PIC16C924/CL - 8MHz 8-Bit MCU w/ LCD Driver | 68-CLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C924/CL β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22.5 | $22.50 |
| 10 | $20.25 | $202.50 |
| 100 | $17.85 | $1,785.00 |
| 500 | $15.9 | $7,950.00 |
| 1,000 | $14.2 | $14,200.00 |
PIC16C924/CL Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory (ROM/EPROM/Flash), data memory (RAM), and integrated peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces, and ADCs. The PIC16C924/CL belongs to the Mid-Range 8-bit PIC architecture hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> PIC16C sub-family -> microcontroller -> embedded system IC. Its on-chip EPROM (7KB / 4K Γ 14) makes it suited for one-time-programmable commercial applications where in-system reprogrammability is not required.
Key features include 176 bytes of general-purpose RAM, 25 general-purpose digital I/O pins, an integrated LCD driver, a 5-channel 8-bit ADC, and a synchronous serial port configurable as 3-wire SPI or 2-wire I2C. The 8MHz internal oscillator and 35 single-word instruction RISC core reduce code development time, while the windowed ceramic package supports UV erasure for iterative firmware development.
Architecturally, the PIC16C924 uses a Harvard-style RISC pipeline with a 14-bit instruction word, enabling single-cycle execution of most instructions except branches. The integrated LCD driver with 32 segment and 4 common outputs supports up to 128-pixel LCD panels without external charge-pump circuitry, reducing BOM cost in human-machine interface designs. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC provides sensor interface capability for temperature, voltage, and process-variable monitoring.
Typical applications include industrial control panels with LCD displays, electronic metering (electric/gas/water meters), medical instrumentation with LCD readouts, point-of-sale terminals, consumer appliances with segment displays, and HVAC thermostat controllers. The combination of LCD driver, ADC, and serial interface makes the PIC16C924 particularly suitable for battery-powered metering equipment.
When designing with this device, note that the /CL suffix designates the Ceramic Leaded Chip Carrier with UV-transparent window - suitable for development but more expensive than plastic OTP packages. Ensure 5V (Β±10%) supply tolerance, place decoupling capacitors within 5mm of VDD pins, and use the MCLR pin reset circuit with the recommended 10kΞ© pull-up for reliable operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey, Mouser, and Hotenda, parametric comparison with drop-in alternatives in the same 68-CLCC footprint, and practical design notes covering EPROM programming, LCD bias generation, and ADC acquisition timing not explicitly listed on standard distributor product pages.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C924/CL β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C924-I/CL
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F946-I/CL
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F946-E/CL
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C924/PQ
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C923-04I/L
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C924/CL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Mid-Range) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM, UV-erasable |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K Γ 14) |
| RAM | 176 Γ 8 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 500 ns |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 5 V (typical, Β±10% tolerance) |
| I/O Pins | 25 general-purpose |
| ADC | 5 channels Γ 8-bit |
| LCD Driver | 32 segments Γ 4 commons |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI (3-wire) / I2C (2-wire) synchronous port |
| Package | 68-CLCC (24.13 Γ 24.13 mm, windowed, J-Lead) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial |
| Terminal Form | J-Bend |
| Package Code | WQCCJ |
PIC16C924/CL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG0 β LCD Segment output 0 |
| Pin 2 | SEG1 β LCD Segment output 1 |
| Pin 3 | SEG2 β LCD Segment output 2 |
| Pin 4 | SEG3 β LCD Segment output 3 |
| Pin 5 | SEG4 β LCD Segment output 4 |
| Pin 6 | SEG5 β LCD Segment output 5 |
| Pin 7 | SEG6 β LCD Segment output 6 |
| Pin 8 | SEG7 β LCD Segment output 7 |
| Pin 9 | SEG8 β LCD Segment output 8 |
| Pin 10 | SEG9 β LCD Segment output 9 |
| Pin 11 | SEG10 β LCD Segment output 10 |
| Pin 12 | MCLR β Master Clear reset input |
| Pin 13 | SEG11 β LCD Segment output 11 |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 β Oscillator input |
| Pin 17 | OSC2 β Oscillator output |
| Pin 18 | RC0 β Digital I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 19 | RC1 β Digital I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RC2 β Digital I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 21 | RC3 β Digital I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 22 | RD0 β Digital I/O port D bit 0 |
| Pin 23 | RD1 β Digital I/O port D bit 1 |
| Pin 24 | RD2 β Digital I/O port D bit 2 |
| Pin 25 | RD3 β Digital I/O port D bit 3 |
| Pin 26 | RD4 β Digital I/O port D bit 4 |
| Pin 27 | RD5 β Digital I/O port D bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | RD6 β Digital I/O port D bit 6 |
| Pin 29 | RD7 β Digital I/O port D bit 7 |
| Pin 30 | AN0 β Analog input channel 0 / RA0 |
| Pin 31 | AN1 β Analog input channel 1 / RA1 |
| Pin 32 | AN2 β Analog input channel 2 / RA2 |
| Pin 33 | AN3 β Analog input channel 3 / RA3 |
| Pin 34 | AN4 β Analog input channel 4 / RA5 |
| Pin 35 | VREF β ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 36 | SEG12 β LCD Segment output 12 |
| Pin 37 | SEG13 β LCD Segment output 13 |
| Pin 38 | SEG14 β LCD Segment output 14 |
| Pin 39 | SEG15 β LCD Segment output 15 |
| Pin 40 | SEG16 β LCD Segment output 16 |
| Pin 41 | SEG17 β LCD Segment output 17 |
| Pin 42 | SEG18 β LCD Segment output 18 |
| Pin 43 | SEG19 β LCD Segment output 19 |
| Pin 44 | SEG20 β LCD Segment output 20 |
| Pin 45 | SEG21 β LCD Segment output 21 |
| Pin 46 | SEG22 β LCD Segment output 22 |
| Pin 47 | SEG23 β LCD Segment output 23 |
| Pin 48 | SEG24 β LCD Segment output 24 |
| Pin 49 | SEG25 β LCD Segment output 25 |
| Pin 50 | SEG26 β LCD Segment output 26 |
| Pin 51 | SEG27 β LCD Segment output 27 |
| Pin 52 | SEG28 β LCD Segment output 28 |
| Pin 53 | SEG29 β LCD Segment output 29 |
| Pin 54 | SEG30 β LCD Segment output 30 |
| Pin 55 | SEG31 β LCD Segment output 31 |
| Pin 56 | COM0 β LCD Common output 0 |
| Pin 57 | COM1 β LCD Common output 1 |
| Pin 58 | COM2 β LCD Common output 2 |
| Pin 59 | COM3 β LCD Common output 3 |
| Pin 60 | RB0 β Digital I/O port B bit 0 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 61 | RB1 β Digital I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 62 | RB2 β Digital I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 63 | RB3 β Digital I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 64 | RB4 β Digital I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 65 | RB5 β Digital I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 66 | RB6 β Digital I/O port B bit 6 / programming clock |
| Pin 67 | RB7 β Digital I/O port B bit 7 / programming data |
| Pin 68 | RC4 β Digital I/O port C bit 4 / SDI/SDA |
Typical Applications
PIC16C924/CL is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Meters with LCD Display, Electronic Utility Meters (Electric/Gas/Water), Medical Instrumentation with LCD Readouts, HVAC Thermostat Controllers, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals, Consumer Appliance Control Panels.
Industrial Process Meters with LCD Display
The PIC16C924/CL fits industrial process meters because its on-chip 32-segment Γ 4-common LCD driver directly interfaces with multiplexed LCD glass without external charge-pump ICs, while the 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads 4-20mA loop signals, RTD outputs, and pressure sensors. The 7KB EPROM (4K Γ 14) holds calibration coefficients, linearization tables, and menu code, and the 176-byte RAM is adequate for transient measurement variables. Typical meter designs use the LCD module to display flow rate, total, and engineering units, with the synchronous serial port driving an external EEPROM for data logging. Compared to using a discrete MCU plus LCD driver, this integration saves roughly $1-2 BOM cost per meter and reduces PCB area by ~30%. The industrial -40Β°C to +85Β°C range variant (PIC16C924-I/CL) is recommended for outdoor and factory-floor installations.
Recommended
Electronic Utility Meters (Electric/Gas/Water)
The PIC16C924/CL is well-suited to electronic utility meters where its integrated LCD driver and 8-bit ADC enable compact single-board designs that display kWh consumption, gas volume, or water usage on a 32-segment multiplexed LCD. The 8MHz CPU and 500 ns instruction cycle handle pulse counting from front-end metering ICs and apply tariff/TOU calculations in real time. The SPI/I2C port connects to a real-time clock or external EEPROM for time-stamped data logging. The /CL windowed ceramic package is particularly useful during meter development, allowing iterative firmware updates via UV erase cycles. For production volumes, Microchip recommends the plastic /PQ or /PT package variants at significantly lower unit cost. The -40Β°C to +85Β°C industrial variant survives outdoor meter housing environments, and the on-chip peripherals eliminate approximately 3 external components versus a discrete MCU implementation.
Recommended
Medical Instrumentation with LCD Readouts
The PIC16C924/CL supports portable medical instrumentation such as infusion pumps, blood-pressure monitors, and bedside patient monitors where its on-chip LCD driver enables direct display of measurement values, status icons, and menu navigation without external LCD driver ICs. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads sensor inputs (pressure transducers, thermistors, and pulse oximeters), and the synchronous serial port (configurable as SPI or I2C) connects to external DACs, ADCs, or wireless modules. The 7KB EPROM accommodates device firmware including safety interlocks and self-test routines, while the 176-byte RAM holds runtime measurement buffers. For battery-powered applications the device's 5V operating voltage and integrated peripherals minimize external component count, extending battery life through reduced quiescent draw. Designers targeting IEC 60601-1 medical safety compliance benefit from the established PIC16C family qualification history.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Controllers
The PIC16C924/CL is commonly designed into HVAC thermostat controllers because the integrated 32-segment LCD driver displays setpoint temperature, room temperature, fan mode, and system status without external LCD driver chips, while the 8-bit ADC reads thermistor inputs from indoor and outdoor sensors. The 8MHz CPU performs proportional-integral control loops for heating/cooling stages, and the synchronous serial port communicates with HVAC communication buses or remote temperature sensors. With 7KB EPROM available, designers implement weekly programmable schedules, adaptive recovery algorithms, and EEPROM-backed user preference storage. The 25 GPIO pins drive triac interfaces for compressor control, fan relays, and damper actuators, while the 176-byte RAM holds current state and lookup tables. For zoning applications the 5 ADC channels read multiple thermistor inputs simultaneously.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals
The PIC16C924/CL fits compact point-of-sale terminals and handheld barcode scanners where its integrated LCD driver displays transaction amounts, itemized entries, and operator prompts directly, while the SPI/I2C port drives barcode scanner interfaces and external memory for transaction logs. The 5-channel ADC reads keypad matrix analog signals and battery voltage for low-battery alerts. With 25 GPIO available, the MCU interfaces directly to 4Γ4 keypads, magnetic-stripe card readers (external UART chip), and receipt printer stepper motors via discrete driver transistors. The 7KB EPROM accommodates POS firmware including tax calculation, discount rules, and security logging, while 176 bytes of RAM is adequate for transient transaction state. The integrated peripherals reduce BOM by eliminating the external LCD driver chip typically required in discrete designs, supporting a smaller enclosure footprint.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Panels
The PIC16C924/CL is widely used in consumer appliance control panels such as washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and rice cookers where its on-chip 32-segment LCD drives cycle indicators, timer countdowns, and status icons directly, eliminating the need for external LCD driver chips. The 8-bit ADC reads temperature sensors (NTC thermistor), water level sensors, and motor current feedback, while the synchronous serial port drives EEPROM cycle memory and displays via I2C. The 7KB EPROM stores cycle programs, fault detection routines, and user interface logic, and 176 bytes RAM handles current cycle state. With 25 GPIO pins the MCU interfaces with rotary encoders, push-button keypads, relay drivers, and triac motor controls. Compared to a discrete MCU + LCD driver solution, this integrated approach reduces component count by approximately 4-5 parts per appliance.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C924/CL β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C924-I/CL | PIC16F946-I/CL | PIC16F946-E/CL | PIC16C924/PQ | PIC16C923-04I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 68-CLCC (24.13 Γ 24.13 mm, J-Lead, windowed) | 68-CLCC - same | 68-CLCC - same | 68-CLCC - same | 68-PQFP - different package body | 68-CLCC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP EPROM (4K Γ 14) | 7 KB OTP EPROM (same die) | 14 KB Flash (+100%) | 14 KB Flash (+100%) | 7 KB OTP EPROM (same die) | 4 KB OTP EPROM (-43%) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 20 MHz (+150%) | 20 MHz (+150%) | 8 MHz | 4 MHz (-50%) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM (UV-erasable) | OTP EPROM (UV-erasable) | Flash (in-system reprogrammable) | Flash (in-system reprogrammable) | OTP EPROM (no window) | OTP EPROM (UV-erasable) |
| LCD Driver | 32 segments Γ 4 commons | 32 seg Γ 4 com (same) | 42 seg Γ 4 com (+31%) | 42 seg Γ 4 com (+31%) | 32 seg Γ 4 com (same) | 32 seg Γ 4 com (same) |
| ADC | 5 Γ 8-bit | 5 Γ 8-bit (same) | 8 Γ 10-bit (+60% channels, +25% resolution) | 8 Γ 10-bit | 5 Γ 8-bit (same) | 5 Γ 8-bit (same) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0Β°C to +70Β°C) | Industrial (-40Β°C to +85Β°C) | Industrial (-40Β°C to +85Β°C) | Extended (-40Β°C to +125Β°C) | Commercial (0Β°C to +70Β°C) | Industrial (-40Β°C to +85Β°C) |
Key Differentiators
- UV-erasable ceramic windowed package enables iterative firmware development (vs PIC16C924/PQ)
- Same 7KB OTP EPROM footprint as the original C-series product for direct legacy drop-in (vs PIC16F946-I/CL)
- Industrial temperature variant available in same package (vs PIC16C924/CL commercial)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1Β΅F ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5mm of each VDD pin and a 10Β΅F tantalum bulk capacitor near the package. The PIC16C924/CL operates from 5V Β±10%; connecting a 4.7V zener across VDD/VSS provides transient protection in industrial environments where input voltage may overshoot. Estimated: VDD quiescent current at 8MHz with ADC and LCD active is approximately 5-7 mA; in sleep mode the device draws under 5 Β΅A typical, suitable for battery-backed metering.
Route the 32 SEG lines and 4 COM lines with parallel traces or 4-5 mil spacing to maintain equal trace capacitance, which prevents ghosting artifacts on the LCD glass. Keep ADC analog traces (AN0-AN4) routed away from digital switching signals (OSC, SEG/ COM outputs), and place the VREF bypass capacitor (0.1Β΅F) directly at the VREF pin. For the 68-CLCC J-lead package use 1.27mm pitch land pads with proper solder mask relief to avoid solder bridges during reflow.
Do not power the LCD segments from a supply higher than VDD; exceeding VDD by more than 0.3V on any SEG or COM pin will forward-bias ESD protection diodes and may damage the device. The /CL windowed ceramic package requires a UV EPROM eraser (2537 Γ wavelength) for iterative development; plastic /PQ or /PT variants are one-time programmable. When migrating firmware from PIC16C924 to PIC16F946, verify the timer module register map and ADC configuration registers because the flash-based silicon has enhanced peripheral features requiring code re-validation.
Compliance Information
The /CL ceramic windowed package uses leaded ceramic construction; verify RoHS status with the specific shipment because Microchip's NRND ceramic parts may be supplied in non-RoHS form. Reach and conflict-minerals compliance per Microchip corporate policy.
