PIC16C926-I/L - 8-bit 20MHz MCU 14KB OTP LCD | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C926-I/L β Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.75 | $275.00 |
| 500 | $2.42 | $1,210.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.15 | $2,150.00 |
PIC16C926-I/L Overview
Background: An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer optimized for embedded control, integrating a CPU core, program memory, data RAM, and peripherals such as timers, ADCs, and communication interfaces. Within the PIC16CXXX mid-range family, the PIC16C926 occupies a specialized niche as a cost-optimized LCD-controller MCU, combining general-purpose digital I/O with an integrated segment-LCD driver, eliminating the need for an external LCD controller chip in human-machine interface designs.
Key features: 20 MHz maximum clock with 200 ns instruction cycle, 14KB OTP program memory (one-time programmable, ideal for mature production), 336 bytes of RAM, 52 digital I/O pins, integrated 10-bit 5-channel ADC, integrated LCD driver supporting 32 segments x 4 commons, and synchronous serial port configurable as 3-wire SPI or 2-wire I2C. The 68-pin PLCC package provides ample pin count for the LCD segment lines and parallel I/O expansion.
Technical depth: The PIC16C926 executes instructions in a single cycle (200 ns at 20 MHz) using Microchip's Harvard-architecture RISC core with 35 single-word instructions. The integrated LCD driver uses charge-pump-derived bias voltages and supports static, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 duty cycles, enabling glass-direct drive of character and graphic LCD modules without external voltage generation.
Typical applications: industrial control panels with LCD readouts, medical instrument front panels, appliance user interfaces, metering equipment, and point-of-sale terminals. The integrated LCD driver and ADC channel count make it particularly suited to battery-powered instrumentation that displays measured values on a segmented glass.
Design consideration: The OTP (one-time programmable) memory mandates that firmware be fully validated before programming; field updates are not possible. Engineers should evaluate PIC16F926 (Flash-based, pin-compatible) for prototyping or designs that may require firmware revision.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, cross-reference alternatives within the PIC16 mid-range family, and design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C926-I/L 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 PIC16C926-I/L (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:
PIC16F926-I/L
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C925-I/L
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C926T-I/L
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C924-04I/L
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C924/CL
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$14.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C926-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16CXXX mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 336 bytes |
| Digital I/O Pins | 52 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| LCD Driver | 32 segments x 4 commons |
| Serial Interface | SSP (SPI / I2C configurable) |
| Package | 68-PLCC (24.23 x 24.23 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket compatible) |
PIC16C926-I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG0 β LCD Segment 0 driver |
| Pin 2 | SEG1 β LCD Segment 1 driver |
| Pin 3 | SEG2 β LCD Segment 2 driver |
| Pin 4 | SEG3 β LCD Segment 3 driver |
| Pin 5 | SEG4 β LCD Segment 4 driver |
| Pin 6 | SEG5 β LCD Segment 5 driver |
| Pin 7 | SEG6 β LCD Segment 6 driver |
| Pin 8 | SEG7 β LCD Segment 7 driver |
| Pin 9 | SEG8 β LCD Segment 8 driver |
| Pin 10 | SEG9 β LCD Segment 9 driver |
| Pin 11 | SEG10 β LCD Segment 10 driver |
| Pin 12 | SEG11 β LCD Segment 11 driver |
| Pin 13 | SEG12 β LCD Segment 12 driver |
| Pin 14 | SEG13 β LCD Segment 13 driver |
| Pin 15 | SEG14 β LCD Segment 14 driver |
| Pin 16 | SEG15 β LCD Segment 15 driver |
| Pin 17 | VDD β Positive power supply |
| Pin 18 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | OSC1 β Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 20 | OSC2 β Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 21 | MCLR β Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 22 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 23 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 24 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 25 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β PORTA bit 3 / ADC channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 26 | RA4/AN4 β PORTA bit 4 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 27 | RA5 β PORTA bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 29 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 30 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 31 | RB3 β PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 32 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 33 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 34 | RB6 β PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 35 | RB7 β PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 36 | RC0 β PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 37 | RC1 β PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 38 | RC2 β PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 39 | RC3 β PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 40 | RC4 β PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 41 | RC5 β PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 42 | RC6 β PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 43 | RC7 β PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 44 | RD0 β PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 45 | RD1 β PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 46 | RD2 β PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 47 | RD3 β PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 48 | RD4 β PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 49 | RD5 β PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 50 | RD6 β PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 51 | RD7 β PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 52 | RE0 β PORTE bit 0 |
| Pin 53 | RE1 β PORTE bit 1 |
| Pin 54 | RE2 β PORTE bit 2 |
| Pin 55 | COM3 β LCD Common 3 driver |
| Pin 56 | COM2 β LCD Common 2 driver |
| Pin 57 | COM1 β LCD Common 1 driver |
| Pin 58 | COM0 β LCD Common 0 driver |
| Pin 59 | SEG31 β LCD Segment 31 driver |
| Pin 60 | SEG30 β LCD Segment 30 driver |
| Pin 61 | SEG29 β LCD Segment 29 driver |
| Pin 62 | SEG28 β LCD Segment 28 driver |
| Pin 63 | SEG27 β LCD Segment 27 driver |
| Pin 64 | SEG26 β LCD Segment 26 driver |
| Pin 65 | SEG25 β LCD Segment 25 driver |
| Pin 66 | SEG24 β LCD Segment 24 driver |
| Pin 67 | SEG23 β LCD Segment 23 driver |
| Pin 68 | SEG22 β LCD Segment 22 driver |
Typical Applications
PIC16C926-I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panel with LCD Readout, Medical Instrument Front Panel, Appliance User Interface, Metering and Measurement Equipment, Point-of-Sale Terminal Keypad/Display Module, Automotive Dashboard Sub-Display.
Industrial Control Panel with LCD Readout
The PIC16C926-I/L is ideally suited to industrial control panels because its integrated 32-segment x 4-common LCD driver directly drives segmented character displays without any external LCD controller. The 5-channel 10-bit ADC handles analog sensor inputs such as 4-20 mA loop receivers, thermocouple amplifiers, or potentiometer setpoints. With 52 I/O pins, the MCU reads keypad matrices, drives status LEDs, and switches relay outputs in parallel with refreshing the LCD, all within a 200 ns instruction cycle at 20 MHz. Industrial designers should add external TVS protection on ADC inputs and use the OTP memory advantage: lower per-unit cost in mature production runs where firmware is locked.
Recommended
Medical Instrument Front Panel
Medical instruments such as blood-pressure monitors, glucometers, and infusion pumps benefit from the PIC16C926-I/L's integrated LCD driver, which displays numeric readings and status icons on a low-power segmented glass. The 10-bit ADC with 5 channels digitizes pressure sensors, temperature probes, and battery voltage with adequate resolution for clinical-grade equipment. The 20 MHz clock supports responsive keypad debounce and real-time clock updates. For medical designs, plan for the OTP memory constraint by completing full firmware validation and regulatory testing before programming; consider the PIC16F926 family for pre-production clinical trials where firmware revisions may be required.
Recommended
Appliance User Interface
White-goods and small appliances such as washing machines, microwave ovens, and coffee makers leverage the PIC16C926-I/L for combined user interface and motor-control supervision. The integrated LCD shows cycle status, time remaining, and error codes without a separate display driver. The 5 ADC channels read temperature sensors (NTC thermistors), water level, and motor current. With 52 I/O pins, the MCU interfaces to capacitive touch keys, encoder knobs, relay drivers, and triac-fired heater control, all within a single chip. The OTP memory and industrial temperature range make the part well-suited to high-volume appliance production where per-unit cost dominates BOM decisions.
Recommended
Metering and Measurement Equipment
Electricity meters, gas meters, and water meters use the PIC16C926-I/L to combine LCD readout of consumption figures with ADC measurement of sensor signals. The 32-segment x 4-common LCD driver displays kWh, m3, or L digits with decimal points and unit icons on low-power reflective glass, ideal for battery-backed metering. The 10-bit ADC provides adequate resolution for current-sensing shunts or pulse-counting flow sensors. With 336 bytes of RAM, the MCU maintains running totals and tamper counters. Engineers should evaluate the OTP constraint carefully: once the meter's calibration constants and firmware are burned, no field updates are possible, so production calibration must be tightly controlled.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal Keypad/Display Module
Point-of-sale (POS) terminals use the PIC16C926-I/L in a dedicated keypad-and-display sub-module that handles PIN entry, amount entry, and transaction confirmation before forwarding to a main processor. The integrated LCD shows prompts, the 52 I/O pins read a 4x5 keypad matrix, and the SSP port in I2C mode communicates with the main processor. The 20 MHz instruction rate ensures responsive key debounce and crisp LCD refresh. For POS designs requiring long field life, OTP memory is acceptable because firmware is stable; the part's industrial temperature rating supports deployment in retail environments with wide ambient variations.
Recommended
Automotive Dashboard Sub-Display
The PIC16C926-I/L can drive secondary automotive dashboard displays showing trip-computer data, climate-control settings, or HVAC status, complementing the main instrument-cluster MCU. The 32-segment LCD driver covers icons and small numeric fields, the 5 ADC channels read temperature sensors and potentiometer positions for climate knobs, and the SPI port links to the vehicle's main communication bus. Operating from -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range, the part tolerates cabin environments. Note that this is NOT an AEC-Q100 qualified part; for under-hood or safety-critical automotive applications, use a Microchip PIC16F or PIC18 AEC-Q100 qualified variant instead.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C926-I/L β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F926-I/L | PIC16C925-I/L | PIC16C926T-I/L | PIC16C924-04I/L | PIC16C924/CL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 68-PLCC | 68-PLCC - same | 68-PLCC - same | 68-PLCC - same | 68-PLCC - same | 68-PLCC - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP | Flash (in-system reprogrammable) | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP (windowed for verification) |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB (8K x 14) | 14 KB | 8 KB (-43%) | 14 KB | 4 KB (-71%) | 4 KB |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz (-80%) | 4 MHz (-80%) |
| Data RAM | 336 bytes | 336 bytes | 336 bytes | 336 bytes | 192 bytes (-43%) | 192 bytes |
| Digital I/O Pins | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 |
| LCD Driver | 32 seg x 4 com | 32 seg x 4 com | 32 seg x 4 com | 32 seg x 4 com | 32 seg x 4 com | 32 seg x 4 com |
| Lifecycle Status | Last-time-buy | Active (recommended for new designs) | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 32-segment x 4-common LCD driver eliminates external LCD controller (vs PIC16F877 (no LCD driver))
- OTP memory provides lowest per-unit cost in high-volume production (vs PIC16F926-I/L (Flash-based equivalent))
- 14 KB program memory supports medium-complexity embedded firmware (vs PIC16C925-I/L (8 KB variant))
Design Notes
The PIC16C926-I/L uses OTP (one-time programmable) memory, so firmware must be fully validated and burned only once in production. Unlike Flash-based PIC16F variants, no field firmware updates are possible; if a bug is found after programming, the device must be scrapped. Recommendation: complete full validation cycles on PIC16F926-I/L prototypes, then port the locked firmware to PIC16C926 for cost-optimized production runs. This two-step development flow prevents costly OTP-device scrapping during firmware debug.
The 68-pin PLCC package is well-suited to socketed designs, allowing easy device replacement during prototyping and field service. Use a quality PLCC socket (e.g., 3M Textool or Aries) to avoid bent leads and contact-resistance issues. The 24.23 x 24.23 mm footprint requires careful PCB layout: route LCD segment lines on the inner layers to minimize cross-coupling, keep analog inputs (AN0-AN4) away from digital switching lines, and provide a solid ground plane under the MCU for ADC noise immunity. Decouple VDD with 100 nF ceramic + 10 uF tantalum placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin.
The PIC16C926's ADC requires a clean VDD reference for 10-bit accuracy; supply noise above 50 mVpp will degrade conversion results. Use a dedicated 10 uF + 100 nF decoupling network at the VDD pin, and consider an external ADC voltage reference (e.g., Microchip MCP1525) tied to RA3/AN3/VREF+ for applications requiring better than +/- 2 LSB absolute accuracy. The internal LCD charge pump draws brief current pulses during segment refresh - budget bulk capacitance (10-47 uF) on VDD to prevent supply sag during multiplexed LCD updates.
Compliance Information
Lifecycle status is last-time-buy per Microchip product page. RoHS and lead-free status require lot-specific verification at ordering. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not suitable for automotive safety-critical applications; for under-hood automotive use, choose AEC-Q100 qualified Microchip PIC16F or PIC18 variants.
