PIC16F1938-I/SO - 28KB Flash 8-bit MCU 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1938-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.84 | $4.84 |
| 10 | $4.36 | $43.60 |
| 100 | $3.82 | $382.00 |
| 500 | $3.45 | $1,725.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.08 | $3,080.00 |
PIC16F1938-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, self-contained computer-on-a-chip that combines a CPU, non-volatile program memory (flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and a rich set of peripherals on a single silicon die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU belongs to the microcontrollers family, which itself is a sub-category of microprocessors and digital logic ICs. The PIC16F1938 sits in the PIC16 mid-range family from Microchip, optimized for low-power general-purpose embedded control with on-chip LCD drive capability.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels, a 5-bit DAC, enhanced PWM with multiple complementary outputs, multiple communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and an integrated LCD driver supporting up to 96 segments. The 32MHz internal oscillator and four 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer deliver deterministic real-time control, while the 14-bit instruction width enables compact code density.
The PIC16F1938 uses a Harvard RISC architecture with a 15-bit, 16-word hardware call stack and 49 instruction opcode set. The internal voltage reference, mTouch capacitive sensing module, and zero-cross detect simplify mixed-signal designs. The device is fabricated on a low-power CMOS process, achieving industry-leading sleep current that allows battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs to operate for years on a single cell.
Typical applications include consumer appliances, battery-powered instruments with LCD readouts, industrial control panels, white goods and metering equipment, automotive body electronics, and IoT edge sensor nodes. Designers choose this part when segment-LCD UI, ultra-low standby current, and a small 28-pin SOIC footprint matter most.
When designing with this MCU, allocate a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD, and connect the ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT pins to a header for in-circuit serial programming. The brown-out reset (BOR) and watchdog timer should remain enabled in safety-critical applications.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16F193x family and competing 8-bit MCUs, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1938-I/SO — 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-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1938-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1936-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1938-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1938-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1938-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1938-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2520-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1938-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB |
| Data RAM | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Instruction Width | 14-bit |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| LCD Driver Segments | Up to 96 segments |
| Timers | 4 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Channels | Enhanced PWM, multiple outputs |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide body |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Technology Family | nanoWatt XLP eXtreme Low Power |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1938-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input, ICSP data |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input, ICSP clock |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/C2IN+/VREF-/DACOUT1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input, negative VREF, DAC output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/C1IN+/VREF+/DACOUT2 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input, positive VREF, DAC output |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/C2OUT/T0CKI/SRNQ — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator output, timer0 clock, SR latch |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/C1OUT/T1CKI/SRQ — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator output, timer1 clock, SR latch |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — Bidirectional I/O, oscillator output, clock output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — Bidirectional I/O, oscillator input, clock input |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RC0/SOSCO/T1OSO/T3CKI — Bidirectional I/O, secondary oscillator, timer1 oscillator, timer3 clock |
| Pin 12 | RC1/SOSCI/T1OSI/CCP2 — Bidirectional I/O, secondary oscillator in, timer1 oscillator in, CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/P1A/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O, enhanced PWM output, CCP1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/P1B/SEG11 — Bidirectional I/O, enhanced PWM output, LCD segment 11 |
| Pin 15 | RC4/P1C/SEG12 — Bidirectional I/O, enhanced PWM output, LCD segment 12 |
| Pin 16 | RC5/P1D/SEG13 — Bidirectional I/O, enhanced PWM output, LCD segment 13 |
| Pin 17 | RC6/AN8/TX/CK/SEG14 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, UART TX, clock, LCD segment 14 |
| Pin 18 | RC7/AN9/RX/DT/SEG15 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, UART RX, data, LCD segment 15 |
| Pin 19 | RD0/COM3/SEG20 — Bidirectional I/O, LCD COM3, segment 20 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/COM2/SEG21 — Bidirectional I/O, LCD COM2, segment 21 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/CCP2/FLT0/SEG22 — Bidirectional I/O, CCP2, fault input, LCD segment 22 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O or master clear reset (input) or programming voltage |
| Pin 23 | RB4/AN10/SDI/SDA/SEG4 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, SPI data in, I2C data, LCD segment 4 |
| Pin 24 | RB5/AN11/SDO/COM0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, SPI data out, LCD COM0 |
| Pin 25 | RB6/AN12/SCK/SCL/COM1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, SPI clock, I2C clock, LCD COM1 |
| Pin 26 | RB7/AN13/TX/CK/SEG31 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, UART TX, clock, LCD segment 31 |
| Pin 27 | RB0/AN12/INT/SEG0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, external interrupt, LCD segment 0 |
| Pin 28 | RB1/AN10/SEG1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, LCD segment 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1938-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Metering with LCD Display, Consumer Appliance Control Board, Industrial Control Panel HMI, Automotive Body Electronics Module, IoT Edge Sensor Node with mTouch, Remote Control with LCD Readout.
Battery-Powered Metering with LCD Display
The PIC16F1938-I/SO is ideally suited for battery-powered utility meters and handheld instruments that require an on-glass segment LCD readout. The integrated LCD driver supports up to 96 segments, eliminating the need for an external COG or COB LCD controller and reducing BOM cost. The nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents as low as 50 nA, allowing a single 3 V lithium coin cell to power the meter for 10+ years. The 1.8V to 5.5V VDD range covers both lithium and alkaline battery chemistries directly. A 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference supports accurate measurement of temperature, voltage, or sensor signals. Designers place the MCU between the battery and the LCD glass, with a single 0.1 uF decoupling cap near VDD and the 32 kHz secondary oscillator driving the RTCC for timekeeping.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
The PIC16F1938-I/SO serves as the main control MCU in white goods such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens where its 32 MHz CPU, 28 KB flash, and rich peripheral set provide ample headroom for motor control algorithms. The enhanced PWM module with complementary outputs drives triac-gated AC loads or BLDC/PMSM motors directly, while the 10-bit ADC monitors temperature, water level, and motor current via shunt resistors. The integrated UART enables diagnostics communication with service tools or Wi-Fi/BLE modules for smart-appliance connectivity. Operating from 5 V (provided by an offline SMPS), the part tolerates the noisy electrical environment typical of appliance inverters thanks to on-chip brown-out reset and watchdog timer. Place a 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the 5 V rail.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panel HMI
The PIC16F1938-I/SO is well matched to industrial control panel HMIs that need a segment LCD display, keypad input, and multiple digital control outputs in a compact footprint. Its 25 I/O pins accommodate a 4x4 matrix keypad scan plus 8 relay-driver outputs without external multiplexers. The 28-SOIC wide-body package allows easy hand-soldering for low-volume panel builds and survives the wider temperature swings of factory-floor cabinets. The hardware UART connects to a downstream PLC or RS-485 transceiver for SCADA integration. The 32 KB flash stores both the HMI application code and a customizable character map for the LCD, eliminating external flash. Designers should add ESD protection diodes on the keypad lines and a TVS diode on the supply input to meet IEC 61000-4-2 immunity requirements.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Module
The PIC16F1938-I/SO can serve in non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting controllers, seat position memory, and accessory switch interfaces. Its 28 KB flash and 1 KB RAM comfortably hold state-machine logic for body controllers, while the 10-bit ADC reads multiple switch and rheostat inputs. The PIC16F1938 supports the automotive AEC-Q100 grade via the PIC16F1938T-I/SO temperature-extended variant, which tolerates -40 C to +125 C under-hood operation. The PWM modules drive LED strings with smooth dimming ramps and the I2C peripheral interfaces with body-control gateways. Designers must add reverse-battery and load-dump protection on the VDD rail and use ISO 7637-2 compliant TVS protection for the LIN/CAN signal lines. Operating voltage is derated to 5 V typical automotive supply rather than the full 5.5 V max.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Node with mTouch
The PIC16F1938-I/SO enables compact IoT edge sensor nodes thanks to its on-chip mTouch capacitive sensing module and nanoWatt XLP sleep current. Engineers can implement touch-button or slider interfaces without external capacitive sensing ICs, while the 50 nA sleep current keeps battery replacement cycles measured in years. The integrated UART connects to a Wi-Fi or BLE module such as the RN4870 for cloud connectivity. The 10-bit ADC reads analog sensors (light, temperature, gas) directly with the internal 1.024 V reference, eliminating external reference components. A 32 kHz watch crystal keeps the RTCC running accurately during sleep for time-stamping sensor events. Place the decoupling cap within 5 mm of VDD and route the touch electrodes as short traces guarded by ground pours.
Recommended
Remote Control with LCD Readout
The PIC16F1938-I/SO powers universal remote controls and HVAC thermostat keypads that combine an LCD display, multiple buttons, and IR or RF transmission. Its LCD driver supports segment displays for time, temperature, mode icons, and battery status without an external controller. The PWM modules generate accurate IR carrier frequencies (36 kHz, 38 kHz, 40 kHz) for consumer-electronics remote protocols, while the UART or SPI can interface with an RF transceiver for 433 MHz/2.4 GHz remote variants. Sleep current below 1 uA extends battery life when the remote is idle, and the 32 kHz watch crystal supports timer-based wake-up. The 28-SOIC wide body package allows low-cost hand assembly for prototype runs and simplifies rework versus smaller QFN packages.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1938-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1936-I/SO | PIC16LF1938-I/SO | PIC16F1938-E/SO | PIC18F2520-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide body | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide body - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide body - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide body - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide body - same |
| Program Flash | 28 KB | 16 KB (-43%) | 28 KB (same) | 28 KB (same) | 32 KB (+14%) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB | 512 B (-50%) | 1 KB (same) | 1 KB (same) | 1.5 KB (+50%) |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) |
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC | PIC16 8-bit RISC | PIC16 8-bit RISC | PIC16 8-bit RISC | PIC18 8-bit RISC (different instruction set - recompile needed) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 17 channels | 10-bit, 17 channels | 10-bit, 17 channels | 10-bit, 17 channels | 10-bit (lower resolution than F1938's 12-bit on some variants) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (lower max) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Extended -40 C to +125 C | Industrial -40 C to +85 C |
| LCD Driver | Up to 96 segments | Up to 96 segments | Up to 96 segments | Up to 96 segments | No integrated LCD driver |
Key Differentiators
- Higher ADC resolution than many competing PIC16F1xxx family members (vs PIC16F1936-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature range matches consumer-grade alternatives (vs PIC18F2520-I/SO)
- Pin-compatible with extended-temperature variant for harsh environments (vs PIC16F1938-E/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16F1938-I/SO requires a single 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 9), with a short wide trace to VSS. For battery-powered designs, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the battery terminal to suppress voltage dips under load transients. Always enable the on-chip brown-out reset (BOR) and configure the BOR voltage below the minimum operating VDD (e.g. BOR set to 1.8V for a 2.0V minimum supply). The internal voltage regulator does not require external pass components, but VDD must never exceed 5.5V or the part may latch up.
Do not leave the MCLR pin (pin 22 on SOIC) floating - either tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor or directly to VDD if not using external reset. A floating MCLR can cause spurious resets from injected noise. Similarly, unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs low (not left as inputs) to avoid shoot-through current. The ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT pins (RA1 and RA0) are shared with general I/O; if using ICSP, add a small series resistor (approximately 100 ohm) on each to prevent programming-tool contention with external circuitry.
The PIC16F1938-I/SO in 28-SOIC wide-body package has a theta_JA of approximately 80 C/W on a 2-layer JEDEC test board, allowing operation up to the 85 C industrial limit without active cooling. Estimated: at 32 MHz with all peripherals active, core current is roughly 5 mA at 5V, dissipating 25 mW which gives a junction rise of only 2 C above ambient. Sleep current at room temperature is below 100 nA with the watchdog disabled, contributing negligible self-heating. The extended-temperature PIC16F1938-E/SO variant operates up to 125 C but draws more leakage above 85 C.
Place the 32.768 kHz watch crystal as close as possible to the SOSCO/SOSCI pins (RC0/RC1) with short symmetric traces and a guard ring tied to analog ground. Keep high-current switching traces (PWM outputs to motors or LEDs) routed away from the analog AVdd/AVss rails and from the ICSP programming pins. For PCB layouts with segment LCD glass, route the COM and SEG signals on the opposite side of the board from switching power components, and use a ground plane beneath the LCD traces to shield against capacitive coupling. The exposed pad on the QFN variants must be soldered to a thermal pad for rated power dissipation.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 grade applies to the automotive-qualified temperature variants in the PIC16F1938 family. Halogen-free status not explicitly confirmed in the verified data.
