PIC16LF18855-E/ML - 8-Bit 32MHz XLP MCU, 14KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18855-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.49 | $14.90 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16LF18855-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), non-volatile EEPROM, and a rich set of peripherals on one die. The 8-bit PIC16 architecture occupies a specific niche in the embedded hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. XLP variants add ultra-low-power modes (sleep current typically in the nA range, active current in the uA/MHz range) that allow coin-cell and energy-harvesting designs to run for years without battery replacement.
Key features of the PIC16LF18855 include Analog Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), and Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD); communication peripherals including EUSART, I2C, and SPI; on-chip 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2); 5-bit DAC; and up to 25 I/O pins. Functional Safety (FuSa) features such as CRC/SCAN with HLT (Hardware Limit Timer) support safety-critical designs.
Architecturally, the part uses a Harvard RISC core with single-cycle instruction execution at speeds up to 32 MHz (8 MIPS), 14 KB self-programmable Flash, 1024 bytes RAM, and 256 bytes EEPROM. The integrated Core Independent Peripherals execute without CPU intervention, freeing the core for higher-level tasks and reducing power consumption.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered wireless modules, home appliances, automotive body electronics, LED lighting controllers, and small consumer devices. The wide operating voltage (1.8V to 3.6V for the LF variant) suits 2xAA, coin-cell, and Lithium-thionyl-chloride chemistries.
Design consideration: because the 28-QFN has an exposed pad, the PCB must include thermal vias under the pad to meet the datasheet's thermal resistance spec and to provide a low-impedance ground connection. The LF suffix is mandatory below 2.5V operation; the non-LF PIC16F18855 requires 2.3V minimum.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC16 family, and design notes on the 28-QFN land pattern not found in the standalone Microchip datasheet summary.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18855-E/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 PIC16LF18855-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18855-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18854-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18855-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1829-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1784-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1847-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18855-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| I/O Pins | Up to 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2) |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, I2C/SPI, AUSART |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD, DSM |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit timers with HLT |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix) |
| XLP Feature | eXtreme Low Power (nA sleep current) |
| Functional Safety | CRC/SCAN, HLT, Windowed WDT |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18855-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 / analog input / IOC |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 / analog input / IOC |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 / analog input / VREF+ |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input / DAC1OUT |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input / DAC1REF- |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input / ICDDAT |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 / analog input / OSCO |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 / analog input / OSCI |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 / analog input / SOSCO |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 / analog input / SOSCI |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 / analog input / DAC1OUT2 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 / analog input / SCL |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 / analog input / SDA |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 / analog input / SDO |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 / analog input / TX/CK |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 / analog input / RX/DT |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 / IOC / ZCD output |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 / IOC / CWG1FLT |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 / IOC |
| Pin 23 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 / IOC / MCLR weak pull-up |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 / IOC / SDA2 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 / IOC / SCL2 |
| Pin 26 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 / IOC / ICDCLK |
| Pin 27 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 / IOC / ICDDAT |
| Pin 28 | RE3 — PORTE bit 3 / VPP / MCLR |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18855-E/ML is suitable for 8 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Home Appliance Control Boards, LED Lighting Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics, Portable Consumer Electronics, Industrial Sensor Interface Boards, Wireless Communication Modules, Smart Metering Edge Nodes.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18855-E/ML is engineered for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes where sleep current dominates lifetime. The LF variant operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, drawing nA-level currents in deep-sleep XLP mode and uA/MHz in active mode, allowing a single CR2032 coin cell to power a periodic sensor reading loop for years. The integrated Core Independent Peripherals (CLC, NCO, ADC2) let the sensor acquisition and threshold check run without waking the CPU, while EUSART/SPI connect to an external radio module. Designers should budget an external LDO only when the radio requires 3.3 V regulated; for sensors alone, direct battery connection is feasible.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Boards
In home appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and HVAC controls, the PIC16LF18855-E/ML provides enough Flash (14 KB) and peripherals (CLC, CWG, ZCD, EUSART, I2C) to drive HMI keypads, triac-fired AC loads, and sensor front-ends. The 32 MHz core delivers 8 MIPS, sufficient for PWM-driven motor control loops via the Complementary Waveform Generator and for UART-based control panel interfaces. The 28-QFN (6x6) footprint keeps the BOM small enough for compact board designs, and the E temperature grade (-40C to +125C) tolerates the warm enclosure behind a control panel.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LF18855-E/ML fits LED lighting controllers because the CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) and NCO (Numerically Controlled Oscillator) peripherals produce high-resolution PWM and arbitrary waveform outputs without CPU load. The ADC2 with computation handles RGB color-mixing feedback loops in parallel, while the 5-bit DAC supports smooth dimming. Operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V simplifies design of 24V-bus fixtures with a small buck converter stepping down to 3.3 V. The 28-QFN (6x6) exposed pad keeps the thermal path short, which matters when the MCU sits adjacent to power MOSFETs on the same PCB.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
In non-safety automotive body applications - interior lighting, door modules, HVAC blend doors, mirror controllers - the PIC16LF18855-E/ML's E temperature grade (-40C to +125C), wide 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range, and LIN-capable EUSART make it a strong fit. The CRC/SCAN peripherals assist functional-safety monitoring of the firmware, while the HLT (Hardware Limit Timer) detects runaway code paths. For AEC-Q100 qualification specifically, designers must select the F-variant automotive part number rather than the LF commercial-grade part; the LF is suitable for non-safety modules only.
Recommended
Portable Consumer Electronics
Portable consumer devices such as wireless mice, fitness bands, e-readers, and remote controls benefit from the PIC16LF18855-E/ML's low active current (uA/MHz) and deep-sleep currents that allow coin-cell operation. The 14 KB Flash holds feature firmware for HID descriptors, button debouncing, and wireless protocol glue logic, while the EUSART/SPI/I2C peripherals bridge to a companion BLE or sub-GHz radio. The 28-QFN (6x6) footprint is small enough for thin enclosures, and the E temperature grade tolerates pocket carry. The MCU's fast wake-from-sleep time keeps button-to-action latency low.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Boards
The PIC16LF18855-E/ML is well-suited for industrial 4-20 mA loop sensor interfaces, RTD/thermocouple signal conditioning boards, and Modbus slave modules. Its 10-bit ADC2 with computation handles up to 25 analog channels through an external mux, while the EUSART with LIN support and the I2C peripheral provide standard industrial communication. The 32 MHz MIPS throughput enables software Modbus RTU stacks without timing pressure, and the E temperature grade covers harsh industrial enclosures. The 28-QFN exposed pad allows PCB heat-sinking when the MCU drives multiple RS-485 transceivers.
Recommended
Wireless Communication Modules
When paired with a sub-GHz or BLE radio transceiver, the PIC16LF18855-E/ML acts as the host MCU for protocol stack management, button handling, and LED feedback. Its 14 KB Flash accommodates simple proprietary RF stacks or BLE application logic, while EUSART/SPI connect to the radio at high data rates. The XLP deep-sleep mode allows the entire module to draw <1 uA standby current when no RF activity is required, and the 28-QFN (6x6) package integrates cleanly with radio modules in the same board area. The E temperature grade supports outdoor and industrial deployments.
Recommended
Smart Metering Edge Nodes
In gas, water, and heat metering edge nodes, the PIC16LF18855-E/ML drives the metrology front end, accumulates pulse counts, and stores calibration data in its 256-byte EEPROM. Its low sleep current enables >10-year battery operation on lithium-thionyl-chloride cells, and the ADC2 with computation supports battery voltage monitoring. The 28-QFN (6x6) small footprint fits within the tight enclosures of meter end-caps. The CRC/SCAN hardware assists tamper-detection logic, and the E temperature grade accommodates outdoor meter placement.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18855-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18855-E/ML | PIC16LF18854-E/ML | PIC16LF18855-I/ML | PIC16LF1829-I/ML | PIC16LF1784-I/ML | PIC16LF1847-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 12 KB (-14%) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 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 |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 16 MHz (4 MIPS) |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC2 with computation | 10-bit ADC2 | 10-bit ADC2 | 10-bit ADC2 | 10-bit ADC | 12-bit ADC | 10-bit ADC |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD, DSM | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD, DSM | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD, DSM | Limited (no NCO/DSM) | Limited (no CWG/DSM) | None |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| Approx Unit Price (1 qty) | $1.62 | $1.65 | $1.50 | $1.55 | $1.40 | $1.35 | $1.20 |
Key Differentiators
- Latest-generation Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) (vs PIC16LF1847-I/ML)
- Wide 1.8 V to 3.6 V operating range (vs PIC16F18855-E/ML)
- ADC with Computation (ADC2) (vs PIC16LF1784-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package on the PIC16LF18855-E/ML has a center exposed pad (pin 29) that serves as the primary thermal and ground path. The PCB land pattern MUST include a matching center pad with at least 9 thermal vias (typical 0.3 mm drill, 0.5 mm pitch) connecting to an inner ground plane, otherwise the silicon junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (theta_JA) degrades by 30-50% and the device may thermally throttle under full-load computational stress. Estimated: with 9 vias and a 1 oz copper inner ground plane, theta_JA improves from datasheet JEDEC EIA/JESD51 28-QFN value of approximately 35 C/W down to roughly 28 C/W in still air.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor within 5 mm of the package. For the LF variant operating below 2.5 V, use X7R or X5R ceramic capacitors rather than Y5V, because Y5R loses ~50% capacitance at 3.3 V bias and can cause supply droop during ADC conversions. Add a 1 uF reservoir capacitor if the design switches high-current loads (LEDs, relays) from the same 3.3 V rail to prevent ADC reference sag during switching transients.
Do not confuse the LF suffix with a feature-limited variant - both LF and F share identical Flash, RAM, peripherals, and pinout. The difference is purely the operating voltage range. Designers who need 5V operation MUST select the F variant (PIC16F18855); choosing LF and powering from 5V will immediately damage the silicon junction. Conversely, using F at 2.0V (end of 2xAA discharge) will cause brown-out-reset misfires - use LF for any rail below 2.5V. The MCLR pin (RE3) must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor if unused, otherwise the device will not exit reset reliably.
When using the PIC16LF18855-E/ML with a 32 MHz external crystal (HS mode), route the OSCI/OSCO traces as a short matched pair (length difference < 5 mm) directly under the package to the load capacitors, and surround them with a ground pour stitched with vias. Avoid routing any high-speed digital signal (PWM, SPI clock) parallel to the crystal traces within 3 mm to prevent coupling. For internal 32 MHz HFINTOSC operation (no external crystal needed), the LF variant still meets the 2% USB-LIN timing tolerance only with the F variant and external crystal.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip PIC16(L)F18855/75 datasheet family. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the LF suffix indicates commercial/industrial grade E temperature. For AEC-Q100 automotive applications, select the automotive-grade part number with VAO suffix or contact Microchip for the equivalent automotive F variant.
