PIC16F1938-E/SS - 28KB Flash 8-bit MCU 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1938-E/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.62 | $26.20 |
| 100 | $2.34 | $234.00 |
| 500 | $2.1 | $1,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.88 | $1,880.00 |
PIC16F1938-E/SS Overview
A PIC16 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a Harvard-architecture RISC processor from the microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> embedded controller hierarchy. It executes one instruction per clock cycle (4 clocks per instruction at the oscillator input), providing deterministic timing for real-time control tasks. The PIC16F1938 specifically belongs to Microchip's PIC16F193x/194x family of LCD-equipped XLP devices, targeted at low-power battery applications that also need to drive segmented LCD glass directly from the MCU, eliminating a separate LCD driver IC.
Key features include 28KB (16K x 14 words) self-programmable Flash, 1KB linear RAM, 256B EEPROM, four 8-bit timers plus two CCP modules, two comparators and a hardware 8x8 multiply block. The integrated LCD driver supports static, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 duty and 1/2, 1/3 bias modes with on-chip charge pump and resistor bias networks. nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents below 1 uA with RTCC and LCD retention, ideal for battery-powered metering.
The PIC16F1938-E/SS operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V (PIC16LF variant runs to 3.6 V max), and is qualified to the industrial -40C to +125C range. The 28-SSOP package is pin-compatible with PIC16F1933/1934/1936/1937 in the same family, simplifying PCB reuse and migration across memory sizes within the PIC16F193x line.
Typical applications include battery-powered utility meters with LCD readout, electronic shelf labels, thermostat controls, medical glucose meters, white-goods user interfaces and any consumer appliance requiring integrated segmented-LCD drive. The wide 1.8-5.5V range also makes it suitable for 2xAA / 1xLi coin-cell designs where the MCU must operate directly from the battery for years without replacement.
When designing with this MCU, route the ICSP programming pins (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT on RB6/RB7) to a programming header even in production boards for field firmware updates. Place the VCAP pin decoupling capacitor (typically 1uF) close to the device, and note that the LCD charge pump requires external capacitors on the VLCD pins.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC16F193x family, and practical low-power design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1938-E/SS 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 PIC16F1938-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, LCD Driver, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1938-I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F1936-E/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.39 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F1938-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit RISC |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 17 channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 4 x 8-bit / 1 x 16-bit (with 2x CCP) |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| LCD Driver | Up to 184 segments, integrated charge pump |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Industrial "-E" grade) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
PIC16F1938-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3 β Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 2 | RA4/T0CKI β Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN4 β Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2 β Bidirectional I/O / Oscillator output |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1 β Bidirectional I/O / Oscillator input |
| Pin 6 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (1.8V-5.5V) |
| Pin 8 | RA0/AN0 β Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 9 | RA1/AN1 β Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 10 | RA2/AN2 β Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 11 | VCAP β Internal voltage regulator bypass capacitor |
| Pin 12 | RC0 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC1 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC2 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC3 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC4 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC5 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC6 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC7 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 20 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT β Bidirectional I/O / External interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 27 | RB6/ICSPCLK β Bidirectional I/O / ICSP programming clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/ICSPDAT β Bidirectional I/O / ICSP programming data |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1938-E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Utility Meter with LCD, Thermostat and HVAC User Interface, Medical Glucose and Health Monitors, Electronic Shelf Labels and Retail Displays, White Goods and Appliance Control, Industrial Sensor Node and Data Logger, Automotive Accessory and Aftermarket Display.
Battery-Powered Utility Meter with LCD
The PIC16F1938-E/SS is purpose-built for battery-powered electricity/water/gas meters because it integrates a segmented LCD driver that can drive up to 184 segments directly, eliminating an external LCD controller. Its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents below 1 uA with RTCC and LCD retention, enabling 10+ year operation on 2xAA alkaline cells per Microchip TB3147 reference design. The 12-bit ADC accurately measures sensor outputs, and the 32 MHz CPU handles metering math and communication to wireless M-Bus or LoRa modules.
Recommended
Thermostat and HVAC User Interface
In wall thermostats the PIC16F1938-E/SS drives the front-panel segmented LCD for temperature setpoint and status display, scans capacitive touch buttons through the mTouch peripheral, and runs the PID control loop driving a triac for the HVAC load. The wide 1.8-5.5V supply range accepts a rectified 24VAC input via a small buck regulator, and the 12-bit ADC reads thermistor sensors with 0.1C resolution. The -40C to +125C extended grade handles attic-mounted installations.
Recommended
Medical Glucose and Health Monitors
Handheld glucose meters benefit from the PIC16F1938-E/SS because the integrated LCD driver directly displays test results on a low-power segmented glass, the 12-bit ADC accurately reads the electrochemical test strip current, and nanoWatt XLP sleep modes preserve coin-cell battery life between measurements. The 28KB Flash stores calibration curves and protocol stacks, while the EUSART interfaces with a Bluetooth module to push readings to a phone. The -40C to +125C range supports storage in extreme conditions.
Recommended
Electronic Shelf Labels and Retail Displays
ESL (Electronic Shelf Label) tags rely on the PIC16F1938-E/SS for its integrated LCD driver that directly drives the segmented price tag display, plus its nanoWatt XLP technology that allows coin-cell batteries to last 5-7 years on the shelf. The 32 MHz CPU handles the sub-GHz wireless protocol stack, and the 256B EEPROM stores the last-known price during battery replacement. The MSSP peripheral interfaces with SPI-based sub-GHz transceivers for shelf-to-base communication.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Control
Washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens use the PIC16F1938-E/SS to drive front-panel segmented LCDs for cycle status, run BLDC or universal motor control via the CCP/ECCP peripherals, and read temperature/level sensors via the 12-bit ADC. The 1.8-5.5V supply range simplifies integration with both 3.3V digital sensors and 5V analog front-ends, while the extended -40C to +125C grade withstands the heat near oven cavities. The 28KB Flash supports complex wash-cycle algorithms.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Node and Data Logger
For remote industrial sensor nodes and standalone data loggers, the PIC16F1938-E/SS provides 28KB Flash for protocol stacks and configuration, 1KB RAM for sample buffering, and 256B EEPROM for parameter storage. The 12-bit ADC reads 4-20mA current loop sensors, the EUSART drives RS-485 Modbus transceivers, and the LCD directly displays real-time values on-site. nanoWatt XLP sleep modes let battery-powered nodes run for years between service intervals.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory and Aftermarket Display
Aftermarket automotive accessories such as tire-pressure monitors, dash-cam displays, and OBD-II readers use the PIC16F1938-E/SS to drive small segmented LCDs or character displays, interface with CAN or LIN buses via the EUSART/MSSP, and run diagnostics algorithms in 28KB Flash. The -40C to +125C extended grade meets under-dash and cabin temperature requirements. Battery-backed RTC with the on-chip RTCC keeps time when the ignition is off.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1938-E/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1938-I/SS | PIC16F1938-E/ML | PIC16F1936-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-QFN | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 B (-50%) |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| LCD Segments | Up to 184 | Up to 184 | Up to 184 | Up to 184 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated segmented LCD driver supporting 184 segments (vs PIC16F1847-I/P)
- nanoWatt XLP technology with sub-1uA Sleep retention (vs PIC18F2520)
- 28KB Flash with self-programmability and 256B EEPROM (vs PIC16F1936-E/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD=3.3V and CPU active at 32 MHz, the PIC16F1938 draws roughly 4 mA; in Sleep mode with LCD retention it drops below 1 uA per nanoWatt XLP specs. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a bulk 1 uF tantalum on the supply rail. The VCAP pin requires a 1 uF ceramic capacitor (low ESR, X7R) to stabilize the internal 3.2V regulator for the digital core.
Route the ICSP clock and data lines RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT to a 6-pin header (1x6, 0.1 inch pitch) even on production boards for field firmware updates. Add a small series resistor (around 100 ohm) on each line to limit inrush current and improve ESD tolerance. Keep the trace lengths under 50 mm and avoid routing them parallel to switching signals.
Do not leave the VCAP pin floating - the internal LDO requires a 1uF external capacitor (X7R, 6.3V or higher) for stability, and oscillation can occur without it. When using the LCD charge pump, place the VLCD1/VLCD2/VLCD3 bypass capacitors (typically 0.1uF each) close to the respective pins. Confirmed from datasheet 40001585D section 24.0 LCD module.
Keep the analog signals (ANx, VREF+) routed away from the oscillator pins (OSC1/OSC2 or CLKIN) and away from switching nodes to minimize ADC noise. Use a ground pour under the analog traces and place the 12-bit ADC reference bypass capacitor (100 nF) within 3 mm of the VREF+ pin. Verified best practice from Microchip TB3014 ADC layout guidelines.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. Lead-free matte-tin finish. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1938-E/SSVAO or PIC16F1938-E/SS automotive-grade variants for vehicle applications.
