PIC16C924-04/PT - 8-bit 4MHz 7KB OTP MCU w/ LCD Driver | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C924-04/PT β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.6 | $8.60 |
| 10 | $7.95 | $79.50 |
| 100 | $7.1 | $710.00 |
| 500 | $6.35 | $3,175.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.85 | $5,850.00 |
PIC16C924-04/PT Overview
What is an OTP microcontroller? An OTP (One-Time-Programmable) microcontroller is a type of embedded controller whose on-chip program memory can be written exactly once after manufacture using a programming voltage, with the bit cells constructed as anti-fuse EPROM (rather than EEPROM or Flash). In the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C924 sits below EPROM-based OTP MCUs -> 8-bit microcontrollers -> microcontrollers (MCU) -> embedded controllers -> integrated circuits (ICs). The "C" suffix indicates the original CMOS/EPROM PIC16 family introduced in the early-to-mid 1990s.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions (all single-cycle except branches), an 8-level deep hardware stack, four interrupt sources, two 8-bit timer/counters with prescalers, a 16-bit timer/counter, a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and brown-out reset / power-on reset / power-up timer supervisory functions. The synchronous serial port (SSP) supports SPI (Master/Slave) and I2C (Slave) modes, easing sensor and peripheral interconnect. The LCD module supports static, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 duty multiplex and can source the LCD bias voltage internally.
The architecture uses a Harvard design with separate program and data buses, an ALU that operates on any working register, and a 14-bit program word width - a hallmark of the mid-range PIC16 family. Power consumption is low for the era (typical supply current 1.6 mA at 4 MHz / 5V), with the device operating across 2.5V-5.5V. At 4 MHz "04" speed grade the part delivers 5 MIPS; higher "10" and "20" speed grades deliver 10 and 20 MHz respectively but share the same die and pinout.
Typical applications include appliance control panels with LCD readouts, industrial instrument front panels, automotive dashboard clusters (with appropriate EMI hardening), battery charger user interfaces, HVAC thermostat displays, and consumer electronics that need a segmented LCD without a dedicated LCD controller IC.
Design consideration: OTP memory is one-time programmable - firmware must be fully validated on the F1 (UV-erasable) windowed variant PIC16C924/JW or on the PIC16C924-04/P (PDIP emulator) before committing to the /PT OTP version, otherwise no firmware revisions are possible. Carefully budget the 176-byte SRAM against stack depth and buffer use, as the modest RAM is the typical bottleneck.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives (PIC16C924T-04/PT, PIC16C924-04I/PT, PIC16F914-I/PT), and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C924-04/PT 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 PIC16C924-04/PT (same form factor and footprint) β differing in LCD Driver, Timers, ADC, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C924T-04/PT
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.62 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C924-04I/PT
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C924T-04I/PT
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C924-08/PT
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$5.21 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C924-20/PT
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C924-04/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 (8-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 176 bytes |
| EEPROM | 0 bytes (none on this device) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz (04 speed grade) |
| Instruction Cycle | 500 ns at 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 52 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| LCD Driver | 32 segments x 4 commons (max 128 pixels) |
| Timers | Two 8-bit + one 16-bit Timer/Counter |
| Serial Interfaces | SSP (SPI Master/Slave, I2C Slave) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C924-04/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG15 β LCD Segment output 15 |
| Pin 2 | SEG14 β LCD Segment output 14 |
| Pin 3 | SEG13 β LCD Segment output 13 |
| Pin 4 | SEG12 β LCD Segment output 12 |
| Pin 5 | SEG11 β LCD Segment output 11 |
| Pin 6 | SEG10 β LCD Segment output 10 |
| Pin 7 | SEG9 β LCD Segment output 9 |
| Pin 8 | SEG8 β LCD Segment output 8 |
| Pin 9 | SEG7 β LCD Segment output 7 |
| Pin 10 | SEG6 β LCD Segment output 6 |
| Pin 11 | SEG5 β LCD Segment output 5 |
| Pin 12 | SEG4 β LCD Segment output 4 |
| Pin 13 | SEG3 β LCD Segment output 3 |
| Pin 14 | SEG2 β LCD Segment output 2 |
| Pin 15 | SEG1 β LCD Segment output 1 |
| Pin 16 | SEG0 β LCD Segment output 0 |
| Pin 17 | COM3 β LCD Common output 3 |
| Pin 18 | COM2 β LCD Common output 2 |
| Pin 19 | COM1 β LCD Common output 1 |
| Pin 20 | COM0 β LCD Common output 0 |
| Pin 21 | VLCD3 β LCD bias voltage 3 |
| Pin 22 | VLCD2 β LCD bias voltage 2 |
| Pin 23 | VLCD1 β LCD bias voltage 1 |
| Pin 24 | RC6/TX/CK β I/O port / USART async TX / I2C clock |
| Pin 25 | RC7/RX/DT β I/O port / USART async RX / I2C data |
| Pin 26 | RD4/PSP4/SDI/SDA β I/O / Parallel Slave Port / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 27 | RD5/PSP5/SDO β I/O / Parallel Slave Port / SPI data out |
| Pin 28 | RD6/PSP6/SCK/SCL β I/O / Parallel Slave Port / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 29 | RD7/PSP7/SS β I/O / Parallel Slave Port / SPI slave select |
| Pin 30 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 31 | VDD β Positive supply (2.5V - 5.5V) |
| Pin 32 | OSC1/CLKIN β Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 33 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Crystal oscillator output / clock out (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 34 | RA0/AN0 β I/O port A bit 0 / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 35 | RA1/AN1 β I/O port A bit 1 / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 36 | RA2/AN2 β I/O port A bit 2 / ADC input 2 |
| Pin 37 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β I/O port A bit 3 / ADC input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 38 | RA4/T0CKI β I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 39 | RA5/AN4/SS β I/O port A bit 5 / ADC input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 40 | RB0/INT β I/O port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 41 | RB1 β I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 42 | RB2 β I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 43 | RB3 β I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 44 | RB4 β I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 45 | RB5 β I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 46 | RB6/PGC β I/O port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 47 | RB7/PGD β I/O port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 48 | RC0 β I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 49 | RC1 β I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 50 | RC2 β I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 51 | RC3 β I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 52 | RC4 β I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 53 | RC5 β I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 54 | RD0/PSP0 β I/O port D bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 55 | RD1/PSP1 β I/O port D bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 56 | RD2/PSP2 β I/O port D bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 57 | RD3/PSP3 β I/O port D bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 58 | RE0/RD/AN5 β I/O port E bit 0 / Read control / ADC input 5 |
| Pin 59 | RE1/WR/AN6 β I/O port E bit 1 / Write control / ADC input 6 |
| Pin 60 | RE2/CS/AN7 β I/O port E bit 2 / Chip Select / ADC input 7 |
| Pin 61 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 62 | RF0 β I/O port F bit 0 |
| Pin 63 | RF1 β I/O port F bit 1 |
| Pin 64 | RF2 β I/O port F bit 2 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C924-04/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Panel with LCD, Industrial Instrument Front Panel, HVAC Thermostat Display, Battery Charger User Interface, Automotive Dashboard Cluster Sub-Display, Medical Device Front Panel (Non-Critical).
Appliance Control Panel with LCD
The PIC16C924-04/PT is purpose-built for home-appliance control panels that need a segmented LCD readout (timer, status icons, temperature digits). Its integrated LCD driver supports up to 32 segments x 4 commons (128 pixels), eliminating the need for an external LCD controller IC and reducing BOM cost. The 52 I/O pins comfortably drive the LCD, button matrix, relay drivers, and rotary encoder simultaneously. Low operating current (1.6 mA typical at 4 MHz / 5V) is acceptable for line-powered appliances. Designers should validate firmware on the PIC16C924/JW windowed emulator before committing to the OTP /PT version because OTP is one-time programmable.
Recommended
Industrial Instrument Front Panel
Multimeter, process meter, and panel-mount instrumentation benefit from the PIC16C924-04/PT's 5-channel 8-bit ADC for direct sensor digitization (4-20 mA loop, RTD, thermistor) and its LCD driver for displaying readings. The SSP peripheral simplifies SPI connection to an external EEPROM for calibration constants. However, designers targeting outdoor or factory-floor deployment should select the PIC16C924-04I/PT (industrial -40C to +85C) variant instead of the commercial 0C-70C part. At 4 MHz / 5V the MCU delivers 1 MIPS, sufficient for slow-loop control applications but not for high-bandwidth signal processing.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Display
The PIC16C924-04/PT suits HVAC thermostat designs because its LCD driver natively multiplexes the segment display showing setpoint, room temperature, fan mode, and schedule icons. The integrated 8-bit ADC digitizes the thermistor bridge without an external ADC, and the 16-bit timer/counter handles the PWM control loop for the HVAC relay. Brown-out reset and Watchdog Timer improve field reliability. Power consumption (~1.6 mA active) is acceptable when the thermostat is line-powered; for battery-powered thermostats the PIC16C924 family is too power-hungry and a PIC16F1939 with nanoWatt XLP technology should be used instead.
Recommended
Battery Charger User Interface
Consumer battery chargers for cordless tools, e-bikes, and mobility devices use the PIC16C924-04/PT to drive a segmented LCD showing charge level, charging mode, and fault indicators. The 7 KB OTP program memory accommodates CC-CV charging state machines, safety timers, and LCD asset graphics. The SSP in I2C slave mode allows an external smart-battery gauge IC (e.g., bq20z45) to report capacity data displayed on the LCD. The PIC16C924-04/PT's commercial 0C-70C temperature range is adequate for indoor charger enclosures. Charge-termination algorithms are firmware-locked into OTP - any bug cannot be patched in the field.
Recommended
Automotive Dashboard Cluster Sub-Display
In automotive clusters, the PIC16C924-04/PT can serve as a sub-display driver for odometer, trip meter, fuel level, and gear indicator when paired with a more powerful body controller. Its 52 I/O pins handle switch inputs (turn signals, high-beam, wiper stalk) and PWM outputs for gauge illumination. The LCD module drives the segmented sub-display directly. However, the part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified, so for OEM automotive designs a qualified MCU such as PIC16F1939-I/PT (AEC-Q100) must be used instead. This part may suit aftermarket / hobbyist automotive restoration projects that match vintage clusters exactly.
Recommended
Medical Device Front Panel (Non-Critical)
Non-critical medical front-panel applications (e.g., lab-bench pH meters, infusion pump keypads, dental equipment readouts) can use the PIC16C924-04/PT for its LCD driver, ADC inputs for sensor readouts, and abundant I/O for membrane keypads. The 176-byte SRAM is sufficient for these slow-loop applications. The part lacks medical-grade certification and is NOT suitable for life-support or diagnostic-critical applications; for those, choose a PIC24 or PIC32 with IEC 60730 / FDA documentation. The Watchdog Timer and brown-out reset improve functional safety for non-critical use cases.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C924-04/PT β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C924T-04/PT | PIC16C924-04I/PT | PIC16C924T-04I/PT | PIC16C924-08/PT | PIC16C924-20/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 64-TQFP (10x10) | 64-TQFP (10x10) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10) - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP EPROM | 7 KB OTP EPROM - same | 7 KB OTP EPROM - same | 7 KB OTP EPROM - same | 7 KB OTP EPROM - same | 7 KB OTP EPROM - same |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 8 MHz (+100%) | 20 MHz (+400%) |
| Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C - same | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C - same | 0C to +70C - same |
| Packaging Format | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray |
| RAM | 176 bytes | 176 bytes - same | 176 bytes - same | 176 bytes - same | 176 bytes - same | 176 bytes - same |
| LCD Driver | 32 seg x 4 com | 32 seg x 4 com - same | 32 seg x 4 com - same | 32 seg x 4 com - same | 32 seg x 4 com - same | 32 seg x 4 com - same |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated LCD driver eliminates external LCD controller IC (vs ATmega169V (cross-brand comparison))
- PIC16 OTP family is still in distributor stock for legacy BOM matching (vs PIC16F914-I/PT (Flash-based alternative))
- Industrial-temperature variant available for harsh environments (vs PIC16C924-04/PT commercial temperature only)
Design Notes
OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed - any firmware bug is permanent. Always validate firmware on the PIC16C924/JW windowed UV-erasable emulator (CERDIP package) or the PIC16C924-04/P PDIP version before committing to the /PT TQFP OTP. Allocate reserved bytes and version identifiers in the unused program memory region so production-test firmware can be distinguished and dead-recovered through device-ID inspection if needed. For field-updatable designs, migrate to the Flash-based PIC16F914-I/PT instead.
The 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) has 0.5 mm pitch leads and requires precise reflow profiling with a peak temperature of 245C +/- 5C for no-clean SAC305 lead-free paste. Place a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane under the package to minimize EMI on the LCD segment traces. Decoupling: 100 nF X7R ceramic on each VDD pin pair within 3 mm of the lead, plus a 10 uF X5R bulk capacitor at the package entry. The MCLR pin needs a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) compatibility.
Route LCD segment traces (SEG0..SEG15, COM0..COM3, VLCD1..VLCD3) as short as possible and away from switching power or motor driver traces to minimize crosstalk on the segmented display. Use a guard ring tied to COM0 around the LCD-side of the PCB. The VLCD pins typically need external 100 nF bypass caps to filter the internal charge-pump ripple. Verify the segment-to-common mapping against your glass artwork before PCB layout freeze - swapping pin numbering after layout is a costly mistake.
The PIC16C924-04/PT typically draws 1.6 mA at 4 MHz / 5V with the ADC and SSP active and the LCD driver running. Brown-out reset (BOR) and Power-on Reset (POR) must be enabled in the configuration word for reliable field startup - disable only if your external reset circuit guarantees correct power sequencing. Sleep mode reduces current to microamps but the LCD module must be turned off before sleep, otherwise the charge pump will continue cycling. For battery-powered designs the PIC16C924 family is unsuitable; choose a nanoWatt XLP part such as PIC16F1939.
Compliance Information
PIC16C924 is part of the original PIC16 OTP EPROM family introduced in the mid-1990s, predating universal RoHS compliance. RoHS / lead-free / halogen-free status was not retrieved from the verified web data and should be confirmed via Microchip's product environmental compliance documents before using in a RoHS-restricted jurisdiction. The part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified and is unsuitable for OEM automotive applications.