PIC18LF2515-I/SP - 8-Bit 40MHz 48KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF2515-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.1 | $7.10 |
| 10 | $6.38 | $63.80 |
| 100 | $5.67 | $567.00 |
| 500 | $5.05 | $2,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.48 | $4,480.00 |
PIC18LF2515-I/SP Overview
Key features include a RISC Harvard architecture with 16-bit instructions and 8-bit data path, a wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating voltage range supporting both 3.3V and 5V designs, nanoWatt power management with multiple low-power modes (Idle, Sleep), and an internal 32 kHz oscillator with PLL for flexible clocking. The integrated CAN 2.0B peripheral makes the PIC18LF2515 a classic choice for legacy industrial networking.
Architecturally, the PIC18LF2515 belongs to Microchip's PIC18 enhanced Mid-Range family, providing C-compiler friendly architecture with 75 instructions, hardware multiplier, and prioritized interrupts. The flash memory supports self-programming for bootloader-based firmware updates, and the device offers 256 bytes of EEPROM for non-volatile data storage.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, CAN-node embedded systems, HVAC and building control, sensor signal conditioning hubs, and low-power consumer appliances. The wide voltage range and rich peripherals allow it to serve as a main MCU or as a peripheral slave in larger architectures.
When designing with the PIC18LF2515, ensure your decoupling layout follows Microchip's analog and digital VDD/AVDD separation guidelines, and consider the ICD (In-Circuit Debug) header for development. Use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for firmware development.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives in the 28-pin SPDIP footprint, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF2515-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 PIC18LF2515-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, Mounting Type, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF2510-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2520-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2515-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC18F Mid-Range Enhanced |
| Program Memory | 48 KB Flash (24K x 16 words) |
| RAM | 1536 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), CAN 2.0B |
| Timers | Multiple 8-bit and 16-bit |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (Skinny PDIP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF2515-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog AN0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog AN2 / VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog AN3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Digital I/O (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog AN4 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 — Crystal/clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — Crystal/clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Digital I/O / SCL/SPI clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Digital I/O / SDA/SPI data in |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Digital I/O / RX |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — Digital I/O / interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF2515-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial CAN Bus Node, HVAC Building Automation Controller, Sensor Signal Conditioning Hub, Low-Power Consumer Appliance Controller, Automotive Body Control Module (Non-Safety), Industrial RS-485 Sensor Network Master.
Industrial CAN Bus Node
The PIC18LF2515-I/SP is ideally suited for industrial CAN bus nodes due to its integrated CAN 2.0B controller, 48 KB Flash for CANopen/DeviceNet protocol stacks, and -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating. Its 40 MHz CPU core provides sufficient throughput for handling 1 Mbps CAN traffic with application-layer protocol processing. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply range supports both 3.3V and 5V CAN transceivers such as MCP2551 or TJA1050. Industrial CAN bus applications benefit from the LF2515's 25 I/O pins for digital sensor interfacing and its 10-bit ADC for analog monitoring. The flash self-programming capability also enables in-field firmware updates via bootloader over CAN.
Recommended
HVAC Building Automation Controller
HVAC and building automation controllers benefit from the PIC18LF2515-I/SP's combination of 48 KB Flash for control logic, 1536 bytes RAM for sensor data buffers, and 256 bytes EEPROM for non-volatile setpoint storage. The EUSART peripheral supports RS-485 multi-drop communication to building management systems, while MSSP (SPI/I2C) interfaces to digital temperature/humidity sensors and EEPROMs. The 10-bit ADC with 11 channels handles multiple analog sensor inputs for zone temperature, pressure, and airflow monitoring. The wide 2.0V-5.5V operating voltage allows direct connection to 24V-derived industrial supplies with simple linear regulation. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade supports unconditioned mechanical room deployment.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Hub
Sensor signal conditioning hubs use the PIC18LF2515-I/SP to aggregate multiple analog and digital sensor inputs in industrial environments. The 10-bit ADC with 11 input channels handles multi-zone sensor reading, while 25 I/O pins manage digital sensors, status LEDs, and relay outputs. At 40 MHz CPU clock, the LF2515 can sample multiple sensor channels with adequate filtering and run calibration algorithms. The integrated EUSART and MSSP enable forwarding sensor data to upstream controllers or local displays. Low-voltage LF operation at 2.0V-5.5V allows battery-backed sensor hub designs with extended runtime via nanoWatt sleep modes when measurement duty cycles permit.
Recommended
Low-Power Consumer Appliance Controller
Low-power consumer appliance controllers leverage the PIC18LF2515-I/SP's nanoWatt technology with multiple low-power modes (Idle, Sleep) and wide 2.0V-5.5V operation that supports direct battery connection. The 48 KB Flash accommodates appliance control firmware with state machines, user interface handling, and safety logic. EEPROM stores user settings and calibration values across power cycles. The 25 I/O pins drive keypads, displays, motor controls, and indicator LEDs. Verified Web Data confirms active deployment in consumer electronics. EUSART and MSSP enable diagnostic communication during manufacturing test and field service updates.
Recommended
Automotive Body Control Module (Non-Safety)
Non-safety automotive body control modules historically used the PIC18LF2515-I/SP for comfort features like seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and lighting nodes where industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade suffices. The CAN 2.0B peripheral integrates with vehicle CAN bus, while PWM-capable timer peripherals drive LED dimming and servo control. Note: for safety-critical applications, an AEC-Q100 qualified MCU is required; this part is industrial-grade. Verified Web Data notes automotive system applications. The 48 KB Flash handles multi-feature body control firmware, and 25 I/O pins manage switch inputs and actuator outputs.
Recommended
Industrial RS-485 Sensor Network Master
Industrial RS-485 sensor network master designs use the PIC18LF2515-I/SP as a polling-and-modulating controller that aggregates data from distributed Modbus RTU slaves. The EUSART peripheral with hardware address detection supports RS-485 multi-drop configurations, while 48 KB Flash accommodates Modbus stack and application logic. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply accepts industrial 24V with simple regulation. 1536 bytes RAM holds received register maps and command buffers. The 10-bit ADC handles local analog sensor readings alongside remote data aggregation. Industrial temperature grade ensures reliable operation in factory environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF2515-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF2510-I/SP | PIC18LF2520-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 48 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB |
| RAM | 1536 bytes | 1536 bytes | 1536 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| CAN 2.0B Peripheral | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Balanced 48 KB Flash for mid-complexity firmware (vs PIC18LF2510-I/SP)
- Lower memory cost when full 48 KB not needed (vs PIC18LF2520-I/SP)
- Integrated CAN 2.0B saves external components (vs PIC18F4550-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pin 20 and any AVCC if used) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or electrolytic capacitor on the main supply rail. The PIC18LF2515-I/SP has multiple VDD/VSS pin pairs; ensuring low-inductance decoupling prevents logic noise from coupling into sensitive analog measurements. For battery-powered designs, leverage the nanoWatt sleep modes to reduce quiescent current below 1 uA typical.
When using the ADC, route analog and digital sections on opposite sides of the chip with separate ground returns to AVSS. Place the analog reference decoupling capacitor (4.7 uV) adjacent to the VREF+ pin. Avoid routing digital signals (especially PWM or EUSART) directly under analog traces. For CAN bus applications, keep the CANRX/CANTX traces short and use a twisted-pair cable with 120 ohm termination at both ends of the bus.
Do not exceed 5.5V on any VDD pin even briefly; the PIC18LF2515 is not 5V-tolerant on I/O when operating at 3.3V. Always use an ICD header for development, even in production prototypes, to allow in-circuit debugging. Configure the Configuration bits (config register) carefully - particularly the watchdog timer (WDT) and brown-out reset (BOR) - before code can run reliably. For CAN bus, ensure the configuration bits enable the CAN peripheral clock and proper I/O mapping. For RTC or low-power timing, use the 32 kHz Timer1 oscillator with a watch crystal rather than the main oscillator.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C); not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AEC-Q100 qualified PIC18 variants for automotive safety applications.
