PIC18F15Q41-I/SO - 32KB Flash, 64MHz 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F15Q41-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.92 | $1.92 |
| 10 | $1.73 | $17.30 |
| 100 | $1.45 | $145.00 |
| 500 | $1.22 | $610.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC18F15Q41-I/SO Overview
A PIC microcontroller (often abbreviated MCU) is a programmable logic device that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals onto a single die. The PIC18 family sits in the 8-bit MCU category hierarchy between the smaller PIC16 and the higher-end 16-bit dsPIC33 families, with a modified Harvard RISC core optimized for deterministic interrupt response and low-power operation. The Q41 subgroup further specializes PIC18 by adding advanced analog peripherals for sensor-front-end and closed-loop control applications.
Key features of the PIC18F15Q41-I/SO include 18 general-purpose I/O pins, a 64 MHz internal oscillator, multi-voltage I/O (MVIO) support down to 1.8 V, a 12-bit ADC with computation engine, two 8-bit DACs, on-chip op-amps for signal conditioning, and configurable logic cells for hardware customization. Core-independent peripherals reduce CPU load for time-critical tasks.
The architecture combines a RISC CPU with on-chip debug and a Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) system that maps digital peripherals to any I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout. The device operates over an extended industrial temperature range and offers low-power sleep modes with peripheral wake-up, suitable for battery-powered sensor nodes.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, medical wearables, smart lighting controllers, industrial process sensors, and low-end motor control. The combination of integrated op-amps and a 12-bit ADC enables single-chip signal-chain designs for thermistor, RTD, and strain-gauge conditioning.
When designing with this MCU, ensure decoupling capacitors are placed close to VDD pins, and follow Microchip's recommended programming/debug header layout for MPLAB PICkit or ICD tool compatibility. PPS remapping must be configured before peripheral use to avoid unexpected pin states during bring-up.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, curated cross-reference alternatives within the same package, and application notes not aggregated in the Microchip datasheet - offering clear engineering guidance for new designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F15Q41-I/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-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in DAC, ADC, Package, PWM, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F14Q41-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F16Q41-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F15Q40T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F15Q41-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| SRAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 12-bit differential (ADC2) |
| DAC | 8-bit, 2 channels |
| PWM | 16-bit |
| On-chip Op-amp | Yes |
| Timers | 8/16-bit configurable |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP, 4-wire MPLAB ICD/PICkit |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F15Q41-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RE3/MCLR — Digital I/O / Master Clear reset input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RA6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC18F15Q41-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Nodes, Medical Wearable Devices, Industrial Process Sensors, Smart LED Lighting Controllers, Low-end Motor Control, Consumer Electronics Interfaces.
IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC18F15Q41-I/SO is well matched to IoT sensor node designs because of its integrated 12-bit differential ADC2, on-chip op-amp, and 1.8-5.5 V operation. According to the Microchip PIC18 Q41 product page, the device combines signal conditioning and conversion in a single chip, eliminating external analog components and reducing BOM size. Its 32 KB Flash supports protocols like MQTT-SN or LoRaWAN MAC stacks. The device's low-power sleep modes and idle current make it suitable for battery-powered wireless sensor deployments in smart home or industrial IoT.
Recommended
Medical Wearable Devices
The PIC18F15Q41-I/SO fits medical wearable applications by integrating signal-chain functions typically requiring multiple ICs. The on-chip op-amp and 12-bit ADC2 condition biopotential or temperature signals directly, while the configurable logic block offloads timing-critical capture. Operating from 1.8 V enables single-cell battery designs. The 64 MHz core supports real-time filtering of physiological data such as heart rate or SpO2 pre-processing, suitable for activity monitors and low-end patient telemetry when paired with medical-grade sensors.
Recommended
Industrial Process Sensors
For industrial process sensor designs, the PIC18F15Q41-I/SO provides a 64 MHz CPU with industrial-grade -40 to +85 C operating range. The on-chip op-amp lets it condition 4-20 mA loops and bridge sensors directly. Per Microchip documentation, the ADC2 supports oversampling and hardware averaging for noise-immune acquisition. The 16-bit PWM enables proportional control outputs without extra timers. This combination makes it suitable for pressure transducers, flow meters, and discrete industrial control loops where deterministic interrupt latency matters.
Recommended
Smart LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC18F15Q41-I/SO is well suited for smart LED lighting controllers because its 16-bit PWM modules provide flicker-free dimming at high resolution. Multiple PWM channels can drive RGB or tunable-white strings directly via MOSFET drivers. The configurable logic cell implements autonomous fade and color-mixing routines, offloading the CPU. Combined with multi-voltage I/O for mixed-voltage LED panels, this gives designers a single chip for color-control and protocol-bridge duties in DMX, DALI, or Bluetooth-Mesh-controlled luminaires.
Recommended
Low-end Motor Control
The PIC18F15Q41-I/SO can drive low-end brushed DC and stepper motor control loops thanks to its 16-bit PWM and configurable logic. The on-chip op-amp conditions back-EMF or current-sense signals, while the 12-bit ADC provides 4 ksps sampling for closed-loop current control. The 64 MHz core runs basic FOC math for low-RPM fans or pumps. Designers can scale up to dsPIC33 for high-end servo systems, but for fans, small pumps, and motorized valves this PIC18 part hits the BOM cost target.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Interfaces
For consumer electronics such as remote controls, smart-home keypads, and small appliances, the PIC18F15Q41-I/SO delivers a 32 KB Flash budget, ample I/O for buttons and displays, and configurable peripherals for custom user interfaces. Multi-Voltage I/O enables interface to 1.8 V or 3.3 V peripherals without level shifters. Combined with hardware debounce from the configurable logic cell, the device supports low-power wake-on-touch user interfaces for battery-powered handheld gadgets.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F15Q41-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F14Q41-I/SO | PIC18F16Q41-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC | 20-pin SOIC (same) | 20-pin SOIC (same) |
| Flash | 32 KB | 16 KB | 64 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| ADC | 12-bit differential | 12-bit differential | 12-bit differential |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Direct in-family Flash upgrade path on same package (vs PIC18F14Q41-I/SO)
- Larger Flash than F14 with identical footprint (vs PIC18F05Q41 family)
- Integrated op-amp + 12-bit differential ADC2 (vs Generic 8-bit MCU baseline)
Design Notes
Decouple each VDD pin with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin, per Microchip's recommended PCB layout guidelines. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer cap on the VDD rail. For battery designs, choose an LDO like MCP1700 with low quiescent current so MCU sleep-mode consumption dominates the BOM budget. Estimated: typical active current at 64 MHz, 3.3 V is 6 mA and idle is around 1 mA - validate on hardware.
The PIC18F15Q41-I/SO uses 20-pin SOIC with a 1.27 mm pitch. Route traces to keep ADC analog inputs away from PWM outputs and clock lines to minimize coupling. The Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) system lets you remap digital peripherals to any I/O, but only one function can own a pin at a time - assign intentionally. MCLR should have a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD if reset is required.
Do not leave ICSP_DAT/ICSP_CLK unconnected during production - either tie them in firmware to disable the debug interface or leave accessible for in-system programming. Watchdog postscaler must be enabled before relying on it as a watchdog timer; otherwise CPU reset vectors will surprise you. PPS lockbits prevent inadvertent remapping once firmware is debugged - lock after bring-up.
The 12-bit ADC2 benefits from a clean analog supply. Use a ferrite bead or separate LDO between digital VDD and analog AVDD to break switching noise coupling paths. The on-chip op-amp gain setting and bandwidth must be chosen to keep within the ADC input range - reference the Microchip AN (Analog Computation and ADC Tips) for typical conditioning circuits. Estimated: oversampling ratios above 4x reduce effective noise to roughly 0.5 LSBs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page; AEC-Q100 not applicable for general-purpose industrial MCU; REACH compliant per Microchip policy.
