PIC16F18855-E/SS - 8-Bit 32MHz 14KB Flash MCU | Microchip | SSOP-28
MPN: PIC16F18855-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.55 | $2.55 |
| 10 | $2.31 | $23.10 |
| 100 | $2.05 | $205.00 |
| 500 | $1.82 | $910.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.65 | $1,650.00 |
PIC16F18855-E/SS Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller? An 8-bit MCU is a programmable embedded processor that executes instructions on 8-bit-wide data paths, typically used in cost-sensitive and power-constrained applications. The PIC16F18855 sits in the hierarchy: 8-bit PIC microcontroller -> PIC16 family -> PIC16F1885x/7x sub-family -> functional-safety-capable XLP MCU. CIPs (Core Independent Peripherals) are on-chip hardware blocks that operate without CPU intervention, offloading tasks like waveform generation, signal measurement, and communications, which reduces firmware complexity and improves real-time determinism.
The device integrates a 10-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2) providing automated oversampling and filtering, multiple Enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART) ports, SPI/I2C peripherals, configurable logic cells (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO). XLP technology delivers typical active currents below 100 uA/MHz and deep-sleep currents in the nA range, enabling battery-sourced applications.
Architecturally, the PIC16F18855 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a 14-bit instruction word and hardware multiply/divide support. The 32MHz internal oscillator and 4x PLL provide flexible clocking without external components. CRC/SCAN with HLT (Hardware Limit Timer) supports functional-safety libraries for IEC 60730 and similar standards.
Typical applications include home appliances, sensor node data acquisition, low-power IoT endpoints, battery chargers, LED lighting controllers, and consumer electronics. The 28-pin SSOP footprint also suits small-form-factor industrial controls.
When designing with this MCU, choose decoupling capacitors per datasheet recommendations and confirm that ADC input channels match the chosen pinout option. Use the MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for full CIP support.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC16F1885x family, and practical design notes not present in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18855-E/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Mounting Type, Comparators, Core Independent Peripherals.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPIC16F18855-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB |
| Data SRAM | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 (typical for 28-pin variants) |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC2 with computation |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit with HLT |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, CRC/SCAN |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F18855-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input / MCLR |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RB2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RB1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 17 | RB0 — Digital I/O / analog input / interrupt |
| Pin 18 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 27 | RE3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 28 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18855-E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Home Appliance Control Board, LED Lighting Controller, Industrial Sensor Transmitter, Smart Home IoT Endpoint, Consumer Remote Control, Automotive Body Electronics.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16F18855-E/SS suits battery-powered sensor nodes because of XLP nanoWatt sleep modes with typical nA-level currents and a 2.3-5.5V VDD range that accepts 2xAA NiMH or single-cell Li-Ion directly. The 10-bit ADC2 with hardware oversampling reduces CPU wake time for analog measurements, extending battery life by 2-5x vs older PIC16F1xxx designs. CIP blocks (CLC, NCO) handle sensor signal conditioning without waking the core, and the 14KB Flash holds small protocol stacks like Modbus RTU or BLE beacon firmware.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Board
The PIC16F18855-E/SS targets home appliance controls (washing machines, dishwashers, induction cookers) with -40C to +125C extended temperature, Functional Safety library support, and EUSART/SPI/I2C for HMI and sensor interfaces. The CIP-driven CWG and Complementary PWM simplify motor drive timing without CPU latency. With 14KB Flash, the MCU fits state-machine control loops, capacitive-touch firmware via CLC, and safety routines for IEC 60730 compliance.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16F18855-E/SS is an excellent LED lighting controller because the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and 16-bit PWM peripherals provide flicker-free dimming at high resolution. ADC2 channels measure light sensor feedback for closed-loop dimming, while the NCO and CLC blocks generate custom protocols like DMX-512 or 0-10V analog dimming without CPU load. Wide VDD (2.3-5.5V) supports direct 5V LED driver power, and the SSOP-28 package simplifies compact bulb designs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
The PIC16F18855-E/SS enables 4-20mA industrial sensor transmitters thanks to 10-bit ADC2 with hardware averaging, CRC/SCAN for memory integrity, and -40C to +125C extended temperature. The 32MHz core runs Modbus RTU or proprietary protocols over RS-485 EUSART, while CLC cells implement fault detection logic in hardware. The 256B EEPROM stores calibration data and node ID across power cycles, critical for plant-floor reliability.
Recommended
Smart Home IoT Endpoint
The PIC16F18855-E/SS drives smart home IoT endpoints (door sensors, thermostats, leak detectors) with XLP sleep modes enabling multi-year battery life on a single CR2032 cell. The 14KB Flash supports Zigbee/BLE-stack lite implementations, and CLC/NCO peripherals implement custom RF wake-up signaling. AES/CRC blocks accelerate secure pairing, and the SSOP-28 footprint suits ultra-compact PCB layouts behind wall switches.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
The PIC16F18855-E/SS is well-suited for consumer IR/RF remote controls due to its CWG/NCO peripherals that generate precision PWM/PPM modulation without CPU intervention. The XLP sleep current (<100 nA typical in sleep) supports coin-cell operation for years, and EUSART/I2C interfaces allow easy LCD display expansion. The 28-SSOP package is cost-effective for high-volume consumer manufacturing with standard SMT lines.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16F18855-E/SS suits non-safety automotive body modules like seat controllers, mirror adjusters, ambient lighting, and HVAC panel controllers. Functional Safety (FuSa) library support, -40C to +125C extended grade, and 5V native operation align with automotive 12V-bus subsystems. The CIP-based CWG generates window-fade PWM timing, while CRC/SCAN with HLT provides class-B fault detection required for OEM qualification.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18855-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18855-E/ML |
|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-QFN (different package) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 14 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash |
| Data SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC2 | 10-bit ADC2 |
Key Differentiators
- Core Independent Peripherals (CIP) integration (vs PIC16F18346-I/SS)
- Functional Safety library support (vs PIC16F18855-I/SS)
- Extended temperature grade availability (vs PIC16F18855-I/SS)
Design Notes
PIC16F18855-E/SS operates from 2.3V to 5.5V; place a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to Vdd pin (pin 18) and a bulk 10uF tantalum/ceramic at the supply entry point. Estimated: typical active current at 32MHz with peripherals enabled is approximately 4-7 mA, giving a worst-case 38 mA transient for peak decimation. Add a 100nF + 10uF bulk combo at every Vdd pin (pin 28 is second Vdd on 28-SSOP variants) per Microchip datasheet DS40002075 power-supply layout guidelines.
The SSOP-28 package has theta_JA of approximately 95 C/W typical per Microchip packaging data. Estimated: at maximum active current of 8 mA at 5.5V, dissipation is 44 mW, giving a junction temperature rise of 4.2 C above ambient - well within thermal limits. For applications above 70 C ambient, derate to 16MHz or use sleep modes aggressively to maintain junction below 125 C maximum rating.
Route the MCLR/RA3 pin (pin 4) trace away from high-current switching nodes and add the recommended 10k pull-up to Vdd. Place the 32.768kHz crystal (if used for RTCC) within 5mm of pins RB0/RA6 with a grounded guard ring. The SSOP-28 package requires thermal pad stitching on inner PCB layers per IPC-2222 design rules to meet the -40C to +125C extended grade reliability.
Do not exceed 5.5V Vdd - transients above 6V will trigger latch-up on the CMOS I/O cells. Always set CONFIG words for brown-out reset (BOR) and watchdog timer (WDT) for safety-critical applications. When migrating from PIC16F1xxx to PIC16F18855, verify that legacy ADC channels map correctly because pin function re-muxing changed between families. Use Microchip MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler v2.40+ for full CIP peripheral support.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page; -E grade extends temp range for industrial/automotive use but is not formally AEC-Q100 qualified - select PIC16F18855-E/SSVAO automotive variant if AEC-Q100 certification is required.
