PIC18F2515T-I/SO - 8-bit 40MHz PIC MCU 48KB Flash 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F2515T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.1 | $7.10 |
| 10 | $6.39 | $63.90 |
| 100 | $5.68 | $568.00 |
| 500 | $5.05 | $2,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.45 | $4,450.00 |
PIC18F2515T-I/SO Overview
Background knowledge: a microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (FLASH or ROM), data memory (RAM), and programmable I/O with on-chip peripherals. The PIC18 family uses an enhanced 8-bit Harvard RISC architecture with a 16-bit instruction word, sitting in the broader taxonomy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The PIC18F2515 belongs to the mid-range performance tier of PIC microcontrollers, designed for control-oriented applications requiring moderate code density and real-time deterministic behavior.
Key features include 48KB (24K x 16) of self-programmable FLASH, 3968 bytes of RAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, 25 digital I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with multiple channels, two 8-bit and three 16-bit timers, an enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), dual analog comparators, and nanoWatt power management with multiple low-power sleep modes. The ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) interface allows in-field firmware updates without removing the device from the board.
The PIC18F2515 uses Microchip's standard Harvard architecture with separate code and data buses, providing deterministic 4-cycle instruction execution at the system clock. The FLASH memory supports self-programming under firmware control, enabling bootloader-based firmware updates and nonvolatile data storage. The device supports clock sources including external crystal, external clock, and internal oscillator blocks with PLL, enabling flexible system design.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, sensor signal conditioning, low-to-medium complexity motor control, HVAC control boards, smart metering, consumer appliance controllers, USB-interface devices using the parallel port, and general-purpose embedded control. The wide operating temperature range (-40C to +85C industrial grade) suits outdoor and harsh-environment deployments.
When designing with this device, ensure decoupling capacitors (100nF ceramic) are placed close to VDD/VSS pairs to maintain ADC accuracy, and verify the oscillator configuration bits match the chosen clock source. The 5V-only supply requirement means level shifters are needed for 3.3V peripherals.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the PIC18F family, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F2515T-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 PIC18F2515T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash), Maximum CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F2510T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2515T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2515-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2515T-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2610T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K50-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2515T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Core | PIC18 |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 40 MHz |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 48 KB (24K x 16) |
| RAM | 3968 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| Timers | Two 8-bit, three 16-bit (combined) |
| Communication Interfaces | Enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) 7.5 mm width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F2515T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input or programming voltage / Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Oscillator input / external clock / Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Oscillator output / clock output / Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T13CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 module |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.2V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT0 — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/INT1 — Port B bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/INT2 — Port B bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/CCP2 — Port B bit 3 / CCP2 (alt) |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18F2515T-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Sensor Signal Conditioning, HVAC Control Boards, Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring, Consumer Appliance Controllers, USB Device Interface Bridging, Automotive Body and Comfort Electronics.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC18F2515T-I/SO fits industrial control applications due to its -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade, 4.2-5.5V supply tolerance to 24V industrial bus rails (with regulation), and 25 I/O pins for sensor and actuator interfacing. Its 40MHz core provides 10 MIPS of deterministic throughput for real-time PID loops. Place 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitors close to each VDD/VSS pin pair, and use the ICSP interface to enable in-field firmware updates over the equipment's service port without removing the MCU.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC18F2515T-I/SO's 10-bit ADC and configurable analog comparators make it well-suited for sensor signal conditioning in process control and instrumentation. Its 25 digital I/O lines can interface multiplexed sensor arrays while the MSSP (SPI/I2C) connects to digital sensors. Use the ADC with a stable reference and adequate acquisition time for accurate readings, and leverage the nanoWatt sleep modes to extend battery life in remote sensor nodes.
Recommended
HVAC Control Boards
The PIC18F2515T-I/SO is appropriate for HVAC control boards where 48KB of FLASH accommodates protocol stacks plus control logic, and 25 I/O pins handle thermostat inputs, fan outputs, and valve controls. The enhanced USART supports Modbus RTU communication with building management systems, while the 16-bit timers drive triac-controlled AC loads. Operate from a 5V regulated rail derived from the 24VAC HVAC line.
Recommended
Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring
The PIC18F2515T-I/SO's 10-bit ADC and enhanced peripherals support smart electricity, water, and gas meter designs. Its 48KB FLASH enables on-board metering algorithms, calibration tables, and optional display drivers, while 256 bytes of EEPROM store nonvolatile meter constants and tamper logs. The MSSP drives a segmented LCD driver or character display, and the USART connects to AMR (Automated Meter Reading) modems.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
The PIC18F2515T-I/SO powers controllers in washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and other major appliances where its 25 I/O pins interface motor drivers, keypad inputs, and LED or 7-segment displays. Its 48KB FLASH fits full state-machine logic plus safety monitors, and the self-programmable FLASH supports field firmware updates for feature additions. Industrial temperature grade ensures reliable operation across kitchen and laundry environments.
Recommended
USB Device Interface Bridging
Although the PIC18F2515T-I/SO lacks native USB, its 48KB FLASH and 3968-byte RAM make it a viable USB device bridge when paired with an external USB transceiver (e.g., FTDI FT232) or a USB-capable companion chip. Use the enhanced USART for command-channel communication and MSSP for high-speed data transfer. For designs needing native USB, upgrade to PIC18F2455-I/SO or PIC18F4550 in the same 28-SOIC footprint.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Electronics
The PIC18F2515T-I/SO fits non-safety automotive body controllers such as seat adjusters, mirror modules, interior lighting, and climate control panels where its 25 I/O pins interface buttons, LEDs, and small motor drivers. The 48KB FLASH accommodates LIN protocol stacks plus application logic. Add external transient protection (TVS diodes) on supply and I/O lines to survive load-dump events; for safety-critical paths choose AEC-Q100 qualified PIC18 alternatives.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F2515T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F2510T-I/SO | PIC18F2515T-I/ML | PIC18F2515-I/SO | PIC18F2515T-I/SP | PIC18F2610T-I/SO | PIC18F24K50-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-QFN - different footprint | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SPDIP - different (through-hole) | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| FLASH Memory | 48 KB | 32 KB | 48 KB | 48 KB | 48 KB | 64 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 3968 bytes | 1536 bytes | 3968 bytes | 3968 bytes | 3968 bytes | 3968 bytes | 2048 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 48 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| USB Support | No (external required) | No | No | No | No | No | Yes (USB 2.0 FS) |
| XLP Low-Power Modes | nanoWatt (basic) | nanoWatt (basic) | nanoWatt (basic) | nanoWatt (basic) | nanoWatt (basic) | nanoWatt (basic) | XLP (advanced, sub-uA) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- 48KB FLASH - mid-density sweet spot (vs PIC18F2510T-I/SO)
- Same-family scalability without firmware changes (vs PIC18F2610T-I/SO)
- Modern XLP alternative exists with caveats (vs PIC18F24K50-I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC18F2515T-I/SO requires a clean 4.2V-5.5V regulated supply. Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pin pair (there are two VDD and two VSS pins on this 28-SOIC device). Add a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the regulator output to handle transient current spikes during peripheral switching. Avoid routing high-current switching traces near VDD traces to minimize supply noise coupled into the ADC reference.
Keep the trace from the crystal or oscillator to OSC1/OSC2 pins under 10mm and shield them with a grounded guard trace to reduce EMI susceptibility. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10k) close to the MCLR pin with a short trace. For ADC accuracy, route analog input traces away from digital switching signals, and provide a star-ground topology for AGND and DGND if the board mixes analog and digital grounds.
When using the MSSP in SPI mode at high speeds (>5MHz), keep SCK, SDO, and SDI traces matched in length (within 5mm) and as short as practically possible. Add 22-100 ohm series resistors near the source on SCK and SDO to dampen reflections if the bus exceeds 50mm total length. For I2C, populate the bus with proper pull-up resistors (4.7k for 100kHz, 2.2k for 400kHz) sized for the total bus capacitance.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating; a floating MCLR can cause sporadic resets due to noise. Ensure configuration bits are set correctly for the chosen oscillator mode - mismatched configuration bits are a common cause of 'dead' PIC18 boards. When migrating between PIC18F2510/2515/2610, verify code-size limits and check the interrupt vector map (the 2610 has extended vectors). The 'T' suffix denotes Tape & Reel packaging only - confirm your pick-and-place setup supports 28-SOIC SOIC footprints before ordering.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) but not AEC-Q100 qualified - for safety-critical automotive applications, choose AEC-Q100 qualified PIC18 variants such as PIC18F46K22-I/P.
