PIC16F18856T-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 28KB Flash, 32MHz, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18856T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.66 | $26.60 |
| 100 | $2.37 | $237.00 |
| 500 | $2.13 | $1,065.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.95 | $1,950.00 |
PIC16F18856T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a compact programmable processor that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), working memory (RAM), data EEPROM, and a rich set of peripherals (ADC, timers, PWM, communication modules) onto a single silicon die. The PIC16F1885x/7x family is positioned within Microchip's mid-range enhanced core (PIC16) architecture, which sits in the hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The "XLP" branding denotes Microchip's eXtreme Low Power technology, enabling sleep currents in the nanoampere range for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs.
Key features of the PIC16F18856T-I/ML include 28KB (16K x 14 words) self-programmable Flash, an integrated Analog-to-Digital Converter with Computation (ADCC) for averaged and threshold-based conversions, Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as CWG, SMT, and configurable logic cells, plus CRC/SCAN and Hardware Limit Timer (HLT) for functional safety. Communication options include EUSART, I2C, and SPI, with PWM, CCP, and 16-bit timers for motor and lighting control.
The PIC16F18856T-I/ML uses an enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC core with a hardware multiplier, a 49-instruction set, and a hardware stack for deterministic interrupt handling. Integrated Core Independent Peripherals allow complex waveform generation, signal conditioning, and sensor interfacing without CPU intervention, freeing the core for application code and reducing firmware complexity.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, low-power wireless endpoints, home appliances, LED lighting controllers, battery-powered instruments, and industrial sensor conditioning. Functional-safety (FuSa) features (CRC, windowed WDT, HLT) make the part well-suited to applications targeting IEC 60730 or similar safety standards.
When designing, allocate at least one ground pin via and connect the exposed pad to a ground pour for thermal relief. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the supply pin, and configure unused pins as outputs to minimize sleep current.
This page synthesizes XAIPART distributor pricing, drop-in 28-QFN alternatives, and practical design notes not collected in any single location on the manufacturer datasheet, application brief, or distributor listing.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18856T-I/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 PIC16F18856T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Core Independent Peripherals, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18855T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.26 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18854-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18855-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18855-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18346T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18856T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit Enhanced Mid-range RISC |
| CPU Architecture | 8-bit Harvard |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-QFN 6x6 mm with exposed thermal pad (ML) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | ADCC (Analog-to-Digital Converter with Computation) |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CWG, SMT, NCO, CCP, PWM, Configurable Logic Cells |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, I2C, SPI |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit timers with HLT and Windowed WDT |
| Functional Safety Features | CRC/SCAN, HLT, Windowed WDT |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) with nanoWatt sleep |
| MSL Level | MSL3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020, reflow at 260 C) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Lead-free finish; halogen status not separately verified |
PIC16F18856T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / reference voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR input (programming/reset, active-low) |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM / CCP |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / SCL (I2C clock) |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / SDA (I2C data) |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / EUSART TX / SPI SDO |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / EUSART RX / SPI SDI |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / DAC output |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator input |
| Pin 16 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator output |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 19 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM / I2C |
| Pin 20 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM / I2C |
| Pin 21 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 24 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 25 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change / SPI |
| Pin 26 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18856T-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: IoT Wireless Sensor Node, Home Appliance Control Board, LED Lighting Controller, Battery-Powered Medical Device, Industrial Sensor Transmitter, Automotive Body Electronics (Auxiliary), Remote Control / HMI Keypad.
IoT Wireless Sensor Node
The PIC16F18856T-I/ML suits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its XLP technology delivers sleep currents in the nanoampere range while retaining 28 KB Flash for stack + application code. Its Core Independent Peripherals (SMT for timing, ADCC for averaged sensor reads) offload measurement and wake-up tasks so the CPU stays in sleep, extending coin-cell life to multiple years. The 1.8-5.5 V supply lets the same part run from a single CR2032 or from a 3.3 V system rail. Pair with a sub-GHz or BLE transceiver and a sensor (temperature, humidity, accelerometer) for a typical 3-board stack.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Board
In white goods and small home appliances, the PIC16F18856T-I/ML provides the control brain for user-interface handling, motor or valve actuation, and sensor feedback. The integrated ADCC with computation handles zero-crossing detection and averaged analog reads (NTC temperature, level sensing), while the CWG and PWM peripherals drive TRIACs, MOSFETs, or relays without CPU intervention. Functional-safety features (CRC/SCAN, HLT, windowed WDT) support IEC 60730 compliance for household appliances. The 28-QFN footprint fits within the tight PCB area of a washing-machine, dishwasher, or induction cooktop UI board.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16F18856T-I/ML drives LED lighting fixtures where smooth dimming and color mixing matter. The CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) and multi-output PWM peripherals generate high-resolution phase-correct PWM for constant-current LED drivers, while the ADCC samples the photodiode or NTC for closed-loop current/temperature control. XLP sleep mode keeps standby power below 100 uW in off-state smart bulbs. The 1.8-5.5 V supply range supports both 3.3 V digital rails and direct 5 V driver power, and 28 KB Flash holds DMX, DALI, or Zigbee lighting stacks on top of the application firmware.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Medical Device
In battery-powered medical devices such as portable spirometers, glucose meters, and patient wearables, the PIC16F18856T-I/ML provides deterministic 8-bit control with very low sleep current. The 1.8-5.5 V supply lets you run directly from a single lithium primary cell, and the integrated ADCC with averaging enables accurate bio-sensor reads with hardware oversampling. Functional-safety features (CRC, windowed WDT, HLT) provide the deterministic fault detection expected for medical accessory designs. Pair with an external low-power analog front-end (AFE) and a BLE link for data upload to a phone or gateway.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
For 4-20 mA loop-powered or 24 V industrial sensor transmitters, the PIC16F18856T-I/ML delivers the analog accuracy, communication options, and functional-safety features required in process-control environments. The EUSART supports RS-485 Modbus RTU, I2C and SPI connect to digital sensors, and the ADCC handles 12-bit ratiometric measurements of bridge sensors, RTDs, or thermocouples with on-chip computation. Industrial -40C to +85C qualification and CRC/SCAN make the part suitable for safety-relevant sensor conditioning. The 28-QFN package fits inside standard sensor head housings.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Auxiliary)
In non-safety automotive body electronics such as interior lighting, seat controllers, HVAC flaps, and accessory modules, the PIC16F18856T-I/ML provides LIN-compatible UART comms, PWM for motor/LED control, and ADCC for analog sensing. Note that the -I (industrial) version operates from -40C to +85C, which is suitable for cabin applications; under-hood or chassis designs typically require AEC-Q100 qualified parts. The 28-QFN package fits the small footprint of body controllers, and 28 KB Flash comfortably holds the LIN stack plus application firmware.
Recommended
Remote Control / HMI Keypad
The PIC16F18856T-I/ML powers consumer remote controls, wall keypads, and small HMI panels where low standby current, touch or matrix keypad scanning, and RF/IR communication are required. Core Independent Peripherals (CWG, configurable logic) handle PWM IR carrier generation and keypad matrix scanning without waking the CPU, and XLP sleep keeps standby power below 1 uW. 28 KB Flash holds IR protocol libraries (RC5/RC6, NEC, Sony) plus custom application logic, and 2 KB RAM is ample for protocol state machines. The 28-QFN fits behind a thin keypad PCB.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18856T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18855T-I/ML | PIC16F18854-I/ML | PIC16F18855-I/ML | PIC16F18855-E/ML | PIC16F18346T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 14 KB (-50%) | 7 KB (-75%) | 14 KB (-50%) | 14 KB (-50%) | 28 KB (same) |
| Data RAM | 2 KB | 1 KB (-50%) | 512 B (-75%) | 1 KB (-50%) | 1 KB (-50%) | 2 KB (same) |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (same) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (same) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (same) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (same) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (same) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +125 C (extended) | -40 C to +85 C (same) |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) | CWG, SMT, NCO, CCP, PWM, CLC | CWG, SMT, NCO, CCP, PWM, CLC (same) | CWG, SMT, NCO, CCP, PWM, CLC (same) | CWG, SMT, NCO, CCP, PWM, CLC (same) | CWG, SMT, NCO, CCP, PWM, CLC (same) | PWM, CCP, CWG, NCO, CLC (subset; no SMT) |
| Functional-Safety Features | CRC/SCAN, HLT, Windowed WDT | CRC/SCAN, HLT, Windowed WDT (same) | CRC/SCAN, HLT, Windowed WDT (same) | CRC/SCAN, HLT, Windowed WDT (same) | CRC/SCAN, HLT, Windowed WDT (same) | CRC, WWDT (subset; no HLT) |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash in the PIC16F188x4/5/6/7 28-QFN family at the same package (vs PIC16F18855T-I/ML)
- Full CIP peripheral set including SMT for high-resolution timing (vs PIC16F18346T-I/ML)
- Built-in functional-safety (FuSa) features (vs PIC16F18855T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of every VDD pin (pins 14 and 28 on the 28-QFN) and a bulk capacitor of 1-10 uF on the supply rail. For XLP sleep operation, source the MCU from a low-quiescent LDO or directly from a battery to avoid leakage through the regulator. The 1.8 V minimum supply means you can power the device directly from a fresh CR2032 coin cell without any regulator in series.
The 28-QFN (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad that is internally connected to VSS. Solder the pad to a ground pour with at least 6-8 thermal vias to a board ground plane to meet the package thermal resistance. In low-power designs where the MCU draws only a few milliamps, the pad primarily serves electrical grounding rather than thermal dissipation, but proper soldering is still required for mechanical reliability and reflow compliance per JEDEC J-STD-020.
Route the ICSP programming pins (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT) to a header or test pad that is accessible after board assembly. Place the MCLR pull-up (typically 10 kohm) close to pin 3 and ensure no series resistance on the MCLR line that would impede in-circuit programming. Use a 100 nF cap on MCLR only if your tool vendor requires it - many pickit programmers need a clean MCLR for reliable detection.
Configure unused I/O pins as outputs and drive them low (not high) to minimize current leakage in sleep mode. Floating inputs can draw tens of microamps each and dominate the standby budget of an XLP design. Also avoid leaving the ADC input channels floating - tie them to VSS or a defined voltage. Never drive a PIC16 I/O pin above VDD or below VSS, even momentarily, as the ESD diodes will inject current and may latch up the part.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. The -I (industrial) suffix does not carry AEC-Q100 automotive qualification; for AEC-Q100 applications use a designated automotive-grade PIC16 variant such as PIC16F18856-E/SSVAO with extended temperature.
