PIC16C925/CL - 8-Bit PIC MCU, 7KB EPROM, LCD Driver | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C925/CL β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22.5 | $22.50 |
| 10 | $20.1 | $201.00 |
| 25 | $18.8 | $470.00 |
| 100 | $16.5 | $1,650.00 |
| 250 | $14.2 | $3,550.00 |
PIC16C925/CL Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and a set of on-chip peripherals into one package. In the system hierarchy, a microcontroller sits below a microprocessor (which requires external memory and peripherals) and above a basic logic controller. The PIC16C925 belongs to the PIC16C family of OTP/EPROM-based 8-bit Harvard-architecture microcontrollers; within Microchip's portfolio, PIC MCUs sit inside the broader 8-bit MCU category, which itself is a sub-class of microcontrollers alongside 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC and 32-bit PIC32 ARM Cortex-M devices.
Key features that differentiate this device include its integrated LCD driver (32 segments x 4 commons = 128 pixel control), a 10-bit 5-channel ADC for sensor acquisition, and 13 interrupt sources with an 8-level hardware stack. The Harvard architecture separates program and data buses to allow simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access, yielding deterministic instruction timing of 200 ns at 20 MHz (one instruction cycle per clock). On-chip peripherals further include a USART for asynchronous/synchronous serial communication, an MSSP module supporting SPI and I2C (master/slave), two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable recovery, and a 4-bit wide parallel slave port for external bus expansion.
The architecture is built around a 14-bit instruction word optimized for compact code density, supported by 35 single-word instructions. Brown-out Reset circuitry protects against corrupted flash operation during supply-voltage dips, while the In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) interface - shared with one of the timer pins - allows firmware updates without removing the part from the board. The 68-pin CLCC J-lead windowed ceramic package exposes the silicon die to UV light through a quartz window, enabling field erasure of EPROM, an essential feature for development and low-volume production where firmware is iterated frequently.
Typical applications for the PIC16C925/CL include metering and instrumentation (utility meters, industrial counters), consumer appliances requiring integrated LCD readout (microwave ovens, washing machines, thermostats), medical monitoring devices (blood pressure and glucose meters), automotive dashboard accessories, point-of-sale terminals, and remote sensor / data-acquisition nodes that need direct segment-LCD output without an external display controller. The wide operating voltage and integrated ADC also suit battery-powered portable instruments.
When designing with the PIC16C925/CL, the most important trade-off is between the UV-erasable EPROM and modern Flash-based PIC successors - EPROM requires a windowed ceramic package and a UV erasure rig, which increases board cost. Engineers migrating firmware can preserve code by using the same PIC16 instruction set on newer PIC16F925 Flash parts while keeping the original board footprint, but only after verifying that the alternative's pinout matches the CLCC land pattern.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, parametric data, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in a single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C925/CL 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 PIC16C925/CL (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Core Architecture, LCD Driver, Package, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C925-I/CL
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C924/CL
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$14.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F925-I/L
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C924T-08I/PT
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C925/CL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit Harvard RISC |
| Program Memory Type | UV-erasable EPROM (OTP windowed) |
| Program Memory Size | 4K x 14 words (7 KB) |
| Data RAM | 176 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Instruction Word Width | 14 bits |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-word instructions |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| ADC | 5 channels x 10-bit |
| LCD Driver | 32 segments x 4 commons (up to 128 pixels) |
| I/O Pins | 33 (per Microchip PIC16C925 family datasheet) |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | USART + MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Package | 68-CLCC (J-Lead windowed ceramic, CQCC) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C925/CL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 2 | VDD β Positive supply (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 3 | OSC1 β Crystal/ceramic resonator input |
| Pin 4 | OSC2 β Crystal/ceramic resonator output |
| Pin 5 | MCLR β Master Clear reset (active-low) |
| Pin 6 | RA0 β PORTA I/O / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 7 | RA1 β PORTA I/O / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 8 | RA2 β PORTA I/O / analog input AN2 |
| Pin 9 | RA3 β PORTA I/O / analog input AN3 |
| Pin 10 | RA4 β PORTA I/O / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 11 | RA5 β PORTA I/O |
| Pin 12 | SEG0 β LCD segment 0 |
| Pin 13 | SEG1 β LCD segment 1 |
| Pin 14 | SEG2 β LCD segment 2 |
| Pin 15 | SEG3 β LCD segment 3 |
| Pin 16 | SEG4 β LCD segment 4 |
| Pin 17 | SEG5 β LCD segment 5 |
| Pin 18 | SEG6 β LCD segment 6 |
| Pin 19 | SEG7 β LCD segment 7 |
| Pin 20 | SEG8 β LCD segment 8 |
| Pin 21 | SEG9 β LCD segment 9 |
| Pin 22 | SEG10 β LCD segment 10 |
| Pin 23 | SEG11 β LCD segment 11 |
| Pin 24 | SEG12 β LCD segment 12 |
| Pin 25 | SEG13 β LCD segment 13 |
| Pin 26 | SEG14 β LCD segment 14 |
| Pin 27 | SEG15 β LCD segment 15 |
| Pin 28 | SEG16 β LCD segment 16 |
| Pin 29 | SEG17 β LCD segment 17 |
| Pin 30 | SEG18 β LCD segment 18 |
| Pin 31 | SEG19 β LCD segment 19 |
| Pin 32 | SEG20 β LCD segment 20 |
| Pin 33 | SEG21 β LCD segment 21 |
| Pin 34 | SEG22 β LCD segment 22 |
| Pin 35 | SEG23 β LCD segment 23 |
| Pin 36 | SEG24 β LCD segment 24 |
| Pin 37 | SEG25 β LCD segment 25 |
| Pin 38 | SEG26 β LCD segment 26 |
| Pin 39 | SEG27 β LCD segment 27 |
| Pin 40 | SEG28 β LCD segment 28 |
| Pin 41 | SEG29 β LCD segment 29 |
| Pin 42 | SEG30 β LCD segment 30 |
| Pin 43 | SEG31 β LCD segment 31 |
| Pin 44 | COM0 β LCD common 0 |
| Pin 45 | COM1 β LCD common 1 |
| Pin 46 | COM2 β LCD common 2 |
| Pin 47 | COM3 β LCD common 3 |
| Pin 48 | RB0 β PORTB I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 49 | RB1 β PORTB I/O |
| Pin 50 | RB2 β PORTB I/O |
| Pin 51 | RB3 β PORTB I/O |
| Pin 52 | RB4 β PORTB I/O |
| Pin 53 | RB5 β PORTB I/O |
| Pin 54 | RB6 β PORTB I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 55 | RB7 β PORTB I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 56 | RC0 β PORTC I/O |
| Pin 57 | RC1 β PORTC I/O |
| Pin 58 | RC2 β PORTC I/O |
| Pin 59 | RC3 β PORTC I/O / SCL |
| Pin 60 | RC4 β PORTC I/O / SDA |
| Pin 61 | RC5 β PORTC I/O |
| Pin 62 | RC6 β PORTC I/O / TX |
| Pin 63 | RC7 β PORTC I/O / RX |
| Pin 64 | RD0 β PORTD I/O |
| Pin 65 | RD1 β PORTD I/O |
| Pin 66 | RD2 β PORTD I/O |
| Pin 67 | RD3 β PORTD I/O |
| Pin 68 | RE0 β PORTE I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16C925/CL is suitable for 6 applications: Utility Metering and Energy Monitoring, Consumer Appliance Front Panels, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices, Industrial Counter and Process Indicators, Point-of-Sale Terminals and Handheld Readers, Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Nodes.
Utility Metering and Energy Monitoring
The PIC16C925/CL fits utility-meter designs because its integrated 32-segment x 4-common LCD driver directly drives the glass display of kWh, gas, and water meters without an external LCD controller. Its 5-channel 10-bit ADC reads current-sensor and voltage-divider outputs for energy accumulation, while the 20 MHz PIC16 core executes metering algorithms with deterministic 200 ns instruction timing. The wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range supports direct connection to lithium backup batteries during line-power outages.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Front Panels
Microwave ovens, washing machines, and thermostats benefit from the PIC16C925/CL's built-in segment-LCD driver and 33 I/O pins, which connect directly to keypads, rotary encoders, and triac-driven loads. The Harvard RISC core delivers predictable real-time response for safety-critical control loops, and the 176-byte RAM supports multi-stage state machines. Engineers pair the MCU with a zero-cross MOC and a triac to switch mains loads while the LCD displays time, mode, and status.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
Blood-pressure cuffs, glucose meters, and pulse oximeters use the PIC16C925/CL because its 10-bit 5-channel ADC digitizes pressure, temperature, and optical-sensor signals, while the integrated segment-LCD presents readings without extra display hardware. The 2.5 V to 5.5 V operation draws from two AA cells efficiently, and the low-power SLEEP/idle modes extend battery life. Brown-out Reset protects patient data during battery-end-of-life voltage dips.
Recommended
Industrial Counter and Process Indicators
Factory-floor counters and process indicators leverage the PIC16C925/CL's hardware USART for RS-485 sensor links, the MSSP module for SPI-based front-panel communication, and the segment-LCD driver for direct readout of count values. The 33 I/O lines drive relays, optocouplers, and discrete LEDs, while the 20 MHz clock sustains tight scan loops. The commercial 0 C to +70 C temperature range covers most indoor industrial enclosures.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminals and Handheld Readers
POS terminals and barcode-handheld readers use the PIC16C925/CL because the segment-LCD driver supports 7-segment numeric displays for prices and totals, while the USART connects to magnetic-stripe readers and the MSSP links to barcode decoder chips. The Harvard RISC core's deterministic timing handles real-time keypad scanning and printer control, and the 7 KB EPROM stores menu strings and transaction logs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Nodes
Remote sensor nodes benefit from the PIC16C925/CL's wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range and low-power SLEEP/idle modes, which conserve battery during long idle intervals. The 10-bit ADC digitizes temperature, humidity, or 4-20 mA loop inputs, and the integrated LCD provides on-site readout without powering an external display controller. The USART enables wired or modem-based telemetry backhaul in SCADA-style installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C925/CL β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C925-I/CL | PIC16C924/CL | PIC16F925-I/L | PIC16C924T-08I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 68-CLCC (J-lead windowed ceramic) | 68-CLCC (J-lead windowed ceramic) - same | 68-CLCC (J-lead windowed ceramic) - same | 68-PLCC (plastic, windowless) | 68-CLCC (J-lead windowed ceramic) - same |
| Program Memory Type | UV EPROM (windowed) | UV EPROM (windowed) | UV EPROM (windowed) | Flash (in-circuit reprogrammable) | UV EPROM (windowed) |
| Program Memory Size | 4K x 14 (7 KB) | 4K x 14 (7 KB) | 4K x 14 (7 KB) | 4K x 14 (7 KB) | 4K x 14 (7 KB) |
| Data RAM | 176 bytes | 176 bytes | 176 bytes | 176 bytes | 176 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 8 MHz |
| LCD Driver | 32 segments x 4 commons | 32 segments x 4 commons | 32 segments x 4 commons | 32 segments x 4 commons | 32 segments x 4 commons |
| ADC | 5 ch x 10-bit | 5 ch x 10-bit | 5 ch x 10-bit | 5 ch x 10-bit | 5 ch x 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Higher 20 MHz CPU clock versus 8 MHz tape-and-reel variants (vs PIC16C924T-08I/PT)
- Integrated 32-segment x 4-common LCD driver eliminates external LCD controller (vs PIC16C924/CL)
- Commercial temperature grade optimizes cost in indoor applications (vs PIC16C925-I/CL)
- Flash-based successor simplifies field updates (vs PIC16F925-I/L)
Design Notes
The PIC16C925/CL windowed ceramic CLCC package dissipates approximately 1 W maximum at 20 MHz with all peripherals active. In metering and appliance designs that mount the part near power devices (triacs, regulators), keep the ceramic window clear of insulating tape and provide 1 square inch of copper around the lead frame for heat spreading. Commercial temperature grade is 0 C to +70 C; derate clock frequency above 60 C to stay within the device's thermal envelope, or migrate to PIC16C925-I/CL for industrial range.
Route the LCD segment and common traces with equal lengths and keep them away from the OSC1/OSC2 traces to prevent coupling of oscillator noise into the LCD waveform. Place the 0.1 uF VDD bypass capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin, and add a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the package. The CLCC J-lead land pattern requires solder-paste apertures sized for J-lead toe fillets; consult the Microchip package mechanical drawing before committing to a footprint.
Do not confuse the /CL suffix (J-lead windowed ceramic) with /PT (plastic TQFP) or /L (PLCC). The UV window must remain transparent; opaque conformal coating or stickers will block erasure and force device scrap. The In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) pins (RB6/RB7) are shared with PORTB; isolate them from loads that could back-drive during programming. Finally, the EPROM has no write-while-erase protection - verify code in a separate Flash part (e.g., PIC16F925) before committing to a UV-erase cycle.
The PIC16C925/CL's segment-LCD driver uses a charge-pump or external resistor ladder bias; verify the selected bias mode against the glass-display's recommended drive waveform. Long segment traces (>50 mm) can introduce ghost segments if the LCD bias resistors are not properly bypassed. For multi-digit displays, sequence the COM lines with software-controlled timing and disable unused segments to minimize total RMS drive and extend LCD lifetime.
Compliance Information
Windowed ceramic CLCC package typically uses tin-lead solder terminations; RoHS status not confirmed in the verified web data and is marked as unknown. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part targets metering, appliance, and consumer-industrial applications rather than automotive.
