PIC16F1946-E/PT - 64-Pin 8-Bit MCU, 14KB Flash, LCD Driver | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1946-E/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.36 | $336.00 |
| 500 | $3.02 | $1,510.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.7 | $2,700.00 |
PIC16F1946-E/PT Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path and a Harvard or von Neumann architecture, integrating a CPU, program memory (typically Flash), data RAM, peripherals (timers, ADC, communication ports), and interrupt logic on one die. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16F1946 sits at the intersection of microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 mid-range core -> XLP nanoWatt family -> power-aware embedded controller, a category that prioritizes deterministic real-time behavior and ultra-low standby current over raw compute throughput. PIC16 mid-range devices execute one instruction per clock cycle and use a 14-bit instruction word optimized for compact code density in C and assembly.
Key features include 14 KB (8K x 14 words) of self-programmable Flash, 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, an integrated segmented LCD driver supporting up to 184 segments, a 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels, multiple Enhanced USART, I2C, and SPI peripherals, and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents typically in the nanoampere range. The 64-pin TQFP package gives ample I/O for keypad scanning, LCD bias generation, and analog sensor integration in a single chip, removing the need for external LCD driver ICs in many HMI designs.
The architecture is built around Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit CPU core with a hardware multiplier, 16-level hardware stack, and a 31-instruction RISC set, paired with the aforementioned peripheral mix. The 32 MHz internal oscillator provides 8 MIPS throughput, while XLP technology offers multiple power-managed modes (Run, Idle, Sleep, and deep-dormancy variants) that let designers trade CPU activity for current consumption in the range of tens of nA in sleep.
Typical applications include battery-powered consumer HMI (thermostats, coffee machines, remote controls), industrial segment-LCD display panels, sensor readout boards, low-power IoT edge nodes, and automotive accessory modules. The integrated LCD driver reduces BOM cost and PCB area in any design that needs a glass or chip-on-glass segmented display.
When designing with this part, plan the I/O mapping carefully because the LCD segment pins are multiplexed with general-purpose I/O; pin assignments chosen for LCD layout may limit which GPIOs are free for buttons or sensors. Use the device's nanoWatt modes aggressively during long idle periods to take advantage of the XLP claim.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes that are not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers shorten BOM validation and second-source qualification.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1946-E/PT — 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 PIC16F1946-E/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in LCD Driver, Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1946-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1947-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1946-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1946-I/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1947T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1946-E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Core | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 512 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| LCD Driver | Integrated, up to 184 segments |
| ADC | 10-bit, multi-channel |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, I2C, SPI |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit timers |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (industrial, E suffix) |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (PT), 10x10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020, reflow rated) |
| RoHS | Compliant |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt XLP (Run, Idle, Sleep, deep-dormancy) |
PIC16F1946-E/PT 64-pin tqfp (pt), 10x10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16F1946-E/PT (64-pin tqfp (pt), 10x10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16F1946-E/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16F1946-E/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Consumer HMI (Thermostats, Coffee Machines), Industrial Segmented-LCD Display Panels, Sensor Readout and Data-Logger Boards, Low-Power IoT Edge Nodes, Automotive Accessory Modules (Interior HMI), Medical and Wellness Handheld Devices.
Battery-Powered Consumer HMI (Thermostats, Coffee Machines)
The PIC16F1946-E/PT fits battery-powered consumer HMI because its nanoWatt XLP sleep currents in the tens of nanoampere range let a coin-cell or 2x AA pack last multiple years between battery swaps. The integrated 184-segment LCD driver removes the need for an external LCD controller IC, shrinking BOM cost and PCB area in thermostat and small-appliance front panels. The 25 GPIOs comfortably drive 4x4 keypads, multiple push-buttons, and rotary encoders simultaneously with LCD segments active. Operating from 2.3 V to 5.5 V, the part survives fresh alkaline cells and end-of-life voltage droop with no external LDO. Designers can use the 32 MHz internal oscillator to drive user-interface animations while still meeting Energy Star standby targets.
Recommended
Industrial Segmented-LCD Display Panels
The PIC16F1946-E/PT targets industrial segmented-LCD display panels because the on-chip LCD driver supports up to 184 segments with selectable bias and charge-pump, eliminating an external LCD bias generator. Its -40C to +125C extended operating range (E suffix) handles outdoor enclosures, factory floors, and under-hood automotive accessory compartments without derating. The 10-bit multi-channel ADC handles 4-20 mA or 0-10 V transducer inputs with no external signal conditioning, while EUSART/I2C/SPI peripherals link to host PLCs or sensor busses. Industrial designers value the deterministic interrupt latency of the PIC16 mid-range core for safety-critical HMIs.
Recommended
Sensor Readout and Data-Logger Boards
The PIC16F1946-E/PT suits sensor readout and data-logger boards because its 10-bit ADC, 256-byte EEPROM, and 512-byte RAM support multi-sensor scanning with non-volatile calibration retention. The XLP nanoWatt sleep modes let the MCU idle between sensor reads at nanoampere current, critical for battery-deployed loggers that must run months between service intervals. The EUSART and I2C peripherals connect to external sensors, EEPROM dataloggers, or wireless modules without external glue logic. Designers can use the 14 KB Flash for on-device calibration curves and Modbus-class field protocols.
Recommended
Low-Power IoT Edge Nodes
The PIC16F1946-E/PT fits low-power IoT edge nodes because its nanoWatt XLP sleep current allows months-to-years of battery life for intermittent sensor reporting. The integrated peripherals (EUSART, I2C, SPI) connect directly to LoRa, sub-GHz, or BLE modules without external level shifters, while the 25 GPIOs read multiple sensors and drive indicator LEDs. Engineers can keep the 32 MHz internal oscillator active during packet transmission and drop into deep sleep between events, maximizing energy efficiency. The 14 KB Flash supports simple MQTT-SN or proprietary edge protocols on-device.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Modules (Interior HMI)
The PIC16F1946-E/PT supports automotive accessory modules such as interior HMI controllers, seat-adjust keypads, and climate-control panels because its -40C to +125C extended temperature range survives cabin thermal cycling. The integrated LCD driver powers segment displays for temperature or audio readouts without adding a separate LCD controller IC, lowering BOM cost in price-sensitive automotive tiers. The 32 MHz core handles keypad debouncing, backlight PWM, and CAN/LIN bridging via EUSART with deterministic interrupt latency. Designers needing AEC-Q100 qualification should choose the automotive-grade 'F' variant or verify with Microchip's automotive portfolio.
Recommended
Medical and Wellness Handheld Devices
The PIC16F1946-E/PT is appropriate for medical and wellness handheld devices such as glucose meters, pulse oximeter front panels, and digital thermometers because its low-power XLP operation extends battery life across thousands of measurements. The integrated segmented LCD driver presents readings directly on a glass display with no external driver IC, and the 10-bit ADC reads sensor outputs with adequate resolution for non-critical measurements. The PIC16 mid-range core's deterministic interrupt response ensures consistent button-press latency, important for usability in handheld medical devices. Designers should validate IEC 60730 or IEC 60601 compliance separately for clinical-grade products.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1946-E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1946-I/PT | PIC16F1947-I/PT | PIC16LF1946-I/PT | PIC16F1946-I/MV | PIC16F1947T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB |
| RAM | 512 B | 512 B | 1 KB | 512 B | 512 B | 1 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| LCD Segments | Up to 184 | Up to 184 | Up to 184 | Up to 184 | Up to 184 | Up to 184 |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC16F1946-I/PT)
- Larger Flash/RAM than PIC16F1939 family (vs PIC16F1939-I/PT)
- Drop-in upgrade path within the same family (vs PIC16F1947-I/PT)
Design Notes
Use the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes aggressively: a typical Sleep current in the tens of nA range allows battery-powered HMIs and sensor loggers to run for months on a single coin cell. Wake the MCU via watchdog timer, external interrupt, or Real-Time Clock Calendar to take periodic readings, then re-enter Sleep. Avoid leaving peripherals active during Sleep - disable unused modules in the PMD register to minimize leakage. For 5 V applications, ensure the supply is regulated within 5.5 V max to prevent EEPROM corruption during write cycles.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. The 64-pin TQFP exposed thermal pad should be soldered to a copper pour on the top or bottom layer to improve thermal dissipation, especially in industrial temperature designs. Route the ICPGC/ICSPDAT signals with short traces and avoid running noisy switching signals near the ADC analog inputs to minimize digital coupling into measurements.
Plan the LCD segment pin assignment jointly with the LCD glass layout because LCD pins are multiplexed with GPIOs and SEG/COM lines cannot be arbitrarily remapped. The LCD charge-pump capacitors (typically 1 uF on each CP pin) must be placed within 5 mm of their respective pins to maintain stable bias generation. Avoid routing RF or high-current traces directly under the LCD segment traces on adjacent layers to prevent display artifacts.
Brown-out Reset (BOR) must be enabled in the configuration bits for any production design - leaving BOR disabled can cause the MCU to execute corrupted code during VDD droop and brick the device in the field. When migrating from PIC16F1946 to PIC16LF1946, verify that the application does not depend on 5 V operation; the LF variant maximum VDD is 3.6 V and 5 V will damage the part. Use the Configuration Word settings tool in MPLAB X IDE to validate fuse settings before programming production units.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental certification. AEC-Q100 qualification is not applicable to this industrial-grade part - choose an AEC-Q100 automotive-grade Microchip PIC16 variant if required. Conflict-minerals compliance per Microchip statement of conformance.
