PIC16C923T-04I/L - 8-bit OTP MCU, 7KB EPROM, LCD Driver | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C923T-04I/L β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.42 | $8.42 |
| 10 | $7.56 | $75.60 |
| 100 | $6.74 | $674.00 |
| 500 | $5.98 | $2,990.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.31 | $5,310.00 |
PIC16C923T-04I/L Overview
What is an OTP microcontroller? An OTP (One-Time-Programmable) microcontroller embeds EPROM program memory that can be programmed once by the user with a device programmer and cannot be electrically erased. OTP sits in the broader taxonomy microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor, and the PIC16C923 belongs to Microchip's mid-range PIC16C family - a class of 8-bit RISC MCUs designed for low-power embedded control with peripheral integration. The 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging, '-04I' denotes a 4 MHz maximum oscillator and industrial temperature grade, and '/L' denotes a 68-pin PLCC J-lead package.
Key features include 35 single-word RISC instructions (most executed in a single 200 ns instruction cycle at 20 MHz, or 500 ns at 4 MHz), an integrated LCD driver capable of multiplexing up to 4 common and 32 segment signals (128-segment LCD support), 8-level hardware stack, 14-bit wide instruction word, 8 special-function hardware registers, and serial communication peripherals (I2C/SPI). The industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and integrated LCD controller reduce BOM cost for any product requiring an alphanumeric or numeric glass display.
Architecturally, the PIC16C923 uses a Harvard RISC core with separated program (14-bit) and data (8-bit) buses, a 14-bit instruction word for compact code density, and a hardware multiply-by-constant routine. The integrated LCD module includes dedicated charge-pump bias generation, programmable frame frequency, and shared segment driver lines with GPIO, allowing the same pin to drive either a logic-level load or an LCD segment based on configuration.
Typical applications include white-goods front panels (washing machines, microwave ovens, thermostats), industrial control HMIs, medical instrument displays, point-of-sale terminals with numeric keypads and character LCDs, automotive dashboard segments, and any battery-powered metering device that needs a multi-digit segmented LCD readout. The industrial temperature grade extends these into outdoor metering and HVAC controls.
A key design consideration is that the PIC16C923 is OTP - field firmware updates are impossible; production units cannot be re-programmed. Designers building a serviceable product should evaluate the Flash-based PIC16F946 (same pinout, same peripherals, Flash memory) as a forward-compatible alternative. Verify the integrated LCD driver segment count (typically 4x32 = 128 segments max) against your glass display before finalizing the BOM.
This page synthesizes authorized-distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and application guidance not consolidated in the Microchip datasheet, helping procurement and engineering teams source and substitute this part accurately.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C923T-04I/L β 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 PIC16C923T-04I/L (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Architecture, Data EEPROM, Instruction Cycle Time, LCD Driver, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C923-04I/L
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C923T-04I/PT
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C923T-04I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 176 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (OTP device) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 500 ns at 4 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 52 |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Communication Peripherals | I2C/SPI |
| LCD Driver | Integrated, up to 4x32 segments (128 segments) |
| A/D Converter | Not present |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 68-pin PLCC (J-lead, /L) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supply Form | Tape and Reel (T suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C923T-04I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG0 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 2 | SEG1 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 3 | SEG2 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 4 | SEG3 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 5 | SEG4 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 6 | SEG5 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 7 | SEG6 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 8 | SEG7 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 9 | SEG8 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 10 | SEG9 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 11 | SEG10 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 12 | SEG11 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 13 | SEG12 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 14 | SEG13 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 15 | SEG14 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 16 | SEG15 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 17 | OSC1 β Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 18 | OSC2 β Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 19 | MCLR β Master clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply (2.5V-6.0V) |
| Pin 21 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 22 | COM0 β LCD common/backplane driver 0 |
| Pin 23 | COM1 β LCD common/backplane driver 1 |
| Pin 24 | COM2 β LCD common/backplane driver 2 |
| Pin 25 | COM3 β LCD common/backplane driver 3 |
| Pin 26 | RA0 β GPIO Port A bit 0 |
| Pin 27 | RA1 β GPIO Port A bit 1 |
| Pin 28 | RA2 β GPIO Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 29 | RA3 β GPIO Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 30 | RA4 β GPIO Port A bit 4 / T0CKI |
| Pin 31 | RA5 β GPIO Port A bit 5 / SS |
| Pin 32 | RB0 β GPIO Port B bit 0 / INT |
| Pin 33 | RB1 β GPIO Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RB2 β GPIO Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RB3 β GPIO Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 36 | RB4 β GPIO Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RB5 β GPIO Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RB6 β GPIO Port B bit 6 / PGC |
| Pin 39 | RB7 β GPIO Port B bit 7 / PGD |
| Pin 40 | RC0 β GPIO Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 41 | RC1 β GPIO Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 42 | RC2 β GPIO Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 43 | RC3 β GPIO Port C bit 3 / SCL |
| Pin 44 | RC4 β GPIO Port C bit 4 / SDA |
| Pin 45 | RC5 β GPIO Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 46 | RC6 β GPIO Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 47 | RC7 β GPIO Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 48 | RD0 β GPIO Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 49 | RD1 β GPIO Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 50 | RD2 β GPIO Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 51 | RD3 β GPIO Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 52 | RD4 β GPIO Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 53 | RD5 β GPIO Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 54 | RD6 β GPIO Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 55 | RD7 β GPIO Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 56 | RE0 β GPIO Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 57 | RE1 β GPIO Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 58 | RE2 β GPIO Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 59 | RE3 β GPIO Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 60 | RE4 β GPIO Port E bit 4 |
| Pin 61 | RE5 β GPIO Port E bit 5 |
| Pin 62 | RE6 β GPIO Port E bit 6 |
| Pin 63 | RE7 β GPIO Port E bit 7 |
| Pin 64 | VLCD1 β LCD bias voltage 1 |
| Pin 65 | VLCD2 β LCD bias voltage 2 |
| Pin 66 | VLCD3 β LCD bias voltage 3 |
| Pin 67 | SEG16 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
| Pin 68 | SEG17 β LCD segment driver / GPIO |
Typical Applications
PIC16C923T-04I/L is suitable for 7 applications: White Goods Front-Panel Controllers, Industrial HMI / Process Displays, Medical Instrument Displays, Point-of-Sale Terminal Keypads and LCDs, Automotive Dashboard Cluster Segments, HVAC Thermostat and Zone Controllers, Utility Meter Readouts.
White Goods Front-Panel Controllers
The PIC16C923T-04I/L is a strong fit for white-goods front-panel controllers (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) because its integrated LCD driver directly multiplexes a 4-common x 32-segment glass display without a separate LCD controller IC, reducing BOM cost by 20-40%. The 52 GPIO pins handle keypads, encoder wheels, relay drivers, and triac interfaces typical of appliance UI boards. At 4 MHz CPU clock, 500 ns instruction cycles are sufficient for FSM control loops, timer scheduling, and sensor polling for appliance duty cycles. Operating from 2.5V-6.0V with -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade, the part tolerates the warm/kitchen environments of laundry and kitchen installations. Note OTP memory means final firmware must be locked before production; consider PIC16F946 for serviceable designs.
Recommended
Industrial HMI / Process Displays
The PIC16C923T-04I/L fits industrial HMI modules that need a 128-segment alphanumeric or numeric LCD readout driven directly from the MCU. Its 4x32 LCD module multiplexes 4 backplane and 32 segment lines, supporting 8-character 14-segment or 16-character 7-segment displays with charge-pump bias generation that works from a 3V supply. The integrated I2C/SPI peripherals connect to digital sensors, EEPROM data logs, and host PLCs without extra glue logic. Industrial -40C to +85C operation handles factory-floor temperature swings. Watch the OTP caveat: any field firmware update requires module replacement; design with PIC16F946 if serviceability matters.
Recommended
Medical Instrument Displays
The PIC16C923T-04I/L is a cost-effective MCU for medical instruments that need a numeric or alphanumeric front-panel display - glucometers, blood-pressure cuffs, infusion pump status panels. The integrated LCD driver eliminates a dedicated LCD controller, saving board space and BOM in compact handheld devices. Operating from 2.5V-6.0V allows direct battery or USB-powered operation, and the 4 MHz CPU is adequate for ADC sampling of biomedical sensors and pulse-oximetry calculations. The 8-bit PIC RISC core has decades of regulatory track record in medical equipment. Note that for FDA-regulated designs requiring field firmware updates for bug fixes or algorithm revisions, Flash-based PIC16F946 is strongly preferred over this OTP device.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal Keypads and LCDs
The PIC16C923T-04I/L fits point-of-sale terminal sub-controllers responsible for matrix keypads, character LCD readouts, and magnetic-stripe reader interfaces. Its 52 GPIO pins can scan an 8x8 keypad matrix directly, while the integrated LCD driver multiplexes a 2-line x 16-character or 4-line x 20-character alphanumeric display. I2C/SPI peripherals connect to external EEPROM (transaction logs) and to the main terminal processor. 500 ns instruction cycles at 4 MHz handle debounce, keypad scanning, and LCD refresh simultaneously. OTP memory locks firmware against tampering - a benefit in retail POS security. Consider migration to PIC16F946-I/L for terminals needing OTA firmware update capability.
Recommended
Automotive Dashboard Cluster Segments
The PIC16C923T-04I/L drives segmented LCD sub-displays in automotive dashboards - gear-position indicators, odometer readouts, trip-computer displays, climate-control status panels. Its 4-common x 32-segment LCD driver directly multiplexes the glass display, while 52 GPIO connect to backlight drivers, button matrices, and LIN-bus transceivers. Industrial -40C to +85C operation handles under-dash temperature. 4 MHz CPU is sufficient for refresh and button debounce. Note: AEC-Q100 automotive qualification is NOT present on this part; for AEC-Q100 dashboard designs use automotive-qualified PIC16F946 variants or dedicated cluster-driver ICs.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat and Zone Controllers
The PIC16C923T-04I/L fits HVAC thermostat and zone-controller applications requiring alphanumeric or 7-segment LCD readouts (temperature setpoint, mode, fan speed, fault codes). Its integrated LCD driver eliminates a separate display controller, the 52 GPIO connect to triac drivers, relay coils, NTC thermistor networks, and keypad inputs. Operating from 2.5V-6.0V supports 24VAC-derived 5V or 3.3V supplies typical of HVAC control boards. Industrial temperature grade handles attic and outdoor-cabinet installations. The 4 MHz CPU easily handles PID loops, schedule logic, and display refresh. For Wi-Fi connected smart thermostats requiring OTA firmware, migrate to PIC16F946 or ESP32-based designs.
Recommended
Utility Meter Readouts
The PIC16C923T-04I/L is well-suited for electricity/water/gas meters that need a multi-digit LCD showing consumption, tariff, and status icons. Its 4x32 LCD driver supports 8-digit 7-segment plus icon displays typical of utility meters. The 4 MHz CPU handles pulse counting from metrology sensors, BCD math for kWh calculations, and TOU tariff scheduling. Low-voltage operation (2.5V min) extends battery life in non-grid-powered meter installations. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor meter cabinets. OTP memory locks calibration and tariff tables against tampering - a regulatory plus. For meters needing AMR/AMI firmware updates, plan migration to Flash-based PIC16F946 or dedicated metering SoCs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C923T-04I/L β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C923-04I/L | PIC16C923T-04I/PT | PIC16LC923-04I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 68-pin PLCC (J-lead, /L) | 68-pin PLCC (J-lead) - same | 64-pin TQFP - different | 64-pin TQFP - different |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP EPROM | 7 KB OTP EPROM - same | 7 KB OTP EPROM - same | 7 KB OTP EPROM - same |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same |
| RAM | 176 bytes | 176 bytes - same | 176 bytes - same | 176 bytes - same |
| I/O Pins | 52 | 52 - same | 52 - same | 52 - same |
| LCD Driver | 4x32 (128 segments) | 4x32 - same | 4x32 - same | 4x32 - same |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5-6.0 V - same | 2.5-6.0 V - same | 2.0-6.0 V - extended low-voltage LC grade |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial - same | Industrial - same | Industrial - same |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC16C923-04I/L (tray variant))
- Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C (vs PIC16C923-04/L (commercial 0C to +70C))
- 68-pin PLCC package with socket compatibility (vs PIC16C923T-04I/PT (64-pin TQFP))
Design Notes
The PIC16C923T-04I/L uses OTP EPROM, not Flash. Once programmed, firmware cannot be electrically erased or updated. Plan firmware versions carefully and validate code thoroughly before production programming. For prototypes, use the PIC16F946-I/L (Flash) which has the same 68-pin PLCC pinout and is otherwise drop-in compatible.
The 68-pin PLCC (J-lead) package has a 0.050 inch (1.27 mm) lead pitch. Use a socketed PLCC footprint during prototyping so you can swap OTP devices during development. For production, the J-leads are solder-reflow compatible but require careful pad design to prevent solder wicking up the J-lead; follow IPC-7351 PLCC land pattern guidelines.
Decouple VDD (pin 20) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor on the same supply rail. The LCD charge pump generates significant transient current on VLCD pins (64-66); place 100 nF capacitors on each VLCD pin per the datasheet's LCD bias network recommendations. Without proper decoupling, LCD segments may show ghosting or contrast drift.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part is not automotive-grade. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range only. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in vendor data.
