PIC18F15Q41-E/SS - 8-bit MCU 32KB Flash 64MHz SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F15Q41-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.65 | $16.50 |
| 100 | $1.42 | $142.00 |
| 500 | $1.25 | $625.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.1 | $1,100.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.95 | $2,850.00 |
PIC18F15Q41-E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, self-contained computer-on-a-chip built around an 8-bit data path. The PIC18 family uses a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, 31-level hardware stack, and a rich peripheral set that places digital control logic and analog signal conditioning on the same die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy this part belongs to: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC18 -> PIC18-Q41 family -> embedded computing IC.
Key features include 32 KB self-programmable Flash with device Information Area (DIA), 2 KB data SRAM with hardware-managed banking, 512 bytes data EEPROM rated for 100k erase/write cycles, a 12-bit ADC2 with up to 17 analog channels, two on-chip operational amplifiers, a 5-bit DAC and an 8-bit DAC, four 16-bit PWM channels with complementary outputs and fine resolution, plus communication peripherals such as UART, SPI and I2C. The device operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V and supports extended temperature range -40C to +125C.
Architecturally the PIC18-Q41 family combines a high-drive 64 MHz core with on-chip op-amps, zero-crossing detect and a configurable logic cell so the MCU can replace many external analog components. This integration simplifies sensor signal chains for thermocouples, RTDs, photodiodes and strain gauges while reducing BOM count and PCB area.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, medical wearable monitors, industrial sensor transmitters, LED lighting controllers, low-end motor control, smoke and gas detectors, and consumer white-goods HMI front-ends. The wide voltage range and rich analog make it equally suited to 3.3 V coin-cell designs and 5 V industrial loops.
When designing with this part, allocate sufficient decoupling (100 nF + 1 uF) close to VDD/AVDD pins, route the analog reference and Vcap carefully, and respect the programming/debug pin (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT) sharing to avoid in-circuit programming conflicts.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SSOP-20 alternatives and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F15Q41-E/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 PIC18F15Q41-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash), Package, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F14Q41-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F15Q41-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F15Q41-E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.22 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F16Q41-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F15Q41-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 RISC (Harvard) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 512 bytes |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 with Computation |
| DAC | 8-bit DAC + 5-bit DAC |
| On-chip Operational Amplifiers | 2 |
| PWM Channels | 16-bit, up to 4 channels |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E suffix = extended) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F15Q41-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input / MCLR |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Digital I/O / analog input / SCL |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — Digital I/O / analog input / SDA |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC7 — Digital I/O / RX |
| Pin 20 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX |
Typical Applications
PIC18F15Q41-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Nodes, Medical Wearable Monitors, Industrial Sensor Transmitters, LED Lighting Controllers, Smoke and Gas Detectors, Consumer White-Goods HMI.
IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC18F15Q41-E/SS is ideal for IoT sensor nodes thanks to its 12-bit ADC2 with Computation, dual on-chip op-amps and 5-bit DAC that directly condition thermocouples, RTDs and bridge sensors without external analog ICs. The 64 MHz core runs Modbus, sensor-fusion and BLE command parsing in real time, while the 1.8-5.5 V range supports direct coin-cell and 2xAA operation. The 32 KB Flash and 2 KB SRAM hold small RTOS kernels, OTA staging buffers and JSON payloads for LoRaWAN or sub-GHz radio partners.
Recommended
Medical Wearable Monitors
The PIC18F15Q41-E/SS fits medical wearable monitors such as pulse oximeters, glucose meters and temperature patches where its extended -40C to +125C range handles body and sterilization temperatures. The on-chip op-amps amplify photodiode currents for SpO2 while the 12-bit ADC2 delivers resolution required for heart-rate and SpO2 trending. Low-power sleep modes and 1.8 V operation extend battery life on coin cells; the 32 KB Flash stores BLE stacks and FDA-traceable firmware versioning.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
The PIC18F15Q41-E/SS is well suited to 4-20 mA industrial sensor transmitters and loop-powered field instruments. Its 1.8-5.5 V operation, 12-bit ADC2 with computation, and on-chip op-amps drive RTD, thermocouple and pressure-bridge conditioning without external instrumentation amplifiers. The 16-bit PWM with 4 channels can synthesize HART or proprietary FSK modulation on top of the 4-20 mA loop, and the -40C to +125C range handles factory-floor thermal stress.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC18F15Q41-E/SS targets smart LED lighting controllers and tunable-white fixtures where its 16-bit PWM with 4 complementary channels drives high-brightness LED strings with sub-1% dimming resolution. The on-chip op-amp and 5-bit DAC provide analog current-loop feedback for closed-loop constant-current regulation, while UART/SPI connect to DMX-512 or DALI transceivers. AEC-Q100 readiness and the -40C to +125C range support outdoor and automotive lighting.
Recommended
Smoke and Gas Detectors
The PIC18F15Q41-E/SS is a strong fit for smoke, CO and VOC detectors that need on-chip analog front-ends. Its 12-bit ADC2 with computation, dual op-amps and 5-bit DAC drive photoelectric smoke-chamber amplifiers and electrochemical gas-sensor interfaces without external analog ICs. The 32 KB Flash stores proprietary sensor-compensation algorithms and self-test firmware, while the 64 MHz core completes low-power duty cycling to extend battery life beyond 10 years on smoke-detector cells.
Recommended
Consumer White-Goods HMI
The PIC18F15Q41-E/SS powers white-goods user-interface boards in washing machines, dishwashers and ovens where its extended temperature range survives appliance heat and its 32 KB Flash stores multilingual HMI state machines. The 16-bit PWM channels drive triac-controlled heater and motor loads, while UART/SPI connect to display drivers and main-control boards. The wide 1.8-5.5 V supply tolerance accepts noisy rectified mains rails without brown-out.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F15Q41-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F14Q41-E/SS | PIC18F15Q41-I/SS | PIC18F15Q41-E/SO | PIC18F16Q41-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 (same) | SSOP-20 (same) | SOIC-20 (wider body, not SSOP-20 PCB drop-in) | SSOP-20 (same) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz | 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 | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
| On-chip Op-amps | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip dual op-amps eliminate external instrumentation amplifier (vs PIC18F14Q41-E/SS)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC18F15Q41-I/SS)
- 12-bit ADC2 with hardware computation offloads sensor DSP (vs PIC18F15Q41-E/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of each VDD pin and a 1 uF bulk capacitor near the package. For the analog supply (AVDD), add a separate 100 nF cap and a small ferrite bead from VDD if the application demands >10-bit ADC2 effective resolution. The PIC18F15Q41-E/SS supports VDD from 1.8 V to 5.5 V but ADC2 performance is specified at VDD >= 2.3 V; below that, expect degraded SNR.
Route ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT to a dedicated 2x3 or 1x6 header for in-circuit programming access. Keep analog traces short and guarded by a ground pour; route the analog reference (VREF+) directly to its decoupling capacitor to avoid injection of digital switching noise. If using the on-chip op-amp outputs, place feedback components within 5 mm to minimize parasitic capacitance that can destabilize the amplifier.
Do not leave MCLR floating - tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation or drive it directly from a debug header for programming. Note that the 16-bit PWM module requires careful initialization of the PWM timer base before enabling outputs, otherwise a single-cycle glitch can appear on the complementary channels. The 32 KB Flash endurance is 10k cycles minimum - use the EEPROM (100k cycles) for frequently updated parameter storage instead.
When using the on-chip op-amps to amplify low-level sensor signals (thermocouples, bridge sensors), keep the input traces guarded and minimize the area of the feedback network. The 12-bit ADC2 with Computation performs oversampling and averaging internally; enable Accumulation mode for 1-256 samples to improve SNR by approximately 2-4 bits at the cost of conversion time.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation. Conflict minerals compliant per Microchip CMRT filings.
