PIC16F18856-I/SS - 8-Bit 32MHz 28KB Flash MCU 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18856-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.05 | $2.05 |
| 10 | $1.84 | $18.40 |
| 100 | $1.62 | $162.00 |
| 500 | $1.41 | $705.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.22 | $1,220.00 |
PIC16F18856-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path CPU, typically optimized for low power, deterministic real-time control, and ease of programming. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> microprocessors -> semiconductors -> integrated circuits, and the PIC16 mid-range core family targets general-purpose and low-power embedded applications across industrial, consumer, and automotive markets.
Key features of the PIC16F18856 include Functional Safety (FuSa) support for safety-critical applications, eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology with sleep currents in the nanoamp range, a peripheral pin select (PPS) system that allows flexible I/O mapping, a CRC/SCAN hardware block for memory integrity monitoring, and zero-cross detection on dedicated pins. The device also integrates a 5-bit DAC, multiple comparators, and configurable logic cells.
The architecture combines a RISC-based 8-bit CPU with a 14-bit instruction word and hardware multiply assist, achieving throughput close to 1 MIPS per MHz. The 10-bit ADC with computation performs averaging, oversampling, and threshold comparisons in hardware, offloading CPU workload and reducing firmware complexity in sensor-interface designs.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered portable instruments, industrial control and sensor conditioning, home appliances, low-power wireless motor control, functional safety subsystems (Class B and IEC 60730), and general-purpose embedded control with safety monitoring requirements.
When designing with this MCU, use the MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and leverage the peripheral pin select to route digital functions to nearly any I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout. Select the LF variant (PIC16LF18856) when the system runs from 3.3V or below to retain full speed at lower Vdd.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes beyond what is found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18856-I/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-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Package, Comparators, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18855-I/SSVAO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18854-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18876-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18856-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | 10-bit with computation, multiple channels |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| Comparators | Multiple comparators with selectable references |
| Timers | Multiple 8-bit and 16-bit timers |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| PWM Channels | Multiple CCP/ECCP modules |
| I/O Pins | Up to 25 GPIO |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes (Class B / IEC 60730 capable) |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| MSL Level | MSL1 or per package |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F18856-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and interrupt capability |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and interrupt capability |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and interrupt capability |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and interrupt capability |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and interrupt capability |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and interrupt capability |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and interrupt capability |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and interrupt capability |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt capability |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt capability |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt capability |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt capability |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt capability |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt capability |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt/ICSCLK |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt/ICSDAT |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18856-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Functional Safety Appliance Control (IEC 60730 Class B), Industrial Sensor Conditioning and 4-20mA Loop Transmitters, Home Appliance User Interface and HMI, Low-Power Wireless Motor Control (Fans and Pumps), Portable Medical and Health Monitoring Devices.
IoT Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F18856-I/SS is ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology, which delivers sleep currents below 100 nA with full RAM retention. The 28KB Flash and 2KB SRAM comfortably handle sensor drivers, encryption libraries, and protocol stacks such as Modbus or LoRaWAN. The integrated 10-bit ADC with computation performs averaging and threshold detection in hardware, waking the CPU only when meaningful events occur. Powered from a 3V coin cell or 2xAA pack at 1.8V to 5.5V, the MCU enables multi-year battery life in duty-cycled measurement applications like smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, and HVAC occupancy sensors.
Recommended
Functional Safety Appliance Control (IEC 60730 Class B)
The PIC16F18856-I/SS is purpose-built for IEC 60730 Class B functional safety appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and induction cooktops. Integrated Functional Safety hardware - including CRC/SCAN memory integrity monitoring, hardware limit timers (HLT), windowed watchdog timer, and redundant oscillator - eliminates the need for external supervisor ICs. The 32MHz core and 28KB Flash support control loops plus self-test firmware, while peripheral pin select simplifies PCB layout for high-voltage gate-drive isolation. Combined with industrial -40C to +85C operation, this MCU is a drop-in safety controller for white goods and motor control.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning and 4-20mA Loop Transmitters
The PIC16F18856-I/SS provides all the analog peripherals required for 4-20mA loop transmitters and industrial sensor conditioning in a single chip. The 10-bit ADC with computation performs linearization and temperature compensation in hardware, while multiple comparators and a 5-bit DAC handle threshold detection and excitation control. The 28-pin SSOP package fits inside standard industrial probe heads, and the 1.8V to 5.5V supply range accommodates loop-powered designs. Combined with SPI/I2C peripherals for digital sensors and EUSART for HART or RS-485 communication, the MCU delivers a compact, low-power solution for pressure, flow, and level transmitters.
Recommended
Home Appliance User Interface and HMI
The PIC16F18856-I/SS drives capacitive touch and segmented LCD user interfaces on washing machines, microwaves, and coffee machines. Its configurable logic cells and CIPs debounce switches and drive LEDs directly, while PWM channels backlight displays and indicate status. With 28KB Flash available, designers can implement multilingual menus, buzzer patterns, and diagnostic routines without external memory. The 32MHz CPU ensures smooth button response, and XLP modes keep standby consumption low for energy-star appliances. The 28-SSOP package fits behind a control panel and supports reflow soldering for high-volume manufacturing.
Recommended
Low-Power Wireless Motor Control (Fans and Pumps)
The PIC16F18856-I/SS serves as a sensorless or Hall-sensor BLDC/PMSM controller for low-power fans, pumps, and small appliance motors. ECCP modules deliver complementary PWM with programmable dead-time, configurable logic cells handle commutation timing, and the comparator-based zero-cross detector enables sensorless back-EMF sensing. With 28KB Flash, designers implement field-oriented control (FOC) or trapezoidal commutation plus startup and stall detection. The industrial -40C to +85C range suits outdoor pump controls, and XLP sleep modes support standby functions such as schedule timers when the motor is off.
Recommended
Portable Medical and Health Monitoring Devices
The PIC16F18856-I/SS meets the low-power and deterministic real-time requirements of portable medical devices such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and wearable health trackers. Its 10-bit ADC with computation digitizes photodiode or pressure sensor signals and averages out motion artifacts in firmware-free hardware blocks. The 32MHz core processes filtering and display updates in real time, and XLP sleep modes extend battery life during idle. The 28-SSOP package fits slim handheld enclosures, and the industrial temperature range ensures reliability in clinical and home-care environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18856-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18855-I/SS | PIC16F18854-I/SS | PIC16F18876-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 28 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GPIO Count | Up to 25 | Up to 25 | Up to 25 | Up to 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit with computation | 10-bit with computation | 10-bit with computation | 10-bit with computation |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash density in 28-SSOP PIC16F1885X family (vs PIC16F18855-I/SS)
- More CIPs and timers than PIC16F18854 (vs PIC16F18854-I/SS)
- Broader CIP feature set than higher-pin 18876 in same package (vs PIC16F18876-I/SS)
Design Notes
Use the LF variant (PIC16LF18856-I/SS) if the system runs below 3.0V to maintain full 32MHz operation. Per Microchip datasheet, the standard F variant begins frequency derating below 3.0V. Decouple Vdd with a 100nF ceramic capacitor as close to the supply pins as possible, plus a bulk 1uF to 10uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor. Place decoupling caps within 5mm of the Vdd/Vss pin pairs on the 28-SSOP package.
Configuration bits must be set correctly before firmware execution. Forgetting to enable the watchdog timer (WDTE) eliminates a critical FuSa feature and prevents IEC 60730 Class B compliance. Confirm the LVP (low-voltage programming) bit matches your in-circuit programmer; an incorrect LVP setting can lock out high-voltage programmers. Use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 and the Code Configurator (MCC) to generate a known-good configuration header.
Route ICSCLK (RB6) and ICSDAT (RB7) traces away from high-current switching nodes, motor phases, and oscillators to prevent in-circuit programming noise coupling. Add 4.7k pull-up resistors on RB6 and RB7 if you plan to use ICSP without the programmer actively driving. For 28-SSOP, keep all traces at least 0.15mm clear of the package body and use a ground pour under the IC for thermal dissipation, especially in motor-drive environments.
When using the ADC with computation, place analog signals on dedicated analog-capable pins (RA0-RA7, RC0-RC7) and avoid using them as digital outputs. Maintain short analog traces and surround them with a ground pour. Add a 100nF ceramic bypass capacitor on AVdd if used. The 10-bit ADC achieves best linearity when the source impedance is below 1k ohm; add an op-amp buffer for higher-impedance sensors.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. PIC16F18856 is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications consult Microchip's PIC16F18856-E/SS extended-temperature variants or AEC-Q100 specific part numbers. Functional Safety (FuSa) blocks support IEC 60730 Class B certification but are not themselves a safety certification mark.
