PIC16F18856-E/SS - 32MHz 8-bit MCU, 28KB Flash, XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18856-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.21 | $22.10 |
| 100 | $1.92 | $192.00 |
| 500 | $1.71 | $855.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC16F18856-E/SS Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller? An 8-bit MCU is a programmable computer-on-a-chip that processes data 8 bits at a time and integrates CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single die. The PIC16F18856 sits in the low-power microcontroller (MCU) -> 8-bit MCU -> Flash MCU -> PIC16 family hierarchy, specializing in eXtreme Low Power (XLP) operation for battery-conscious designs and offering Core Independent Peripherals (CIP) that offload timing-critical tasks from the core.
Key features include a 32 MHz internal oscillator (instruction execution at 8 MIPS via a 4T architecture), 10-bit and 5-bit analog peripherals, four 16-bit timers, four CCP modules, two UART/SPI/I2C modules, a 12-bit ADC with computation, and a 5-bit DAC. The E suffix indicates an extended (-40C to +125C) operating range suitable for industrial and outdoor environments, and the Functional Safety (FuSa) classification makes the part attractive for IEC 61508 SIL-1 capable systems.
Architecturally, the device pairs a RISC pipeline with a high-speed ADC, hardware limit timer (HLT), CRC/SCAN, zero-cross detection, and a peripheral pin select (PPS) block. This combination enables deterministic response times without CPU intervention, an advantage in motor-control and lighting feedback loops compared with polled MCUs. nanoWatt XLP technology delivers currents below 100 nA in sleep, supporting multi-year coin-cell life.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, capacitive-touch human-machine interfaces (HMI), battery-powered industrial gauges, white goods, and low-cost edge-intelligence controllers. The wide operating range also suits automotive accessory subsystems where AEC-Q100 isn't required.
When designing, observe the SSOP-28 thermal limits (theta_JA approximately 80 C/W) and provide a ground plane under the exposed pad where used. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic placed within 5 mm of the pin, and reserve PGEC/PGED lines for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) - never place series resistors >100 ohm on these paths.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18856-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 PIC16F18856-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, DAC, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18855T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18857-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18876-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18456-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18346-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18856-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16F1885X/7X (PIC PIC XLP, Functional Safety) |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC, 4T architecture |
| Instruction Set | Enhanced mid-range (49 base + extended) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage (Vdd) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E suffix) |
| ADC | 12-bit with computation, up to 24 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit, dual output |
| Comparators | 2 (rail-to-rail) |
| Timers | 4x 16-bit / 8-bit selectable |
| CCP/PWM Modules | 4 CCP, 8/16-bit resolution |
| Communication Peripherals | 2x EUSART, 2x MSSP (I2C/SPI) |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIP) | CLC, NCO, COG, CRC/SCAN, HLT |
| Touch/Comms | mTouch capacitive touch, PPS |
| I/O Pins | 25 high-current I/O |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| REACH Status | Unaffected |
PIC16F18856-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/DAC5OUT2/ANA2/DAC2 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input; 5-bit DAC output 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/DAC4OUT1/ANA3/VREF+ — Bidirectional I/O; analog input; positive reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4/C1OUT/T0CK1 — Bidirectional I/O; analog; comparator output; timer input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN5/DAC5OUT1 — Bidirectional I/O; analog; DAC output 1 |
| Pin 5 | AVss — Analog ground |
| Pin 6 | AVdd — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 7 | RA1/AN1/DAC1OUT2/C1IN0-/C2IN0-/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O; analog; comparator input; ICSP clock |
| Pin 8 | RA0/AN0/DAC1OUT1/C1IN+/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O; analog; comparator input; ICSP data |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/RA7 — Crystal input or general I/O |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/RA6/CLKR — Crystal output or general I/O; reference clock out |
| Pin 11 | RA3 — Used for secondary functions - per datasheet 1885X pinout table |
| Pin 12 | MCLR/Vpp/RE3 — Master clear (reset) input; programming voltage |
| Pin 13 | RB0/AN12/C2IN1+/SS1 — Bidirectional I/O; analog; SPI slave select |
| Pin 14 | RB1/AN10/C1IN3-/SCK1 — Bidirectional I/O; analog; SPI clock |
| Pin 15 | RB2/AN8/C2IN3-/SDI1 — Bidirectional I/O; analog; SPI data in |
| Pin 16 | RB3/AN9/C1IN2-/SDO1 — Bidirectional I/O; analog; SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RB4/AN11 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input |
| Pin 18 | RB5/AN13 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input |
| Pin 19 | RB6/ICSPCLK/ICDCLK — Bidirectional I/O; ICSP/ICD clock |
| Pin 20 | RB7/ICSPDAT/ICDDAT — Bidirectional I/O; ICSP/ICD data |
| Pin 21 | RC0/T1CWGIN/RH0/AN16 — Bidirectional I/O; timer/PWM/analog |
| Pin 22 | RC1/T1CK1/RH1/AN17 — Bidirectional I/O; timer input; analog |
| Pin 23 | RC2/AN18/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O; analog; CCP1 |
| Pin 24 | RC3/AN19/CCP2 — Bidirectional I/O; analog; CCP2 |
| Pin 25 | RC4/CCP3 — Bidirectional I/O; CCP3 |
| Pin 26 | RC5/CCP4 — Bidirectional I/O; CCP4 |
| Pin 27 | RC6/AN6/UART1 CK/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O; analog; UART1 |
| Pin 28 | RC7/AN7/UART1 RX/DT — Bidirectional I/O; analog; UART1 receive |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18856-E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Capacitive Touch HMI (Home Appliances), Industrial Low-Cost Edge Controllers, LED Lighting Controllers (Dimmable Drivers), Automotive Accessory Subsystems (Non-Safety), Medical Monitoring Wearables, Home Automation Gateways (Sensor Aggregator).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F18856-E/SS excels in battery-powered IoT sensor nodes where sub-100 nA sleep current and 1.8 V minimum supply directly extend coin-cell life to multi-year horizons. Its integrated 12-bit ADC2 with hardware averaging samples sensors without CPU wake-up, and the CIP peripherals (CLC, NCO, COG) handle threshold-detect and pulse-counting in hardware. The 28 KB Flash accommodates OTA-style bootloader plus Zigbee/BLE HCI bridge code without external memory. Usage topology places the MCU as the central hub between sensors on ADC channels, a UART-attached BLE module, and an I2C environmental sensor.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch HMI (Home Appliances)
The PIC16F18856-E/SS is a strong choice for capacitive-touch human-machine interfaces in white goods, supporting up to 13 mTouch channels through the charge-time-measurement unit (CTMU). The Core Independent Peripherals offload touch-decoding to hardware so the CPU remains in sleep until a button event fires, while the 5-bit DAC provides variable I-V slope compensation. Designers place the device as the touch controller with LEDs driven by PWM peripherals, communicating back to a host over UART. The part's extended -40C to +125C range handles oven-control boards and freezer chassis.
Recommended
Industrial Low-Cost Edge Controllers
Industrial edge controllers use the PIC16F18856-E/SS as a deterministic feedback processor for PLC-style input cards and motor-driver front-ends. Its 32 MHz / 8 MIPS performance, hardware limit timer (HLT), and 16-bit PWM support 25 kHz switching-frequency motor control without CPU jitter. The dual EUSART modules interface RS-485 transceivers for fieldbus (Modbus RTU) and a separate debug port, while the 12-bit ADC2 with oversampling provides 1% accuracy for current sensing. The 28 KB Flash accommodates state machines plus Motor-Parameter-Set storage, with 256 B EEPROM providing the fast writes needed for setpoint retention.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers (Dimmable Drivers)
LED lighting drivers benefit from the PIC16F18856-E/SS's 4 CCP modules providing 16-bit PWM, matched by the Programmable Switch Mode Controller (PSMC) for LLC or PFC stages in commercial luminaires. Five-bit DAC sources the analog reference for current-loop control, while the COG (Complementary Output Generator) provides dead-band-managed gate drive to MOSFETs with no CPU load. The XLP sleep and 1.8 V Vdd allows battery-backup dimming during power-line failures. Place the device as the main dim/warm-tone controller with the high-side FET driven from CCP1 and the low-side from CCP2 in COG mode.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Subsystems (Non-Safety)
In non-safety automotive accessories (interior lighting, seat controllers, HVAC actuators), the PIC16F18856-E/SS's -40C to +125C rating handles cabin thermal swings, and its eXtreme Low Power modes keep quiescent current below 100 uA on parking-lot drain budgets. CAN-friendly firmware fits in 28 KB Flash with CCP-based motor/solenoid drive and ADC2 multi-channel temperature/position sensing. Designers place this MCU as a sub-controller behind a main CAN gateway, using the integrated EUSART for LIN (via external transceiver) or the MSSP for SPI peripherals. The Functional Safety (FuSa) classification helps in IEC 61508 SIL-1 capable designs.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Wearables
Wearables and patient monitors benefit from the PIC16F18856-E/SS's low-power modes (down to 30 nA typical), 12-bit ADC2 with computation for heart-rate and SpO2 photodiode sampling, and the secure CRC/SCAN peripheral that supports IEC 60730 class B safety routines in medical-grade firmware. The 28 KB Flash supports BLE stacks plus proprietary DSP pre-filter code without external memory. Place the MCU as the analog front-end processor, driving PPG LEDs with hardware PWM while ADC2 oversamples the photodiode return for cuff-free blood-pressure trends.
Recommended
Home Automation Gateways (Sensor Aggregator)
The PIC16F18856-E/SS fits as the local aggregator inside home-automation gateways that translate legacy 1-Wire/SPI sensors into a single UART-to-BLE pipe. The dual MSSP handles SPI and I2C simultaneously, while the EUSART drives a Zigbee/BLE HCI link to the upper stack. Core Independent Peripherals perform sensor polling without CPU intervention, leaving 8 MIPS for packetization and security token checks. The 28 KB Flash supports mDNS-like discovery plus WebSocket stub firmware; 256 B EEPROM stores commissioning credentials.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18856-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18855T-I/SS | PIC16F18857-I/SS | PIC16F18456-E/SS | PIC16F18346-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 14 KB | 56 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 1 KB | 4 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 10-bit ADC | 10-bit ADC |
| CIP Modules (CLC/NCO/COG) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Limited |
Key Differentiators
- Highest code density in 1885X/7X family while keeping CIP superset (vs PIC16F18855T-I/SS)
- Functional Safety classification supports IEC 61508 SIL-1 capable (vs PIC16F18346-E/SS)
- True same-footprint software-superset member of same datasheet family (vs PIC16F18857-I/SS)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature support in 28-SSOP (vs PIC16F18855-I/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 32 MHz / 5 V, core draw is approximately 6 mA, scaling linearly to ~2.5 mA at 3.3 V and 1.2 mA at 1.8 V. Decouple VDD/AVDD with 100 nF X7R placed within 5 mm of pins; add 10 uF bulk on the regulator output. To leverage XLP sleep (down to 30 nA), ensure wake sources are correctly configured in the WDT and INT peripherals before entering SLEEP, or the part may fail to wake.
Route ICSP lines (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT, normally on RB6/RB7) without series resistors greater than 100 ohm, and never bridge them with a series cap on the programming path. Place decoupling caps on the same side as the MCU, with vias within 0.5 mm of the pad. The 28-SSOP body is 5.30 mm wide - keep analog traces away from PWM/digital switching to avoid coupling into the ADC inputs.
Estimated: the SSOP-28 thermal pad-free body has theta_JA approximately 80 C/W, so at 6 mA core plus 20 mA I/O total, derate I/O drive to 4 mA per pin when operating above 70 C ambient. Do not exceed 25 mA total I/O sink or source across VDD/VSS rails simultaneously or the device enters thermal foldback. The PPS block must be unlocked before remapping peripherals, or the registers silently ignore writes.
When using the ADC2 in 12-bit mode with the internal 1.024 V reference, total unadjusted error (TUE) rises above 4 LSB if source impedance exceeds 5 kohm. Buffer with the integrated unity-gain op-amp (where available on 18876/18877 variants) or external rail-to-rail amplifier for precision applications. Enable the ADC dedicated RC clock (FOSC/16 or slower) to avoid digital switching noise coupling; sample-and-hold acquisition requires at least 1.5 uS.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free per Globalspec listing. Functional Safety FuSa capable but not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AEC-Q100 option for full automotive safety work.
