PIC16LF18856-E/ML - 8-bit 32MHz MCU, 28KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18856-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.81 | $1.81 |
| 10 | $1.63 | $16.30 |
| 100 | $1.45 | $145.00 |
| 500 | $1.28 | $640.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.12 | $1,120.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.98 | $2,940.00 |
PIC16LF18856-E/ML Overview
What is a PIC microcontroller? A PIC microcontroller is a compact, low-power 8-bit (or 16/32-bit) programmable processor from Microchip Technology's PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) family. PIC MCUs integrate CPU core, Flash program memory, RAM, EEPROM, and rich peripheral sets (ADC, PWM, timers, communications) into a single IC, forming the foundation of countless embedded products. Within that hierarchy: PIC16 -> 8-bit mid-range family -> PIC MCU -> Microcontroller -> Integrated Circuit -> Semiconductor.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with computation, 5-bit DAC, two comparators, four 10-bit PWM modules, Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Hardware Limit Timer (HLT), Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT), Cyclic Redundancy Check with memory SCAN, Zero-Cross Detect, Peripheral Pin Select, EUSART, two SPI/I2C, and IDLE/DOZE low-power modes. The wide operating voltage range and XLP technology make it suitable for energy-harvesting and battery-powered applications.
The PIC16LF18856 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a 14-bit instruction set, achieving 32MHz operation at 3.3V and delivering 8 MIPS throughput. Integrated Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) handle timing, sensing, and signal generation in hardware, freeing the CPU for application-level tasks and improving firmware determinism. The PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) feature allows flexible signal routing, simplifying PCB layout.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, low-power wireless endpoints, battery management, LED lighting control, consumer electronics, industrial control, and home automation. The 6x6 QFN package is suited for space-constrained designs.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the exposed pad is soldered to the ground plane for thermal dissipation and electrical performance. Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic capacitor close to the pin, and use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for firmware development.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18856-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 PIC16LF18856-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Core Independent Peripherals, Package, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18855-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18856-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18857-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18876-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18854-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18856-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit Enhanced Mid-Range (14-bit instruction set) |
| Family | PIC16(L)F1885x XLP |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, with computation (ADC2) |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| PWM Channels | 4 (10-bit) |
| Communications | EUSART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CWG, HLT, WWDT, CRC/SCAN, ZCD, PPS |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E suffix = Extended) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18856-E/ML 28-pin qfn (6x6 mm) with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16LF18856-E/ML (28-pin qfn (6x6 mm) with exposed pad package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16LF18856-E/ML.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18856-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Nodes, Battery Management Systems, LED Lighting Control, Industrial Control / Motor Drive, Consumer Electronics HMI, Smart Home / Home Automation.
IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18856-E/ML fits IoT sensor node designs due to its 28KB Flash (enough for LoRaWAN/BLE protocol stacks), 32MHz core for sensor-fusion processing, and XLP low-power modes that drop current to <50 nA in sleep. The integrated 10-bit ADC2 with computation handles sensor readings without CPU wake-up, and PPS enables flexible PCB routing of the SPI/I2C sensor buses. Two EUSART/SPI/I2C peripherals allow simultaneous connectivity to a wireless module and a local sensor.
Recommended
Battery Management Systems
The PIC16LF18856-E/ML is well suited for battery management due to its 1.8V-3.6V wide operating range, XLP sleep currents below 100 nA, and integrated 10-bit ADC2 for cell voltage monitoring. The 5-bit DAC supports reference generation, and the zero-cross detect (ZCD) peripheral enables zero-voltage switching for low-loss charging. Its 28KB Flash comfortably hosts state-of-charge algorithms and protection logic without external memory.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control
For LED lighting, the PIC16LF18856-E/ML provides four 10-bit PWM channels and a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) that drive high-efficiency LED strings with smooth dimming. The 32MHz core enables flicker-free PWM at high refresh rates, and the integrated comparators allow constant-current feedback loops. Operating from 1.8V simplifies direct Li-ion powering, while the 28-QFN package fits inside compact bulb form factors.
Recommended
Industrial Control / Motor Drive
The PIC16LF18856-E/ML serves compact industrial control loops thanks to its Hardware Limit Timer (HLT) and CWG for safe motor commutation, plus the Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT) for fault recovery. The 10-bit ADC2 and two comparators implement closed-loop current sensing; the 32MHz core executes PID at high update rates. The extended -40C to +125C temperature rating supports industrial environments without derating.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics HMI
The PIC16LF18856-E/ML supports consumer HMI designs with its integrated EUSART, two SPI, and two I2C peripherals for touch, display, and audio CODEC connectivity. The 28KB Flash stores small graphical UI state machines, while the 32MHz CPU handles responsive touch decoding. PPS simplifies PCB routing by remapping peripherals to any I/O pin, and the 28-QFN (6x6) package fits behind display modules.
Recommended
Smart Home / Home Automation
For smart-home devices, the PIC16LF18856-E/ML combines 1.8-3.6V operation with XLP low-power modes for battery-powered sensors (door/window, leak, motion) lasting years on a single cell. Its integrated 10-bit ADC2 monitors multiple analog sensors, while EUSART or SPI links to a wireless module (LoRa, Zigbee, BLE). The 28KB Flash fits standard wireless stacks; the 28-QFN footprint simplifies integration into small enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18856-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18855-E/ML | PIC16F18856-E/ML | PIC16LF18857-E/ML | PIC16LF18876-E/ML | PIC16LF18854-E/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 |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 14 KB (-50%) | 28 KB (same) | 56 KB (+100%) | 56 KB (+100%) | 7 KB (-75%) |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 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 |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC2 with computation | 10-bit ADC2 with computation | 10-bit ADC2 with computation | 10-bit ADC2 with computation | 10-bit ADC2 with computation | 10-bit ADC2 with computation |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash/RAM balance in the 1885x family for 28-QFN (vs PIC16LF18855-E/ML)
- Lower voltage operation for battery direct-connect (vs PIC16F18856-E/ML)
- Lower memory option exists for cost-down within same footprint (vs PIC16LF18857-E/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN (6x6) package requires thermal and mechanical connection via the exposed pad (EP). Solder the EP directly to a continuous ground-plane copper pour on the top layer with multiple thermal vias to inner ground planes. This provides the primary heat-dissipation path and stabilizes the IC's reference behavior. Missing EP soldering can cause intermittent operation or thermal shutdown at higher CPU loads.
Decouple VDD with a 100nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 3mm of the VDD pin, plus a bulk 1uF-10uF capacitor on the main supply rail. For battery-powered designs, use the XLP sleep modes (Sleep, Retention Sleep, Low-Power Sleep) with peripherals disabled to achieve <100 nA quiescent current. Configure the WWDT window for fault recovery after brown-out events to avoid firmware lock-up.
Do not exceed 3.6V on VDD pins of the LF variant - this permanently damages the IC; use PIC16F18856-E/ML for 5V systems. Configure the PPS registers before enabling peripherals, or signals will not appear on the selected pins. Ensure the AVDD pin is tied to VDD even if the ADC is unused, or floating AVDD can cause erratic ADC readings. Use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler for development.
Route the ICSP/ICD programming signals (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT on dedicated pins) to a header or test pad with no series resistors - Microchip programmers require direct pin access. Keep the MCLR reset trace short and avoid routing near switching signals. For SPI/I2C buses, place 4.7k-10k pull-ups on SCL/SDA and use 100nF decoupling on every connected sensor to reduce bus noise.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. The E temperature suffix indicates -40C to +125C extended grade (industrial). Not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose AEC-Q100 automotive parts for vehicle applications.
