PIC16F18855-E/ML - 8-bit 32MHz 14KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18855-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.39 | $1.39 |
| 10 | $1.27 | $12.70 |
| 100 | $1.08 | $108.00 |
| 500 | $0.94 | $470.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.84 | $840.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.71 | $2,130.00 |
PIC16F18855-E/ML Overview
A PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a compact programmable processor that integrates a CPU, non-volatile Flash memory, RAM, EEPROM, and a rich set of peripherals into a single IC. PIC MCUs use a modified Harvard RISC architecture and are positioned in the broader semiconductor hierarchy as: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit. Microchip's PIC16 mid-range family targets cost-sensitive applications needing deterministic real-time control, low-power sleep modes, and a wide peripheral mix.
Key features of the PIC16F18855 include a 32 MHz internal oscillator, up to 14 KB self-programmable Flash, 1 KB SRAM, 256 B EEPROM, an integrated 10-bit ADC with computation, multiple communication peripherals (I2C, SPI, EUSART), and a rich set of Core Independent Peripherals such as Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), and Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD). The XLP deep-sleep current is in the nanoampere range, ideal for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs.
Architecturally, the device uses Microchip's mid-range 16-bit instruction word core with a hardware stack and prioritised interrupt controller. Hardware CIP blocks offload tasks such as waveform synthesis, signal conditioning, and event-driven logic from the CPU, reducing code size and improving responsiveness while keeping active-mode current low.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, home appliances, automotive body and interior modules, consumer electronics, battery-powered instrumentation, LED lighting control, and industrial control panels. The FuSa-ready feature set (CRC/SCAN, HLT, Windowed WDT) supports designs targeting IEC 60730 Class B safety compliance.
When designing with the PIC16F18855-E/ML, populate the CONFIG words from MPLAB X IDE code generation tools and verify the operating voltage window of 2.3 V to 5.5 V matches your power rail. Keep traces to the exposed pad short and stitch vias through the e-pad for thermal and electrical reference.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single source for selection and sourcing decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18855-E/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 PIC16F18855-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18855-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18855-E/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18854-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1829-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18855-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F1885X / PIC16F1887X |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit mid-range |
| CPU Speed (max) | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix) |
| ADC | 10-bit, integrated |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Low-Power Technology | eXtreme Low Power (XLP) |
| Functional Safety | FuSa (CRC/SCAN, HLT, Windowed WDT) |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, I2C, SPI |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F18855-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog / CWG |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog / reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog / ZCD |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog / CLC |
| Pin 5 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / analog |
| Pin 6 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / analog |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply (2.3 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/RA0 — Crystal oscillator input / GPIO |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/RA1 — Crystal oscillator output / GPIO |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog / PWM |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog / PWM |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog / PWM |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog / SCL |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog / SDA |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O / TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / RX |
| Pin 19 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 20 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 21 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 24 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 25 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSCLK |
| Pin 26 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSDA |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply (2.3 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18855-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Home Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body and Interior Modules, LED Lighting Drivers and Dimming, Industrial Control Panels and HMI, Consumer Electronics Remote Controls.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F18855-E/ML fits IoT sensor nodes because its XLP deep-sleep current is in the nanoampere range, allowing the node to sleep for the bulk of every duty cycle while a sensor is sampled every few seconds. The 14 KB Flash holds the LoRaWAN or BLE protocol stack plus the application, and the Core Independent Peripherals (CLC, NCO, CWG) offload pulse counting and waveform generation without waking the CPU. In a typical 3.6 V Li-SOCl2 application, average current drops below 5 uA, enabling multi-year battery life.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16F18855-E/ML is a strong fit for washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens where it must drive relays, read triac zero-crossing, and time motor sequences. The Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) peripheral synchronises with the AC mains, the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) drives half-bridges, and the 10-bit ADC reads temperature and level sensors. The Functional Safety peripherals (CRC/SCAN, HLT) simplify IEC 60730 Class B compliance for white goods.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Interior Modules
The PIC16F18855-E/ML operates over -40 C to +125 C, which matches the AEC-Q100 temperature window for body-control modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and ambient lighting drivers. Its LIN-compatible EUSART can talk to vehicle networks via an external transceiver, while the Windowed Watchdog Timer and CRC/SCAN features help meet functional safety requirements for body electronics. The compact 6x6 mm QFN saves board space inside tight cluster modules.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers and Dimming
The PIC16F18855-E/ML drives LED lighting by combining the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for high-frequency PWM dimming with the Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) for triac-compatible phase-cut dimming. The 10-bit ADC reads colour-mix sensors for tunable-white or RGB feedback loops. The 14 KB Flash accommodates DMX-512 or DALI frame decoders, while the CLC block performs combinatorial logic for fault detection without waking the CPU.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panels and HMI
The PIC16F18855-E/ML is ideal for industrial HMI sub-panels and small PLC I/O cards where it must read push buttons and rotary encoders, drive segment LCDs or small TFT displays, and communicate over RS-485. The EUSART plus DMA-fed buffering keeps the CPU free for higher-level protocol handling. The extended temperature range and the Functional Safety peripherals suit rugged factory environments.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Remote Controls
The PIC16F18855-E/ML powers IR and RF remote controls where battery life and PCB area dominate. The Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) generates accurate carrier frequencies for IR transmission, while the CWG produces the modulated waveform, all without consuming CPU cycles. The wide 2.3 V to 5.5 V supply range lets the design run from a single CR2032 coin cell. Low sleep current keeps standby drain below 1 uA, extending battery life to multiple years.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18855-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18855-I/ML | PIC16F18855-E/MV | PIC16F18854-I/ML | PIC16F1829-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 8 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 B | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD | Limited (no CLC/NCO/CWG) |
| Functional Safety | Yes (CRC/SCAN, HLT, WWDT) | Yes (CRC/SCAN, HLT, WWDT) | Yes (CRC/SCAN, HLT, WWDT) | Yes (CRC/SCAN, HLT, WWDT) | Limited |
| Unit Price @1000 (USD, as of 2026-09-20) | 0.84 | 0.79 (lower - industrial grade) | 0.85 (same) | 0.76 | 0.69 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC16F18855-I/ML)
- Modern CIP feature set (vs PIC16F1829-I/ML)
- More Flash in same footprint (vs PIC16F18854-I/ML)
Design Notes
For the PIC16F18855-E/ML 28-QFN (6x6) package, expose the e-pad on the PCB and stitch at least 9 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.5 mm pitch) through to the inner ground plane. This dissipates up to 0.5 W of internal dissipation and ensures a stable thermal reference. Place a 10 nF + 1 uF + 10 uF decoupling capacitor cluster within 2 mm of each VDD pin, with the smallest cap closest to the IC pin.
Do not leave the ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT pins (RB6/RB7) floating in production; they are sensitive to noise and can unintentionally enter programming mode. Add a 10 kohm pull-up to RB7 and a 10 kohm pull-down to RB6 if no ICSP header is fitted. Also, configure the CONFIG words in code using #pragma config, not by relying on MPLAB X IDE defaults, so that the Brown-out Reset, Watchdog, and LVP bits are always set correctly.
Use the XLP sleep modes (DOZE, SLEEP, IDLE_A, IDLE_B) combined with Peripheral Module Disable (PMD) to drop the active current of the PIC16F18855-E/ML below 50 uA/MHz and the deep-sleep current below 100 nA. Enable the Peripheral Interrupt Controllers in sleep mode and wake the CPU only on a timer, ADC threshold, or external interrupt from the CLC. This pattern typically yields 90 percent energy savings on duty-cycled battery-powered designs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not listed; extended temperature grade supports -40C to +125C but is not a formal automotive qualification.
