PIC16LF18855T-I/ML - 8-Bit XLP MCU 14KB Flash 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18855T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.3 | $2.30 |
| 10 | $2.05 | $20.50 |
| 100 | $1.78 | $178.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.34 | $1,340.00 |
PIC16LF18855T-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), non-volatile data storage (EEPROM), and a rich set of peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and GPIO. PIC microcontrollers are RISC-based 8-bit cores well-known for deterministic instruction execution, low power consumption, and a mature ecosystem of compilers and development tools. In the broader system hierarchy, this device sits inside: microcontroller -> microprocessor -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit, serving as the embedded control element in countless battery-powered and industrial products.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16LF18855 include the XLP nanoWatt XLP sleep currents, Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), and 10-bit ADC with Computation (ADCC) for automated averaging and threshold comparisons. The 25 I/O pins support peripheral pin select (PPS), giving flexible signal routing. Together these features enable sensor interfaces, motor control, and lighting/PWM functions without CPU intervention.
Typical applications span consumer IoT nodes, battery-powered sensor transmitters, low-power remote controls, household appliances, and industrial control modules. The QFN-28 footprint is also well-suited to space-constrained designs where the exposed pad provides a low thermal resistance path. When selecting this MCU, verify that your project requires the lower-voltage "LF" variant rather than the 5V-tolerant standard PIC16F18855.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18855T-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 PIC16LF18855T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, DAC, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18855-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18855T-I/MV
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.39 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18855-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18854-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18876-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18855T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit (ADC with Computation / ADCC) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Maximum Operating Temperature | +85 C |
| Minimum Operating Temperature | -40 C |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Tape & Reel, /ML) |
| Low-Power Technology | eXtreme Low Power (XLP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18855T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 / oscillator |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 / oscillator |
| Pin 9 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / ICD data |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 / MCLR |
| Pin 26 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input |
| Pin 27 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground (EPAD tied to VSS) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18855T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Remote Control / Wireless Keyfob, Home Appliance Control Board, Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA Loop), Automotive Interior Lighting Controller, Portable Medical Monitoring Accessory.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18855T-I/ML fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its XLP nanoWatt sleep currents drop below 1 uA in deep-sleep mode, preserving coin-cell life across multi-year deployments. Its 14KB Flash and 1KB RAM comfortably hold a small RTOS-less state machine that wakes periodically to sample a thermistor or PIR sensor, perform ADCC averaging, then transmit via UART-attached radio. The 1.8V to 3.6V VDD range aligns directly with two alkaline AA cells or a single CR2032, and the 28-QFN (6x6 mm) footprint allows placement inside sub-10 mm diameter sensor puck enclosures. PPS-routed I/O further reduces PCB area by letting the designer remap UART/SPI lines to free pads.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control / Wireless Keyfob
The PIC16LF18855T-I/ML is well-suited for handheld remote controls thanks to its sub-uA sleep current that enables multi-year battery life on a single CR2032 coin cell. Its 14KB Flash easily holds RF4CE-style button scan state machines plus custom protocol stacks, while the 32MHz core gives responsive debouncing and wake-from-touch behavior. The Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) and Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) implement hardware PWM for LED backlighting without CPU intervention, reducing active-mode current. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package fits inside a thin keyfob housing alongside a sub-GHz transceiver such as the Microchip MRF89XA.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Board
The PIC16LF18855T-I/ML drives home appliance control boards such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens because it offers 25 PPS-routed I/O pins to handle keypads, LED indicators, buzzer PWM, and triac-fired heater relays from a single chip. The 14KB Flash holds a full menu/cycle state machine plus diagnostic logging, and the 1KB SRAM supports an LCD character display buffer without external memory. The ADCC with hardware averaging accurately senses NTC temperature probes for closed-loop heater regulation, while the 10-bit PWM output drives variable-speed motor control through an optocoupler-isolated gate driver.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA Loop)
The PIC16LF18855T-I/ML serves 4-20 mA industrial loop-powered transmitters because its 1.8V minimum VDD lets it operate from a regulated 3.3V rail derived from the 4 mA loop minimum, while the 10-bit ADCC digitizes bridge or RTD sensor signals with hardware averaging to suppress 50/60 Hz mains noise. The CWG and NCO peripherals can synthesize a HART-compatible 1200/2200 Hz FSK modulation on top of the analog loop without external DACs. The 28-QFN package provides a low-thermal-resistance path that simplifies the thermal isolation required for ratiometric RTD measurements.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF18855T-I/ML handles RGB ambient lighting controllers in automotive cabins thanks to its multiple PWM channels driven by the CWG and 16-bit PWM peripherals, which generate smooth 16M-color fades without CPU load. Its 14KB Flash holds a lighting-pattern state machine plus LIN or CAN software stacks, while the 25 I/O pins drive multiple LED driver strings. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade suits closed-cabin applications, and the 28-QFN footprint fits behind dashboard trim. Note: for AEC-Q100 qualified automotive projects, select the PIC16F18855-E/ML variant instead.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Accessory
The PIC16LF18855T-I/ML fits portable medical monitoring accessories such as pulse-oximeter cables, glucose-meter dongles, and spirometer mouthpieces because its XLP sleep current extends battery life across multi-day outpatient use. The 10-bit ADCC with oversampling digitizes photodiode or electrochemical sensor signals, while the 14KB Flash holds a Bluetooth Low Energy command parser paired with an external RN4871 module. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) footprint fits inside a USB-stick form factor, and the industrial temperature grade is adequate for use in clinical and home environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18855T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18855-I/ML | PIC16LF18855T-I/MV | PIC16LF18855-I/SP | PIC16LF18854-I/ML | PIC16LF18876-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-UQFN (4x4 mm) - smaller | 28-SPDIP - through-hole | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB |
| Data RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 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 |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) | Full set (CLC, CWG, NCO, ADCC) | Full set | Full set | Full set | Reduced set (~10% fewer CIPs) | Full set + additional instances |
| Unit Price @ qty 100 | $1.78 | $1.74 (tray, slight discount) | $1.82 (UQFN premium) | $1.65 (SPDIP lower) | $1.68 (cost-optimized) | $2.10 (larger memory) |
Key Differentiators
- Smaller QFN footprint than SPDIP (vs PIC16LF18855-I/SP)
- Full Core Independent Peripheral set (vs PIC16LF18854-I/ML)
- Lower cost than 28KB Flash variant (vs PIC16LF18876-I/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF18855T-I/ML achieves sub-uA sleep currents in deep-sleep with RTCC enabled, but VDD must be held above the datasheet-specified POR threshold (~1.62V) at all times. For battery-powered designs, add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the battery side. Use the on-board Low-Dropout (LDO) regulator configuration or feed VDD directly from a 3.3V LDO such as MCP1700 for stable operation.
The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package provides an exposed thermal pad (EPAD) that must be soldered to a copper pour on the PCB for proper heat dissipation and electrical grounding. According to Microchip guidelines, the EPAD should connect to a ground plane with at least 16 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill) to the bottom layer. Estimated: theta_JA on a 4-layer JEDEC test board is approximately 30 C/W, well within the -40C to +85C industrial operating range at typical MCU current draws below 10 mA.
Route the ICP/ICD pins (RB6/RB7) as a short differential pair to the programming header to avoid signal-integrity issues during in-circuit programming. Place the 28-QFN decoupling capacitor (100 nF X7R) directly adjacent to pin 5 (VDD) and pin 6 (VSS), with trace lengths under 2 mm. The exposed pad must use a 5x5 via-array pattern to minimize thermal resistance and provide a low-inductance ground return path.
Do not confuse the PIC16LF18855 (1.8V to 3.6V) with the PIC16F18855 (1.8V to 5.5V) - they share the same die but the LF variant is not 5V tolerant on I/O pins. Applying 5V to any LF-series GPIO will damage the part. Always verify the LF/F prefix in the ordering code before PCB assembly. Also, ensure that the MCLR pin (RE3) has a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD if not used as a reset, otherwise the MCU will remain in reset state at power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade only - not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive; use PIC16F18855-E/ML for automotive.
