PIC18F15Q41-E/REB - 8-bit 64MHz MCU, 32KB Flash VQFN-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F15Q41-E/REB ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.55 | $1.55 |
| 10 | $1.42 | $14.20 |
| 100 | $1.18 | $118.00 |
| 500 | $1.02 | $510.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.91 | $910.00 |
PIC18F15Q41-E/REB Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a compact programmable processor that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single die, designed to deliver deterministic real-time control at low power and cost. PIC18 devices sit between baseline PIC10/12/16 parts and 16-bit dsPIC33 parts in Microchip's 8-bit hierarchy, combining a rich peripheral set with the simplicity of an 8-bit data path. The PIC18F15Q41 belongs to the Q41 sub-family, which adds high-performance analog peripherals (ADCC, DAC, op-amp) and Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) for offloading CPU work.
Key features include 32 KB self-programmable Flash with Flash Partitioning, a 12-bit ADCC supporting up to 17 channels and hardware oversampling, an 8-bit DAC with low-power operation, configurable logic cells, multiple 16-bit PWMs with complementary outputs, and four DMA channels for data movement without CPU intervention. Communication interfaces include two UART, two SPI, and two I2C modules, all remappable via PPS.
The architecture is built around an enhanced PIC18 Harvard core with hardware multiply, a 31-level hardware stack, and an interrupt controller with vectored priorities. The ADCC can perform automated averaging and threshold comparisons in hardware, while the op-amp can be used as a PGA or general-purpose amplifier for sensor signal conditioning - both reduce firmware complexity and code size.
Typical applications include closed-loop fan control, sensor signal conditioning with analog front-end, LED lighting controllers, low-cost BLDC drivers, battery charging front-ends, and IoT edge sensor nodes. The combination of op-amp, DAC, ADCC, and 16-bit PWM enables a single-chip solution for many closed-loop analog control loops.
When designing with this part, ensure the VDDCORE pin is decoupled with a 100 nF + 1 µF pair, the VDD pin uses a 10 µF bulk + 100 nF bypass, and unused I/O pins are configured as outputs low to minimize current draw. For automotive or extended-temperature deployments requiring -40 °C to +125 °C operation, the /E suffix confirms grade suitability.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F15Q41-E/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 PIC18F15Q41-E/REB (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, DAC, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F15Q41T-E/REB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F15Q41-I/REB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F15Q41-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F16Q41-E/REB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F15Q41-E/REB Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB |
| Data RAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 512 bytes |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC (up to 17 channels) |
| DAC | 8-bit DAC |
| On-Chip Operational Amplifier | Yes (configurable as PGA) |
| PWM Modules | 16-bit PWM with complementary outputs |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| Communication Interfaces | 2x UART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Package | 20-pin VQFN (3x3 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (extended grade, /E) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F15Q41-E/REB Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 19 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O (alternate position) |
| Pin 20 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O (alternate position) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F15Q41-E/REB is suitable for 7 applications: Sensor Signal Conditioning with Analog Front-End, Closed-Loop Fan and Motor Speed Control, LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers, Battery Charging Front-End Controllers, IoT Edge Sensor Nodes, Industrial Process Control and Instrumentation, Automotive Body and Interior Modules.
Sensor Signal Conditioning with Analog Front-End
The PIC18F15Q41-E/REB is purpose-built for sensor signal conditioning. Its on-chip operational amplifier can be configured as a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) for low-level thermocouple, strain-gauge, or photodiode signals, while the 12-bit ADCC performs hardware oversampling and threshold comparisons autonomously. DMA channels move conversion results to RAM without CPU intervention, freeing the core for system-level tasks. With 32 KB of Flash and 2 KB of RAM, the part accommodates sensor linearization, calibration tables, and digital filtering in firmware. The 1.8-5.5 V supply range matches battery-powered sensor nodes directly without external regulation. According to the PIC18-Q41 family datasheet, this combination eliminates a discrete op-amp and ADC, reducing BOM cost by 30-40 percent in typical sensor-interface designs.
Recommended
Closed-Loop Fan and Motor Speed Control
The PIC18F15Q41-E/REB delivers a single-chip solution for closed-loop BLDC or brushed DC fan control. Its 16-bit PWM module with complementary outputs and configurable dead-time directly drives MOSFET half-bridges, while the 12-bit ADCC samples back-EMF or current-sense signals for rotor-position feedback. The on-chip op-amp amplifies shunt-resistor current measurements, and the 8-bit DAC provides adjustable reference levels. With 64 MHz / 16 MIPS throughput, the core executes field-oriented control (FOC) or trapezoidal commutation algorithms within tight loop times. The PPS feature routes peripheral signals to any I/O pin, simplifying PCB routing when multiple motor phases share timer resources. Per the Microchip datasheet, this MCU handles sensorless and sensored BLDC control in fans up to several hundred watts.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers
The PIC18F15Q41-E/REB serves as a flexible LED lighting controller with analog dimming and digital color-mixing capabilities. Its 16-bit PWM provides high-resolution dimming down to sub-1 percent levels, while the 8-bit DAC generates precise reference voltages for current-driver ICs. Multiple PWMs support RGBW or tunable-white LED strings, and the DMA-driven PWM updates enable smooth color transitions without CPU overhead. The 12-bit ADCC monitors photodiode or thermistor feedback for closed-loop brightness and thermal management. With 1.8-5.5 V operation, the part runs directly from battery or 3.3 V/5 V rails in architectural and automotive lighting. According to the PIC18-Q41 family datasheet, the configurable logic cells (CLC) allow PWM-fault shutdown within nanoseconds for LED short-circuit protection.
Recommended
Battery Charging Front-End Controllers
The PIC18F15Q41-E/REB is well matched to multi-chemistry battery charging front-ends. The 12-bit ADCC measures battery voltage and charge current through the on-chip op-amp, while the 8-bit DAC programs the charger reference for CC/CV profile transitions. The 16-bit PWM drives a synchronous buck converter's high-side and low-side FETs with programmable dead-time, achieving > 95 percent efficiency at typical 1-3 A charge rates. DMA channels offload ADC sampling so the core executes state-machine-based charging algorithms (Li-ion CC/CV, lead-acid bulk/absorption/float, NiMH delta-peak). The 1.8-5.5 V range supports single-cell Li-ion, 2-3 cell packs, and 5 V USB-PD inputs directly. As of 2026, this configuration appears in portable power banks, e-bike chargers, and small UPS modules.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Nodes
The PIC18F15Q41-E/REB operates as an edge sensor node that aggregates analog inputs and transmits over UART, SPI, or I2C to a host gateway. Its 1.8-5.5 V operating range allows direct connection to single-cell Li-ion or 3.3 V system rails, and the on-chip op-amp interfaces with thermistors, photodiodes, or 4-20 mA loops without external signal conditioning. The 12-bit ADCC with hardware threshold detection wakes the CPU only on out-of-range events, reducing average current draw. With 32 KB of Flash, the part supports MQTT-SN or proprietary protocol stacks. PPS remaps UART/SPI/I2C to any pin, simplifying PCB routing with radio modules. According to the datasheet, idle and sleep currents below 1 µA enable multi-year battery life in periodic-transmission sensors.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control and Instrumentation
The PIC18F15Q41-E/REB fits industrial process-control and instrumentation loops where analog I/O density matters. The 12-bit ADCC with up to 17 channels handles multiple 4-20 mA loop inputs through the on-chip op-amp and external sense resistors, while the 8-bit DAC drives 0-10 V or 4-20 mA outputs for valve and actuator control. With -40 °C to +125 °C extended temperature range (/E grade), the part operates reliably in factory-floor enclosures and outdoor cabinets. UART/SPI/I2C interfaces connect to HMI displays, isolated communication modules, or industrial Ethernet bridges. The configurable logic cells implement hardware safety interlocks with sub-microsecond response - critical for process-shutdown sequencing. As of 2026, this MCU appears in PID controllers, multi-loop chart recorders, and small-scale SCADA remote terminal units.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Interior Modules
The PIC18F15Q41-E/REB with its /E temperature suffix operates reliably in automotive body and interior modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, HVAC blend-door actuators, and ambient lighting drivers. The 12-bit ADCC reads multiple position-feedback potentiometers through the on-chip op-amp, while the 16-bit PWM drives small brushed or stepper actuators with smooth low-speed control. PWM fault inputs (via CLC) shut down outputs within microseconds on stall detection. LIN bus communication is supported through the UART plus a LIN-conformant software stack, fitting typical body-control networks. With 32 KB Flash and -40 to +125 °C operation, this MCU meets most automotive body-electronics requirements. According to Microchip, this part is widely used in non-safety body applications; for ASIL-rated systems, dsPIC33 or SAMD parts are recommended instead.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F15Q41-E/REB — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F15Q41T-E/REB | PIC18F15Q41-I/REB | PIC18F16Q41-E/REB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin VQFN (3x3 mm) | 20-pin VQFN (3x3 mm) - same | 20-pin VQFN (3x3 mm) - same | 20-pin VQFN (3x3 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB |
| Data RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 4 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Maximum Clock | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (extended grade /E) | -40 °C to +125 °C (extended grade /E) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial grade /I) | -40 °C to +125 °C (extended grade /E) |
| On-Chip Op-Amp | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated on-chip operational amplifier eliminates external analog front-end (vs PIC18F14K22-I/SO)
- 12-bit ADCC with hardware oversampling and threshold detection (vs PIC18F15Q40-E/SO)
- 16-bit PWM with complementary outputs and programmable dead-time (vs PIC18F14Q40-I/P)
- Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) routes digital peripherals to any I/O (vs PIC18F13K50-I/SO)
Design Notes
Decouple the VDD pin with a 10 µF bulk + 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin. The VDDCORE pin requires a 100 nF + 1 µF pair. Both pairs should connect to the ground plane through short, wide traces - long inductive paths create voltage transients that can corrupt Flash during write operations and trigger spurious BOR resets. Estimated: power-supply rejection requirement for ADCC is 70 dB at 1 MHz, so the bulk capacitor ESR must remain below 50 mΩ across temperature.
Solder the exposed thermal pad of the VQFN-20 package directly to a continuous ground copper pour of at least 25 mm². Without proper pad soldering, junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) can rise above 150 °C/W, causing severe self-heating at high CPU loads and limiting usable ambient temperature. With proper PCB layout, θJA is approximately 45 °C/W. Estimated: at 64 MHz active current of 7 mA and 3.3 V supply, power dissipation is 23 mW - a 1 °C rise, well within thermal limits.
Place the 32.768 kHz or HF crystal within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins. Use a guard ring around the crystal traces connected to ground to minimize coupling from adjacent noisy digital signals. For PPS remapping, group high-speed signals (SPI, PWM) on adjacent pins to keep PCB traces short - PPS does not eliminate timing skew from long traces. Estimated: trace capacitance above 5 pF degrades SPI clock rise time at 10 MHz, causing data errors.
Configure all unused I/O pins as outputs driven low; floating inputs can cause shoot-through current in CMOS input structures and increase IPD/IOL draw. Never leave the MCLR pin floating in production - tie it to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor for normal operation, or to VDD directly if hardware reset is unused. When using the on-chip op-amp, observe the input common-mode range; exceeding VSS-0.3 V to VDD+0.3 V can permanently damage the ESD structures.
Route the analog AVSS/AVDD pair (when present on larger packages) separately from digital supplies, and place the analog ground star-point directly beneath the MCU. Keep analog signal traces away from PWM and switching signals by at least 3 mm. For ADC accuracy, enable the ADCC hardware oversampling mode to achieve 14 effective bits and reduce noise susceptibility - useful when reading low-level sensor outputs near the 1.8 V supply rail.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. /E suffix indicates extended -40 to +125 °C industrial grade; not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive safety-critical applications. For automotive ASIL-rated systems, consider dsPIC33 or SAMD AEC-Q100 qualified parts.
