PIC16C715-20E/P - 8-bit CMOS MCU 3.5KB OTP 4ch ADC DIP-18
MPN: PIC16C715-20E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.43 | $3.43 |
| 10 | $3.09 | $30.90 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.41 | $1,205.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.16 | $2,160.00 |
PIC16C715-20E/P Overview
An 8-bit OTP microcontroller is a single-chip computer with one-time-programmable non-volatile program memory that can be written exactly once, after which the code becomes permanent. The PIC16 family belongs to the broader PICmicro taxonomy (8-bit MCU -> RISC MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC), and is fully upwards compatible with the PIC16C5X baseline and PIC12CXXX 8-pin families, allowing code and toolchain reuse across product lines.
Key features include 13 individually direction-controlled digital I/O pins, an 8-bit Timer0 with 8-bit prescaler, brown-out reset (BOR) circuitry for safe power-up, a watchdog timer, and four multiplexed ADC channels with 8-bit resolution. The wide 4.0V to 5.5V supply range targets legacy 5V-only designs, while the integrated ADC eliminates an external converter in cost-sensitive analog sensing applications.
Internally, the PIC16C715 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and operand access to occur in the same cycle. The 14-bit wide instruction word and RISC engine deliver deterministic 200 ns instruction timing, simplifying real-time control loops. The -20E speed grade guarantees 20 MHz operation across the -40C to +125C extended industrial temperature range, making the part suitable for harsh-environment automotive, appliance, and industrial control boards.
Typical applications include automotive sensor interfacing, white-goods and small-appliance controllers, simple industrial automation nodes, and consumer products requiring on-board analog signal acquisition. The 4-channel ADC supports direct connection to thermistors, potentiometers, and low-bandwidth analog sensors without external signal conditioning.
When designing with this part, note that the EPROM windowless package is intended for production use only; for prototype development, use the PIC16C715/JW ceramic windowed package for UV-eraseable parts, or migrate to the flash-based PIC16F716 for reprogrammability. Always include proper decoupling (100 nF + 10 uF) within 5 mm of the VDD pin to suppress switching transients during EPROM programming.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in DIP-18 alternatives drawn from the Site MPN cross-reference list, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet for engineers evaluating long-term sourcing of PIC16C7x legacy designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C715-20E/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 PIC16C715-20E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Program Memory Size, ADC, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C715-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-04E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-20E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-20I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C710-20E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-20E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Architecture | PIC16 RISC, Harvard |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2048 x 14-bit words) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 0 bytes (none) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 4 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| I/O Pins | 13 individually direction-controlled |
| Timers | 8-bit Timer0 with 8-bit prescaler + WDT |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, "E") |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (0.300 inch, plastic DIP-18) |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes, integrated |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, on-chip |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole (DIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Tube Quantity | 25 per tube (per Microchip packaging standard) |
PIC16C715-20E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / External interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C715-20E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Sensor Interface, White-Goods and Small-Appliance Control, Industrial Automation Nodes, Consumer Electronics Control Boards, Battery Charging and Power Management Front-End, Educational and Development Platforms.
Automotive Sensor Interface
The PIC16C715-20E/P's 4-channel 8-bit ADC and extended -40C to +125C temperature rating make it a practical fit for body-electronics sensor modules such as temperature probes, position sensors, and switch-matrix interfaces inside the cabin. Its 200 ns instruction cycle supports 5 MIPS of throughput, enough for periodic ADC scans of thermistor dividers and PWM-driven indicator outputs at automotive bus refresh rates. The integrated brown-out reset prevents EPROM corruption during cranking transients, a known issue in 12V automotive systems. Paired with a CAN or LIN transceiver, the MCU forms the front-end of an automotive sensor node with minimal external components.
Recommended
White-Goods and Small-Appliance Control
Washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and coffee makers all rely on a simple 8-bit MCU to read user inputs, drive relays and triacs, and monitor NTC temperature sensors. The PIC16C715-20E/P's 13 GPIO pins are well-matched to a 7-segment display interface plus a button matrix, while the 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads temperature, water level, and humidity sensors. The 35-instruction PIC16 RISC core keeps firmware simple, and the 3.5KB EPROM is sufficient for state-machine appliance controllers. Industrial-grade temperature tolerance allows installation in the hot compartment of dishwashers and the back panel of ovens.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Nodes
Discrete I/O modules and small PLC expansion cards benefit from the PIC16C715-20E/P's combination of 13 GPIO, a watchdog timer, and brown-out reset. The MCU can scan 4-8 digital inputs, debounce mechanical contacts, drive relay coils, and read a 4-20 mA loop signal via one of its 4 ADC channels. The 5 MIPS throughput is sufficient for sub-millisecond scan times typical of industrial protocols, and the extended temperature range supports cabinet-mount installations near motors and heaters. Designers often pair it with an optocoupler-isolated RS-485 transceiver to communicate with a master PLC over Modbus RTU.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Control Boards
Remote-control toys, hobby robotics, low-end audio mixers, and consumer peripherals use a PIC16C715-20E/P as the central controller where cost is paramount and the program fits in 3.5KB. The 4-channel ADC is enough for a couple of analog inputs (battery voltage, joystick, audio level), while the 13 GPIO drive buttons, LEDs, a small LCD, and an IR receiver. The Harvard architecture and deterministic 200 ns instruction timing simplify real-time IR protocol decoding for TV remote control receivers. The DIP-18 package allows easy hand-soldering for hobbyists and rapid prototyping.
Recommended
Battery Charging and Power Management Front-End
Lead-acid battery chargers, solar charge controllers, and small UPS systems use the PIC16C715-20E/P to monitor battery voltage, charge current, and temperature via the integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC. The MCU runs a closed-loop charging algorithm by driving a MOSFET or relay through one of the 13 GPIO pins, with the brown-out reset protecting against low-voltage brown-outs that could corrupt EPROM state. The 5 MIPS throughput easily supports PID-based charge current regulation sampled at 1 kHz. The DIP-18 package is convenient for hand-built and small-volume power-electronics prototypes.
Recommended
Educational and Development Platforms
The PIC16C715-20E/P is well suited to introductory embedded-systems courses because its 35-instruction PIC16 RISC core is small enough to teach in one semester, yet powerful enough to implement UART, I2C master, ADC scanning, and PWM in assembly or C. The DIP-18 through-hole package is breadboard-friendly and pairs with inexpensive PIC programmers like the PICkit 3 (for the flash-based PIC16F716 successor) or the PICSTART Plus. The integrated peripherals teach real-world embedded concepts: timers, interrupts, watchdog, brown-out reset, and ADC. Student projects range from digital thermometers to line-following robots and home alarm panels.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C715-20E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C715-20/P | PIC16C715-04E/P | PIC16C712-20E/P | PIC16C711-20/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-18 | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB EPROM | 3.5 KB EPROM | 3.5 KB EPROM | 3.5 KB EPROM | 1.75 KB EPROM |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 68 B |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 4ch x 8-bit | 4ch x 8-bit | 4ch x 8-bit | 4ch x 8-bit | 4ch x 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature range in identical 18-pin PDIP package (vs PIC16C715-20/P)
- 20 MHz max clock for 5 MIPS throughput (vs PIC16C715-04E/P)
- Largest memory in the PIC16C7x 18-pin family (vs PIC16C711-20/P)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on the same node to suppress switching transients during EPROM programming and high-current GPIO transitions. The PIC16C715-20E/P draws approximately 5-15 mA typical and up to 25 mA during EPROM row programming, so regulator headroom must accommodate programming spikes. Brown-out reset (BOR) is integrated and protects EPROM contents below approximately 4.0V; ensure the regulator has clean transient response to avoid spurious BOR events.
Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1 pin 16 and OSC2 pin 15) short and surrounded by a ground pour to minimize stray capacitance and radiated EMI. For 20 MHz operation use a fundamental-mode crystal with 15-33 pF load capacitors tied to ground. If using an external clock oscillator module, drive OSC1 only and leave OSC2 floating; an RC network is also supported for cost-sensitive low-frequency applications but is not recommended above 4 MHz.
The PIC16C715-20E/P is OTP EPROM and cannot be re-programmed in-circuit; any firmware revision requires a new MCU. For development and field-updatable products, migrate to the PIC16F716 (flash-based, ICSP+ICD support) or use the PIC16C715/JW (windowed CERDIP) for UV-eraseable prototypes. Always verify the CONFIG word (watchdog, oscillator, code protection, BOR enable) is set correctly before programming; once programmed, EPROM parts cannot be re-erased for CONFIG changes.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Standard PIC16C715 family is not AEC-Q100 qualified; consult Microchip automotive portfolio for AEC-Q100 drop-ins.
