PIC16LF18855-E/SP - 14KB Flash 8-bit MCU 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18855-E/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.42 | $2.42 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.94 | $194.00 |
| 500 | $1.71 | $855.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.52 | $1,520.00 |
PIC16LF18855-E/SP Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller? An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path and Harvard architecture, integrating CPU, Flash program memory, RAM, EEPROM, and configurable peripherals (ADC, timers, communication interfaces). Within the broader IC taxonomy, an MCU belongs to: microcontroller -> embedded controller -> digital IC -> semiconductor. The 'LF' prefix denotes the low-power (wide-range 1.8V–3.6V) variant, while '18855' identifies the specific die with 14 KB memory and rich analog/peripheral integration. The '-E' suffix indicates the -40°C to +125°C extended operating temperature range.
Key features include 25 I/O pins, 2 UART modules (EUSART), 2 SPI, 2 I²C, 10-bit ADC with up to 24 channels, 5-bit DAC, 2 comparators, and 4 8-bit timers plus 1 16-bit timer. The XLP technology enables sleep current down to ~30 nA typical with full RAM retention, ideal for battery-powered applications such as IoT sensor nodes, wearables, and remote controls.
The architecture uses a RISC-style 14-bit instruction set with 49 instructions and a 16-level hardware stack, complemented by a configurable instruction cache (PIC10/12/16/18 instruction-set compatibility) and a CWG/DSM module for advanced waveform generation. The 32 MHz internal oscillator supports USB and timing-critical motor-control loops.
Typical applications include home-automation controllers, battery-powered wireless sensor nodes, automotive body electronics (sub-systems), low-power IoT edge devices, HVAC thermostats, and small DC-motor or fan-control circuits. The SPDIP-28 footprint also makes it breadboard-friendly for prototype development and education.
Design consideration: choose this MCU when you need an easily solderable through-hole part for prototype or low-volume production, or when the wider 5V-tolerant SPDIP-28 footprint simplifies hand-rework. For high-volume surface-mount designs, consider the SOIC-28 (PIC16LF18855-E/SO) or QFN-28 (PIC16LF18855-E/ML) variants in the same silicon family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, comparison data, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18855-E/SP — 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/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Comparators, DAC, Package, Maximum CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18855-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18855-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.47 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18854-E/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18855-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16F 8-bit RISC, 14-bit instruction word |
| Family | PIC16LF18855 (XLP, low voltage 1.8-3.6V) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (instruction cycle 250 ns) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (0.300 in / 7.62 mm body width) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix, extended) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 24 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit, 1 channel (8-bit DAC option) |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 4 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit (5 CCP/ECCP) |
| Communication | 2x EUSART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C |
| PWM Channels | Up to 8 (via CCP/ECCP + CWG/DSM) |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes, 32 MHz LF-HF selectable |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life, non-thermal) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18855-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset input / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 28 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0, analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 29 | VDD — Positive supply input 1.8-3.6 V |
| Pin 30 | VDD — Positive supply input 1.8-3.6 V |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18855-E/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, HVAC Thermostat Control, Small DC Motor or Fan Control, Wearable Health Monitor, Automotive Body Electronics Sub-System, Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA / 0-10 V).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18855-E/SP fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its XLP architecture delivers tens of nA sleep current with full RAM retention, and 1.8-3.6 V operation is matched to a single Li-ion or 2xAA cell stack. The 14 KB Flash and 1 KB RAM host a small RTOS or cooperative scheduler plus sensor drivers. The 10-bit ADC with up to 24 channels multiplexes temperature, humidity, light, and analog sensor inputs, while two EUSART and two I2C interfaces connect to a transceiver module. With 25 I/O available on the 28-SPDIP, the MCU also serves as the wake-up controller for the radio. Designers should use the internal 32 MHz HF oscillator to reduce BOM cost and pair the MCU with a sub-GHz or BLE module for telemetry.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Control
The PIC16LF18855-E/SP is well-suited to HVAC thermostat control where multiple temperature sensors, setpoint buttons, and a triac/relay driver are required. Its 10-bit ADC with up to 24 channels reads NTC thermistors for indoor, outdoor, and supply-air sensing; the two on-chip comparators implement zero-cross detection for triac dimming. The 5-bit DAC and PWM outputs drive LED backlights and a small graphic display, while EUSART or I2C connect to a Wi-Fi/BLE module for smart-thermostat networking. The -40C to +125C extended temperature range supports attic and boiler-room deployment where consumer-grade parts fail. The 28-SPDIP footprint also simplifies development board and hand-soldered prototype work.
Recommended
Small DC Motor or Fan Control
The PIC16LF18855-E/SP handles small DC-motor and brushless-fan control loops using its CCP/ECCP modules plus the CWG and DSM waveform generators. Up to 8 PWM channels drive MOSFET half-bridges, while the 32 MHz CPU clock supports 8 kHz to 32 kHz PWM frequencies with sufficient resolution for closed-loop current limiting. The 10-bit ADC samples back-EMF and current shunt, and the comparators provide hardware fault detection that latches PWM within nanoseconds. The 28-SPDIP package is friendly to development on bench power supplies and motor-control reference boards. For higher-torque BLDC/PMSM applications, the dsPIC33EP256 family in the cross-reference list offers DSP-class motor-control peripherals on the same 3.3 V supply.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitor
The PIC16LF18855-E/SP fits wearable health-monitor applications because its XLP deep-sleep current in the tens of nA preserves battery life over months, while the 1.8-3.6 V supply works directly from a small Li-Po cell. The MCU aggregates heart-rate, SpO2, and motion-sensor data through I2C, while EUSART streams pre-processed samples to a BLE radio. The 14 KB Flash hosts a real-time sensor-fusion loop, and 25 I/O on the 28-SPDIP expose enough pins for haptic driver, button input, and battery gauge. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range survives skin-contact thermal swings. Compact SOIC-28 or QFN-28 variants are available when the wearable moves from prototype to high-volume SMT production.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Sub-System
The PIC16LF18855-E/SP supports automotive body-electronics sub-systems such as interior lighting, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and accessory multiplexers where 32 MHz CPU and rich PWM are needed but full CAN stack is not. Its -40C to +125C extended temperature grade handles cabin and under-hood thermal stress, while EUSART links to a body-control gateway. The 10-bit ADC and comparators implement current sensing for LED drivers and short-circuit protection, and the 14 KB Flash stores calibration tables and diagnostic logs. For body modules that require AEC-Q100 compliance, designers should select the Q-graded variant of this family; for non-safety accessory controllers this E-suffix part is well-positioned.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA / 0-10 V)
The PIC16LF18855-E/SP is a strong fit for industrial sensor transmitters that output 4-20 mA or 0-10 V analog signals proportional to a measured variable. The 10-bit ADC with up to 24 channels supports bridge, RTD, and 4-20 mA input conditioning, while the 5-bit DAC and PWM with low-pass filter generate precise analog output. The wide 1.8-3.6 V supply runs from a loop-powered 24 V system via a small buck converter, and the extended -40C to +125 C temperature rating covers outdoor and process-plant environments. The two EUSARTs allow simultaneous HART modem and RS-485 service; the 28-SPDIP through-hole package is friendly to ruggedized module construction. Designers should use the internal HF oscillator for stable 32 MHz timing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18855-E/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18855-I/SP | PIC16F18855-E/SP | PIC16LF18854-E/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Core | PIC16F 8-bit 32 MHz | PIC16F 8-bit 32 MHz | PIC16F 8-bit 32 MHz | PIC16F 8-bit 32 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 - 3.6 V | 1.8 - 3.6 V | 1.8 - 5.5 V (wider range) | 1.8 - 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade for industrial/automotive sub-systems (vs PIC16LF18855-I/SP)
- Low-voltage XLP operation optimized for battery-powered designs (vs PIC16F18855-E/SP)
- Highest pin count in the 18855 SPDIP family with full peripheral set (vs PIC16LF18854-E/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF18855-E/SP supports XLP deep-sleep modes with typical current in the tens of nA and full RAM retention when the LFINTOSC and peripherals are off. To minimize sleep current, ensure all unused I/O are configured as outputs (not floating inputs), the ADC is disabled, and the MCLR pin uses the internal weak pull-up configuration. Switching from HFINTOSC to LFINTOSC before sleep reduces the wake-up current spike; a 1 uF ceramic VDD bulk cap within 5 mm of pin 29/30 handles transient bursts when waking into active mode.
For the 28-SPDIP layout, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pins (29/30) and a bulk 1-10 uF capacitor on the same VDD net to suppress switching transients from the digital core. The exposed leads on SPDIP also act as a thermal path; for high PWM duty cycles driving MOSFET gates, route the high-current ground return directly to the VSS pins (8, 19, 20) using a star topology to avoid digital noise coupling into the analog ADC channels.
Do not leave MCLR floating: tie pin 1 to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up or use the internal MCLR enable configuration in the configuration words. The ICSP programming pins (RB7/RA5/MCLR) must not be repurposed as outputs driving external loads during development, as this prevents in-circuit programming. Confirm the configuration word settings (FOSC, WDTE, PWRTE, BOREN) before code generation, since incorrect values are the most common cause of bricked PIC16LF18855 prototypes. Always include a 1 kohm resistor in series with MCLR if a push-button reset is used, to limit inrush current.
Route the ADC analog inputs (RA0-RA5) over a continuous ground plane and keep digital traces (PWM, EUSART) at least 5 mm away to minimize coupled noise. If the design uses both ADC and PWM on the same die, place an LC pi-filter on the digital supply or use separate ferrite beads to isolate the AVdd tap from the main VDD. For designs requiring 12-bit ADC precision, choose PIC16LF1768-E/SO instead, as the 18855 uses a 10-bit ADC.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. -E suffix indicates -40C to +125C extended industrial temperature grade but is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive safety-critical applications, select the Q-graded variant. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip Material Composition Declaration.
