PIC16LF18455-E/SS - 14KB Flash, 32MHz 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18455-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.59 | $1.59 |
| 10 | $1.45 | $14.50 |
| 100 | $1.28 | $128.00 |
| 500 | $1.12 | $560.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.98 | $980.00 |
PIC16LF18455-E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (typically Flash), working RAM, and programmable peripheral interfaces. The PIC16 architecture belongs to the modified Harvard 8-bit RISC class, which separates program and data buses to allow simultaneous instruction fetch and data access, providing deterministic interrupt response suitable for real-time embedded control. The PIC16LF18455 sits inside Microchip's PIC16 mid-range family (8-bit core), itself positioned under the broader PIC microcontroller hierarchy (8-bit PIC → 16-bit dsPIC → 32-bit PIC32), serving applications that need deterministic IO and ultra-low standby current rather than compute density.
Key features include 14KB Flash with 8K x 14 word addressing, 1KB SRAM, hardware peripherals such as two PWM modules, a comparator, a 5-/8-bit DAC, a 12-bit ADC2 with computation and averaging, a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), an Enhanced USART (EUSART), and SPI/I²C interfaces. The device operates from 1.8V to 3.6V (LF variant), consumes nanoWatt XLP sleep currents, and supports the Memory Access Partitioning (MAP) and Device Information Area (DIA) features for bootloader memory.
The PIC16LF18455 builds on Microchip's enhanced mid-range core (49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack) with Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that offload timing-critical tasks from the CPU, including the CWG for complementary motor-drive signals and the ADC2 with built-in oversampling and threshold-based interrupts. This architecture lets the part monitor sensors, drive PWMs, and wake on events with very low average power, ideal for battery-aware designs.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor endpoints, industrial sensor nodes, handheld battery-powered instruments, LED lighting controllers, and small motor control loops. The combination of ADC2, CWG, and PWMs makes it well suited for closed-loop control, while the EUSART/SPI/I²C peripherals simplify connectivity to radios and sensors.
A key design consideration is the 28-pin SSOP footprint: when migrating from PIC16F18455 (1.8V–5.5V) to the LF variant, confirm your analog references and logic thresholds remain within 3.6V. The XLP sleep currents (e.g. <100 nA typical retention) help achieve multi-year coin-cell lifetime, but always validate quiescent draw against your actual code since peripheral wake sources affect sleep current.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and engineering design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to support design-in and BOM decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18455-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 PIC16LF18455-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in DAC, Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18455-E/SSVAO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18456-E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18446-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18445-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18346-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18346-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18455-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC enhanced mid-range (49 instructions) |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (E suffix) |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 with Computation (ADC2), oversampling and averaging |
| DAC | 5-/8-bit DAC |
| PWM Channels | 2 x PWM modules |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, SPI, I²C |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Special Features | Memory Access Partitioning (MAP), Device Information Area (DIA), nanoWatt XLP, Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) |
PIC16LF18455-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Digital IO / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Digital IO / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital IO / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Digital IO / analog input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA6 — Digital IO / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA7 — Digital IO / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RB0 — Digital IO / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — Digital IO / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Digital IO / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB3 — Digital IO / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Digital IO / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Digital IO / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | RB6 — Digital IO / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Digital IO / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 18 | RC0 — Digital IO |
| Pin 19 | RC1 — Digital IO |
| Pin 20 | RC2 — Digital IO |
| Pin 21 | RC3 — Digital IO |
| Pin 22 | RC4 — Digital IO |
| Pin 23 | RC5 — Digital IO |
| Pin 24 | RC6 — Digital IO |
| Pin 25 | RC7 — Digital IO |
| Pin 26 | RA0 — Digital IO / analog input |
| Pin 27 | RA1 — Digital IO / analog input |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18455-E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Industrial Sensor and Process Monitor, LED Lighting and Driver Controller, Small Brushless-DC / Stepper Motor Control, Handheld Battery-Powered Instrument, Automotive Body and Sensor Module (AEC-Q100 variant), Consumer Remote Control and HMI.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18455-E/SS is well suited to coin-cell or single-cell Li-ion IoT sensor nodes because of its 1.8V–3.6V VDD range and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents. The integrated 12-bit ADC2 with hardware averaging and threshold interrupts lets the MCU wake only on a meaningful sensor change, while the EUSART/SPI/I²C peripherals connect to radios or environmental sensors. Designers typically place a 100nF decoupling cap within 5mm of VDD/SS and budget wake cycles so the average sleep current stays under 1µA for multi-year battery life.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor and Process Monitor
The PIC16LF18455-E/SS handles 4–20mA loop transmitters, thermistor bridges, and low-speed process monitoring thanks to its 12-bit ADC2, on-chip DAC, and comparators. The -40°C to +125°C E temperature grade and 28-SSOP industrial footprint suit factory-floor PCBs. Engineers commonly pair the part with an op-amp front end and isolate the SPI/I²C bus to a host PLC, using the CWG to drive a status LED indicator without CPU load.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Driver Controller
In LED lighting, the PIC16LF18455-E/SS acts as the digital controller for dimming, color-mix, and temperature fold-back using its two PWM channels plus the Complementary Waveform Generator. The 5/8-bit DAC sets the analog reference for the LED driver stage while the 12-bit ADC2 senses board temperature via an NTC. With 32MHz/8MIPS, the MCU can execute DMX or DALI framing in real time, and the LF 1.8V minimum supports direct Li-ion operation in portable luminaires.
Recommended
Small Brushless-DC / Stepper Motor Control
The Complementary Waveform Generator and dual PWMs make the PIC16LF18455-E/SS a fit for small BLDC or stepper motor drives where dead-band generation and hardware commutation reduce CPU load. The ADC2 samples back-EMF or shunt current, while the comparator provides cycle-by-cycle current limiting without CPU intervention. The 28-SSOP footprint keeps the MCU outside the power stage and the 1.8V–3.6V VDD aligns with 3.3V gate-driver supplies.
Recommended
Handheld Battery-Powered Instrument
The PIC16LF18455-E/SS supports handheld instruments such as digital multimeters, medical peripherals, and remote controls, where low average power and an integrated ADC are essential. The MCU drives a small LCD or LED display via PWMs, reads keys via the comparator, and uses the EUSART to stream readings to a host. The MAP/DIA features allow field firmware updates via bootloader, and the 28-SSOP industrial footprint reflows cleanly on FR4.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Sensor Module (AEC-Q100 variant)
For automotive body controllers and sensor modules, the PIC16LF18455-E/SSVAO (AEC-Q100 qualified) variant of this die runs the same firmware on the same 28-SSOP footprint, simplifying dual-sourcing for non-safety modules such as interior lighting, mirror controllers, and tire-pressure sensor receivers. The EUSART/SPI/I²C peripherals interface to LIN bus transceivers or sensor ASICs, while the ADC2 monitors battery and rail conditions in real time.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control and HMI
The PIC16LF18455-E/SS is a strong choice for IR/RF remote controls and small HMIs where long battery life and responsive button scanning are required. The on-chip comparator enables ultra-low-power wake-on-touch scanning, the PWMs generate IR carrier frequencies up to 32MHz, and the EUSART links to BLE bridges. With 14KB Flash, the part supports rich keymaps and bidirectional protocols like Bluetooth LE HID over a companion module.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18455-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18455-E/SSVAO | PIC16LF18456-E/SS | PIC16LF18446-E/SS | PIC16LF18445-I/SS | PIC16LF18346-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | 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 | 28-SSOP - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB (same family, larger Flash) | Smaller (same family) | Smaller (same family) | Smaller (PIC16LF183xx family) |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | Larger (same family) | Smaller (same family) | Smaller (same family) | Smaller (PIC16LF183xx family) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (automotive AEC-Q100) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| 12-bit ADC2 | Yes (with computation) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (PIC16LF183xx variant) |
| EUSART / SPI / I2C | Yes / Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes / Yes |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash within the 28-SSOP PIC16LF184xx footprint range for cost-effective code headroom (vs PIC16LF18445-I/SS)
- Single-family upgrade path with AEC-Q100 variant for automotive designs (vs PIC16LF18455-E/SSVAO)
- ADC2 with computation reduces CPU wake events in mixed-signal nodes (vs PIC16LF18346-E/SS)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of pins 17 and 28, and add a 10µF bulk capacitor near the supply rail to suppress transients when the ADC2 reference or PWM outputs switch. The LF variant operates from 1.8V to 3.6V; do not exceed 3.6V on VDD or analog inputs or you risk EEPROM/Flash corruption. For battery designs, place the part on a 10mm copper pour and use the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes to reach sub-µA standby current.
Route the ICSP lines (RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT, pins 14 and 15) directly to an in-circuit programming header with no series resistors and keep the trace length under 50 mm to preserve programming margin. Place the programming connector on the board edge to avoid a flying-wire setup in production. For the 28-SSOP land pattern, follow Microchip's SSOP-28 package outline (0.65 mm pitch, 5.30 mm body width) and add ground stitching vias around the perimeter to reduce radiated emissions.
When using the 12-bit ADC2 with computation, drive the analog inputs through a low-pass RC filter (typically 1kΩ + 100nF) and use a separate analog ground pour to avoid digital return currents coupling into the ADC reference. Tie unused IO pins to VDD or VSS to prevent floating inputs that can draw tens of µA in sleep. If you switch the PWM outputs at high frequency near an analog input, add ground isolation between the digital and analog sections.
A common pitfall is selecting the LF (1.8V–3.6V) part for a 5V system or vice versa. Always confirm the LF suffix before committing to BOM. Another is overlooking the E vs I temperature grade: E grade supports -40°C to +125°C while I grade supports -40°C to +85°C only. Finally, the 28-SSOP variant (this part) differs from the 28-SOIC and 28-SPDIP variants by footprint - confirm mechanical compatibility if migrating.
Compliance Information
Standard E grade - not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive use choose the PIC16LF18455-E/SSVAO AEC-Q100 variant on the same 28-SSOP footprint.
