PIC16F18855-E/SO - 8-Bit 32MHz 14KB Flash MCU 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18855-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.7 | $1.70 |
| 10 | $1.55 | $15.50 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16F18855-E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a self-contained computing device built around an 8-bit data bus CPU with on-chip program memory, data RAM, and a rich set of peripherals including timers, ADC, communication ports, and I/O. PIC microcontrollers sit in the taxonomy 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit, and are widely used in cost-sensitive, low-power embedded designs.
Key features of the PIC16F18855-E/SO include up to 32 MHz operation from 2.3V to 5.5V VDD, 17 channels of 10-bit ADC, Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as CWG, NCO, DSM and Configurable Logic Cells, plus Enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (EUSART), SPI and I2C interfaces. The device integrates an on-chip temperature indicator, mTouch capacitive touch hardware, and the PIC10-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2) for automated averaging, filtering and threshold comparison. The "/SO" suffix designates the 28-pin SOIC industrial-grade package.
Architecturally, the PIC16F18855 leverages the enhanced mid-range core with a hardware multiplier, shadow register sets for fast context save/restore, and a vectored interrupt controller. The XLP nanoWatt technology delivers typical sleep currents in the sub-microamp range, ideal for battery-powered applications with extended standby. Built-in peripheral pin select (PPS) allows flexible function remapping without board re-spin, and the device supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) and debugging.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, home appliances and white goods, motor control for small DC and BLDC fans, LED lighting controllers, automotive body and comfort modules (with AEC-Q100 qualified variants), industrial sensor transmitters, and consumer electronics. Functional Safety variants support SIL-2 capable industrial control loops.
When designing with this MCU, ensure decoupling: at least one 100 nF ceramic capacitor should be placed within 5 mm of each VDD pin. Use the PPS feature to optimize PCB routing and reuse firmware across the PIC16F18855/18875 pin-compatible family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC16 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18855-E/SO — 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Family, MSL Level, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18855-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.29 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18855T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.81 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18875-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18854-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F15325-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18855-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Family | PIC16F18855/75 (XLP, Functional Safety) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| CPU Speed | Up to 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range (E suffix) | -40C to +125C |
| ADC | 17 channels, 10-bit (ADC2 with computation) |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit timers with HLT |
| Communication Interfaces | 1x EUSART, 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) | CWG, NCO, DSM, Configurable Logic Cells |
| I/O Pins | Up to 25 digital I/O |
| PPS | Peripheral Pin Select (remappable I/O) |
| Capacitive Touch | mTouch hardware support |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP, on-chip debug |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
PIC16F18855-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN9/VPP/MCLR — GPIO / ADC input / programming voltage / Master Clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN11/T0CKI — GPIO / ADC input / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN8 — GPIO / ADC input |
| Pin 4 | RA6 — GPIO only |
| Pin 5 | RA7 — GPIO only |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | RB0/AN12 — GPIO / ADC input |
| Pin 9 | RB1/AN10/C1IN1- — GPIO / ADC input / comparator negative input |
| Pin 10 | RB2/AN8-/C1IN2- — GPIO / ADC input / comparator negative input |
| Pin 11 | RB3/AN9/C1IN3- — GPIO / ADC input / comparator negative input |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — GPIO only |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — GPIO only |
| Pin 14 | RB6/ICSPCLK — GPIO / in-circuit serial programming clock |
| Pin 15 | RB7/ICSPDAT — GPIO / in-circuit serial programming data |
| Pin 16 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 17 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 18 | RC0 — GPIO only |
| Pin 19 | RC1 — GPIO only |
| Pin 20 | RC2 — GPIO only |
| Pin 21 | RC3/SCL1 — GPIO / I2C1 clock (MSSP) |
| Pin 22 | RC4/SDA1 — GPIO / I2C1 data (MSSP) |
| Pin 23 | RC5 — GPIO only |
| Pin 24 | RC6 — GPIO only |
| Pin 25 | RC7 — GPIO only |
| Pin 26 | RE3 — GPIO only |
| Pin 27 | RA0/AN0/C1IN0+ — GPIO / ADC input / comparator positive input |
| Pin 28 | RA1/AN1/C1IN1- — GPIO / ADC input / comparator input |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18855-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes, Home Appliance and White Goods Control, BLDC and Small DC Motor Control, LED Lighting Controllers, Industrial Sensor Transmitters, Automotive Body and Comfort Modules.
Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F18855-E/SO fits low-power IoT sensor nodes through its XLP nanoWatt technology that delivers sub-microamp sleep currents with full RAM retention, enabling multi-year battery life on a single CR2032 cell. Its 32 MHz core provides ample throughput for sensor sampling, on-chip filtering via the ADC2 computation engine, and EUSART/MSSP communication to radios like LoRa or BLE modules. With 14 KB Flash it accommodates BLE stack fragments or LoRaWAN MAC state machines. The 28-SOIC package suits hand-soldered prototypes as well as high-density reflow production. Concrete spec alignment: 32 MHz / 8 MIPS handles 17 ADC channels at 100 kSps aggregate, while the nanoWatt sleep mode reduces quiescent current below 1 uA, critical for IEEE 802.15.4 duty-cycled designs.
Recommended
Home Appliance and White Goods Control
The PIC16F18855-E/SO is well-suited for white goods and home appliances due to its rich Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) including CWG for complementary waveform generation, NCO for precise frequency synthesis, and DSM for modulator control. These hardware blocks offload tasks from the CPU, freeing MIPS for user interface and safety logic. Its 17-channel 10-bit ADC reads multiple sensor inputs (temperature, water level, door switch) while the EUSART interfaces to display boards. The extended -40 to +125C temperature grade supports under-cabinet or motor-compartment environments. Concrete spec alignment: CIPs reduce CPU interrupt load by 70% versus software-only implementations, and 14 KB Flash holds IEC 60730 class B safety library for appliance compliance.
Recommended
BLDC and Small DC Motor Control
The PIC16F18855-E/SO drives BLDC and small DC motors using its CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) for hardware PWM generation and DSM for dead-band insertion, supporting up to 6 PWM channels in some configurations. The 32 MHz core and 8 MIPS throughput execute field-oriented control (FOC) loops at 10-20 kHz, suitable for fans, pumps, and small appliances. The enhanced 10-bit ADC with ADC2 computation provides zero-cross detection and back-EMF sensing with on-chip averaging. Its XLP modes permit sleep between motion commands, reducing quiescent power when the motor is idle. Concrete spec alignment: 6 PWM channels at 20 kHz switching frequency are achievable with hardware CIP offload, while 1 KB SRAM holds FOC state variables and observer buffers.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16F18855-E/SO drives LED lighting systems through its multiple PWM channels, 10-bit ADC for ambient light sensing, and Configurable Logic Cells that perform hardware-level color mixing without CPU intervention. The mTouch peripheral blocks capacitive-touch dimmer interfaces, while the EUSART handles DMX-512 or DALI protocol bridging via transceiver companions. Low sleep current (sub-uA) enables battery-powered LED installations like emergency lights. Concrete spec alignment: 25 GPIO pins multiplex 8-12 LED channels plus a 4x4 mTouch keypad, while the 14 KB Flash holds DMX-512 receive/transmit stack with safety fade algorithms.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
The PIC16F18855-E/SO is an excellent fit for industrial 4-20 mA sensor transmitters thanks to its 10-bit ADC, on-chip temperature indicator for cold-junction compensation in thermocouple designs, and Functional Safety documentation supporting IEC 61508 SIL 2 capable applications. The 32 MHz core executes linearization and calibration routines for RTD, thermocouple, and bridge sensors. The industrial -40 to +125C temperature grade handles outdoor and process-control environments. Its EUSART plus MSSP interface to HART modems or wireless gateways for Industry 4.0 connectivity. Concrete spec alignment: ADC2 computation engine averages 32 samples in hardware for 50/60 Hz rejection, while 14 KB Flash holds Look-Up Tables for sensor linearization.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Modules
The PIC16F18855-E/SO supports automotive body and comfort modules when specified as the AEC-Q100 qualified -VAO or -Q1 suffix variant. Standard /E parts operate over -40 to +125C and are suitable for under-dash and cabin applications. The CAN-capable EUSART plus MSSP provide vehicle network connectivity, while the CWG drives mirror, window, or seat motors via external drivers. The Functional Safety documentation simplifies ASIL-B and SIL-2 certification paths. Concrete spec alignment: 32 MHz core and 25 GPIO multiplex multiple motor control outputs with LIN bus support, while the watchdog timer and windowed WDT support ISO 26262 functional safety requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18855-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18855-I/SO | PIC16F18855T-I/SO | PIC16F18875-E/SO | PIC16F18854-I/SO | PIC16F15325-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) | CWG, NCO, DSM, CLC | CWG, NCO, DSM, CLC | CWG, NCO, DSM, CLC | Reduced CIP set | Basic CIPs only | |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes (FuSa documentation) | Yes (FuSa documentation) | Yes (FuSa documentation) | No | No | |
| Approximate 1k-piece Price (USD, 2026) | $1.05 | $1.00 | $1.20 | $0.95 | $0.85 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest memory density in 28-SOIC PIC16F188xx family with FuSa support (vs PIC16F18854-I/SO)
- Industrial -40 to +125C extended temperature grade (vs PIC16F18855-I/SO)
- Richest Core Independent Peripherals in the cost-optimized 8-bit segment (vs PIC16F15325-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place at least one 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor (X7R or X5R) within 5 mm of each VDD pin and another on AVDD if the analog ADC is used. For battery-powered designs using XLP sleep modes, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on VDD to handle the inrush when waking from sleep. Estimated: at 32 MHz active current of approximately 5 mA, the VDD rail must source this transient within 100 us to avoid voltage droop.
Route the ICSPDAT and ICSPCLK lines (RB6/RB7) away from high-current switching traces and place a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR (RA3) to VDD. For ADC accuracy, isolate AVSS from digital VSS with a star-ground topology or ferrite bead; analog tracks should be guarded by ground pours on both sides. The exposed thermal pad on SOIC variants is not present in 28-SOIC, but a copper flood under the IC reduces thermal resistance by approximately 15 C/W.
Do not configure the PPS function on a pin that is also used as MCLR or VPP - the ICSP programming interface is hard-wired to RB6/RB7 and MCLR. Always set configuration bits for the oscillator (FOSC) before enabling peripherals, otherwise the device may lock up without an external clock. For AEC-Q100 / automotive deployments, choose the -VAO suffix part, not -E, and verify PPAP documentation with Microchip. The /E temperature grade is suitable for industrial -40 to +125C but is not automotive-qualified.
When using the EUSART or MSSP at high baud rates (above 1 Mbaud), add a 33 ohm series resistor on clock and data lines to dampen ringing on long PCB traces. The PIC16F18855-E/SO slew-rate limiting on I/O pins can be enabled via SLRCON register to reduce EMI at the cost of edge speed. For SPI clock above 5 MHz, keep trace length under 50 mm and use a ground reference trace adjacent to the clock line.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed via Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 qualification applies only to /VAO or /Q1 suffix variants - the /E part is industrial-grade, not automotive-qualified.
