PIC18LF4515-I/ML - 8-Bit 40MHz PIC18 MCU 48KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF4515-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.32 | $6.32 |
| 10 | $5.81 | $58.10 |
| 100 | $5.18 | $518.00 |
| 500 | $4.62 | $2,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
PIC18LF4515-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable integrated circuit that combines a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and a set of peripherals such as timers, ADC, and communication interfaces on a single die. The PIC18 family sits within Microchip's PIC microcontroller hierarchy (PIC10/12/16/18), belonging to the broader category of RISC microcontrollers in the embedded semiconductor landscape. The "LF" prefix indicates a low-voltage Flash variant, optimized for low-power operation, while the "18" series offers an enhanced 16-bit instruction set and an 8-bit data path.
Key features of the PIC18LF4515-I/ML include 48 KB Flash with self-programming support, hardware 8x8 multiplier, C-compiler optimized RISC architecture, 10-bit ADC with multiple channels, multiple USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) interfaces, and nanoWatt technology for power-conscious designs. The 40 MHz clock rate delivers up to 10 MIPS performance, sufficient for real-time control loops in industrial and consumer applications.
The PIC18LF4515 architecture uses a Harvard-style 16-bit instruction/8-bit data bus and includes the standard PIC18 peripheral set. Its Flash memory supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) and In-Circuit Debug (ICD), allowing firmware updates and debugging directly in the target system without removing the device. The 44-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad provides a low-profile footprint while offering good thermal dissipation through PCB copper.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, home appliances, automotive body electronics (non-safety), sensor conditioning nodes, USB-class device bridges via MSSP/USART, and low-power remote controls. The combination of 48 KB Flash and 3,968 bytes RAM suits mid-complexity embedded tasks with moderate peripheral requirements.
When designing with this part, consider that the -I/ML variant operates only to +85C - for automotive or extended-temperature environments use the -E (extended) or -Q (AEC-Q100) grade. Ensure decoupling capacitors (typically 100 nF plus bulk) are placed close to the VDD/VSS pins and that the exposed pad is soldered to a sufficient copper pour to meet thermal and electrical grounding requirements.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes - including thermal and PCB layout guidance - that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to give engineers a complete procurement and design reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF4515-I/ML — 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 PIC18LF4515-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Timers, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F4515-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4515T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4550-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4550-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4515T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4510-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4515-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC18F |
| CPU Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 48 KB (24K x 16) Flash |
| Data RAM | 3,968 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Performance | 10 MIPS |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) with EP |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| Communication | USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Power-Saving Technology | nanoWatt |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP + ICD support |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC18LF4515-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 / VREF- |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN/RA7 — Oscillator input / external clock / Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT/RA6 — Oscillator output / clock out / Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 9 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / T1 clock in |
| Pin 10 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 12 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 13 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 14 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 15 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 16 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0-3.6V) |
| Pin 19 | RB0/INT0 — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 20 | RB1/INT1 — Port B bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 21 | RB2/INT2 — Port B bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 22 | RB3/INT3/CCP2 — Port B bit 3 / External interrupt 3 / CCP2 |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 24 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 25 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 26 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 27 | RE0/RD — Port E bit 0 / Parallel port read control |
| Pin 28 | RE1/WR — Port E bit 1 / Parallel port write control |
| Pin 29 | RE2/CS — Port E bit 2 / Parallel port chip select |
| Pin 30 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 31 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 32 | RD0/PSP0 — Port D bit 0 / Parallel slave port bit 0 |
| Pin 33 | RD1/PSP1 — Port D bit 1 / Parallel slave port bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RD2/PSP2 — Port D bit 2 / Parallel slave port bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RD3/PSP3 — Port D bit 3 / Parallel slave port bit 3 |
| Pin 36 | RD4/PSP4 — Port D bit 4 / Parallel slave port bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RD5/PSP5 — Port D bit 5 / Parallel slave port bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RD6/PSP6 — Port D bit 6 / Parallel slave port bit 6 |
| Pin 39 | RD7/PSP7 — Port D bit 7 / Parallel slave port bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 43 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 44 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - solder to ground plane |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF4515-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Home Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Low-Power Sensor Data Loggers, USB Device Bridges via MSSP/USART, HMI Touch Key and Display Modules, Educational and Prototyping Platforms.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC18LF4515-I/ML fits mid-complexity industrial controllers with its 48 KB Flash and 3,968 byte RAM supporting ladder-logic or state-machine firmware. The 40 MHz core delivers 10 MIPS, sufficient for PID control loops running at 1 kHz with leftover bandwidth for HMI updates. Its 36 I/O drive relay coils, optocouplers, and 4-20 mA loops through external drivers; the 10-bit ADC reads temperature, pressure, and flow sensors directly. nanoWatt modes drop quiescent current to microamps for battery-backed sensor nodes on factory floors, and the -40C to +85C industrial grade tolerates cabinet environments without derating.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Boards
Washing machines, dishwashers, and induction cooktops use the PIC18LF4515-I/ML for motor and user-interface control. The 36 I/O handle keypad scanning, LCD segment driving, and triac firing for AC loads; the 10-bit ADC monitors motor current and NTC temperature sensors for safe shutdown. Its 48 KB Flash stores appliance firmware including wash-cycle tables and fault logs. The 2.0-3.6V range suits 3.3 V regulated rails inside appliances, and the 44-QFN footprint saves board space versus DIP alternatives. nanoWatt standby modes keep idle power below EU Ecodesign limits.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Within body-electronics domains such as HVAC controls, lighting modules, and mirror adjusters, the PIC18LF4515-I/ML serves as a low-cost node controller. Its PWM and capture/compare peripherals drive LED dimmers and motor H-bridges, while the 10-bit ADC reads potentiometers for setpoint inputs. For under-hood or AEC-Q100-qualified environments, however, the -I/ML industrial-grade part is NOT appropriate - select PIC18LF45K50 or -Q variants. Here the part is used for cabin-only modules operating below +85C with the 44-QFN package providing compact mounting behind dashboard panels.
Recommended
Low-Power Sensor Data Loggers
Battery-powered sensor loggers benefit from the PIC18LF4515-I/ML's nanoWatt technology, which offers Sleep modes with sub-microamp quiescent current and selectable oscillator sources for wake-up timing. The 48 KB Flash buffers several days of sensor samples before wireless transmission, while the 3,968 byte RAM holds compressed packets. Its 10-bit ADC reads thermistors, photodiodes, or strain gauges directly, and the MSSP/I2C interface connects to external EEPROM or SPI sensors. Typical applications include remote environmental monitors, agricultural soil nodes, and smart-metering accessories.
Recommended
USB Device Bridges via MSSP/USART
While the PIC18LF4515-I/ML itself lacks native USB, it can act as a peripheral bridge controller talking to an external USB-to-UART or USB-to-SPI chip such as the MCP2200 or MCP2210. Its 48 KB Flash stores the bridging protocol state machine, and the 40 MHz core provides 10 MIPS to handle 115,200 bps UART streams without buffering overrun. The 10-bit ADC is available for analog monitoring of USB VBUS presence and overcurrent detect. This configuration is common in industrial USB-serial adapters and lab instrumentation front-ends.
Recommended
HMI Touch Key and Display Modules
User-interface modules with capacitive touch keys, segment LCDs, or small graphic OLEDs use the PIC18LF4515-I/ML as the central controller. Its 36 I/O scan 16-32 touch electrodes via the ADC or CTMU peripheral, while the MSSP SPI port drives OLED displays at 10 MHz. The 48 KB Flash holds touch libraries and display fonts, and the 3,968 byte RAM serves as a frame buffer for small images. The 44-QFN 8x8 mm footprint fits behind front panels with low profile. Recommended for kitchen appliances, audio equipment, and entry-level industrial HMIs.
Recommended
Educational and Prototyping Platforms
The PIC18LF4515-I/ML is an excellent teaching platform for embedded systems courses due to its rich PIC18 peripheral set, mature MPLAB X IDE support, and abundant application notes. The 48 KB Flash accommodates student projects exploring USB stacks, motor control, and RTOS demonstrations, while the 3,968 byte RAM supports multi-tasking kernels. The 44-QFN package, however, requires reflow soldering - educational labs may prefer the 44-pin TQFP variant (PIC18LF4515-I/PT) for hand-soldering experiments. The MPLAB PICkit 5 debugger supports this part out of the box.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF4515-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F4515-I/ML | PIC18LF4515T-I/ML | PIC18LF4550-I/ML | PIC18F4550-I/ML | PIC18F4515T-I/ML | PIC18LF4510-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8) with EP | 44-pin QFN (8x8) | 44-pin QFN (8x8) | 44-pin QFN (8x8) | 44-pin QFN (8x8) | 44-pin QFN (8x8) | 44-pin QFN (8x8) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 48 KB | 48 KB | 48 KB | 48 KB | 48 KB | 48 KB | 32 KB |
| Data RAM | 3,968 bytes | 3,968 bytes | 3,968 bytes | 3,968 bytes | 3,968 bytes | 3,968 bytes | 3,968 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0-3.6 V | 2.0-5.5 V | 2.0-3.6 V | 2.0-3.6 V | 2.0-5.5 V | 2.0-5.5 V | 2.0-3.6 V |
| Max Clock Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| USB Peripheral | No | No | No | Yes (USB 2.0 FS) | Yes (USB 2.0 FS) | No | No |
| I/O Pins | 36 | 36 | 36 | 34 | 34 | 36 | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in 5V compatibility without pinout change (vs PIC18F4515-I/ML)
- Optional USB 2.0 peripheral upgrade path (vs PIC18LF4550-I/ML)
- Reduced Flash option with same peripheral set (vs PIC18LF4510-I/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 40 MHz full activity, the PIC18LF4515-I/ML draws approximately 15 mA from a 3.3 V rail, dissipating about 50 mW. The 44-pin QFN package with exposed pad achieves roughly 35 C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on a 4-layer 1 oz PCB with a 0.25 in^2 thermal land on the exposed pad. Solder the EP to a continuous ground copper pour with thermal vias to maintain die temperature within the -40C to +85C operating range.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pin pair. Use a bulk 4.7-10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the main 3.3 V rail. Keep the crystal or external clock traces short (less than 10 mm) and surround them with ground pour. The exposed pad must be soldered to a low-impedance ground pour with at least 4 thermal vias to the inner ground plane for optimal grounding and thermal performance.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD - the LF variant lacks 5 V tolerance and the chip will be damaged. Ensure MCLR is either tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up or driven by the debugger; a floating MCLR pin causes erratic resets. When using ICSP, isolate the PGC/PGD lines from high-current traces to prevent programming failures. The -I/ML grade is industrial temperature only; do not use in AEC-Q100 designs without the appropriate -Q suffix variant.
The MSSP SPI bus can run up to 10 MHz at 3.3 V - keep traces short and impedance-controlled (target 50 ohm single-ended) if the SPI peripheral is more than 50 mm from the bus master. The USART pins can drive RS-232 line lengths when buffered through a MAX232 or similar; for longer runs use RS-485 transceivers like the MCP2551. The parallel slave port (PSP) on PORTD should be used only for short-distance, on-board memory expansion.
nanoWatt technology provides Sleep (sub-1 uA), Idle (approximately 1-5 mA), and Run (approximately 10-20 mA) modes. To enter Sleep, execute the SLEEP instruction with the watchdog timer disabled. Wake-up sources include external interrupts on INT0-INT3, port-B interrupt-on-change, watchdog timer timeout, and RTCC alarm. Configure unused peripherals to off in the relevant PMD registers to minimize Sleep current in battery applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade only (-40C to +85C); NOT AEC-Q100 qualified. For AEC-Q100 select PIC18LF45K50-Q or similar automotive-qualified variants. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declarations.
