PIC16LF18857-I/SS - 32MHz 8-bit MCU 56KB Flash XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18857-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.74 | $2.74 |
| 10 | $2.41 | $24.10 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.38 | $1,380.00 |
PIC16LF18857-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, and a configurable set of on-chip peripherals behind a single bus. The PIC16 is an 8-bit modified Harvard RISC architecture from Microchip; it sits within the broader hierarchy: PIC16 -> 8-bit PIC microcontroller -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. XLP variants ('F' part numbers with the low-voltage core) target sleep currents below 1 uA, suiting coin-cell and energy-harvesting designs.
Key features of the PIC16LF18857 include 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, a 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2), Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing, and communication peripherals covering EUSART, two SPI and two I2C interfaces. The device integrates hardware CIP blocks such as the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), and Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) that offload tasks from the core and reduce code size and power consumption.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF18857 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range core with a 14-bit instruction word and 32MHz internal oscillator, supporting up to 16 MIPS. The CIP-rich analog chain (10-bit ADC, two comparators, fixed-voltage reference and DAC) lets engineers implement sensor conditioning, motor timing and lighting control without external components. PPS remaps digital peripherals to virtually any I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered medical devices, home-automation controllers, LED lighting and signage controls, and industrial sensor interfaces. The combination of 56KB Flash, PPS flexibility and XLP sleep current makes it well suited for designs that need both rich peripheral integration and years of battery life.
When designing with this MCU, choose the LF variant for systems running below 3.6V and select the F variant (PIC16F18857) when 5V rails are required. Decoupling the VDD/AVDD pins with 100nF ceramic capacitors placed within a few millimetres of each pin is recommended, and unused I/O should be configured as outputs low to minimise sleep current.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from the same Microchip PIC16F1885x/7x family, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18857-I/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18857-I/SSVAO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18856-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18855-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18857-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18857-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18857-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18857-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 56 KB (32K x 14 words) |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Word Width | 14-bit |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC2 (with computation) |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIP) | CLC, CWG, NCO, ZCD, DSM |
| XLP Low-Power Technology | Yes (eXtreme Low-Power) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (SS) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC16LF18857-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICDCLK |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICDDAT |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference (second) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second) |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18857-I/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Home Automation Controllers, LED Lighting and Signage Control, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices, Industrial Sensor Interfaces, Automotive Interior Modules (non-safety), Consumer Appliance Control Panels.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18857-I/SS fits battery-powered wireless sensor nodes because its 1.8-3.6V LF core lets it connect directly to a single Li-ion or 2x AA cell, while XLP sleep currents below 1 uA extend coin-cell life to multiple years. Its 56KB Flash comfortably hosts Zigbee, LoRa, or BLE application stacks alongside sensor conditioning code, and the 10-bit ADC2 with computation performs local thresholding without waking the CPU. PPS routes the SPI bus to any pin, simplifying PCB layout when pairing with an RF front-end module.
Recommended
Home Automation Controllers
Home automation hubs benefit from the PIC16LF18857-I/SS's rich peripheral mix: EUSART plus two SPI and two I2C buses let the MCU bridge multiple sensor and actuator networks simultaneously, while PPS reassigns peripheral pins to fit compact PCB layouts behind wall switches. The 56KB Flash holds wireless stacks plus application logic, and the LF voltage range permits direct connection to 3.3V rails without an LDO. Hardware CIP blocks (CLC, CWG, NCO) implement custom timing and waveform generation in peripherals, leaving the core free for communication.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Signage Control
For LED drivers and DMX-controlled signage, the PIC16LF18857-I/SS integrates the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), and Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) that generate PWM, dimming curves, and dead-band control without CPU intervention. The 10-bit ADC2 monitors LED current and temperature for closed-loop brightness compensation, while the 32MHz core handles DMX512, WS2812, or DALI protocol stacks. The 1.8-3.6V LF core draws negligible sleep current when signage is idle.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
Portable medical devices like pulse oximeters, glucose meters, and wearable health patches depend on the PIC16LF18857-I/SS's XLP technology to deliver multi-day battery life from a single coin cell, while the 10-bit ADC2 with computation performs accurate SpO2 or impedance measurements directly in hardware. The 56KB Flash stores firmware, calibration tables, and BLE application code without external memory, and the industrial -40 to +85C temperature range supports body-worn and out-patient equipment. PPS simplifies routing of analog front-end signals away from digital noise.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
Industrial 4-20mA loop sensors, RTD conditioners, and process-control modules use the PIC16LF18857-I/SS because its 10-bit ADC2, two comparators, fixed-voltage reference, and CWG together implement a complete analog front end in one chip. The EUSART plus dual I2C and SPI buses connect to HMI displays and industrial buses, and PPS reassigns peripherals to keep high-current traces short. The industrial -40 to +85C temperature range and 1.8-3.6V VDD suit 24V systems stepped down to 3.3V rails.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Modules (non-safety)
For non-safety automotive interior modules such as ambient lighting, HVAC controls, and seat-position memory, the PIC16LF18857-I/SS delivers the right mix of CWG for PWM dimming, ADC2 for temperature and position sensing, and EUSART for LIN bus communication. While this industrial-grade part does not carry AEC-Q100 qualification, it operates reliably across the -40 to +85C automotive cabin range and pairs with external automotive transceivers. Drop-in upgrade to AEC-Q100-qualified parts is available in the same PIC16F1885x footprint.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Panels
Washing machines, coffee makers, and kitchen appliances integrate the PIC16LF18857-I/SS to drive segment LCDs or LED indicators with CWG-generated waveforms, sense buttons via the ADC2 touch library, and communicate with motor controllers through SPI or UART. The 56KB Flash supports graphical user interface code with multiple language fonts, and PPS allows the design team to reassign peripheral pins when the panel layout changes late in development. The wide 1.8-3.6V VDD range tolerates battery-backed RTC rails in clock-driven appliances.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18857-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18857-I/SS | PIC16LF18856-I/SS | PIC16LF18855-I/SS | PIC16LF18857-I/SO | PIC16LF18857-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SOIC - wider | 28-SPDIP - through-hole |
| Flash Memory | 56 KB | 56 KB | 32 KB (-43%) | 32 KB (-43%) | 56 KB | 56 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 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 | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Peripheral Pin Select | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| XLP Low-Power | Yes (LF core) | Yes (F core, higher Vmin) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Industrial Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash in 28-SSOP PIC16F1885x/7x LF family (vs PIC16LF18855-I/SS)
- Lower minimum VDD for direct battery connection (vs PIC16F18857-I/SS)
- Rich CIP integration reduces external component count (vs PIC16LF18856-I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF18857-I/SS supports XLP sleep currents below 1 uA in deep-sleep with the WDT and RTCC disabled. To achieve this, configure all unused I/O pins as digital outputs driven low, disable the BOR if the supply is regulated, and use the peripheral module disable (PMD) bits to gate unused peripherals before entering sleep. Wake-up sources include INT-on-change, RTCC alarm, and watchdog timer overflow.
Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of each VDD/AVDD pin and a bulk 1-10 uF capacitor near the IC. The 28-SSOP package has two VDD and two VSS pins (pins 8/20 for VDD, 7/19 for VSS); both pairs must be decoupled. Route the analog supply AVSS through a star-ground topology back to the IC's VSS pin to minimise ADC2 reference noise.
Do not exceed 3.6V on the LF variant VDD pin or the device may latch up. When migrating firmware from the F variant (PIC16F18857) to the LF variant, verify that any code paths running below 2.3V are still within spec, since the F variant's brown-out reset threshold does not match the LF device. Always use the latest Microchip MPLAB XC8 compiler and the matching header file for the LF suffix.
When using the 32MHz internal oscillator for high-speed EUSART or SPI traffic, the HFINTOSC accuracy is +/- 2% across temperature and voltage, which limits UART communication above 115200 baud without auto-baud. For reliable higher baud rates, switch to a 16MHz external crystal with the HS oscillator mode, or use the 4x PLL with an external 8MHz crystal.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed by Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose AEC-Q100 PIC16F18857 variants for automotive applications requiring functional safety certification.
