PIC18F15Q40-I/REB - 8-Bit 64MHz PIC18 MCU, 32KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F15Q40-I/REB ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.45 | $1.45 |
| 10 | $1.31 | $13.10 |
| 100 | $1.16 | $116.00 |
| 500 | $1.03 | $515.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.92 | $920.00 |
PIC18F15Q40-I/REB Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated circuit that combines a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), non-volatile storage (EEPROM) and configurable peripherals on a single die. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18F15Q40 sits under 8-bit microcontroller -> microcontroller -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Microchip's PIC18 family uses a Harvard RISC architecture with a 16-bit instruction word optimized for C-compiled firmware and deterministic interrupt response.
Key differentiating features include 12-bit ADC with Computation for hardware-averaged oversampling and analog signal conditioning, 16-bit PWMs with fine resolution for power conversion and motor control, configurable logic cells for glue-less peripheral interconnection, and DMA to offload CPU data movement. The 20-pin VQFN package also enables layout-dense sensor nodes and appliance-grade products.
Architecturally, the PIC18F15Q40 combines a high-performance 8-bit core with advanced analog integration. The ADC2 (12-bit with computation) supports hardware accumulation, oversampling and threshold-based triggering, offloading DSP-style filtering from the CPU. CLCs allow combinational/sequential logic to be built from internal peripheral signals without external gates, while DMA channels move data between peripherals and RAM without CPU intervention, critical for high-throughput sensor fusion.
Typical applications include sensor signal conditioning nodes, motor control (BLDC and stepper) sub-systems, white-goods and appliance control boards, LED lighting controllers, IoT edge nodes, and small-form-factor power converters. The combination of 12-bit ADC, 16-bit PWM and DMA is particularly suited to digital power and closed-loop control.
When designing with this device, allocate analog and digital supply pins separately and place the VQFN-20 EP thermal pad with sufficient copper to meet thermal targets. Verify ICSP programming pin assignments against the datasheet pinout before finalizing the PCB, since the small 3x3 mm footprint leaves limited routing margin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC18-Q40 family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, delivering information gain beyond distributor listings.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F15Q40-I/REB — 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 PIC18F15Q40-I/REB (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, DAC, DMA Channels, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPIC18F15Q40-I/REB Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC18-Q40 |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 512 bytes |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2) |
| DAC | 8-bit DAC |
| PWM | 16-bit PWM |
| DMA Channels | Yes (Direct Memory Access) |
| Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) | Yes |
| Package | 20-pin VQFN 3x3 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F15Q40-I/REB Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input / ICSP data |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input / VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 / oscillator |
| Pin 10 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 / oscillator |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 / TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 / RX |
| Pin 19 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 20 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
Typical Applications
PIC18F15Q40-I/REB is suitable for 6 applications: Sensor Signal Conditioning Node, BLDC and Stepper Motor Control, White Goods and Appliance Control, LED Lighting Controllers, IoT Edge Sensor Nodes, Small-Form-Factor Power Converters.
Sensor Signal Conditioning Node
The PIC18F15Q40-I/REB is purpose-built for analog sensor front-ends. Its 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2) provides hardware oversampling and accumulation, allowing the firmware to achieve effective resolution beyond 12 bits while offloading filtering from the CPU. The 64 MHz core runs the sensor fusion and linearization loop with deterministic timing, while DMA streams ADC results into SRAM without CPU intervention. At 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply, the part interfaces directly to 3.3 V digital sensors and 5 V analog transducers without level shifters. The 20-pin VQFN 3x3 mm footprint fits inside tight sensor housings, and the -40 C to +85 C industrial range covers outdoor and appliance-grade deployments.
Recommended
BLDC and Stepper Motor Control
The PIC18F15Q40-I/REB drives small brushless DC and stepper motors using its 16-bit PWM channels with fine duty-cycle resolution. Combined with DMA, the PWMs can be updated from look-up tables in RAM without CPU intervention, leaving headroom for velocity/torque control loops. The 12-bit ADC2 samples back-EMF or shunt current with hardware averaging, while CLCs combine PWM and feedback signals into trip events for hardware overcurrent protection. The 32 KB Flash accommodates sensorless and sensored BLDC firmware, including FOC-lite profiles. For higher-channel-count inverters, scale up to PIC18F26Q40 or dsPIC33 variants; the Q40 footprint keeps small half-bridge drivers compact.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Control
In washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and HVAC sub-systems, the PIC18F15Q40-I/REB acts as a main or auxiliary controller. The PIC18 core runs user-interface logic, schedules relays, and reads sensors with its 12-bit ADC2. Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) implement glue-less interlocks between safety signals and outputs, reducing external gates. The 16-bit PWM drives variable-speed compressor or fan drivers, while the 8-bit DAC generates analog set-points for legacy subsystems. The wide 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply supports both 3.3 V logic boards and 5 V mixed-signal designs, and the 20-pin VQFN 3x3 mm keeps BOM low in cost-sensitive appliance lines.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC18F15Q40-I/REB supports constant-current LED drivers and color-mixing fixtures. Its 16-bit PWM provides flicker-free dimming across a wide dynamic range, which is essential for human-perceptible lighting quality. The 12-bit ADC2 monitors LED current and temperature with hardware averaging, while CLCs combine PWM and fault signals to create autonomous protection responses. The 8-bit DAC can output analog reference levels for external constant-current regulators. The small 3x3 mm VQFN footprint enables integration inside bulb bases and fixture controllers where board area is severely constrained.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Nodes
The PIC18F15Q40-I/REB is well suited to battery-powered IoT edge nodes that perform local signal conditioning before reporting to a wireless companion IC. Its 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply directly accepts Li-ion battery chemistries with low quiescent current. The 12-bit ADC2 with computation wakes the CPU only on threshold events, while DMA offloads repetitive data movement. The PIC18 core runs compact C firmware for filtering, peak detection, and threshold reporting. CLCs combine sensor and timing signals to gate the wireless companion's wake cycles. Pair the MCU with a sub-GHz or BLE module to build a full IoT node on a small PCB.
Recommended
Small-Form-Factor Power Converters
The PIC18F15Q40-I/REB controls digital power converters up to several hundred watts, including buck, boost and flyback topologies. The 16-bit PWM provides high-resolution duty cycles for tight output regulation, while the high-speed 12-bit ADC2 closes the voltage and current feedback loops. CLCs implement programmable fault logic combining PWM, ADC and timer signals to trigger hardware shutdown paths for safety. DMA keeps firmware out of the high-speed control loop, yielding deterministic converter response. The wide supply range supports direct connection to 12 V or 24 V intermediate bus rails after external regulation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F15Q40-I/REB — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F15Q40-I/SS |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin VQFN 3x3 mm | 20-pin SSOP |
| Core | PIC18 8-bit | PIC18 8-bit |
| Max CPU Frequency | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Flash | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 B | 512 B |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated DMA on an 8-bit MCU (vs PIC18F14K50-I/SO)
- ADC with Computation (ADC2) (vs PIC18F13K22-I/SO)
- Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) (vs PIC18F1220-I/SS)
Design Notes
The 20-pin VQFN 3x3 mm package exposes a central thermal/exposed pad (EP) that must be soldered to a sufficiently large copper pad on the PCB. Per Microchip Q40 layout guidelines, the EP pad should be tied to ground and stitched with thermal vias to a ground plane for heat spreading. Do not route signal traces through the EP pad, as this breaks the solder joint and degrades thermal performance.
ICSP programming pins on PIC18 devices are shared with GPIO. Confirm the ICSP pin assignments (PGC/PGD/MCLR) match the chosen pins in your schematic before PCB layout. Locking these pins to non-ICSP functions prevents in-circuit firmware updates. If programming over UART is preferred, verify the Q40 family supports the chosen bootloader pins.
Place decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the VDD and VSS pins. Microchip recommends a 100 nF ceramic on each VDD pin plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the main supply rail. For ADC accuracy, use a separate analog supply filter (ferrite + capacitor) for the AVdd pin where exposed. Avoid routing noisy PWM traces near analog inputs to minimize ADC crosstalk.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per JLCPCB and DigiKey product listings. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial temperature range only).
