PIC18F2515-I/SP - 8-Bit 40MHz MCU, 48KB Flash, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F2515-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.81 | $7.81 |
| 10 | $7.03 | $70.30 |
| 100 | $6.25 | $625.00 |
| 500 | $5.62 | $2,810.00 |
| 1,000 | $5 | $5,000.00 |
PIC18F2515-I/SP Overview
What is a PIC18F microcontroller? The PIC18F family is Microchip's high-performance 8-bit microcontroller line, built on a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) Harvard architecture. PIC18F MCUs sit above PIC16F parts in the product hierarchy (8-bit microcontroller -> PIC MCU -> Microchip MCU -> embedded microcontroller) and add enhanced instruction set, larger memory, hardware multiplier, and C-friendly architecture while maintaining the classic 8-bit data path. This makes them suitable for applications that need more performance than PIC16F can deliver but do not require 16-bit or 32-bit cores.
Key features include 48 KB self-programmable Flash, 1024 bytes of EEPROM, 3968 bytes SRAM, 10-bit ADC with up to 11 channels, two 8-bit and three 16-bit timers, enhanced CCP modules, an Enhanced USART, MSSP supporting both SPI and I2C, and dual analog comparators. The integrated nanoWatt power management block offers multiple idle and sleep modes with typical current draw in microampere range, supporting battery-aware designs. The -I industrial temperature grade of -40C to +85C allows deployment in uncontrolled thermal environments.
The PIC18F2515 architecture uses a 16-bit instruction word with an 8-bit data path, single-cycle ALU operations, hardware multiply, and a 32-level hardware stack. The 10-bit ADC supports up to 11 input channels with acquisition time programmable for sensor interfacing. The device is supported by the MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB XC8 compiler, and PICkit / ICD debugger programmers, providing a complete firmware development ecosystem. The 28-SPDIP package is popular for hobbyist prototyping, breadboarding, and through-hole assembly lines where rework and socketed parts are required.
Typical applications include industrial control, sensor interfacing, low-cost motor control (BLDC/PWM), USB-less human interface devices, consumer appliance controllers, and battery-powered data loggers. In motor control the CCP/PWM modules generate complementary PWM with dead-band control; in sensor systems the ADC plus EUSART streams measurements to a host; in battery applications the nanoWatt sleep currents extend operating life.
When designing with this part, select a low-ESR decoupling capacitor (100 nF ceramic) close to each VDD pin and a bulk capacitor (10 uF) on the main rail. Leave MCLR either tied high through a 10 kohm resistor or driven by the programmer for in-circuit debug, and use the internal oscillator only when timing tolerance is non-critical; otherwise route a crystal on OSC1/OSC2 for accurate UART baud rates.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in 28-SPDIP alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F2515-I/SP — 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 PIC18F2515-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Timers, ADC, Serial Interfaces.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F2510-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2525-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2620-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2550-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2455-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2480-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2515-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit RISC, Harvard) |
| Instruction Set Width | 16-bit instruction / 8-bit data |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 40 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 48 KB (24K x 16 words) |
| SRAM | 3968 bytes |
| EEPROM | 1024 bytes |
| Digital I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| Timers | Two 8-bit + Three 16-bit timers |
| CCP/ECCP Modules | 2 CCP + 1 ECCP |
| Serial Interfaces | EUSART, MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Operating Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial grade -I) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Pitch | 2.54 mm (0.1 in) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F2515-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input or digital input RE3 |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input AN2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input AN3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input AN4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal input / external clock / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal output / clock output / PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / EUSART TX / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / EUSART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / CCP2 alternate |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / LVP programming |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18F2515-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Sensor Interfacing, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Low-Cost Motor Control (PWM Driver Host), Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panels, Battery-Powered Data Loggers, Educational and Prototyping Platforms.
Industrial Control and Sensor Interfacing
The PIC18F2515-I/SP suits industrial control and sensor interfacing because of its 40 MHz PIC18 core, 10-bit ADC with up to 11 channels, and wide 4.2-5.5 V supply range that accepts 5 V sensor rails directly. With 48 KB Flash it can host modest state machines or PID loops, while 3968 bytes SRAM handles data buffering for ADC sampling. The EUSART streams readings to a host controller or HMI; MSSP drives SPI/I2C sensors. Place the MCU in an idle sleep mode between conversions and wake on timer overflow to drop average current into the microamp range.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
Consumer appliance controllers benefit from the PIC18F2515-I/SP's ECCP module, which generates complementary PWM with programmable dead-band for driving small motors, valves, or heater elements. The 25 I/O pins handle keypad scanning, LED indicators, and relay outputs without external glue logic. With 48 KB Flash, the MCU can host a control-loop firmware, UI menus, and fault handling, while 1024 bytes EEPROM stores user preferences and calibration constants that survive power cycles. Its -40 to +85 C range supports appliance cabinets and laundry rooms.
Recommended
Low-Cost Motor Control (PWM Driver Host)
The PIC18F2515-I/SP can host a BLDC or brushed-DC motor control loop using the ECCP module's PWM outputs and a 16-bit timer for tachometer feedback. Up to 11 ADC channels monitor phase currents and supply voltage, while EUSART broadcasts telemetry to a supervisory controller. The 40 MHz CPU (10 MIPS) sustains typical PI loops at 10 kHz rates. Note that for field-oriented control a DSP-class part such as dsPIC33F is preferred; this PIC18 is best for trapezoidal or 6-step commutation in cost-sensitive designs.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panels
HMI panels benefit from the PIC18F2515-I/SP's 25 I/O pins for matrix-scanned keypads and multiplexed seven-segment or character LCDs. The MSSP drives an SPI LCD or character display module directly, while 48 KB Flash fits menu state machines and button-debounce logic. The 1024 bytes EEPROM persists user settings; the EUSART interfaces to a master controller or RS-485 bus. The 28-SPDIP package fits hobby-style enclosures and breadboard prototypes used by makers and students.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Loggers
Battery-powered data loggers exploit the PIC18F2515-I/SP's nanoWatt power-managed modes to extend battery life: idle mode drops current below 100 uA and sleep mode below 1 uA typical. The 10-bit ADC samples temperature, humidity, or voltage at programmed intervals; 3968 bytes SRAM caches readings until the next flush. The 1024-byte EEPROM and 48 KB Flash together support months of timestamped logging firmware with calibration tables. A real-time clock (RTC) plus external SPI FRAM can extend retention across power cycles.
Recommended
Educational and Prototyping Platforms
The PIC18F2515-I/SP is a popular teaching and prototyping choice thanks to the breadboard-friendly 28-SPDIP footprint and full MPLAB X IDE plus PICkit support. Students can experiment with PIC18 instruction set, interrupts, timers, PWM, ADC, and serial protocols without SMD soldering. The 48 KB Flash and 3968 bytes SRAM are generous for textbook labs, and the -40 to +85 C grade tolerates lab environments. Pairs naturally with PICkit 5 for in-circuit debug and production programming.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F2515-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F2510-I/SP | PIC18F2525-I/SP | PIC18F2620-I/SP | PIC18F2550-I/SP | PIC18F2455-I/SP | PIC18F2480-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP |
| Max CPU Clock | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Flash | 48 KB | 32 KB | 48 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB | 24 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 3968 bytes | 1536 bytes | 3968 bytes | 3968 bytes | 2048 bytes | 2048 bytes | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 1024 bytes | 256 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| USB | No | No | No | No | Yes (USB 2.0 FS) | Yes (USB 2.0 FS) | No (CAN instead) |
| Operating Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash density in this 28-SPDIP PIC18F2xxx tier at standard price (vs PIC18F2510-I/SP)
- No USB controller needed - keeps BOM cost lower than USB-equipped variants (vs PIC18F2550-I/SP)
- Industrial -40 to +85 C operating temperature as standard -I grade (vs PIC18F2515-E/SP)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pin 20) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the main supply rail. For battery-operated designs use the nanoWatt sleep mode (SLEEP instruction) and enable the on-chip voltage regulator's low-power mode to drop quiescent current below 1 uA. Always sequence the MCLR pin high through a 10 kohm pull-up to avoid spurious resets; if in-circuit programming is required, leave MCLR accessible and route PGC/PGD (RB6/RB7) to a programming header.
Route the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and symmetric, guard them with a ground plane, and place load capacitors within 5 mm of the MCU pins to reduce EMI radiation. The 28-SPDIP package's 2.54 mm pitch allows comfortable hand-soldering; leave 1.5 mm clearance between traces for rework. Place the ICSP header (MCLR, VDD, VSS, PGD, PGC) on the board edge so the PICkit can clip on without removing the chip, and reserve a 4-pin SIL footprint to enable field firmware updates.
Do not assume the 10-bit ADC works below 4.2 V; the voltage reference falls out of spec and conversions drift. Use the ADC's internal bandgap reference only for relative measurements - it has a +/- 5 percent typical tolerance and varies with temperature. The CONFIG words must be set correctly for the chosen oscillator and watchdog state; an unprogrammed config can leave the MCU in an unexpected clock mode. Finally, the MSSP I2C lines (RC3/RC4) require external pull-ups (typically 4.7 kohm at 5 V) - the PIC18F2515-I/SP does not include internal pull-ups strong enough for I2C compliance.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; -I industrial grade is not AEC-Q100 qualified (choose PIC18F2515-E/SP for extended temperature or specific automotive variants).
