PIC16C923-08I/L - 8-Bit CMOS MCU with LCD Driver, 7KB OTP, 68-LCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C923-08I/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.88 | $3.88 |
| 10 | $3.55 | $35.50 |
| 100 | $3.2 | $320.00 |
| 500 | $2.99 | $1,495.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.75 | $2,750.00 |
PIC16C923-08I/L Overview
A microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripheral I/O on one die; an 8-bit MCU like the PIC16C923 is the workhorse class for industrial control, instrumentation, and appliance front-panel human-machine interfaces. The PIC16C923 sits within the Microchip PIC16C family (legacy CMOS/OTP generation) under the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> RISC MCU -> CMOS OTP MCU -> PIC architecture. This categorization matters for engineers selecting for long-life-cycle industrial panels where LCD plus button input plus a few relays are the I/O mix.
Key features of the PIC16C923 include a hardware LCD driver module capable of driving up to 32 segments x 4 commons (128 pixel control) without external LCD bias circuitry, an 8-bit timer/counter with optional 8-bit prescaler, a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable reset, a programmable code-protection bit, and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) capability. The integrated LCD controller is the headline differentiator versus general-purpose 8-bit MCUs - it saves the BOM cost of an external LCD driver chip and the firmware overhead of bit-banging segment waveforms.
The PIC16C923-08I/L variant operates from 5V (4.5V to 5.5V) with an 8 MHz oscillator (suffix -08) in industrial temperature grade (suffix I). The 'L' suffix denotes the 68-lead PLCC (also called LCC or QCCJ) square J-leaded ceramic-compatible package. Because OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed, this part is intended for production volumes rather than prototyping - for development, Microchip recommends the windowed CERDIP -JW variant.
Typical applications include industrial control panels with LCD readouts, HVAC thermostats, weigh scales, blood-pressure monitors and other medical front-panel displays, washing machine and appliance user interfaces, gas pumps and metering equipment, and remote-control keypads with segment displays. The integrated LCD segment driver plus abundant GPIO makes the part a strong fit when the BOM must stay under a tight ceiling.
When designing with PIC16C923, plan the OTP programming step into your manufacturing flow - the parts cannot be reprogrammed in the field, so the firmware image must be locked before the chip is soldered. Also note that the 68-pin PLCC package requires a socketed or careful-reflow PCB land pattern; consider PIC16F946 or PIC16F914 in TQFP/PT packages if you need Flash-based reprogrammability and modern footprints.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, current Microchip cross-reference data, and engineering design notes for the PIC16C923-08I/L - information typically scattered across Octopart, DigiKey, and Microchip's parametric search, consolidated into a single decision-ready reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C923-08I/L — 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 PIC16C923-08I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Timers, Watchdog Timer, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C923-04I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C923-08I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 176 bytes |
| General Purpose Registers | 8 |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-word |
| Instruction Execution Time | 500 ns at 8 MHz |
| Operating Frequency | 8 MHz (suffix -08) |
| I/O Pins | 52 |
| LCD Driver | Up to 32 segments x 4 commons (integrated) |
| Timers | 8-bit Timer/Counter0 with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming | ICSP supported |
| Code Protection | Programmable code-protect bit |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (5 V nominal) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial grade) |
| Package | 68-pin PLCC / LCC (J-Lead, code QCCJ) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket compatible) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Refer to Microchip product page (legacy OTP line; non-RoHS variants exist) |
PIC16C923-08I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG0 — LCD segment output 0 |
| Pin 2 | SEG1 — LCD segment output 1 |
| Pin 3 | SEG2 — LCD segment output 2 |
| Pin 4 | SEG3 — LCD segment output 3 |
| Pin 5 | SEG4 — LCD segment output 4 |
| Pin 6 | SEG5 — LCD segment output 5 |
| Pin 7 | SEG6 — LCD segment output 6 |
| Pin 8 | SEG7 — LCD segment output 7 |
| Pin 9 | SEG8 — LCD segment output 8 |
| Pin 10 | SEG9 — LCD segment output 9 |
| Pin 11 | SEG10 — LCD segment output 10 |
| Pin 12 | VDD — Positive supply (5 V nominal) |
| Pin 13 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 14 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 16 | RC0 — PORTC digital I/O 0 |
| Pin 17 | RC1 — PORTC digital I/O 1 |
| Pin 18 | RC2 — PORTC digital I/O 2 |
| Pin 19 | RC3 — PORTC digital I/O 3 |
| Pin 20 | RD0 — PORTD digital I/O 0 |
| Pin 21 | RD1 — PORTD digital I/O 1 |
| Pin 22 | RD2 — PORTD digital I/O 2 |
| Pin 23 | RD3 — PORTD digital I/O 3 |
| Pin 24 | RD4 — PORTD digital I/O 4 |
| Pin 25 | RD5 — PORTD digital I/O 5 |
| Pin 26 | RD6 — PORTD digital I/O 6 |
| Pin 27 | RD7 — PORTD digital I/O 7 |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 29 | VDD — Positive supply (5 V nominal) |
| Pin 30 | RB0 — PORTB digital I/O 0 / INT |
| Pin 31 | RB1 — PORTB digital I/O 1 |
| Pin 32 | RB2 — PORTB digital I/O 2 |
| Pin 33 | RB3 — PORTB digital I/O 3 |
| Pin 34 | RB4 — PORTB digital I/O 4 |
| Pin 35 | RB5 — PORTB digital I/O 5 |
| Pin 36 | RB6 — PORTB digital I/O 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 37 | RB7 — PORTB digital I/O 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 38 | COM0 — LCD common output 0 (backplane) |
| Pin 39 | COM1 — LCD common output 1 |
| Pin 40 | COM2 — LCD common output 2 |
| Pin 41 | COM3 — LCD common output 3 |
| Pin 42 | SEG11 — LCD segment output 11 |
| Pin 43 | SEG12 — LCD segment output 12 |
| Pin 44 | SEG13 — LCD segment output 13 |
| Pin 45 | SEG14 — LCD segment output 14 |
| Pin 46 | SEG15 — LCD segment output 15 |
| Pin 47 | SEG16 — LCD segment output 16 |
| Pin 48 | SEG17 — LCD segment output 17 |
| Pin 49 | SEG18 — LCD segment output 18 |
| Pin 50 | SEG19 — LCD segment output 19 |
| Pin 51 | SEG20 — LCD segment output 20 |
| Pin 52 | SEG21 — LCD segment output 21 |
| Pin 53 | SEG22 — LCD segment output 22 |
| Pin 54 | SEG23 — LCD segment output 23 |
| Pin 55 | SEG24 — LCD segment output 24 |
| Pin 56 | SEG25 — LCD segment output 25 |
| Pin 57 | SEG26 — LCD segment output 26 |
| Pin 58 | SEG27 — LCD segment output 27 |
| Pin 59 | SEG28 — LCD segment output 28 |
| Pin 60 | SEG29 — LCD segment output 29 |
| Pin 61 | SEG30 — LCD segment output 30 |
| Pin 62 | SEG31 — LCD segment output 31 |
| Pin 63 | RA0 — PORTA digital I/O 0 / AN0 |
| Pin 64 | RA1 — PORTA digital I/O 1 / AN1 |
| Pin 65 | RA2 — PORTA digital I/O 2 / AN2 |
| Pin 66 | RA3 — PORTA digital I/O 3 / AN3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 67 | RA4 — PORTA digital I/O 4 / T0CKI |
| Pin 68 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active low) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C923-08I/L is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Panel with LCD Readout, HVAC Thermostat with Segment LCD, Weigh Scale with Multi-Segment LCD, Blood Pressure Monitor Front Panel, Washing Machine User Interface, Gas Pump / Metering Equipment, Remote Control Keypad with Segment Display.
Industrial Control Panel with LCD Readout
The PIC16C923-08I/L's integrated 32-segment x 4-common LCD driver and 52 GPIO pins are ideal for industrial control panels driving multi-digit numeric displays plus status icons and switch inputs. At 8 MHz, the 500 ns instruction cycle handles 10 Hz keypad scanning and segment refresh with headroom for menu logic; the Watchdog Timer with its own RC oscillator protects against firmware lockup in factory environments. Typical reference designs use PIC16C923 + a 5 V LDO + a PLCC socket + a 32-segment custom LCD glass.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat with Segment LCD
The PIC16C923's industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range and integrated LCD driver make it a strong fit for HVAC wall thermostats displaying setpoint, room temperature, fan mode, and schedule on a segment LCD. The device reads a 10K NTC thermistor via the ADC, drives a relay via GPIO for compressor control, and refreshes the 7-segment + icon display through the internal LCD controller without external bias chips. At 5 V/8 MHz, average active current stays under 5 mA with sleep modes for battery-backed thermostats.
Recommended
Weigh Scale with Multi-Segment LCD
The PIC16C923-08I/L drives the multi-digit 7-segment + decimal-point LCD typical of commercial weigh scales, while the 8-bit ADC reads a load-cell bridge through an external instrumentation amp (e.g., MCP6N11). The integrated LCD controller saves BOM cost versus external segment drivers, and the 8 MHz core delivers 500 ns instructions for sub-100 ms scale settling. OTP memory locks calibration constants at production; the Watchdog Timer prevents field lockups on ESD events common in retail environments.
Recommended
Blood Pressure Monitor Front Panel
Front-panel control for blood-pressure monitors uses PIC16C923-08I/L's segment LCD to display systolic, diastolic, pulse rate, and user prompts, while a separate signal-processing chain handles cuff pressure and pulse detection. The 52 GPIO pins accommodate membrane-switch scanning for start/memory/mode keys plus LED indicators for inflation status. Industrial temperature grade ensures reliable operation in clinical settings with stable 5 V supply from a regulated mains adapter.
Recommended
Washing Machine User Interface
The PIC16C923's segment LCD plus 52 GPIO suit washing-machine front-panel control where icons display wash cycle, temperature, spin speed, and remaining time. The MCU interfaces to triac drivers (MOC3021) for motor and heater control via opto-isolated GPIO, and reads rotary encoder + push buttons for user input. OTP memory locks cycle firmware per SKU; the Watchdog Timer plus the wide operating temperature handle appliance laundry-room environments reliably.
Recommended
Gas Pump / Metering Equipment
Fuel dispensers and utility meters use PIC16C923-08I/L to drive multi-segment volume/price displays and accumulate pulse counts from flow sensors. The 8 MHz core handles BCD arithmetic for transaction totals, while the integrated LCD driver eliminates an external segment-driver IC in cost-sensitive forecourt hardware. Industrial temperature grade covers outdoor cabinet exposure; OTP memory locks calibration constants at factory seal for metrology certification.
Recommended
Remote Control Keypad with Segment Display
The PIC16C923-08I/L fits IR/RF remote-control keypads that include a small segment LCD for menu navigation or status icons. The 52 GPIO can scan a 4x5 membrane matrix plus drive the LCD directly; low-power sleep modes via the Watchdog Timer wakeup extend battery life. OTP memory locks OEM key mappings per model variant, preventing field firmware tampering in security-sensitive applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C923-08I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C923-04I/L | PIC16C923-08I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 68-pin PLCC (L) | 68-pin PLCC (L) - same | TQFP-64 (different) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 4 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 500 ns | 1 us | 500 ns |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP |
| Data RAM | 176 bytes | 176 bytes | 176 bytes |
| LCD Driver Segments | 32 seg x 4 com | 32 seg x 4 com | 32 seg x 4 com |
| I/O Pins | 52 | 52 | 52 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete / NRND | Obsolete / NRND | Obsolete / NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated LCD segment driver eliminates external LCD bias chip (vs PIC16F84A + external HT1621 LCD controller)
- Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C) for harsh environments (vs PIC16C923-08 (commercial 0 C to +70 C))
- 8 MHz / 500 ns instruction cycle for real-time control (vs PIC16C923-04I/L (4 MHz / 1 us instruction cycle))
Design Notes
PIC16C923 uses OTP (one-time-programmable) EPROM. Firmware must be programmed BEFORE the part is soldered into the PCB if using a non-ICSP flow, since OTP cannot be erased. For development, order the -JW windowed CERDIP variant (erasable UV EPROM) or use a modern PIC16F946 Flash equivalent with ICSP. Plan OTP programming into your manufacturing flow with a dedicated gang programmer to avoid field failures.
The 68-pin PLCC (L) package uses J-leads on a 1.27 mm pitch and is intended for socketed assembly (e.g., 68-pin PLCC socket) to simplify field replacement and OTP programming workflows. If you must surface-mount, ensure the PCB land pattern matches the J-lead footprint with adequate pad extension for solder fillet formation. For hand prototyping, a PLCC-to-DIP adapter (e.g., SchmartBoard) lets you use the part on a breadboard.
PIC16C923 requires a regulated 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply with bulk decoupling of at least 10 uF tantalum or ceramic + 0.1 uF ceramic close to each VDD/VSS pair (the part has multiple VDD/VSS pins on a 68-pin device). Brown-out detection must be enabled in configuration bits to prevent code execution at low VDD that could corrupt the OTP read; this is a documented Microchip erratum pattern on early PIC16C silicon revisions.
Compliance Information
PIC16C923-08I/L is a legacy OTP Microchip part; verify RoHS/lead-free status with Microchip product page or current datasheet for your specific date code. The part is not AEC-Q100 qualified (automotive) - use PIC16F946 automotive variants for AEC-Q100 designs.
