PIC16LF18857-I/SP - 8-bit 32MHz MCU 56KB Flash 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18857-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.95 | $19.50 |
| 100 | $1.65 | $165.00 |
| 500 | $1.42 | $710.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.2 | $1,200.00 |
PIC16LF18857-I/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces onto one piece of silicon. PIC microcontrollers use a modified Harvard RISC architecture that decouples the program bus from the data bus, allowing the CPU to fetch instructions from Flash while simultaneously reading or writing data RAM in the same cycle. Within the power management IC hierarchy, the PIC16LF18857 sits as a general-purpose low-power MCU family member, derived from the PIC16 8-bit core lineage and positioned between the smaller PIC16F1xxx and the higher-pin-count PIC18 and dsPIC33 lines.
The device integrates a 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2), a complementary waveform generator (CWG), numerically controlled oscillator (NCO), configurable logic cells (CLC), zero-cross detect (ZCD) and a hardware limit timer (HLT). Communication peripherals include EUSART (LIN-capable), two SPI and two I2C. The Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature allows most digital peripherals to be routed to virtually any I/O pin, dramatically simplifying PCB layout for the 28-SPDIP footprint.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered remote controls, low-power instrumentation, lighting controls, home appliances and automotive body electronics where the 32MHz core, generous peripheral set and XLP sleep currents in the nanoamp range combine to deliver long battery life with single-MCU BOM integration.
Designers should use the MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler; the on-board debug header (ICSP) supports the MPLAB PICkit, Snap or ICD programmers. Pay attention to the LF vs F suffix when sourcing: the F variant covers 2.3V-5.5V while the LF supports 1.8V-3.6V - substituting one for the other requires checking the minimum VDD for the application.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the same PIC16F1885X/7X family, and practical design notes not collected in any single datasheet, helping engineers and buyers make faster, better-grounded decisions for new designs and reorders.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18857-I/SP — 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-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18857-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18877-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18856-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18855-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1788-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1847-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18857-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 56 KB (32K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 4 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 (typical for 28-pin SPDIP variant) |
| ADC | 10-bit with computation (ADC2) |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD, HLT, CRC/SCAN |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| eXtreme Low Power (XLP) | Yes (nanoamp sleep currents) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) through-hole |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial -I suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18857-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V for LF class) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Port A bit 3 / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA1/ICSPCLK — Port A bit 1 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | RA0/ICSPDAT — Port A bit 0 / ICSP data |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1 — Port A bit 7 / crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2 — Port A bit 6 / crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 / I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 / I/O / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 / I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 / I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 / I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 / I/O / analog input |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 / I/O / EUSART TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 / I/O / EUSART RX |
| Pin 19 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 20 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 / I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 21 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 / I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 / I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 / I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 24 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 / I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 25 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 26 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 27 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 / I/O (digital only) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (redundant VDD pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18857-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Low-Power Remote Control (Sub-GHz / IR), Industrial Sensor Hub / Data Logger, Smart Lighting and HVAC Control, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Consumer Appliance Control Panel.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18857-I/SP is ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because the LF voltage class supports 1.8V to 3.6V operation, allowing direct connection to a single 3V CR2032 or 2x AA alkaline pack without an LDO. Its XLP architecture delivers sleep currents in the nanoamp range, enabling multi-year battery life when the CPU wakes only every few seconds to sample a sensor and transmit over EUSART or I2C. The 56KB Flash and 4KB RAM comfortably fit Modbus or Lightweight M2M protocol stacks, while PPS lets designers route the I2C bus to any spare pin, simplifying two-layer PCB layouts in compact sensor housings.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Control (Sub-GHz / IR)
For handheld remote controls, the PIC16LF18857-I/SP's eXtreme Low Power technology extends coin-cell battery life well beyond the typical 2-3 year mark found in competing 8-bit MCUs. The 32MHz core executes button-debounce, IR or sub-GHz OOK/FSK encoding, and auto-power-down sequencing in a few microseconds, then returns the part to its <100 nA sleep state. The 10-bit ADC2 with computation can read a resistive keypad matrix directly, while the EUSART handles the RF transceiver interface. With 28-SPDIP through-hole pins, the package remains easy to hand-solder in prototype runs and supports wave-soldering for production.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub / Data Logger
The PIC16LF18857-I/SP fits industrial 4-20mA loop-powered or 24V-isolated sensor hubs that need local data buffering before forwarding to a PLC. Its 4KB RAM and 56KB Flash allow a small ring-buffer data logger running for hours, while the ADC2 with computation offloads windowed averaging, oversampling and threshold detection in hardware - freeing the CPU from polling overhead. The 1.8V-3.6V LF supply range supports both 3.3V regulated rails and direct Li-ion battery connections; the 256B EEPROM is sufficient for calibration constants and node identity.
Recommended
Smart Lighting and HVAC Control
Lighting controllers and HVAC thermostats benefit from the PIC16LF18857-I/SP's Core Independent Peripherals, which let the PWM, ADC and CLC operate without waking the CPU. The Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) can drive LED strings or motor half-bridges directly while the Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) triggers triac firing events at AC mains zero-crossings. With 1.8V-3.6V LF operation and the 28-SPDIP package, the part is also well suited to wall-switch retrofit modules where PCB area and standby current are tightly constrained by ENERGY STAR requirements.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting controllers, seat heaters and mirror adjusters, the PIC16LF18857-I/SP delivers the needed peripheral mix in a thermally robust -40C to +85C industrial grade. The EUSART supports LIN bus communication, while the hardware CRC/SCAN module provides memory integrity checks. Note that the -I suffix denotes industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C), which is acceptable for cabin modules but not for under-hood AEC-Q100 qualified applications; for those designs choose a PIC18F K-series or dsPIC33EP AEC-Q100 part.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Panel
The PIC16LF18857-I/SP is well matched to consumer appliance user-interface boards that drive 7-segment or LCD displays, scan capacitive touch buttons and communicate with a main controller over UART or I2C. The 32MHz core handles display multiplexing and debounce in software with headroom for power-quality events, while the PPS feature lets the same PCB layout serve multiple SKUs with different display pinouts. The 28-SPDIP package provides strong through-hole leads that survive the mechanical vibration of washing machines, refrigerators and microwave ovens throughout their 10+ year service life.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18857-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18857-I/SP | PIC16LF18877-I/SP | PIC16LF18856-I/SP | PIC16LF18855-I/SP | PIC16LF1788-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (SP) | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same |
| Operating Voltage (V) | 1.8 to 3.6 | 2.3 to 5.5 | 1.8 to 3.6 | 1.8 to 3.6 | 1.8 to 3.6 | 1.8 to 3.6 |
| Flash (KB) | 56 | 56 | 128 | 48 | 32 | 32 |
| RAM (KB) | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| EEPROM (Bytes) | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD, HLT, CRC/SCAN | Same set | Same set | Same set | Same set | Subset (no CLC/NCO) |
| PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
Key Differentiators
- Largest memory in the 28-SPDIP LF class before jumping to higher pin counts (vs PIC16LF18855-I/SP)
- Pin-compatible path to higher voltages without layout change (vs PIC16F18857-I/SP)
- Complete Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) including CLC, NCO and ZCD (vs PIC16LF1788-I/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF18857-I/SP supports 1.8V to 3.6V VDD; for designs that may later migrate to a 5V-tolerant PIC16F18857-I/SP variant, route VDD to a single rail that can be either a 3.3V LDO or a 5V supply. Decouple VDD with at least one 100nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of both VDD pins (pins 1 and 28), and add a bulk 1uF to 10uF tantalum or ceramic for sleep-current transients. The MCLR/RA3 reset line should be pulled up to VDD through a 10k resistor and decoupled with 100nF to prevent false resets in noisy environments.
When migrating firmware between the LF and F voltage classes, always verify that the application does not program the brown-out reset voltage below the minimum VDD of the LF class (1.8V). A common mistake is leaving BOR set to 2.5V or 2.7V (intended for the F variant) on an LF board, which prevents the LF part from starting up at VDD=1.8V-2.5V. Also confirm that the ADC reference voltage (default VDD) does not exceed 3.6V on LF boards.
Place the ICSP header (RA0/ICSPDAT, RA1/ICSPCLK, VDD, VSS, MCLR) along one edge of the PCB so the MPLAB PICkit, Snap or ICD can clip on without removing the MCU. Add test points for VDD, VSS, and the chosen PPS-mapped RX/TX pins to ease debug. The 28-SPDIP footprint has 0.300 inch (7.62mm) row spacing; keep signal traces at least 0.2 inches from the row of through-holes to maintain clearance for hand prototyping and rework.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the -I suffix denotes industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). For AEC-Q100 automotive applications, choose a PIC18 or dsPIC33 AEC-Q100 part instead.
