PIC16F1938-I/SS - 28KB Flash 8-bit MCU LCD XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1938-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.36 | $3.36 |
| 10 | $3.02 | $30.20 |
| 100 | $2.42 | $242.00 |
| 500 | $2.18 | $1,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.95 | $1,950.00 |
PIC16F1938-I/SS Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a compact, self-contained computer-on-a-chip that combines an 8-bit RISC CPU core with program memory, RAM, EEPROM data storage, and a rich set of peripherals. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader taxonomy of microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductor devices. The PIC16F family is Microchip's mid-range 8-bit line, optimized for low-power, general-purpose, and human-interface applications that do not require the performance of a 16-bit dsPIC or 32-bit ARM Cortex-M device.
Key features of the PIC16F1938-I/SS include up to 32 MHz CPU speed (8 MHz with 4x PLL), 14-bit instruction word, 16-level hardware stack, 25 digital I/O pins, 11-channel 10-bit ADC, two comparators, PWM modules, MSSP (SPI/I2C), AUSART (RS-232/RS-485), and an integrated charge-pump LCD driver supporting up to 192 segments. The XLP nanoWatt technology provides sleep currents down to approximately 20 nA, watchdog timer, and multiple low-power operating modes (Run, Idle, Sleep).
The architecture uses a Harvard RISC design with separate program and data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction execution except for branches. The integrated LCD driver with charge pump reduces external component count for segment displays. Device programming is supported through In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) using only two pins, simplifying field updates.
Typical applications include battery-powered consumer products with LCD user interfaces, home appliances, metering, industrial control panels, medical instrumentation, and low-power sensor nodes. The integrated LCD makes it especially suitable for thermostats, blood pressure monitors, and remote controls.
When designing with this device, ensure the SSOP-28 land pattern matches the Microchip recommended footprint. Decoupling: place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to VDD, plus a bulk capacitor (10 uF) on the main supply rail. For LCD applications, follow the bias and segment contrast configuration in the device datasheet.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, application notes, and design considerations not always surfaced by individual distributor listings - useful for both procurement and engineering teams evaluating the PIC16F1938-I/SS for new designs or as a replacement part.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1938-I/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Core Architecture, LCD Driver.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1938T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1938-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1937-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1936-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1938-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1938-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1938-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14) |
| RAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 11-channel, 10-bit |
| LCD Driver | Up to 192 segments with charge pump |
| Comparators | 2 |
| PWM Modules | Yes (CCP/ECCP) |
| Communication Interfaces | 1x MSSP (SPI/I2C), 1x AUSART (RS-232/RS-485) |
| Timers | 4 (8-bit and 16-bit) |
| Hardware Stack | 16 levels x 15-bit |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 14-bit wide |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Package | SSOP-28 (5.30 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1938-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input AN0 / LCD segment |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input AN1 / LCD segment |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input AN2 / LCD segment |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN3 / VREF+ / LCD segment |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input AN4 / LCD segment |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input AN5 / LCD segment |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Digital I/O / analog input AN6 / LCD segment |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Digital I/O / analog input AN7 / LCD segment |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RB0 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change / LCD segment |
| Pin 11 | RB1 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change / LCD segment |
| Pin 12 | RB2 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change / LCD segment |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change / LCD segment |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change / LCD segment |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change / LCD segment |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change / ICD pins / LCD segment |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change / ICD pins / LCD segment |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | RC0 — Digital I/O / analog input AN8 / LCD segment |
| Pin 21 | RC1 — Digital I/O / analog input AN9 / LCD segment |
| Pin 22 | RC2 — Digital I/O / analog input AN10 / LCD segment |
| Pin 23 | RC3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN11 / LCD segment |
| Pin 24 | RC4 — Digital I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 25 | RC5 — Digital I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 26 | RC6 — Digital I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 27 | RC7 — Digital I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive power supply (alternate) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1938-I/SS is suitable for 8 applications: Battery-Powered Thermostat, Industrial Control Panel, Medical Blood Pressure Monitor, Remote Control with LCD, Smart Energy Meter, Wearable Fitness Tracker, HVAC Zone Controller, IoT Sensor Node with LCD.
Battery-Powered Thermostat
The PIC16F1938-I/SS suits battery-powered thermostats because its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents below 100 nA, extending coin-cell life to multiple years. The integrated 192-segment LCD driver with on-chip charge pump directly drives a 4-digit 7-segment + icon display without external drivers, reducing BOM cost. The 28 KB Flash accommodates complex HVAC scheduling firmware, while 1 KB RAM supports user-mode buffers, sensor polling, and wireless relay control. The 1.8 to 5.5 V supply range tolerates two-cell alkaline or single-cell lithium batteries. Engineers typically use the ADC with an NTC thermistor input and drive a triac via PWM for load switching, with ICSP enabling field firmware updates.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panel
Industrial control panels benefit from the PIC16F1938-I/SS because of its 25 I/O pins supporting buttons, LEDs, relays, and segment displays, plus its 32 MHz CPU enabling responsive user interaction. The 11-channel 10-bit ADC reads analog sensors (temperature, pressure, level), while the AUSART connects to RS-485 fieldbus networks for SCADA integration. The extended SSOP-28 industrial temperature range (-40 to +85 C) operates reliably inside control cabinets. The MSSP supports SPI or I2C for display modules and digital potentiometers. Engineers commonly pair the device with the MCP2515 CAN controller or RS-485 transceiver for industrial networking, with watchdog timer enabled for unattended operation.
Recommended
Medical Blood Pressure Monitor
Medical blood pressure monitors leverage the PIC16F1938-I/SS because its integrated LCD driver displays systolic, diastolic, pulse rate, and historical readings without extra display driver chips. The 32 MHz CPU handles cuff inflation control, pressure transducer sampling via the 10-bit ADC, and pulse-oscillometric algorithm processing in real time. XLP low-power modes extend battery life across thousands of measurement cycles, while 256 B of EEPROM stores user profiles, calibration constants, and measurement history. The I2C MSSP interfaces to digital pressure sensors or EEPROM expansion, and ICSP enables in-the-field firmware updates for accuracy improvements or feature additions.
Recommended
Remote Control with LCD
Universal remote controls benefit from the PIC16F1938-I/SS thanks to its integrated 192-segment LCD driver that supports status icons, channel numbers, and battery indicators without external drivers. The nanoWatt XLP technology yields sleep currents low enough for the remote to operate on two AAA batteries for over a year. The AUSART or MSSP communicates with IR transmitters for code learning and replay, while 25 I/O pins accommodate key matrix scanning up to 5x5 layouts. The 28 KB Flash stores IR code libraries for multiple device brands, and 256 B EEPROM retains user preferences and last-mode state across battery swaps.
Recommended
Smart Energy Meter
Smart energy meters use the PIC16F1938-I/SS to measure power consumption by sampling voltage and current via the 10-bit ADC, computing RMS and instantaneous power, and displaying results on the integrated 192-segment LCD. The MSSP connects to an AFE chip (e.g., MCP39F511) or directly to current transformers for measurement isolation. The AUSART interfaces to RS-485 or PLC modems for AMR/AMI backhaul, while 256 B EEPROM stores tariff tables and calibration constants. Low-power Run and Sleep modes with XLP technology suit battery-backed or line-powered designs, with ICSP enabling field firmware updates and tariff reprogramming.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness Tracker
Wearable fitness trackers benefit from the PIC16F1938-I/SS because its nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 100 nA enable multi-day battery life despite continuous heart-rate monitoring. The 32 MHz CPU processes step-counting algorithms from a 3-axis accelerometer over I2C MSSP, while the 10-bit ADC reads optical heart-rate sensor outputs from a PPG front-end. The integrated 192-segment LCD displays time, steps, and heart rate directly without external drivers, keeping the BOM compact. 1 KB RAM buffers minute-by-minute activity data, with 256 B EEPROM storing user profiles. ICSP enables firmware updates via USB charger contacts.
Recommended
HVAC Zone Controller
HVAC zone controllers leverage the PIC16F1938-I/SS to manage multiple thermostats per home or building via the AUSART-connected RS-485 network. The 25 I/O pins drive triac outputs for damper and valve actuators while reading zone temperature via the 11-channel ADC. The 32 MHz CPU runs PID control loops with sub-second response, and the integrated LCD displays zone setpoint, current temperature, and fan status on-site. The 28 KB Flash supports complex scheduling, occupancy learning, and remote-control protocol stacks. EEPROM stores zone calibration, while ICSP allows commissioning firmware updates via a service tool.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Node with LCD
IoT sensor nodes benefit from the PIC16F1938-I/SS because its XLP low-power modes reduce average current consumption to single-digit microamps, enabling years of operation on AA batteries. The integrated LCD shows sensor readings, signal strength, and battery status without a wireless link. The MSSP interfaces to SPI sensors or I2C peripherals like the MCP9808 temperature sensor, and the AUSART connects to a low-power radio module (e.g., LoRa or Sub-GHz transceiver) for periodic uplink. The 256 B EEPROM stores node configuration and last-known state, while ICSP enables field provisioning. The 28 KB Flash accommodates sensor fusion and MAC-layer firmware.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1938-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1938T-I/SS | PIC16F1938-E/SS | PIC16F1937-I/SS | PIC16F1936-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-28 (5.30 mm) | SSOP-28 (same) | SSOP-28 (same) | SSOP-28 (same) | SSOP-28 (same) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 28 KB (same) | 28 KB (same) | 14 KB (-50%) | 14 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB (same) | 1 KB (same) | 1 KB (same) | 512 B (-50%) |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to +85 C | -40 to +85 C (same) | -40 to +125 C (extended) | -40 to +85 C (same) | -40 to +85 C (same) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 to 5.5 V | 1.8 to 5.5 V (same) | 1.8 to 5.5 V (same) | 1.8 to 5.5 V (same) | 1.8 to 5.5 V (same) |
| LCD Driver Segments | 192 | 192 (same) | 192 (same) | 192 (same) | 192 (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash in SSOP-28 PIC16F193x family (vs PIC16F1936-I/SS)
- Integrated 192-segment LCD driver with charge pump (vs PIC16F1938-E/SS)
- Drop-in SSOP-28 compatibility with PIC16F1937 (vs PIC16F1937-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18) with the loop area minimized, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. For battery-powered designs, the PIC16F1938-I/SS XLP Sleep mode draws under 100 nA; ensure no floating inputs (configure unused I/O as outputs or enable internal weak pull-ups) to avoid shoot-through current. The internal 32 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystal cost but adds ~1% frequency variation; for time-critical UART or USB applications, switch to an external crystal via the OSCCON register.
For SSOP-28 layout, follow Microchip's SSOP-28 recommended land pattern with 0.65 mm pitch pads. Keep the exposed paddle area on the underside of the chip floating or tied to VSS - the SSOP-28 has no thermal pad. Trace the ICSP signals (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT, typically shared with RB6/RB7) to a 6-pin header for in-circuit programming without removing the MCU from the board. Keep analog and digital grounds separated at the IC, joining at a single point near the bulk capacitor.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 5.5 V - the PIC16F1938-I/SS is not 5V-tolerant on I/O when running at 3.3 V due to internal clamp diodes. Configure the CONFIG register's WDTEN, BOREN, and LVP bits correctly before first programming to avoid unintended resets. When migrating firmware from PIC16F1936, the increased Flash allows lazy porting - but verify the EEPROM and RAM boundaries if the original code used boundary-crossing data structures. The LCD charge pump requires the LCDCON register to be configured before segment pins will drive correctly.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1938-E/SS extended-temperature variant for harsh-environment applications. Conflict-minerals statement available from Microchip corporate compliance.
