PIC16LF18857-E/ML - 56KB Flash, 28-Pin QFN 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18857-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.56 | $25.60 |
| 100 | $2.27 | $227.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.84 | $1,840.00 |
PIC16LF18857-E/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computing device that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, RAM, data EEPROM, and programmable peripherals into a compact package. It is widely used to add sensing, timing, communication, and control to embedded products where cost, deterministic real-time behavior, and low power are more critical than raw processing throughput. The PIC16LF18857 sits within the 8-bit microcontroller hierarchy as: PIC16 -> PIC16F1xxx enhanced mid-range family -> 8-bit MCU -> embedded controller -> semiconductor.
Key features include a 32 MHz internal oscillator, 4 KB RAM, 256 B EEPROM, a hardware 10-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2), Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible I/O mapping, two SPI / two I2C peripherals, one EUSART, and CIPs such as the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), Numerical Controlled Oscillator (NCO), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and Hardware Limit Timer (HLT). The on-chip 32 MHz oscillator and dedicated CRC/SCAN hardware further reduce external component count.
Architecturally, the device uses an enhanced mid-range 16-bit instruction word with a 14-bit opcode plus a small data payload, executed from internal Flash. Separate program and data buses, plus a 16-level hardware stack, give deterministic interrupt latency. The XLP technology combines nanoWatt sleep modes, ultra-low watchdog timer current, and an on-chip low-power secondary oscillator to support coin-cell or energy-harvesting designs.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, home automation controllers, automotive body and climate subsystems (behind an additional transceiver), industrial sensor conditioning, low-power wireless peripherals, and small appliance control panels. The extended -40C to +125C junction temperature range also suits outdoor and industrial enclosures.
When designing with the PIC16LF18857-E/ML, choose the QFN-28 (6x6 mm) ML package carefully because the exposed thermal pad (EP) must be soldered to the PCB ground plane for both electrical ground reference and thermal dissipation. Keep VDD bypass within 5 mm of the pins and verify PPS routing for your chosen UART/SPI/I2C mix.
This page combines distributor pricing benchmarks, parametric search across the PIC16(L)F1885X/7X family, and practical layout notes that you will not find in a single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18857-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 PIC16LF18857-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Operating Temperature, Core Independent Peripherals, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18856-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18855-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18857-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.83 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18857-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18857T-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18855-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18857-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 56 KB |
| RAM | 4 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit with Computation (ADC2) |
| EUSART | 1 |
| SPI | 2 |
| I2C | 2 |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, NCO, CWG, HLT, CRC/SCAN |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Low-Power Technology | eXtreme Low Power (XLP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18857-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/VDD — PORTA bit 5 / digital I/O; primary VDD supply input when configured |
| Pin 2 | RA0/ANA0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/ANA1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/ANA2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/MCLR — PORTA bit 3 / analog channel 3 / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 6 | RA4/ANA4 — PORTA bit 4 / analog channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 / digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 / digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 / digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 / digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 / digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 / digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 / digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground (digital) |
| Pin 15 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 / digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 / digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 / digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 / digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 / digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 / digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 / digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB6/ICSPDAT — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP data |
| Pin 23 | RB7/ICSPCLK — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 24 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 / digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 / digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RC4 (TXPPS) — PORTC bit 4 / alternate TX |
| Pin 27 | RC5 (RXPPS) — PORTC bit 5 / alternate RX |
| Pin 28 | VSS/AVSS — Analog ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18857-E/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Home Automation Controller, Automotive Body and Climate Subsystems, Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Monitoring, Low-Power Wireless Peripheral (BLE/Zigbee Sub-Node), Small Appliance Control Panel, Medical Health Monitoring Reference Design.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18857-E/ML is purpose-built for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its eXtreme Low Power (XLP) sleep current sits in the sub-uA range while still leaving 56 KB Flash and 4 KB RAM available for over-the-air firmware update capability. The integrated 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2) oversamples sensor channels directly, offloading the CPU and lowering active-mode duty cycle, while two SPI / two I2C busses can drive a low-power radio transceiver alongside a digital sensor. Designers see measured coin-cell lifetimes of several years when averaging 1 wakeup per second at the 32 kHz low-power oscillator tick.
Recommended
Home Automation Controller
In a home automation controller the PIC16LF18857-E/ML runs Zigbee or proprietary RF stacks via its EUSART and SPI channels, while the Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) lets the engineer reassign UART/SPI/I2C pins arbitrarily to simplify 4-layer PCB routing. The 32 MHz core responds to sensor interrupts within a few microseconds, and the on-chip Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) + Hardware Limit Timer (HLT) implement zero-CPU light/fan control loops. With -40 to +125C operation, the same device handles unheated attic installations and humid bathroom fan control.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Climate Subsystems
Automotive body and climate subsystems benefit from the PIC16LF18857-E/ML extended -40 to +125C temperature grade and the on-chip CRC/SCAN hardware for periodic Flash integrity checking. The PIC16LF18857 typically sits behind an automotive-grade CAN transceiver (e.g. MCP2518FD) on the EUSART/SPI port and runs door-module, HVAC damper, mirror-fold, or seat-positioner logic. Because the device is rated to 5.5 V on its GPIO inputs when PIC16F18857 is selected, you can monitor 12 V automotive signals via external resistive dividers without extra protection ICs in many designs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Monitoring
Industrial sensor conditioning and monitoring with the PIC16LF18857-E/ML pairs the 10-bit ADC2 (with computation averaging and oversampling) to 4-20 mA current-loop or 0-10 V analog inputs, while Core Independent Peripherals (CLC, NCO) generate excitation waveforms for analog-front-end calibration without CPU wakeups. The 32 MHz CPU bursts through Modbus or IO-Link protocol stacks in firmware, and the on-chip CRC/SCAN catches memory faults in long-life installations where uptime matters. Robust operation over -40 to +125C supports outdoor cabinet installations on cold mornings and summer heat.
Recommended
Low-Power Wireless Peripheral (BLE/Zigbee Sub-Node)
In a low-power wireless BLE/Zigbee sub-node the PIC16LF18857-E/ML acts as the application host for a Bluetooth Low Energy or Sub-GHz radio module, with sensor data serialised through PPS-mapped SPI or EUSART to the radio and housekeeping tasks serviced via Hardware Limit Timer. Ultra-low XLP sleep current extends battery life in coin-cell badges, beacons, or remote-control form factors, and 56 KB Flash fits complete GATT profiles plus vendor firmware. Power-gating the radio from a GPIO plus a low-Iq LDO keeps the average system current below 10 uA in sleeping BLE periodic advertising states.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Panel
Small appliance control panels (coffee machines, kitchen hoods, robotic vacuums, smart thermostats) are a strong fit for the PIC16LF18857-E/ML because the QFN-28 (6x6 mm) package drops neatly onto a single-sided 4-layer HMI board. The device drives character/graphical LCDs, capacitive-touch buttons, brushless DC motors via the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and audible alerts through PWM. Persistent state such as the coffee favourite profile lives in the 256 B EEPROM, while 56 KB Flash covers menus and multi-language UI strings on the appliances market.
Recommended
Medical Health Monitoring Reference Design
Medical health monitoring reference designs benefit from the PIC16LF18857-E/ML deterministic interrupt response and on-chip 10-bit ADC2, which is sufficient for pulse oximetry, temperature, or breath-sensor front-ends paired with external photodiode/TIA stages. The CRC/SCAN + WDT chain supports an IEC 60730 class B safety library for white-goods medical, while dedicated low-power sleep makes wearable form factors viable. Engineers commonly run the PIC16LF18857 alongside a Microchip MCP1640 boost regulator for single-cell alkaline operation in portable health devices.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18857-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18856-E/ML | PIC16LF18855-E/ML | PIC16F18857-E/ML | PIC16LF18857-I/ML | PIC16F18855-E/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) ML | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) ML - same | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) ML - same | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) ML - same | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) ML - same | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) ML - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Flash | 56 KB | 32 KB (-43%) | 28 KB (-50%) | 56 KB (same) | 56 KB (same) | 28 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 4 KB | 2 KB (-50%) | 2 KB (-50%) | 4 KB (same) | 4 KB (same) | 2 KB (-50%) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 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 | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, NCO, CWG, HLT, CRC/SCAN | CLC, NCO, CWG, HLT, CRC/SCAN (same family) | CLC, NCO, CWG, HLT, CRC/SCAN (same family) | CLC, NCO, CWG, HLT, CRC/SCAN (same) | CLC, NCO, CWG, HLT, CRC/SCAN (same) | CLC, NCO, CWG, HLT, CRC/SCAN (same family) |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash density in the PIC16(L)F1885X 28-pin family (vs PIC16LF18856-E/ML)
- Larger on-chip RAM than family predecessors (vs PIC16LF18855-E/ML)
- Extended -40 to +125C operating temperature (vs PIC16LF18857-I/ML)
- Wide 1.8 V to 3.6 V VDD supports direct Li-coin-cell operation (vs PIC16F18857-E/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-pin QFN (ML, 6x6 mm) package on the PIC16LF18857-E/ML has a centre exposed thermal pad (EP) that must be soldered to the PCB ground plane for both thermal dissipation and electrical ground reference. Recommended land pattern has at least 5 thermal vias in the EP pad connecting to a top and inner ground pour. Place the 100 nF VDD bypass within 5 mm of pin 1 (VDD) and a 1 uF / 0.1 uF pair within 2 mm of the same pin to suppress XLP wake-up voltage transients.
XLP nanoWatt sleep mode on the PIC16LF18857-E/ML pulls core current below 1 uA when all peripherals are gated and the system clock is gated to the 32 kHz LFINTOSC. Inactive peripherals must be disabled in firmware and their PPS lines returned to high-impedance to avoid back-powering via I/O. Estimated: a coin-cell CR2032 (220 mAh) running the MCU at 1 wakeup per second with 5 ms active time yields roughly 5 years of battery life, calculated from the datasheet's typical 1 uA sleep current and 2 mA active current.
The PIC16LF18857-E/ML has no internal 5 V VDD tolerance on VDD itself - applying >3.6 V to VDD pins will damage the part. For automotive or industrial 12 V/24 V bus designs you must add a front-end 3.3 V LDO (such as MCP1700 or MIC29150) or switch to PIC16F18857, which supports 2.3 V to 5.5 V operation. Similarly, do not connect 5 V digital signals to the PIC16LF18857 VDD-tolerant GPIO without voltage translation or resistive dividers.
When using the Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) on the PIC16LF18857-E/ML to remap EUSART, SPI or I2C signals, route the remapped PPS pair to adjacent pins wherever possible to keep loop-area tiny and ground impedance low. The QFN-28 (ML) package has limited PORTA/PORTC pin count - if you need more I/O lines on the 32K variants, plan the firmware to use the PPS-mapped I2C or SPI to drive a MCP23x17 GPIO expander. Always verify PPS assignments at the start of lockstep firmware design to avoid having to respin PCB silk.
PIC16LF18857-E/ML board-level ICD (In-Circuit Debug) connection via ICSP requires the RB6/ICSPDAT (pin 22) and RB7/ICSPCLK (pin 23) pair to be brought out to a debug header with no series resistors above 100 ohms. Estimated: keep the trace length to the debug header under 50 mm and route it isolated from switching-converter power nodes; failures to debug sometimes trace back to noisy ICSP clock pickup on long parallel traces, not to firmware errors.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The PIC16LF18857 itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified by default; for AEC-Q100 qualified parts in the same family, request the automotive-graded PIC16F18857-E/ML with extended temperature and PPAP documentation. This is also why Tesla/automotive manufacturers typically derate the standard -E grade vs -I grade for certification.
