Build with MCP2515 — Datasheet Specs & AI Design Help

00 — Overview

What the MCP2515 does

The MCP2515 is a stand-alone Controller Area Network (CAN) controller implementing CAN V2.0B at 1Mb/s. It supports standard and extended data frames with two receive buffers, six 29-bit filters, and three prioritized transmit buffers. The device operates from 2.7V to 5.5V with a typical 5mA active current and 1µA standby current. It features a high-speed 10MHz SPI interface and supports industrial and extended temperature ranges from -40°C to +125°C. Engineers typically use this component to simplify CAN bus interfacing for microcontrollers, handling message filtering, transmission, and reception without requiring external protocol hardware.

Next step

Start building with MCP2515 → Every number above is cited straight from the datasheet — ask what they mean for your design, and the assistant answers from the same source documents.

01 — Key specifications

Datasheet parameters

Datasheet parameters for MCP2515
Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Conditions	Source
quiescent current (abs max)	—	—	10 mA	VDD = 5.5V, FOSC = 25 MHz, FCLK = 1 MHz, SO = Open; 13.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings†	Microchip datasheet, p. 74 — 13.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings†
supply voltage range (abs max)	2.7 V	—	5.5 V	13.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings†	Microchip datasheet, p. 74 — 13.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings†
operating temperature	-40 °C	—	85 °C		Microchip datasheet, p. 1
clock frequency	—	—	10 MHz	fclk; SPI INTERFACE AC CHARACTERISTICS	Microchip datasheet, p. 77 — TABLE 13-6: SPI INTERFACE AC CHARACTERISTICS
standby current (abs max)	—	—	5 µA	CS, TXnRTS = VDD, inputs tied to VDDor VSS, -40°C TO +85°C; (sleep mode); 13.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings†	Microchip datasheet, p. 74 — 13.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings†
data rate	—	1 Mbps	—		Microchip datasheet, p. 1
output voltage low (abs max)	—	—	600 mV	IOL = +1.6 mA, VDD = 4.5V; 13.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings†	Microchip datasheet, p. 74 — 13.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings†
channel count	—	1	—		Microchip datasheet, p. 1

02 — Alternatives

Closest matches to MCP2515

GM3085E 1.5× lower output voltage low, 1.3× higher propagation delay, similar supply voltage range

MCP2518FD 20.0× higher fall time, 20.0× higher rise time, 3.0× higher standby current

MCP2551 7.5× higher quiescent current, 5.5× lower supply voltage range, 1.9× higher operating temperature

ISO1050 10.4× higher fall time, 5.6× lower quiescent current, 4.0× higher rise time

ISO1050DUBR 5.6× lower quiescent current, 4.0× higher fall time, 4.0× higher rise time

GM75176E 20.0× lower quiescent current, 10.0× higher data rate, 5.0× lower propagation delay

TJA1042BT 5.0× higher data rate, 2.4× higher operating temperature, 2.0× lower quiescent current

TLE6250C 2.4× higher operating temperature, 1.5× higher propagation delay, 1.3× lower supply voltage range

03 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the channel count of the MCP2515?

The channel count is 1.

What is the maximum clock frequency (fclk) for the SPI interface AC characteristics?

The maximum clock frequency (fclk) is 10 MHz.

What is the maximum data rate of the MCP2515?

The maximum data rate is 1 Mbps.

What is the maximum operating temperature for the MCP2515?

The maximum operating temperature is 85 °C.

What is the maximum output voltage low when IOL = +1.6 mA and VDD = 4.5V?

The output voltage low is 600 mV.

What is the quiescent current when VDD = 5.5V, FOSC = 25 MHz, FCLK = 1 MHz, and SO = Open?

The quiescent current is 10 mA.

What is the standby current for the MCP2515 when CS, TXnRTS = VDD, inputs tied to VDD or VSS, and the temperature is -40°C to +85°C?

The standby current is 5 µA.

What is the maximum supply voltage for the MCP2515 according to section 13.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings?

The absolute maximum supply voltage rating is 5.5 V.