PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS - 32KB Flash 8-bit MCU w/ Op Amp | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.45 | $14.50 |
| 100 | $1.28 | $128.00 |
| 500 | $1.12 | $560.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.98 | $980.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.85 | $2,550.00 |
PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable integrated circuit that executes instructions from on-chip Flash memory using an 8-bit data path. PIC18 devices sit in Microchip's mid-range 8-bit portfolio above baseline PIC10/12/16 parts, supporting self-programming, larger RAM/Flash, C-compiler friendly architecture, and richer peripherals. The PIC18-Q41 family extends this with high-performance analog and digital peripherals targeted at sensor signal conditioning and closed-loop control.
Key features include 32 KB self-programmable Flash, 2 KB SRAM, 512 bytes EEPROM, 12-bit ADC with computation (ADC2), 8-bit DAC, two operational amplifiers, 16-bit PWM with complementary outputs, DMA controller, and Peripheral Pin Select. The device supports UART, SPI, I2C, and runs instruction cycles at 64 MHz (16 MIPS). The integrated op-amp lets designers implement gain stages, transimpedance amplifiers, and comparators without external analog ICs.
Architecturally, the PIC18F15Q41 uses Microchip's enhanced Harvard architecture with 16-bit opcodes and an 8-bit data path, plus hardware multiplier and priority interrupt controller. The ADC2 integrates oversampling, accumulation, and filtering hardware to reduce CPU overhead for sensor averaging. PPS remaps digital peripherals to any I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout. The 20-pin SSOP supports up to 17 I/O pins, leaving room for system expansion.
Typical applications include industrial sensor signal conditioning, closed-loop fan/PWM control, LED lighting drivers, battery-powered IoT nodes, USB-to-UART bridges, and small motor control. The industrial temperature range suits factory automation and outdoor equipment. On-chip analog blocks reduce BOM cost for sensor-interface designs where a separate op-amp IC would otherwise be required.
Design consideration: leverage the integrated op-amp and DAC for sensor biasing and offset cancellation rather than allocating PCB area to a discrete analog front-end. The DMA engine can move ADC samples to RAM without CPU intervention, freeing cycles for communication stacks.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs, and practical design notes drawn from the PIC18-Q41 family datasheet and reference designs - material not collected on a single distributor product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F15Q41T-I/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 PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, DAC, PWM, ADC, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F15Q41-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F15Q41T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F15Q41T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F15Q41-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F15Q41-I/REB
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit) |
| CPU Type | PIC18 enhanced Harvard |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 with computation |
| DAC | 8-bit DAC |
| Operational Amplifiers | On-chip (qty per datasheet) |
| PWM | 16-bit PWM |
| DMA Controller | Yes |
| PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) | Yes |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (SS) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (industrial, I grade) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap capability |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap capability |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap capability |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / DAC output reference |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / op-amp input |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / op-amp output |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap capability |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap capability |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap capability |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap capability / SDA |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap capability / SCL |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap capability |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap capability |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap capability |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Auxiliary ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | MCLR — Master Clear reset / programming pin (active low) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Closed-Loop PWM Motor Control, LED Lighting Dimming and Color Control, USB-to-UART Bridge / Serial Console, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Smart Fan / HVAC Speed Controller, Automotive Body Electronics (sub-system node).
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS excels in industrial sensor conditioning because its on-chip operational amplifier can implement a transimpedance stage for photodiodes or a gain stage for thermocouples without an external analog IC. The 12-bit ADC2 with hardware oversampling supports 16-bit effective resolution for low-noise temperature, pressure, or strain-gauge measurements. Place the MCU between the sensor bridge and a 4-20 mA or RS-485 transmitter; unlike a discrete op-amp + ADC design it shrinks the BOM by one IC and keeps the analog path matched to the silicon process. The integrated op-amp, DAC, and ADC eliminate the typical 3-IC analog chain.
Recommended
Closed-Loop PWM Motor Control
The PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS drives small DC and stepper motor control loops using its 16-bit PWM with complementary outputs and dead-band control, paired with the integrated op-amp for current-sense amplification. The 64 MHz CPU (16 MIPS) closes current and velocity loops within a few microseconds, while DMA offloads ADC-to-PWM update transfers. Place the MCU upstream of an H-bridge driver such as the TC4427 or DRV8870, using the on-chip DAC for current-loop reference. Unlike software-only PID loops, the Q41's DMA + 16-bit PWM keeps control jitter under 100 ns.
Recommended
LED Lighting Dimming and Color Control
The PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS implements multi-channel LED dimming with its 16-bit PWM, providing >65,000:1 dimming ratio at 200 Hz flicker-free refresh. The DMA controller streams DMA-driven color sequences from Flash to PWM duty-cycle registers for animated lighting effects, while the I2C/SPI peripheral interfaces to addressable LED drivers such as the LP8860 or TLC5947. The integrated op-amp can sense photodiode current for closed-loop lumen maintenance. Unlike discrete PWM generator ICs, the Q41 integrates communications, sensing, and PWM in one 20-pin package.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / Serial Console
The PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS implements a low-cost USB-to-UART bridge using the on-chip UART peripheral and bit-banged USB, supporting CDC-class enumeration on Windows/Linux/macOS without external crystals thanks to the internal 64 MHz oscillator. The 32 KB Flash holds USB stacks such as Microchip's MLA USB Device, while the 2 KB SRAM buffers CDC line-codec packets. Place the Q41 between a USB connector and a target MCU's UART pins; unlike dedicated bridge ICs like the FT232, the Q41 is field-reprogrammable for protocol customization.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS powers battery-operated IoT sensor nodes with its 12-bit ADC2 oversampling, low-power Idle/Doze modes, and integrated op-amp reducing external components that would otherwise draw quiescent current. The 32 KB Flash fits LoRaWAN, Sigfox, or proprietary sub-GHz stacks, while DMA-driven ADC sampling minimizes active CPU time. Pair with a sub-GHz transceiver such as the SX1276 or BLE module. Unlike bare ADC + MCU designs, the Q41's op-amp + ADC2 + DMA delivers <2 mA active and <1 uA sleep current with high measurement accuracy.
Recommended
Smart Fan / HVAC Speed Controller
The PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS implements variable-speed fan or HVAC blower control using its 16-bit PWM for smooth torque control, integrated op-amp for tachometer feedback conditioning, and 12-bit ADC2 for temperature/humidity sensing. DMA-driven PWM updates eliminate software jitter, while PPS remaps UART/SPI to any I/O for flexible panel I/O. Place the Q41 ahead of a gate driver such as the FAN7388 or IRS2003 for inverter control. Unlike simple 8-bit timer-based controllers, the Q41's ADC2 + op-amp + 16-bit PWM delivers precision PID with <50 ns jitter.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (sub-system node)
The PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS handles LIN sub-node body electronics such as mirror control, seat-position switches, and ambient lighting with its UART (LIN-capable), 16-bit PWM, and integrated op-amp for current sensing. PPS remaps peripherals to simplify LIN daisy-chain PCB layouts, while the 12-bit ADC2 reads switch contacts with debounce filtering. Use the Q41 at the leaf node of a LIN bus controlled by a master MCU. Unlike generic 8-bit MCUs without LIN hardware, the Q41 supports LIN 2.x via the on-chip UART plus firmware stack.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F15Q41-I/SS | PIC18F15Q41T-I/SO | PIC18F15Q41T-E/SS | PIC18F15Q41-I/P | PIC18F15Q41-I/REB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SOIC - same pinout, larger body | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same pinout, through-hole | 20-pin SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Packaging Media | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube | Custom / programmed |
| Integrated Op-Amps | Yes (on-chip) | Yes (on-chip) | Yes (on-chip) | Yes (on-chip) | Yes (on-chip) | Yes (on-chip) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated operational amplifiers reduce BOM (vs PIC18F14K50-I/SO)
- Higher memory than baseline Q40 family (vs PIC18F15Q40T-I/SO)
- ADC2 with hardware oversampling (vs DSPIC33FJ128GP802-E/SP)
- PPS flexibility on a 20-pin footprint (vs PIC18F14Q41-I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC18F15Q41T-I/SS requires a bulk decoupling capacitor of at least 0.1 uF placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin, with an additional 1 uF to 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same rail for transient suppression. Power-on Reset (POR) and Brown-Out Reset (BOR) are enabled by default at 2.85V threshold for industrial -40C to +85C operation per the PIC18-Q41 family datasheet. Configure the BOR via CONFIG3 register for applications where VDD may dip below 3.0V (e.g., battery-powered sensors). Estimated: at 64 MHz, IDD is approximately 8 mA active; use a regulator with at least 50 mA headroom.
The 20-pin SSOP package has a theta_JA of approximately 80 C/W in still air, more than sufficient for the Q41's typical 8 mA active current (0.03 W dissipation) at industrial temperatures. However, if the application places the device in an enclosed enclosure with limited airflow or above +70C ambient, ensure that theta_JA stays below 100 C/W via copper pour or thermal vias. Estimated: at 0.04 W and 80 C/W, junction temperature rise above ambient is approximately 3.2 C, well within the 125 C absolute maximum.
Route the 64 MHz oscillator traces (RA6/RA7) as short as possible and avoid running them parallel to switching signals; Microchip recommends a ground guard around the crystal area. Place the ICSP programming header (MCLR/VDD/VSS/PGD/PGC) on the PCB edge even if not used in production - this allows field firmware updates. The exposed SSOP leads benefit from solder paste stencil apertures of 0.4 mm pad width for reliable 260 C reflow per JEDEC J-STD-020. For ADC accuracy, route analog signals (RA0-RA3) away from PWM/communication pins and place an analog ground pour around the op-amp inputs.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating - tie it to VDD via a 10 kohm pull-up for normal operation, or to a pushbutton for manual reset. Avoid assigning both op-amp outputs and high-current PWM outputs to the same pin group without ground isolation. When using ADC2 with oversampling, the sampling capacitor must be allowed sufficient acquisition time per the datasheet's TACQ formula - violating this degrades effective resolution. Estimated: TACQ = 2 us minimum at 12-bit mode; set the ADC acquisition timer accordingly.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip environmental documentation. Industrial temperature grade only; AEC-Q100 not qualified for the -I variant - choose Q41-Q1 suffix variants for automotive. Lead-free matte-tin plating supports 260C reflow per JEDEC J-STD-020.
