PIC16C924-04/L - 8-bit OTP MCU 7KB EPROM 8MHz LCD | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C924-04/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.95 | $9.95 |
| 10 | $9.2 | $92.00 |
| 100 | $8.5 | $850.00 |
| 250 | $7.46 | $1,865.00 |
| 500 | $6.85 | $3,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.2 | $6,200.00 |
PIC16C924-04/L Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip combining a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals. The PIC family, a Harvard-architecture RISC design, sits within the broader hierarchy: MCU → microcontroller → embedded processor → semiconductor. OTP EPROM-based PIC16C parts are one-time-programmable and targeted at mature, cost-sensitive embedded products where code is finalized in production.
Key features include 7 KB (4K × 14) of OTP EPROM program memory, 192 bytes of SRAM data memory, 52 digital I/O lines, a 5-channel 8-bit ADC, an LCD driver with 32 segments and 4 commons, a Pulse-Width-Modulation (PWM) module, a Watchdog Timer (WDT), Power-On Reset (POR), and brown-out detection. The synchronous serial port supports both SPI and I²C master/slave modes. The instruction set is only 35 single-word instructions, all single-cycle except branch instructions.
The PIC16C924-04/L uses a high-performance RISC engine with a 14-bit instruction word, an 8-level hardware stack, and direct/indirect addressing modes. The external oscillator interface supports XT, HS, and RC modes for the /04 speed grade. Power management includes POR, brown-out reset, and a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation.
Typical applications include LCD-based human-machine interfaces, appliance control panels, industrial meters, automotive instrument clusters, and embedded control boards with text/graphical displays. The integrated LCD driver eliminates the need for an external segment driver in cost-sensitive designs, while the 5-channel ADC supports sensor monitoring.
When designing with this part, note that the OTP memory means firmware must be finalized before production programming - field upgrades require a windowed (JW) package variant. For prototype work, Microchip recommends the PIC16F924 Flash-based equivalent.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C924-04/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 PIC16C924-04/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Type, LCD Driver, Package, Program Memory Size, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C924-04I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C924T-04/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C924T-04I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C924/CL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C923-04I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C924-04/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 8 MHz (input) / 4 MHz instruction |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 500 ns (200 ns at 20 MHz ext.) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| EEPROM Size | None |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 52 |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc/Vdd) | 4 V to 6 V |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| LCD Driver | 32 segments, 4 commons |
| Connectivity | I²C, SPI (Synchronous Serial Port) |
| Peripherals | LCD, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial grade) |
| Package / Case | 68-LCC (J-Lead), PLCC-68 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Terminals | 68 |
| Terminal Form | J BEND |
| Package Code | QCCJ |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
PIC16C924-04/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4V-6V) |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Digital I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Digital I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Digital I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Digital I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Digital I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Digital I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Digital I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Digital I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Digital I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Digital I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — Digital I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — Digital I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 29 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 30 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 31 | RD0 — Digital I/O port D bit 0 |
| Pin 32 | RD1 — Digital I/O port D bit 1 |
| Pin 33 | RD2 — Digital I/O port D bit 2 |
| Pin 34 | RD3 — Digital I/O port D bit 3 |
| Pin 35 | RD4 — Digital I/O port D bit 4 |
| Pin 36 | RD5 — Digital I/O port D bit 5 |
| Pin 37 | RD6 — Digital I/O port D bit 6 |
| Pin 38 | RD7 — Digital I/O port D bit 7 |
| Pin 39 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 41 | RE0 — Digital I/O port E bit 0 |
| Pin 42 | RE1 — Digital I/O port E bit 1 |
| Pin 43 | RE2 — Digital I/O port E bit 2 |
| Pin 44 | LCD_SEG0 — LCD segment driver output 0 |
| Pin 45 | LCD_SEG1 — LCD segment driver output 1 |
| Pin 46 | LCD_SEG2 — LCD segment driver output 2 |
| Pin 47 | LCD_SEG3 — LCD segment driver output 3 |
| Pin 48 | LCD_SEG4 — LCD segment driver output 4 |
| Pin 49 | LCD_SEG5 — LCD segment driver output 5 |
| Pin 50 | LCD_SEG6 — LCD segment driver output 6 |
| Pin 51 | LCD_SEG7 — LCD segment driver output 7 |
| Pin 52 | LCD_SEG8 — LCD segment driver output 8 |
| Pin 53 | LCD_SEG9 — LCD segment driver output 9 |
| Pin 54 | LCD_SEG10 — LCD segment driver output 10 |
| Pin 55 | LCD_SEG11 — LCD segment driver output 11 |
| Pin 56 | LCD_SEG12 — LCD segment driver output 12 |
| Pin 57 | LCD_SEG13 — LCD segment driver output 13 |
| Pin 58 | LCD_SEG14 — LCD segment driver output 14 |
| Pin 59 | LCD_SEG15 — LCD segment driver output 15 |
| Pin 60 | LCD_COM0 — LCD common driver output 0 |
| Pin 61 | LCD_COM1 — LCD common driver output 1 |
| Pin 62 | LCD_COM2 — LCD common driver output 2 |
| Pin 63 | LCD_COM3 — LCD common driver output 3 |
| Pin 64 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 65 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 66 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 67 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 68 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C924-04/L is suitable for 7 applications: LCD-Based Human-Machine Interface (HMI), Appliance Control Panels, Industrial Meters and Instrumentation, Automotive Instrument Clusters (legacy), Point-of-Sale Terminals and Cash Registers, Embedded Control Boards with Text Displays, Medical Monitoring Devices (non-critical).
LCD-Based Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
The PIC16C924-04/L is purpose-built for LCD-based HMI panels in appliances, instruments, and consumer electronics, integrating a 32-segment × 4-common LCD driver on-chip that drives up to 128 pixels without external segment drivers. Placed between user buttons and the LCD glass, it scans keypad inputs on PORTA/PORTB while refreshing the display via its integrated charge pump and bias generator, reducing BOM cost by $0.30-$0.50 vs designs using a separate LCD driver IC. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads analog sensors (temperature, level, voltage) for display on the LCD. Engineers typically choose this part over FPGA or higher-pinout MCUs when the LCD pixel count fits within 32×4 and code volume stays under 7 KB.
Recommended
Appliance Control Panels
The PIC16C924-04/L fits appliance front-panel controls (washing machines, ovens, microwaves) where a custom-segment LCD shows cycle, time, and status. Its 52 I/O pins drive keypads, LEDs, relay drivers, and triac controls while the integrated LCD driver handles the display glass directly. Operating from a 4-6V supply aligns with rectified 5V rails common in white goods. Compared to a discrete MCU + external LCD driver approach, this single-chip solution reduces PCB area by ~30% and simplifies firmware since the LCD refresh runs in hardware.
Recommended
Industrial Meters and Instrumentation
In industrial digital panel meters, multimeters, and process indicators, the PIC16C924-04/L provides 5 channels of 8-bit ADC for measuring voltage, current, or sensor outputs while its LCD driver displays the measured value. The PIC RISC core executes averaging, scaling, and unit-conversion algorithms in real time at 4 MHz instruction rate, while the SPI/I²C port connects to external EEPROM for calibration data. Engineers prefer this part for low-cost, low-power metering where the integrated LCD removes the need for a separate display controller and the OTP memory locks in calibration firmware.
Recommended
Automotive Instrument Clusters (legacy)
For cost-sensitive automotive instrument clusters (fuel, temperature, gauge displays), the PIC16C924-04/L's integrated LCD driver supports the segmented LCD glass typical of dashboard readouts, while its ADC channels read sensor inputs from fuel-level and temperature senders. Although commercial temperature grade limits this to non-engine-bay applications, the part has a long legacy footprint in body-electronics clusters. For under-hood use, the industrial-grade PIC16C924-04I/L variant is the recommended upgrade. The 52 I/O lines also drive tell-tale LEDs and backlight control.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminals and Cash Registers
Legacy point-of-sale terminals and electronic cash registers use the PIC16C924-04/L to drive operator LCDs, scan keypad input, and communicate with printer and drawer peripherals via SPI or I²C. The 7 KB OTP EPROM holds transaction logic and lookup tables, while 192 bytes of SRAM provides working buffer for receipts. Compared to discrete logic implementations, the integrated MCU+LCD combination reduces component count from ~15 discrete ICs to one chip. For new POS designs, the Flash-based PIC16F924 family is preferred for firmware update flexibility.
Recommended
Embedded Control Boards with Text Displays
The PIC16C924-04/L serves as the main MCU on small embedded control boards that need a character-LCD interface, digital I/O for sensors and actuators, and serial ports for host communication. Typical boards include HVAC zone controllers, security keypads, and access-control panels. Its 35-instruction RISC core simplifies firmware development, while the integrated LCD and ADC peripherals eliminate two companion ICs. Compared to higher-end ARM Cortex-M0 alternatives, the PIC16C924-04/L offers a lower-cost BOM at the expense of Flash reprogrammability.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Devices (non-critical)
Non-critical medical monitoring devices such as blood-pressure cuffs, digital thermometers, and pill dispensers use the PIC16C924-04/L for sensor readout (via 8-bit ADC) and LCD display of measurements. The OTP EPROM locks in validated clinical firmware, preventing accidental field modification - a regulatory advantage in some medical device classifications. With 7 KB of program memory, the device holds full algorithm code for measurement and calibration. For designs requiring IEC 60601 isolation or extended temperature, the industrial-grade PIC16C924-04I/L is recommended.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C924-04/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C924-04I/L | PIC16C924T-04/L | PIC16C924T-04I/L | PIC16C924/CL | PIC16C923-04I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 68-PLCC (QCCJ) | 68-PLCC (QCCJ) - same | 68-PLCC (QCCJ) - same | 68-PLCC (QCCJ) - same | 68-PLCC (QCCJ) - same | TQFP-64 - differs |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | Windowed EPROM (7 KB) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) |
| Max Instruction Frequency | 4 MHz (8 MHz osc input) | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| LCD Driver | 32 segments × 4 commons | 32 × 4 | 32 × 4 | 32 × 4 | 32 × 4 | 28 × 4 (TQFP-64 reduced) |
| ADC Channels | 5 × 8-bit | 5 × 8-bit | 5 × 8-bit | 5 × 8-bit | 5 × 8-bit | 5 × 8-bit |
| Supply Voltage | 4 V to 6 V | 4 V to 6 V | 4 V to 6 V | 4 V to 6 V | 4 V to 6 V | 4 V to 6 V |
| I/O Pins | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 44 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 32-segment × 4-common LCD driver eliminates external segment-driver IC (vs PIC16F877A-I/L)
- Commercial temperature grade is sufficient for indoor appliance/consumer designs (vs PIC16C924-04I/L (industrial grade))
- 68-PLCC J-lead package is preferred for socketed prototype and through-hole-style replacement (vs PIC16C923-04I/PT (TQFP-64))
Design Notes
OTP EPROM memory is one-time-programmable - once a bit is programmed to 0 it cannot be returned to 1. This means production firmware must be fully validated before programming. For prototype or development work, use the PIC16C924/CL windowed ceramic package variant which allows EPROM erasure via UV light. Engineering samples and pre-production units should always use the windowed package.
The PIC16C924-04/L operates from a 4V to 6V supply; designing for 5V ±10% (4.5V-5.5V) is recommended to leave margin for regulator tolerance. The MCLR reset pin requires a rising-edge slew rate above the minimum Vih specification, otherwise the device may enter an undefined state. A 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD plus a 100 nF cap to ground on MCLR is the standard Microchip reference circuit. Brown-out reset should be enabled in configuration fuses to ensure defined startup below 4V.
The 68-pin PLCC package uses J-leads with 1.27 mm pitch. Place a continuous ground plane under the device for stable ADC readings - the 5-channel 8-bit ADC requires low-noise analog supplies. Decouple VDD pins with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each supply pin, plus a single 10 µF tantalum or aluminum polymer bulk capacitor near the IC. The LCD segment/com outputs are high-impedance - keep traces short and away from switching signals to avoid ghosting.
The synchronous serial port (SSP) can be configured for SPI or I²C, but in I²C mode the SDA/SCL pins are open-drain and require external pull-up resistors (typically 4.7 kΩ for 100 kHz, 2.2 kΩ for 400 kHz). The OSC1/OSC2 pins driving a crystal should be guarded by a ground plane and kept away from the LCD segment outputs to avoid coupling noise into the oscillator. The ADC reference (RA3/VREF) should be bypassed with 10 µF + 100 nF for accurate conversions.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not specified in the verified web data; refer to Microchip's product compliance documentation. As an OTP EPROM legacy part, this device may have lead-containing termination; check Microchip's RoHS transition documentation for the specific date code before assuming compliance.
