PIC16LF18855-I/SS - 32MHz 8-bit MCU, 14KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18855-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.4 | $2.40 |
| 10 | $2.1 | $21.00 |
| 100 | $1.78 | $178.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.4 | $1,400.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.18 | $3,540.00 |
PIC16LF18855-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, self-contained computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), EEPROM, and a rich set of peripherals (ADC, timers, PWM, communication ports) into a single IC. PIC microcontrollers from Microchip use a modified Harvard RISC architecture optimized for deterministic interrupt response and low power operation; the PIC16F/LF family targets general-purpose embedded control spanning industrial, consumer, IoT, and battery-powered designs. Within this family the LF prefix denotes the extended low-voltage, low-power variant suitable for systems running from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, where the F (Flash) variant operates up to 5.5 V.
Key features of the PIC16LF18855-I/SS include 32 MHz CPU speed (8 MIPS at 4x PLL), 14 KB self-programmable Flash with code protection, 1 KB SRAM and 256 B EEPROM, up to 24 channels of 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC^2), 5 capture/compare/PWM modules, two USART modules, two SPI/I2C modules, and a hardware CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator). The CIP (Core Independent Peripheral) set allows complex logic, motor control, and signal conditioning without CPU intervention, making the device attractive for low-power and deterministic applications.
The 'LF' low-power variant operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V with active current under 5 mA at 32 MHz, deep sleep current of roughly 50 nA typical, and IDD of ~3 µA at 32 kHz with peripherals running. The 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body) package is pin-compatible with the broader PIC16F18855 family, easing migration between F and LF variants and across PIC16LF18854/56/57 family siblings.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, low-energy wireless HMI controllers, BLDC/PMSM motor drivers using FOC or trapezoidal commutation, HVAC control, white goods, LED lighting controllers, and general-purpose industrial automation nodes. Its CIP peripherals also support touch sensing, smoke-detector front-ends, and small appliance control.
When designing with this part, ensure the Vdd decoupling network follows the manufacturer reference schematic (typically 100 nF plus 10 µF bulk). Program/debug requires ICSP via PGC/PGD, and migrating between F and LF variants requires verifying operating-voltage and current-consumption differences during firmware validation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18855-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 PIC16LF18855-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, DAC, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18855-I/SSVAO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18855T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18855-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18854-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.63 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18855-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18855-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC (modified Harvard) |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| I/O Pins | 25 (typical for 28-pin SSOP) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 24 channels with ADC^2 computation |
| Timers | Multiple 8-bit and 16-bit timers |
| PWM / CCP | 5 CCP modules, 10-bit PWM |
| Communication | 2x USART, 2x SPI/I2C, 1x I2C |
| Peripheral Highlights | CWG, DSM, NCO, CRC/Scan, Hardware Limit Timer |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, -I suffix) |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Pb-free) |
PIC16LF18855-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN0+/DAC1OUT1 — PORTA0 / Analog ch0 / Comparator / DAC output |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN1-/DAC1OUT2 — PORTA1 / Analog ch1 / Comparator input |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/C2IN+/DAC1VREF- — PORTA2 / Analog ch2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/C2IN-/DAC1VREF+ — PORTA3 / Analog ch3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/C1IN3-/T0CKI — PORTA4 / Analog ch4 / Timer0 clock |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5 — PORTA5 / Analog ch5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — PORTA6 |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — PORTA7 |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RB0/AN12/CCP4 — PORTB0 / Analog ch12 / CCP4 |
| Pin 11 | RB1/AN10/CCP5 — PORTB1 / Analog ch10 / CCP5 |
| Pin 12 | RB2/AN8 — PORTB2 / Analog ch8 |
| Pin 13 | RB3/AN9 — PORTB3 / Analog ch9 |
| Pin 14 | RB4/AN11 — PORTB4 / Analog ch11 |
| Pin 15 | RB5/AN13 — PORTB5 / Analog ch13 |
| Pin 16 | RB6/ICSPCLK — PORTB6 / ICSP clock (programming) |
| Pin 17 | RB7/ICSPDAT — PORTB7 / ICSP data (programming) |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | RC0 — PORTC0 |
| Pin 21 | RC1 — PORTC1 |
| Pin 22 | RC2 — PORTC2 |
| Pin 23 | RC3 — PORTC3 |
| Pin 24 | RC4 — PORTC4 |
| Pin 25 | RC5 — PORTC5 |
| Pin 26 | RC6 — PORTC6 |
| Pin 27 | RC7 — PORTC7 |
| Pin 28 | RE3/MCLR — PORTE3 / Master Clear (reset, active low) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18855-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, LED Lighting Controller, Industrial Automation I/O Module, HVAC and White-Goods Control, Smoke and Gas Detector Front-End.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18855-I/SS fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes through its 1.8 V to 3.6 V XLP operating range, ~50 nA typical deep-sleep current, and 24-channel 10-bit ADC^2 that offloads averaging and threshold checks from the CPU. At 32 MHz it completes sensor reads, encrypts payloads, and returns to sleep within milliseconds, extending CR2032 cell life into multi-year territory. Two USART and two SPI/I2C modules let the MCU sit on a sensor I/O bus or drive a sub-GHz radio such as the MRF89XA for short-range telemetry. The 28-SSOP package keeps the node footprint small for wearable or environmental enclosures.
Recommended
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
The PIC16LF18855-I/SS is well-suited to BLDC and PMSM motor control thanks to its 5 CCP/PWM modules, hardware CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator), DSM (Data Signal Modulator), and 32 MHz CPU that delivers deterministic commutation timing. ADC^2 computation handles back-EMF zero-crossing detection and current sensing with zero CPU overhead, enabling sensorless trapezoidal or FOC-style control loops. Its 1.8 V to 3.6 V rail lets it co-exist with 3.3 V gate drivers and 3-phase MOSFET bridges in compact fan, drone, or appliance designs.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF18855-I/SS drives constant-current LED lighting controllers via its 10-bit PWM, multiple timers, and CWG peripheral that supports phase-shifted PWM for high-CRI dimming. Its 1.8 V minimum supply allows direct Li-ion battery operation in portable luminaires, while ADC^2 monitors photodiode feedback for ambient-light compensation. The 256 B EEPROM stores calibration data and dimming curves, and the USART interfaces to DMX-512, DALI, or wireless dimming modules. Industrial-grade -I temperature rating covers outdoor fixture thermal environments.
Recommended
Industrial Automation I/O Module
The PIC16LF18855-I/SS serves as a programmable logic controller in industrial automation I/O modules using its 24 ADC channels for analog sensor inputs, plus digital I/O on PORTA through PORTE for relay and contactor drives. RS-485 through the USART supports Modbus RTU on factory-floor networks. The 32 MHz CPU runs logic algorithms within sub-millisecond scan loops, and the CIP peripherals handle CRC, scanning, and hardware limit detection for fail-safe shutdown. The 28-SSOP footprint suits DIN-rail mount terminal blocks.
Recommended
HVAC and White-Goods Control
The PIC16LF18855-I/SS is ideal for HVAC and white-goods appliance control thanks to its capacitive-touch-ready ADC, CWG, and multiple PWM channels for driving relays, triacs, and variable-speed fans. The 14 KB Flash accommodates sophisticated user-interface state machines and adaptive control firmware, while 256 B EEPROM retains user settings across power cycles. The wide -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range supports garage and outdoor HVAC cabinet environments where consumer-grade parts fail.
Recommended
Smoke and Gas Detector Front-End
The PIC16LF18855-I/SS drives smoke and gas detector front-ends by combining its 24 analog input channels for ionization-chamber, photoelectric, and electrochemical gas sensors with the ADC^2 threshold and averaging for low-noise concentration measurement. Deep-sleep at ~50 nA typical extends battery life for ten years on sealed lithium cells. The CWG generates low-frequency sounder drivers, while the DSM modulates IR LED drivers in photoelectric chambers. The 28-SSOP industrial temperature rating complies with UL 217 alarm standards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18855-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18855-I/SS | PIC16LF18855T-I/SS | PIC16LF18855-I/SO | PIC16LF18854-I/SO | PIC16LF18855-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-SOIC - different body width | 28-SOIC - different body width | 28-SSOP - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB (-50%) | 14 KB |
| RAM | 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C (extended) |
| CPU Clock Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC | 10-bit, 24 channels, ADC^2 | 10-bit, 24 channels | 10-bit, 24 channels | 10-bit, 24 channels | 10-bit, fewer channels | 10-bit, 24 channels |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 100, USD, as of 2026-09-24) | 1.78 | 1.78 | 1.78 | 1.78 | 1.50 (lower mem) | 1.95 |
Key Differentiators
- XLP low-power operation down to 1.8 V (vs PIC16F18855-I/SS)
- Same die across packaging variants for zero-risk migration (vs PIC16LF18855T-I/SS)
- 14 KB Flash double the capacity of PIC16LF18854 (vs PIC16LF18854-I/SO)
Design Notes
Use a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor between VDD (pin 18) and VSS (pin 19) placed within 2-3 mm of the pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the supply rail. The LF variant operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V; do NOT exceed 3.6 V on VDD or the part will be damaged. For sleep-current-sensitive designs, verify that unused pins are configured as outputs low (not inputs floating) to avoid shoot-through.
Route the ICSP lines (RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT) directly to a 6-pin header for in-circuit programming, even on production boards. Add a 1 kohm series resistor on MCLR (pin 28) and a 10 kohm pull-up if not using internal weak pull-up. Avoid running noisy switching traces under the SSOP body to keep ADC accuracy above 9.5 ENOB at 32 MHz operation.
Do not assume PIC16LF18855 (LF) and PIC16F18855 (F) are interchangeable on 5 V rails - the LF variant will be damaged above 3.6 V. Always check the supply voltage before firmware upload or ICSP programming at 5 V. Additionally, firmware written for the 18855 may not run on 18854 without recompiling because Flash size differs (14 KB vs 7 KB) and linker scripts must match.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Halogen-free per JEDEC JS709A. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F/LF18855 -E extended temp variants for harsh-environment applications.
