PIC16LF18856T-I/MV - 28KB Flash 32MHz 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18856T-I/MV ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.56 | $25.60 |
| 100 | $2.27 | $227.00 |
| 500 | $2.04 | $1,020.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.82 | $1,820.00 |
PIC16LF18856T-I/MV Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), working RAM, peripheral set and I/O pins into one package. PIC microcontrollers from Microchip use a 14-bit wide instruction set and an 8-bit data path, optimized for deterministic real-time control and ultra-low-power (XLP) operation. The LF prefix in PIC16LF18856 denotes the wide-voltage, low-power variant compatible with the eXtreme Low Power (XLP) family, suiting battery and energy-harvesting designs.
Key features include 28KB Flash, 2KB SRAM, 256B EEPROM, 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2), 5-bit/8-bit DAC, two comparators, multiple PWM channels, CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator), SMT (Signal Measurement Timer), HLT (Hardware Limit Timer), Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT), and CRC/SCAN memory integrity. The device also offers Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing and supports I2C, SPI, UART/USART, and LIN.
Operating from 1.8V to 3.6V with typical XLP sleep currents in the sub-microamp range, the PIC16LF18856 uses a RISC-based Harvard architecture with a 14-bit instruction word, providing deterministic interrupt latency and Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that run without CPU intervention. Integrated CIPs allow complex sequencing, waveform generation, and safety functions to be handled by hardware, reducing code complexity.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered wireless endpoints, home appliances, consumer electronics, industrial sensor conditioning, low-power metering, and functional safety ready designs. The 28-UQFN EP package is ideal for space-constrained PCBs requiring a small footprint and good thermal dissipation via the exposed pad.
When designing, ensure proper decoupling with 100nF close to VDD and connect the exposed pad to ground for thermal/electrical performance. Program memory endurance of 10K cycles and EEPROM endurance of 100K cycles should be considered when planning firmware updates.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18856T-I/MV — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18856T-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18856T-I/MV Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit (14-bit instruction word) |
| Family | PIC16(L)F1885x/7x XLP |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC2 with Computation |
| DAC | 5-bit / 8-bit DAC |
| Comparators | 2 |
| PWM Channels | Multiple (5 CCP modules) |
| Timers | 11 |
| Communication | I2C, SPI, UART/USART, LIN |
| Special Peripherals | CWG, SMT, HLT, WWDT, CRC/SCAN, ZCD, PPS |
| Package | 28-UQFN (MV) 4x4 mm with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead Free | Yes |
PIC16LF18856T-I/MV Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / GPIO |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / GPIO |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / GPIO |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 / GPIO |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 / GPIO |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 / GPIO |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 / GPIO |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 / GPIO |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 / GPIO |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / GPIO |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / GPIO |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / GPIO |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / GPIO |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / GPIO |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 / GPIO |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 / GPIO |
| Pin 19 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 / GPIO |
| Pin 20 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 / GPIO |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 / GPIO |
| Pin 22 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / GPIO |
| Pin 23 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 / GPIO |
| Pin 24 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 / GPIO |
| Pin 25 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 / GPIO |
| Pin 26 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 / GPIO |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18856T-I/MV is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Home Appliance Control Board, Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Portable Consumer Electronics, Functional Safety Ready Embedded Control, Low-Power Wireless Endpoint.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18856T-I/MV's XLP sleep current below 1 uA and 1.8V minimum VDD make it ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes that wake periodically, sample a sensor, transmit over UART or SPI, then return to deep sleep. With 28KB Flash the device supports a wireless stack driver such as LoRa or BLE HCI, 2KB SRAM covers packet buffering for short bursts, and the integrated 10-bit ADC2 with computation handles temperature, voltage and battery monitoring without external components. Compared to discrete analog front ends, the on-chip ADC2 reduces BOM and PCB area, and Core Independent Peripherals like CWG and SMT run while the CPU sleeps, cutting average current further.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Board
For home appliances such as coffee machines, washing machines or air purifiers, the PIC16LF18856T-I/MV provides the 5 CCP/PWM channels needed to drive motors, valves, triacs and LEDs from a single IC. The CWG peripheral generates complementary waveforms for half-bridge motor drivers and the SMT captures sensor timing events such as tacho feedback from fans. PPS allows designers to remap peripherals to any pin, simplifying PCB routing on dense appliance boards. The 28-UQFN 4x4 mm package fits inside small appliance enclosures and the industrial -40C to +85C operating range handles under-cabinet and laundry room environments.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16LF18856T-I/MV's 10-bit ADC2 with computation, two comparators and 5-bit/8-bit DAC enable a complete analog front end for industrial 4-20 mA loop sensors, bridge sensors and RTD conditioning. Computation mode in ADC2 averages multiple samples, applies filtering and compares thresholds without CPU intervention, freeing the core for communication tasks. The CRC/SCAN peripheral adds memory integrity for functional safety ready designs, and WWDT plus HLT provide windowed watchdog timing critical for IEC 61508 SIL-1 paths. UART/USART and LIN support industrial fieldbus, while PPS lets designers route signals to connector-friendly pins.
Recommended
Portable Consumer Electronics
In portable consumer devices such as e-cigarettes, fitness bands and remote controls, the PIC16LF18856T-I/MV offers 1.8V operation from a single Li-ion cell and XLP sleep modes that extend battery life to weeks. The integrated 8-bit DAC drives audio cues or LED brightness without external components, and the CWG plus PWM channels drive small haptic motors. PPS simplifies routing on space-constrained consumer boards and the 28-UQFN EP provides excellent thermal performance in pocket-sized enclosures. The 32MHz clock rate is more than enough for button debouncing, LED effects and basic BLE HCI bridging.
Recommended
Functional Safety Ready Embedded Control
For functional safety ready systems requiring IEC 61508 or similar certifications, the PIC16LF18856T-I/MV integrates CRC/SCAN memory integrity, WWDT, HLT and ZCD peripherals that support safe state detection and fault containment. The windowed watchdog enforces correct program flow within bounded timing, and the CWG can shut down drive signals in fault events. Designers benefit from 28KB Flash for safety firmware plus application logic, and 2KB SRAM supports redundant variable storage. Compared to external watchdog supervisors, the integrated WWDT reduces BOM and the SCAN peripheral simplifies FMEDA analysis during certification.
Recommended
Low-Power Wireless Endpoint
When paired with a sub-GHz or BLE transceiver, the PIC16LF18856T-I/MV serves as the host MCU for low-power wireless endpoints such as smart meters, asset trackers and remote sensors. The LF variant's 1.8V minimum VDD aligns directly with Li-SoCl2 primary cells common in metering, and the integrated LIN/UART interfaces the main line automotive to the transceiver. Core Independent Peripherals run while the CPU sleeps, allowing periodic wake-and-transmit cycles that consume only nanoamps average. PPS lets the designer reassign SPI/UART pins to share the bus with multiple transceivers without rewiring the PCB.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18856T-I/MV — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18856T-I/MV | PIC16LF18855T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-UQFN (MV) 4x4 mm | 28-UQFN (MV) 4x4 mm | 44-QFN (ML) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC2 with computation | 10-bit ADC2 with computation | 10-bit ADC2 with computation |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Unit Price (qty 100) | $2.27 | $2.32 | $2.18 |
Key Differentiators
- Wide-voltage XLP family member with sub-1uA sleep current (vs PIC16F18856T-I/MV)
- Smaller footprint than QFN-44 family members (vs PIC16LF18855T-I/ML)
- Integrated CRC/SCAN, WWDT and HLT for functional safety (vs PIC16LF1824T-I/JQ)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 1 and 28) and route a wide, low-impedance ground plane to the VSS pins (14 and 27). Add a bulk 1 uF-10 uF capacitor on VDD near the IC. The exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a grounded copper pour to meet the thermal and electrical specifications in the Microchip datasheet. Estimated: at 32 MHz CPU, VDD = 3.3 V and peripheral mix typical, active current is approximately 2-3 mA, and XLP sleep current is sub-1 uA per datasheet IDD characteristics.
Route PPS remapped signals to avoid crossing clock lines and keep SPI/UART traces short to minimize EMI on the 28-UQFN 4x4 mm footprint. Use a four-layer PCB with continuous ground plane beneath the IC for best noise immunity; a two-layer board with adequate copper pour is acceptable for low-speed designs. Place the IC away from switching power inductors and route sensitive analog traces (ADC inputs, comparator inputs) away from PWM outputs.
Do not exceed VDD max of 3.6V on the LF variant - transient overshoot above 4V can damage the IC. Ensure programming/debug pins (PGED/PGEC) are accessible after PCB assembly for in-system programming via ICSP. The PIC16LF18856 family requires the MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler and a PICkit programmer for firmware development. Always read the silicon errata before committing to the final design, as some peripheral combinations have workarounds documented by Microchip.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial grade only). For automotive applications consult the AEC-Q100 qualified variants of the PIC16F18856 family.
