovery after brown-out events on noisy mains-derived rails. SSOP surface-mount packaging supports automated pick-and-place assembly in high-volume appliance manufacturing.
Recommended
Consumer User Interface (Buttons + LCD/LED)
When a design needs to scan a 4x4 matrix keypad and drive a character LCD, the PIC16LC715-04I/SS provides 13 I/O - enough to bit-bang the keypad with shared scan/return pins and run a 4-bit HD44780 LCD interface. The 200 ns instruction cycle at 4 MHz supports debounce loops, character generation, and simple menu state machines in firmware without timing concerns. Industrial -40 to +85 C operation makes it a fit for outdoor consumer devices such as garden timers or garage-door keypads.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory (Non-Safety, Body Electronics)
Indoor automotive body-electronics modules such as seat-heater controllers, mirror adjusters, and interior LED dimmers fit the PIC16LC715-04I/SS capability profile. Its 4 A/D channels read rheostat positions and temperature sensors, while 13 I/O drive MOSFET gates for PWM dimming via Timer2. For safety-relevant ECUs (airbag, ABS, powertrain) this part is NOT appropriate - those require AEC-Q100 qualified MCUs such as the dsPIC33CK or PIC18F family with CAN/LIN interfaces and extended temperature range.
Recommended
Hobby / Maker Projects (RC Servo, Model Railroad)
Hobby applications benefit from the PIC16LC715-04I/SS predictable 200 ns instruction timing for generating RC-servo PWM pulses, model-railroad DCC decoders, or robotics sensor hubs. The 4 MHz oscillator is fast for servo update rates (50 Hz frame, 1-2 ms pulse width), while the Watchdog Timer recovers the controller from motor-induced EMI glitches. The SSOP package fits tight robot-chassis spaces, and the industrial -40 to +85 C rating tolerates outdoor and automotive-hobby environments.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat (Low-End Residential)
Low-end residential thermostats benefit from the PIC16LC715-04I/SS 4-channel A/D reading room temperature, setpoint dial, humidity sensor, and supply-rail monitor. The 8-bit core implements hysteresis control and weekly schedule storage in 128-byte RAM (or OTP for fixed-schedule models), while 13 I/O drive the HVAC relay cluster, LCD, and keypad backlight. Operating from 2xAA or 24 VAC adapter via rectifier, the part supports battery-backed RTC-free scheduling through simple time-base counters.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC715-04I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC715T-04I/SS | PIC16F716-I/SS | PIC16C715-04I/SS | PIC16LC715-04I/P | PIC16LC711-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | PDIP-20 (different footprint) | 20-SOIC (different footprint) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (3.5 KB / 2K x 14) | OTP (3.5 KB) | Flash (3.5 KB) | OTP (3.5 KB) | OTP (3.5 KB) | OTP (1.75 KB) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns | 200 ns | 200 ns (at 20 MHz, -20 grade) | 200 ns | 200 ns | 200 ns |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 68 bytes |
| 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 |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost OTP mid-range MCU in 20-SSOP (vs PIC16F716-I/SS)
- Flash-based sibling enables iterative development (vs PIC16LC715-04I/SS (this part))
- Same pinout across OTP, Flash, and voltage variants (vs PIC16C715-04I/SS (PIC16C standard process))
Design Notes
The PIC16LC715-04I/SS supply range is 2.5-5.5 V, but Brown-out Reset thresholds are programmable (2.5 V, 3.0 V, 3.5 V, 4.0 V) - select the BOR voltage just below the lowest expected VDD to avoid spurious resets during line transients. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output; PIC mid-range cores draw short current spikes during Flash/OTP programming bursts that cause VDD droop without sufficient local bypassing.
OTP memory can be programmed ONCE. Verify the firmware image with a windowed/Flash-equivalent PIC16F716 before committing to the OTP mask, because Microchip OTP parts cannot be erased or re-programmed in-circuit. MCLR (pin 20) must be pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; a low-asserted reset will hold the part in reset. Programming mode is entered by raising VPP to ~13 V on MCLR - never let production firmware accidentally drive MCLR as GPIO.
For the 20-SSOP package, keep all traces to MCLR, OSC1, and OSC2 short and surround the crystal with a guard ring tied to VSS to reduce EMI coupling into the oscillator. Place the crystal within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 (pins 15-16) and use a 20-30 pF load capacitor on each side matched to the crystal load capacitance. Avoid routing high-speed switching signals (relay drivers, PWM outputs) directly beneath the oscillator area on adjacent PCB layers.
The 4-channel 8-bit A/D converter shares analog and digital functions on port A; configure AN0-AN3 as analog inputs and RA4/RA5 as digital I/O to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the A/D result. Add a 1 kohm-10 kohm source impedance on each analog input and place a 100 nF capacitor from each analog input to VSS to form an RC anti-alias filter. Acquire the A/D in sleep mode (internal RC) to minimize digital switching noise during the 10-30 us conversion window.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product documentation; not AEC-Q100 qualified (consumer/industrial use only); for automotive applications use dsPIC33CK or PIC18F K-series AEC-Q100 parts.
