PIC16C715-20/P - 8-bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, 3.5KB, 13 I/O, A/D | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C715-20/P β Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.61 | $261.00 |
| 500 | $2.24 | $1,120.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.94 | $1,940.00 |
PIC16C715-20/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (ROM/RAM), and peripherals onto one die; the PIC mid-range family extends this concept with a RISC Harvard architecture where program and data buses are physically separated, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch plus data access for deterministic, predictable execution. PIC microcontrollers remain a foundational part of the broader 8-bit MCU market (a sub-category of microcontrollers, which themselves belong to integrated circuits / embedded computing) and are widely deployed in cost-sensitive embedded applications.
Key features of the PIC16C715-20/P include 4 channels of 8-bit A/D conversion (making it ideal for sensor reading applications), a 20 MHz maximum operating frequency, 8-bit data path width, on-chip oscillator support (with optional external crystal/resonator), and a wide operating voltage range supporting both 3.0V and 5.0V system designs. The integrated A/D converter eliminates the need for external ADC chips in many designs, reducing BOM cost and PCB footprint.
Architecturally, the PIC16C715 employs a 14-bit instruction word with separate program and data buses (Harvard architecture), enabling most instructions to execute in a single instruction cycle. The 8-level deep hardware stack supports nested subroutine calls without software overhead. This OTP-based device is one-time programmable, meaning program memory cannot be erased electrically - making it suitable for production volumes but less ideal for prototyping compared to flash-based PIC16F series.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, appliance controllers, automotive sensor interfaces, consumer electronics, low-cost data acquisition systems, and battery-powered instruments. The integrated A/D makes it particularly suited for any application needing analog signal measurement alongside digital I/O control.
When designing with the PIC16C715-20/P, remember that it is OTP memory - firmware is permanently written at production time and cannot be updated in the field. For designs requiring in-field reprogrammability or prototype iteration, Microchip recommends migrating to the flash-based PIC16F716, which offers similar peripherals and pin compatibility while supporting hundreds of erase/write cycles.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, lifecycle data, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C715-20/P β 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 PIC16C715-20/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F716-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715-20I/P
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-20/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.18 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C711-20/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C621A-20/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C71-20/P
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715-20/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (single-cycle) |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-word |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| A/D Converter | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels deep |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (P) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Halogen Free | Compliant |
| Country of Origin | Thailand |
| Introduction Date | July 28, 1997 |
| ECCN | EAR99 |
PIC16C715-20/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β Digital I/O RA0 / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β Digital I/O RA1 / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β Digital I/O RA2 / analog input AN2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF β Digital I/O RA3 / analog input AN3 / A/D voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β Digital I/O RA4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS/AN4 β Digital I/O RA5 / SPI slave select / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT β Digital I/O RB0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 13 | RB1 β Digital I/O RB1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 β Digital I/O RB2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3 β Digital I/O RB3 |
| Pin 16 | RB4 β Digital I/O RB4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 β Digital I/O RB5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6 β Digital I/O RB6 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C715-20/P is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Modules, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics, Battery-Powered Measurement Instruments, Smart Home Sensor Nodes, Educational and Hobbyist Electronics, Low-Cost Data Acquisition Front-Ends.
Industrial Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC16C715-20/P fits industrial sensor interface modules where its integrated 4-channel 8-bit A/D converter directly digitizes analog signals from temperature, pressure, or flow sensors without an external ADC chip. At 20 MHz with 200 ns instruction execution, the MCU can sample multiple sensor channels and run basic linearization routines within microseconds, while the 13 digital I/O pins drive relays, LEDs, or communicate over RS-232 / RS-485 transceivers. The 18-PDIP through-hole package supports hand-soldered and socketed industrial assemblies, simplifying field replacement.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C715-20/P is well-suited for cost-sensitive consumer appliance control boards such as washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and HVAC controllers. The 35-instruction RISC core plus 3.5 KB OTP program memory holds appliance state-machine firmware, while the 8-bit A/D reads potentiometers, NTC thermistors, and current-sensing shunts for closed-loop control. The 8-level hardware stack supports nested interrupt service routines from keypad scanning, timer overflows, and zero-crossing detection.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C715-20/P can serve automotive body electronics applications such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, lighting modules, and dashboard accessory controllers when the industrial-temperature -20C to +85C variant is selected. The 4-channel 8-bit A/D reads potentiometer positions and current-shunt monitors for motor feedback, while 13 I/O pins drive MOSFET gate drivers and PWM-controlled actuators. The wide PIC16C mid-range ecosystem provides reference firmware for CAN, LIN, and PWM motor control routines.
Battery-Powered Measurement Instruments
For battery-powered handheld measurement instruments, the PIC16C715-20/P integrates the ADC, MCU core, and digital I/O onto one chip, minimizing quiescent current draw and extending battery life. The 8-bit A/D provides adequate resolution for handheld multimeters, insulation testers, and simple oscilloscope probes, while the 20 MHz CPU runs LCD driver routines, button debouncing, and auto-ranging algorithms in real time. The OTP memory ensures firmware cannot be corrupted by voltage transients common in field-portable equipment.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Nodes
The PIC16C715-20/P fits entry-level smart home sensor nodes where cost is paramount and firmware is finalized at production. Its 4-channel 8-bit A/D reads light-dependent resistors (LDRs), thermistors, PIR motion sensor outputs, and gas-sensor analog signals, while digital I/O controls relays, buzzers, and LED indicators. The 35-instruction RISC architecture is simple enough for low-level firmware engineers to develop sensor fusion algorithms without an RTOS, keeping BOM cost low for high-volume smart-home product lines.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Electronics
The PIC16C715-20/P, while now Last Time Buy, remains a useful teaching tool for university embedded systems courses and hobbyists learning 8-bit microcontroller programming. The 35 single-word instruction set is approachable for beginners, the 8-level hardware stack is simple to understand versus 32-bit ARM Cortex stacks, and the 18-PDIP package drops easily into breadboards and through-hole prototype boards. New learners should consider the PIC16F716-I/P or PIC16F88 for active production parts with flash memory and ICD debugging support.
Recommended
Low-Cost Data Acquisition Front-Ends
The PIC16C715-20/P serves as a low-cost data acquisition front-end for USB-to-serial sensor loggers and PC-connected instrumentation. Its 4-channel 8-bit ADC samples analog inputs at rates sufficient for vibration, temperature, and pressure logging, while UART-based digital I/O streams data to a host computer at standard baud rates. Engineers can build complete 4-channel data loggers with the PIC16C715 plus an external RS-232 or USB-UART bridge, achieving under $5 total BOM cost in production volumes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C715-20/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F716-I/P | PIC16C715-20I/P | PIC16C712-20/P | PIC16C711-20/P | PIC16C621A-20/P | PIC16C71-20/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-PDIP | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (3.5 KB / 2K x 14) | Flash (3.5 KB) - reprogrammable | OTP (3.5 KB) - same | OTP (2 KB) - smaller | OTP (2 KB) - smaller | OTP (256 B) - much smaller | OTP (2 KB) - smaller |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| A/D Converter | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | None - no ADC | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 68 bytes - smaller | 96 bytes | 36 bytes - smaller |
| Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy (EOL ~2019) | Active | Last Time Buy (EOL ~2019) | Last Time Buy (EOL ~2019) | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip 4-channel 8-bit A/D converter at 18-pin count (vs PIC16C621A-20/P)
- Flash memory for in-system reprogrammability (vs PIC16F716-I/P)
- Active production status vs Last Time Buy (vs PIC16F716-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C715-20/P uses OTP (one-time programmable) memory, so firmware bugs cannot be repaired in the field. Engineers should develop and debug on a flash-based sibling such as the PIC16F716-I/P, then port validated firmware to the PIC16C715 only for high-volume production runs. Allow extra time for prototype validation to avoid scrapping programmed parts.
Add decoupling capacitors: place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 11) and a 10 uF bulk electrolytic or tantalum on the VDD rail. For A/D converter accuracy, add a separate 100 nF decoupling cap on the VREF/RA3 pin (pin 5) if used as a voltage reference. This isolates digital switching noise from the analog supply, improving A/D conversion accuracy by typically 1-2 LSB.
Route the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to VSS for reliable reset behavior. Place the crystal or resonator as close as possible to OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15), with short traces and a ground guard ring for noise immunity. Keep analog input traces (RA0-RA5) away from digital switching signals to minimize crosstalk into the 8-bit A/D converter.
When using the 4-channel 8-bit A/D converter, configure unused analog pins as digital outputs (not analog inputs) to reduce input leakage current. Acquire multiple samples and apply software averaging for noisy sensor readings - this typically improves effective resolution from 8 bits to ~10 bits equivalent for slowly-varying signals. The A/D conversion clock must be derived from the system oscillator per the datasheet's Tad specification for guaranteed accuracy.
Compliance Information
Halogen-free compliant per GlobalSpec datasheet record. RoHS compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive applications should consider PIC16F716 or newer automotive-grade PIC MCUs. Country of origin: Thailand. ECCN: EAR99 (no export restrictions).
