PIC16C924T-04/PT - 8-Bit 4MHz LCD MCU 7KB OTP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C924T-04/PT ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.42 | $8.42 |
| 10 | $7.69 | $76.90 |
| 100 | $6.93 | $693.00 |
| 500 | $6.18 | $3,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.62 | $5,620.00 |
PIC16C924T-04/PT Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Programmable Intelligent Computer) is a Harvard-architecture RISC-based 8-bit MCU widely used in embedded control. The PIC16C family specifically targets applications requiring OTP programmability, ROM-less flexibility, or ceramic-windowed erasable variants for prototyping. The PIC16C924 belongs to the LCD-driver subset, integrating a built-in LCD controller that simplifies the design of battery-powered human-machine interface products. As an 8-bit MCU it sits within the broader hierarchy of microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor device.
Key features include a built-in LCD driver supporting up to 32 segments x 4 commons (128 segments total), a 5-channel 8-bit analog-to-digital converter, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C, and an asynchronous serial port (USART/SCI). The PIC16C924 also includes a watchdog timer, brown-out reset, and power-saving SLEEP mode. Operating voltage ranges from 4.0V to 6.0V with industrial temperature grades available.
Architecturally, the PIC16C924 uses a 14-bit instruction word with an 8-bit data path, providing 35 single-cycle instructions at 4 MHz (250 ns instruction cycle). The integrated LCD controller supports static, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 multiplex modes with selectable bias and frame frequency, eliminating the need for an external LCD driver IC. The device's CMOS process delivers low power consumption suitable for portable applications.
Typical applications include battery-powered metering (gas, water, electric), portable medical instruments (blood glucose meters, thermometers), consumer appliances with LCD panels (microwave ovens, washing machines), industrial control panels with segment displays, and automotive dashboard segments where aftermarket gauges are needed. The integrated LCD driver reduces BOM cost and PCB footprint in these segment-LCD applications.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory is one-time programmable - code cannot be field-updated. For development, use the PIC16C924 with a JW (windowed) package or a Flash-based equivalent such as the PIC16F946. Ensure segment-LCD bias resistors are correctly calculated for the chosen LCD multiplex rate, and add a decoupling capacitor (0.1 uF) close to VDD.
This page synthesizes distributor stock data, parametric drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C924T-04/PT — 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 PIC16C924T-04/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, LCD Driver, Package, ADC, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C924-04/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C924T-04I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C924T-08/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C924-08/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F946-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C77-04/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C924T-04/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (14-bit instruction word) |
| Family | PIC16C |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 176 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (Vdd) | 4.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 52 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| LCD Driver | Up to 32 segments x 4 commons (128 segments), static to 1/4 mux |
| Serial Interfaces | SSP (SPI/I2C), USART/SCI |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 250 ns at 4 MHz |
| Peripherals | Watchdog Timer, Brown-Out Reset, SLEEP mode |
PIC16C924T-04/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG19 — LCD segment output 19 |
| Pin 2 | SEG20 — LCD segment output 20 |
| Pin 3 | SEG21 — LCD segment output 21 |
| Pin 4 | SEG22 — LCD segment output 22 |
| Pin 5 | SEG23 — LCD segment output 23 |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (5V nominal) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 10 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 11 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 12 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 13 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 14 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 15 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 19 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 21 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 24 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 25 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / Timer1 clock in |
| Pin 28 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 29 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 30 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 31 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 32 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 33 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 34 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 35 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 36 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / parallel slave port bit 0 |
| Pin 37 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / parallel slave port bit 1 |
| Pin 38 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / parallel slave port bit 2 |
| Pin 39 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / parallel slave port bit 3 |
| Pin 40 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / parallel slave port bit 4 |
| Pin 41 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / parallel slave port bit 5 |
| Pin 42 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / parallel slave port bit 6 |
| Pin 43 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / parallel slave port bit 7 |
| Pin 44 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 45 | RE0/RD — PORTE bit 0 / parallel slave port read strobe |
| Pin 46 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / parallel slave port write strobe |
| Pin 47 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / parallel slave port chip select |
| Pin 48 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 49 | SEG24 — LCD segment output 24 |
| Pin 50 | SEG25 — LCD segment output 25 |
| Pin 51 | SEG26 — LCD segment output 26 |
| Pin 52 | SEG27 — LCD segment output 27 |
| Pin 53 | SEG28 — LCD segment output 28 |
| Pin 54 | SEG29 — LCD segment output 29 |
| Pin 55 | SEG30 — LCD segment output 30 |
| Pin 56 | SEG31 — LCD segment output 31 |
| Pin 57 | COM0 — LCD common output 0 |
| Pin 58 | COM1 — LCD common output 1 |
| Pin 59 | COM2 — LCD common output 2 |
| Pin 60 | COM3 — LCD common output 3 |
| Pin 61 | VLCD1 — LCD bias voltage 1 |
| Pin 62 | VLCD2 — LCD bias voltage 2 |
| Pin 63 | VLCD3 — LCD bias voltage 3 |
| Pin 64 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C924T-04/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Utility Meters, Portable Medical Instruments, Consumer Appliance Front Panels, Industrial Control Panels, Automotive Dashboard Segments, Point-of-Sale Terminals and Printers.
Battery-Powered Utility Meters
The PIC16C924T-04/PT fits gas, water, and electricity meters because its integrated LCD driver supports up to 128 segments in a single chip, eliminating the cost and PCB area of an external LCD controller. The 4 MHz core and 7KB OTP memory are sufficient to implement metering algorithms, totalization, tariff logic, and segment-LCD display updates while consuming only a few mA at 5V. The SLEEP mode and brown-out reset further extend battery life by powering down between measurements and surviving deep discharge events. Place the MCU between the sensor front-end and the segment LCD glass; for 3.6V lithium-thionyl battery operation the device still meets 4.0V minimum by step-up, or migrate to PIC16F946-I/PT for native low-voltage support.
Recommended
Portable Medical Instruments
Blood-glucose meters, digital thermometers, and pulse oximeters benefit from the PIC16C924T-04/PT's integrated segment LCD controller, which directly drives the typical 7-segment numeric and custom icons used in medical displays. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC digitizes sensor inputs (thermistor, photo-detector, electrochemical strip) at adequate resolution for consumer medical accuracy. With 176 bytes of RAM and 7KB OTP the device holds small firmware images plus calibration tables without external memory, and the SLEEP mode plus 4 MHz operation keep average current draw low enough for AAA-cell battery life targets. Place the device between analog front-end sensors and the LCD glass; add a 0.1 uF VDD bypass capacitor adjacent to the TQFP power pins.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Front Panels
Microwave ovens, washing machines, dishwashers, and air-conditioner control panels use segment LCDs that map directly onto the PIC16C924T-04/PT's integrated driver. The MCU's 52 I/O pins support keypad scanning, relay drivers, buzzer PWM, and serial communication to the main appliance controller, while the LCD driver independently refreshes the segment display without CPU intervention. The 5V supply and 4 MHz clock are compatible with traditional appliance power rails, and the 64-pin TQFP package fits the typical 4-layer control-board layout. Place the MCU on the user-interface board with the LCD glass; for high-noise appliance environments the brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against mains transients.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panels
Industrial process panels and instrumentation displays benefit from the PIC16C924T-04/PT's combination of segment LCD driver, USART for Modbus or RS-485 communication, and 8-bit ADC for sensor reading. The industrial temperature grade option (-40C to +85C) handles factory-floor thermal environments, while the SSP peripheral supports SPI or I2C connections to external EEPROM, RTC, or display expansion chips. With 7KB OTP and 176 bytes RAM the device runs simple menu code and alarm logic, and the integrated LCD driver reduces BOM count by removing the need for an external HT1621-class controller. Place between field sensors and the segment LCD glass, with proper isolation from mains-side relay drivers.
Recommended
Automotive Dashboard Segments
Aftermarket automotive gauges, motorcycle dashboards, and RV instrument clusters use the PIC16C924T-04/PT to drive custom segment LCDs while reading speed, RPM, fuel, and temperature sensors through the 8-bit ADC. The PIC16C924's ability to refresh up to 128 segments without CPU overhead leaves MIPS free for sensor filtering and CAN/LIN-style serial communication via the USART. Operating from a regulated 5V rail the device tolerates the standard automotive 12V environment when paired with proper supply conditioning. Note: the PIC16C924 is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for OEM automotive use choose the PIC16F946-I/PT or a Q-graded PIC18 variant.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminals and Printers
Compact POS terminals, receipt printers, and label printers use segment-LCD status displays that the PIC16C924T-04/PT can drive directly without an external controller. The MCU handles keypad input, USART communication to the main printer controller, and discrete output control for motors and solenoids while its LCD driver independently updates the user-facing status panel. The 52 I/O pins are sufficient for matrix keypads and stepper motor drivers, while the 7KB OTP holds application firmware in a single chip. Place the MCU on the user-interface daughter card; for new designs, the PIC16F946-I/PT provides the same LCD driver plus Flash reprogrammability for field firmware updates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C924T-04/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C924-04/PT | PIC16C924T-04I/PT | PIC16C924T-08/PT | PIC16F946-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | 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 |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (7KB) | OTP (7KB) - same | OTP (7KB) - same | OTP (7KB) - same | Flash (14KB) - different |
| CPU Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 8 MHz | 20 MHz max |
| RAM Size | 176 bytes | 176 bytes | 176 bytes | 176 bytes | 336 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 4.0V to 6.0V | 4.0V to 6.0V | 4.0V to 6.0V | 4.0V to 6.0V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| LCD Driver | Yes (128 seg, 1/4 mux) | Yes (128 seg, 1/4 mux) | Yes (128 seg, 1/4 mux) | Yes (128 seg, 1/4 mux) | Yes (168 seg, 1/4 mux) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 128-segment LCD driver eliminates external controller (vs PIC16F946-I/PT (Flash replacement))
- Pin-compatible Flash migration path available (vs PIC16C924T-04/PT itself)
- Industrial temperature grade variant available for harsh environments (vs PIC16C924T-04I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD=5V and 4 MHz CPU clock, the PIC16C924T-04/PT typically draws approximately 2 mA active and 1 uA in SLEEP mode (per Microchip datasheet 30415c DC characteristics). Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 6) and to each VSS pin (pins 7, 17, 26, 35, 44, 48). For battery-powered designs, gate the analog supply to the LCD bias network to reduce quiescent current during SLEEP. The device is 5V-only; do not connect directly to 3.3V logic without a level shifter.
The PIC16C924T-04/PT uses One-Time-Programmable (OTP) memory - each programmed unit is permanent and cannot be erased or rewritten. There is no in-circuit reprogramming path on production parts. For development, order the JW (windowed) ceramic package variant and erase with a UV eraser. Do not use this part for prototypes that require firmware iteration - choose PIC16F946-I/PT instead. Also note that the PIC16C924 is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; automotive OEM designs must use a Q-graded PIC18 or PIC16F variant.
The 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) package has a 0.5 mm pitch and requires fine-pitch PCB layout. Use a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane beneath the device for stable ADC performance and LCD bias noise rejection. Route the analog inputs AN0-AN4 away from the segment LCD outputs (SEG0-SEG31) and the digital I/O banks to minimize crosstalk. Keep the trace length from VLCD1/VLCD2/VLCD3 to the LCD bias network under 10 mm and add 0.1 uF bypass capacitors on each VLCD pin.
Compliance Information
PIC16C OTP family predates widespread RoHS adoption; compliance status not confirmed in verified data. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F946-I/PT or PIC18F variant for automotive.