PIC18F15Q41-E/SO - 32KB Flash 8-bit MCU, 64MHz, 20-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F15Q41-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.74 | $1.74 |
| 10 | $1.65 | $16.50 |
| 100 | $1.5 | $150.00 |
| 500 | $1.36 | $680.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.22 | $1,220.00 |
PIC18F15Q41-E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable integrated circuit that combines a CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single die. The PIC18 family is Microchip's mid-range 8-bit architecture, positioned above PIC16 (baseline) and PIC10/12/14 (low pin-count) families. MCUs form the "brain" of embedded systems, executing firmware to read sensors, drive outputs, and manage communications. The PIC18F15Q41-E/SO is engineered for sensor and real-time control applications, sitting within the broader hierarchy: PIC18-Q41 family -> PIC18F family -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC -> semiconductor.
Key features include 32KB self-programmable Flash with 10,000 erase/write cycles, 2KB SRAM, 512B high-endurance EEPROM, and 12-bit differential ADC with computation. The on-chip op-amp eliminates the need for an external amplifier in many sensor signal chains, while the 8-bit DAC enables analog waveform generation. Configurable logic cells and PPS allow flexible pin function remapping, simplifying PCB layout when peripherals must move due to routing constraints. The device supports UART, SPI, and I2C serial communications plus DMA for offloading CPU data transfers.
Typical applications include motor control (BLDC, stepper), power supply monitoring and conversion, sensor signal conditioning, LED lighting control, IoT edge nodes, and small medical/industrial devices. The combination of analog integration and PWM channels makes it particularly suited for closed-loop control systems. When designing with this device, evaluate the 20-pin count early - if more I/O is needed, consider the PIC18F16Q41 or PIC18F14Q41 variants in the same package for memory scaling.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F15Q41-E/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 PIC18F15Q41-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in DAC, Package, PWM, Program Memory (Flash), EEPROM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F15Q40-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F14Q41-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F16Q41-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F15Q41-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 12-bit, differential, with computation |
| DAC | 8-bit |
| On-Chip Op-Amp | Yes (integrated) |
| PWM Channels | 16-bit PWM |
| DMA | Yes |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (extended, -E suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC18F15Q41-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — I/O port A bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — I/O port A bit 3 / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — I/O port A bit 1 / OPA1IN+ |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — I/O port A bit 0 / OPA1IN- |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — I/O port A bit 7 / OPA1OUT |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground (secondary) |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (secondary) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F15Q41-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC and Stepper Motor Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning, LED Lighting Control, Power Supply Monitoring and Conversion, IoT Edge Sensor Nodes, Small Medical and Industrial Devices.
BLDC and Stepper Motor Control
The PIC18F15Q41-E/SO fits BLDC and stepper motor control through its 16-bit PWM with complementary outputs and integrated 12-bit ADC for back-EMF sensing. With 64MHz CPU speed, it executes field-oriented control loops with sufficient headroom; the integrated op-amp conditions current-sense shunt signals without an external amplifier. Place a 1k pull-up on MCLR, decouple VDD with 100nF+10uF, and use PPS to remap PWM outputs to optimize PCB routing.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
For sensor signal conditioning, the PIC18F15Q41-E/SO on-chip op-amp, 12-bit differential ADC, and 8-bit DAC form a complete analog front end without external components. The ADC's computation mode handles averaging and threshold comparison in hardware, offloading CPU cycles. Operate the op-amp in unity-gain buffer mode to drive the ADC from high-impedance sensors like pH probes or thermocouples.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control
The PIC18F15Q41-E/SO drives multi-channel LED lighting with its 16-bit PWM supporting fade resolution beyond human perception. The 1.8-5.5V supply range accommodates both 3.3V logic-level and 5V high-current LED driver chains. DMA offloads color-mixing calculations, while the 8-bit DAC generates smooth dimming curves; place ferrite beads on supply traces to prevent PWM switching noise coupling into the analog domain.
Recommended
Power Supply Monitoring and Conversion
The PIC18F15Q41-E/SO suits digital power supply monitoring with its 12-bit ADC sampling voltage and current rails, plus the 8-bit DAC providing reference levels for closed-loop control. The 64MHz CPU executes average-current-mode control loops at typical switching frequencies up to 500kHz. Use the integrated op-amp as a transimpedance amplifier for current-sense signals, eliminating one external IC from the BOM.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Nodes
For IoT edge sensor nodes, the PIC18F15Q41-E/SO combines 32KB Flash for protocol stacks, 2KB SRAM for buffering, and UART/SPI/I2C for connecting radios like LoRa or BLE modules. The wide 1.8-5.5V supply range enables direct battery operation from a single lithium cell down to depletion. PPS remaps peripheral pins to optimize routing around antenna keep-out zones on compact PCB layouts.
Recommended
Small Medical and Industrial Devices
The PIC18F15Q41-E/SO extended -40C to +125C temperature range and integrated analog peripherals suit small medical and industrial devices like portable monitors, infusion pumps, or process sensors. The 12-bit ADC with differential inputs enables accurate bridge-sensor readings for strain gauges; EEPROM stores calibration data for the lifetime of the product. Pair with a watchdog timer and external supervisor for IEC 60730-class safety designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F15Q41-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F15Q40-E/SO | PIC18F14Q41-E/SO | PIC18F16Q41-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SOIC | 20-SOIC - same | 20-SOIC - same | 20-SOIC - same |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB (same) | 14 KB (-56%) | 64 KB (+100%) |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB (same) | 1 KB (-50%) | 2 KB (same) |
| EEPROM | 512 B | 512 B (same) | 512 B (same) | 512 B (same) |
| CPU Speed | 64 MHz | 64 MHz (same) | 64 MHz (same) | 64 MHz (same) |
| Integrated Op-Amp | Yes | No | Yes (same) | Yes (same) |
| 8-bit DAC | Yes | No | Yes (same) | Yes (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated op-amp + DAC reduces BOM (vs PIC18F15Q40-E/SO)
- Drop-in upgrade path within same family (vs PIC18F16Q41-E/SO)
- Compact 20-pin SOIC with full peripheral set (vs PIC18F13K22-E/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC18F15Q41-E/SO requires proper supply decoupling - place a 100nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 19 and 20), plus a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic on the supply rail. The wide 1.8V-5.5V operating range means you can power directly from a single-cell lithium battery, but a ferrite bead in series with VDD helps isolate MCU switching noise from sensitive analog circuits. The integrated voltage regulator requires a minimum 1.8V input for guaranteed operation; below this, ADC accuracy degrades and POR may not reset reliably.
Use Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) to remap UART, SPI, I2C, and PWM outputs to any available I/O pin. This dramatically simplifies PCB routing when the schematic symbol needs to differ from the datasheet's default pinout. However, not all pins support all peripherals - consult the PPS input/output selection tables in the datasheet. Analog inputs are fixed on PORTA and cannot be remapped. Keep analog traces short and guarded with a ground pour to minimize ADC noise coupling from digital switching.
Do not leave MCLR floating - tie it to VDD through a 10k resistor, or directly to VDD if not using an external reset supervisor. The ICD pins (PGEDx/PGECx) must not be left floating during normal operation, or unintended current draw can occur. When using the integrated op-amp, the OPA1OUT pin (RA7) cannot be used as a regular GPIO while the op-amp is enabled. The 16-bit PWM time base requires careful configuration to avoid glitches during period updates - use the PWM reload strobe to synchronize duty and period changes.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free confirmed per Microchip product page and LCSC listing. AEC-Q100 not claimed - choose automotive-grade PIC variants if required. REACH compliance per Microchip environmental documentation.
