PIC18F4515-I/P - 8-bit 40MHz 48KB Flash MCU 40-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F4515-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.92 | $7.92 |
| 10 | $7.13 | $71.30 |
| 100 | $6.05 | $605.00 |
| 500 | $5.32 | $2,660.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.78 | $4,780.00 |
PIC18F4515-I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC18F family uses a modified Harvard RISC architecture with 16-bit instructions and 8-bit data path, designed by Microchip as the high-performance tier of their 8-bit portfolio and widely deployed in motor control, instrumentation, and embedded control.
Key features include the 40 MHz internal oscillator support, nanoWatt Technology for low-power sleep modes, a 10-bit ADC with up to 13 input channels, two USART modules, an MSSP (Master Synchronous Serial Port) supporting SPI and I2C, two CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) modules plus an enhanced ECCP, and a parallel slave port for external bus interfacing. The 36 digital I/O pins are 5V tolerant, with hardware PWM and interrupt-on-change capability.
Architecturally, the device uses a 16-bit modified Harvard core with 32 KB of linear program addressing, an 8x8 hardware multiplier, and a priority-interrupt controller. The 48 KB Flash supports self-programming, enabling in-field firmware updates via bootloader, and the nanoWatt Technology suite provides deep-sleep current in the microamp range for battery-backed applications.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, HVAC fan and damper controllers, security and alarm panels, low-end automotive body modules, instrumentation front-ends, and educational/development platforms such as the PICDEM board ecosystem, where the 40-pin PDIP allows easy breadboard prototyping.
When designing with this part, ensure the MCLR reset pin is properly pulled up with a 10 kohm resistor and that VDD decoupling includes a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each power pin. Programming is supported via the ICSP interface using the MPLAB PICkit 5, ICD 4, or MPLAB X IDE 6.x toolchain, with no external crystal required when using the internal oscillator.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives from the PIC18F family, and practical design notes drawn from the manufacturer datasheet - content not found on any single distributor or manufacturer page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F4515-I/P — 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 PIC18F4515-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F4525-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4520-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4510-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.27 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K22-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4515-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4515-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.67 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4515-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18F RISC, modified Harvard |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 48 KB (24K x 16 words) |
| Data SRAM | 3,968 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels |
| Timers (8-bit / 16-bit) | 1 x 8-bit, 3 x 16-bit |
| CCP / ECCP Modules | 2 CCP + 1 ECCP |
| USART | 2 modules (with LIN support) |
| MSSP (SPI / I2C) | 1 module, SPI and I2C modes |
| Parallel Slave Port | Yes |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (0.600 inch / 15.24 mm body width) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I-suffix) |
| Low-Power Mode | nanoWatt Technology (Sleep, Idle, deep Sleep) |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free finish) |
PIC18F4515-I/P 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 channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Port E bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port read / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — Port E bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port write / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — Port E bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port chip select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive power supply (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock / Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / clock output / Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T13CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator output / Timer 1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / MSSP SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0 — Port D bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port data 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1 — Port D bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port data 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2 — Port D bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port data 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3 — Port D bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port data 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / MSSP SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / MSSP SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART1 transmit / USART1 clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART1 receive / USART1 data |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — Port D bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port data 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 — Port D bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port data 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6 — Port D bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port data 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7 — Port D bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port data 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive power supply (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT0/AN8 — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt 0 / Analog input 8 |
| Pin 34 | RB1/INT1/AN10 — Port B bit 1 / External interrupt 1 / Analog input 10 |
| Pin 35 | RB2/INT2/AN8 — Port B bit 2 / External interrupt 2 / Analog input 8 (alt) |
| Pin 36 | RB3/INT3/CCP2/AN9 — Port B bit 3 / External interrupt 3 / CCP2 / Analog input 9 |
| Pin 37 | RB4/KBI0/AN11 — Port B bit 4 / Interrupt-on-change bit 0 / Analog input 11 |
| Pin 38 | RB5/KBI1/AN12 — Port B bit 5 / Interrupt-on-change bit 1 / Analog input 12 |
| Pin 39 | RB6/KBI2/PGC — Port B bit 6 / Interrupt-on-change bit 2 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/KBI3/PGD — Port B bit 7 / Interrupt-on-change bit 3 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18F4515-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, HVAC Fan and Damper Controllers, Security and Alarm Panels, Instrumentation Front-Ends, Educational Development Boards, Low-End Automotive Body Modules.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC18F4515-I/P is well suited for industrial control panels thanks to its 48 KB Flash and 3,968 bytes of SRAM, which comfortably host a real-time scheduler plus LCD/HMI driver, and its 36 I/O pins to drive relays, optocouplers, and 7-segment displays. Its 13-channel 10-bit ADC reads panel-mount sensors (temperature, pressure, level) while the two USARTs link to a master PLC or HMI module. Compared with a CPLD-based approach the integrated nanoWatt low-power modes cut standby draw for always-on panels.
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Damper Controllers
In HVAC fan and damper loops the PIC18F4515-I/P's ECCP module generates the high-resolution PWM needed for brushless DC fan speed control, while the 13-channel ADC samples NTC thermistors, humidity probes, and duct pressure sensors. The 40 MHz core runs a PI control loop at adequate sampling rate, and the nanoWatt deep-sleep mode drops standby current below 100 nA for off-cycle periods. The 40-pin PDIP package simplifies field-serviceable through-hole assembly in legacy HVAC control boards.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
Security alarm panels benefit from the PIC18F4515-I/P's parallel slave port for fast zone-expansion via external shift registers and its 36 I/O pins to monitor up to 32 wired zones plus a keypad matrix. Flash self-programming supports secure bootloader-based firmware updates over the USART, while the 256-byte EEPROM stores zone configuration and event logs without battery backup. The -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature grade ensures reliable operation in unheated attics, garages, and basements.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front-Ends
For bench and laboratory instrumentation, the PIC18F4515-I/P provides a 10-bit ADC with 13 channels to digitize sensor analog outputs, plus two USARTs to bridge to a host PC or display controller. The 48 KB Flash holds calibration constants and linearization tables, while the MSSP serves an SPI LCD or external DAC. Compared with discrete ADC + 8-bit CPU designs, this integrated approach reduces PCB area and BOM cost in multimeters, weigh scales, and process calibrators.
Recommended
Educational Development Boards
The 40-pin PDIP package of the PIC18F4515-I/P is breadboard-friendly and ideal for university courses teaching embedded systems, where students can swap the MCU in a socketed board without rework. Its 48 KB Flash hosts the full Microchip application library (USB, TCP/IP lite, graphics) for lab exercises, and the ICSP header allows students to reprogram in seconds. The industrial temperature rating also lets the same lab board be used outdoors in field-measurement projects.
Recommended
Low-End Automotive Body Modules
In non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting, seat controllers, or mirror adjusters, the PIC18F4515-I/P's 40-pin PDIP footprint simplifies through-hole assembly for low-volume aftermarket and accessory products. Its two LIN-capable USARTs connect to body networks, while the ECCP drives small motors and the ADC reads current sense resistors for LED and motor feedback. Designers should note this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for OEM automotive use, the dsPIC33 or PIC18F-K families offer automotive-grade alternatives.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F4515-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F4525-I/P | PIC18F4520-I/P | PIC18F4510-I/P | PIC18F46K22-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 48 KB | 48 KB - same | 32 KB (-33%) | 32 KB (-33%) | 64 KB (+33%) |
| Data SRAM | 3,968 bytes | 3,968 bytes - same | 1,536 bytes (-61%) | 1,536 bytes (-61%) | 3,896 bytes (-2%) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS - same | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS - same | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS - same | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS (+60%) |
| USB 2.0 SIE | No | Yes (full-speed) | No | No | No |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt | nanoWatt | nanoWatt | nanoWatt | nanoWatt XLP (better sleep current) |
| Temperature Grade (this I/P) | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Industrial -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Higher Flash density in the same 40-pin PDIP (vs PIC18F4520-I/P)
- No USB SIE keeps BOM cost low (vs PIC18F4525-I/P)
- Modern XLP upgrade path on same footprint (vs PIC18F46K22-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair (two pairs on the 40-pin PDIP: pins 11/12 and 31/32). For designs driving relays or LEDs add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor near the MCU supply pin. nanoWatt sleep current on this part is specified in the Microchip PIC18F4515 datasheet electrical characteristics table; verify against your application's standby budget before relying on battery-backed operation. Estimated: with only the 100 nF caps and 5 V supply the MCU itself draws roughly 10 mA active at 40 MHz.
Route the ICSP lines PGC (RB6) and PGD (RB7) to a 5-pin header (1x5 or 2x3) with MCLR, VDD, and VSS so the board can be programmed in-circuit. Place a 10 kohm pull-up resistor on MCLR and a Schottky diode (1N5817 or equivalent) from MCLR to VDD to allow in-circuit programming without disturbing the reset line. Keep the trace length of the crystal or oscillator less than 12 mm and guard both pins with a ground ring for noise immunity, per Microchip AN588 (PICmicro oscillator design).
Do not assume the parallel slave port is enabled by default - PSP control bits must be set in the PORTE register. The MSSP module can operate in SPI mode or I2C mode but not both simultaneously; verify which peripherals you need before committing. The PIC18F4515-I/P is not AEC-Q100 qualified, so do not use it as a primary MCU for safety-critical automotive ECUs - migrate to a dsPIC33 or PIC18F-K automotive grade for OEM production. Finally, ensure the I-suffix industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C) matches your deployment envelope; the E-suffix extended grade goes to +125 C.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free finish. Industrial temperature grade -40 C to +85 C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety designs choose an automotive-grade PIC or dsPIC variant.
