PIC16F1946-I/MR - 8-Bit XLP MCU, 14KB Flash, 64-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1946-I/MR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.95 | $3.95 |
| 10 | $3.55 | $35.50 |
| 100 | $3.15 | $315.00 |
| 500 | $2.78 | $1,390.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.45 | $2,450.00 |
| 3,000 | $2.15 | $6,450.00 |
PIC16F1946-I/MR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripherals, and I/O on one die. The PIC16F19xx family belongs to the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The 'XLP' (eXtreme Low Power) designation places this MCU within Microchip's nanoWatt XLP platform, which uses techniques such as deep sleep, watchdog timer disable, and selective peripheral clocking to push standby current into the nanoampere region - well below traditional 8-bit MCU baselines.
Key features include 14 KB Flash, 512 bytes RAM, 256 bytes EEPROM, 25 general-purpose I/O, an integrated LCD driver supporting up to 184 segments, a 5-bit DAC, multiple PWM/capture/compare modules, two USART, two MSSP (SPI/I²C), and 11 channels of 10-bit ADC. The device operates from 2.3 V to 5.5 V, suiting both 3.3 V and 5 V rails typical of battery-powered and industrial designs. The 'I' suffix denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +85 °C).
Architecturally, the PIC16F1946 uses a 14-bit modified Harvard instruction set, separate program and data buses, and a 16-level hardware stack. The instruction pipeline and deterministic interrupt latency make timing behaviour predictable for control loops. nanoWatt XLP technology gates the system clock and selectively powers down peripherals, with typical sleep currents below 100 nA - critical for battery-backed meters and IoT sensors.
Typical applications include low-power LCD-based metering, thermostat and HVAC control panels, portable medical monitors, sensor hubs, white-goods user interfaces, and remote keyless-entry or general-purpose 8-bit embedded control. The integrated LCD driver eliminates an external charge-pump IC in glass-segment displays, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
When designing with this part, choose decoupling capacitors (typically 100 nF + 10 µF) close to VDD/VSS pairs and keep the high-speed ADC traces away from switching nodes to preserve 10-bit ENOB. For LCD applications, route the segment and common lines with matched impedance and provide adequate bias capacitor values per the Microchip LCD design guide.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single source for sourcing, comparison, and application guidance.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1946-I/MR — 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-I/MR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Family, LCD Driver.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1946-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1946-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1946-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.83 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1947-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F19195-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18855-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1946-I/MR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC (14-bit instruction set) |
| Family | PIC16F19xx (XLP) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K × 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| LCD Driver | Up to 184 segments |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit with PWM |
| Communication | 2x USART, 2x MSSP (SPI/I²C) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (MR), 9 × 9 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Low-Power Feature | nanoWatt XLP technology |
PIC16F1946-I/MR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / ADC channel 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4 — Port A bit 4 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5 — Port A bit 5 / ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2 — Port A bit 6 / oscillator output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1 — Port A bit 7 / oscillator input |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Port B bit 6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Port B bit 7 / ICD data |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 27 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 29 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 30 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 31 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 32 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 33 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 34 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 35 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 36 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 37 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 38 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 39 | RF0 — Port F bit 0 |
| Pin 40 | RF1 — Port F bit 1 |
| Pin 41 | RF2 — Port F bit 2 |
| Pin 42 | RF3 — Port F bit 3 |
| Pin 43 | RF4 — Port F bit 4 |
| Pin 44 | RF5 — Port F bit 5 |
| Pin 45 | RF6 — Port F bit 6 |
| Pin 46 | RF7 — Port F bit 7 |
| Pin 47 | RG0 — Port G bit 0 |
| Pin 48 | RG1 — Port G bit 1 |
| Pin 49 | RG2 — Port G bit 2 |
| Pin 50 | RG3 — Port G bit 3 |
| Pin 51 | RG4 — Port G bit 4 |
| Pin 52 | LCDBIAS0 — LCD bias pin 0 |
| Pin 53 | LCDBIAS1 — LCD bias pin 1 |
| Pin 54 | LCDBIAS2 — LCD bias pin 2 |
| Pin 55 | VLCD3 — LCD voltage level 3 |
| Pin 56 | VLCD2 — LCD voltage level 2 |
| Pin 57 | VLCD1 — LCD voltage level 1 |
| Pin 58 | VLCD0 — LCD voltage level 0 |
| Pin 59 | SEG0 — LCD segment 0 |
| Pin 60 | SEG1 — LCD segment 1 |
| Pin 61 | MCLR — Master clear / reset (active low) |
| Pin 62 | VCAP — Filter capacitor for internal regulator |
| Pin 63 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 64 | VSS — Ground reference (exposed pad) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1946-I/MR is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Power LCD Electricity Meter, Thermostat and HVAC Control Panel, Portable Medical Monitor (Glucose, SpO2), Industrial Sensor Hub with LCD, White-Goods User Interface (Washer, Oven), Remote Keyless Entry / IoT Sensor Node.
Low-Power LCD Electricity Meter
Why PIC16F1946-I/MR fits: The integrated 184-segment LCD driver eliminates an external charge-pump IC, and nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sub-100 nA sleep current for 10+ year battery life on a single lithium cell. How it is used: The MCU drives the meter's 7-segment + icon LCD directly through segment/common pins, reads the shunt current via the 10-bit ADC, accumulates kWh in EEPROM, and wakes on a timer pulse to drive the LCD in low-power mode. Compared with discrete LCD driver + MCU designs, this part saves one IC and roughly 30% of the BOM cost while staying within IEC 62053-21 energy accuracy windows.
Recommended
Thermostat and HVAC Control Panel
Why PIC16F1946-I/MR fits: With 25 I/O and a multi-channel ADC, the MCU can read temperature sensors (NTC thermistor or digital), drive a multi-segment LCD, and control relays or TRIAC outputs - all from a 3.3 V or 5 V rail. How it is used: The integrated LCD driver shows setpoint, ambient temp, humidity icon, and 7-day schedule, while USART/MSSP peripherals link to a Wi-Fi/BLE module for cloud connectivity. nanoWatt XLP sleep allows the panel to retain display while drawing under 1 µA, satisfying Energy Star standby requirements.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitor (Glucose, SpO2)
Why PIC16F1946-I/MR fits: The 14 KB Flash is sufficient for measurement firmware, and the 11-channel 10-bit ADC can digitise sensor signals (photodiode, electrochemical cell) while the LCD driver shows results on a 100+ segment glass display. How it is used: The MCU drives the LCD directly, runs the sensor through ADC with on-chip PGA, performs simple averaging in RAM, and powers down peripherals between measurements. The 5 V tolerant I/O simplifies interface to coin-cell boost regulators without level shifters.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub with LCD
Why PIC16F1946-I/MR fits: Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C operation, hardware PWM for control outputs, and a wide 2.3 V to 5.5 V supply range let the same part run on 24 V industrial rails via an LDO. How it is used: The MCU aggregates 4-20 mA inputs through ADC, drives a 96-segment LCD for local readout, and pushes data over RS-485 using the USART. The 184-segment LCD driver capability allows display of multi-line numeric readouts and bar graphs without an external driver.
Recommended
White-Goods User Interface (Washer, Oven)
Why PIC16F1946-I/MR fits: A washer or oven needs a 100+ segment LCD plus tactile keypad scanning and TRIAC-based load control - all natively supported by the 64-pin MCU with hardware timers for zero-cross detection. How it is used: The MCU scans a matrix keypad, drives the LCD through the integrated driver, controls motor/valve relays through PWM, and reports faults via diagnostic segments. nanoWatt XLP ensures standby power < 0.5 W to meet EU Ecodesign 2019/2022 limits.
Recommended
Remote Keyless Entry / IoT Sensor Node
Why PIC16F1946-I/MR fits: Battery life is paramount in wireless sensors - the nanoWatt XLP sleep mode (<100 nA) extends coin-cell operation to several years, while the integrated LCD driver is useful for status displays on remote controls or sensor nodes. How it is used: The MCU sleeps by default, wakes on an external interrupt (button or timer), executes a short RF transmit sequence through a UART-linked transceiver module, and returns to sleep. The LCD shows pairing state, battery level, and link quality without an external driver IC.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1946-I/MR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1946-I/PT | PIC16F1946-E/PT | PIC16LF1946-I/MR | PIC16F1947-I/PT | PIC16F19195-I/PT | PIC16F18855-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | QFN-64 (MR) 9x9 mm | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm | QFN-64 (MR) 9x9 mm | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm | QFN-44 (ML) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB |
| Data RAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 1 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB |
| Operating 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 | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| LCD Driver Segments | Up to 184 | Up to 184 | Up to 184 | Up to 184 | Up to 184 | Up to 184 | None |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 36 | 36 |
| Max Clock Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Highest segment-count LCD driver in the PIC16F1xxx family at 64 pins (vs PIC16F18855-I/ML)
- Smaller die-package footprint than TQFP-64 alternatives (vs PIC16F1946-I/PT)
- Lower-voltage LF variant for coin-cell applications (vs PIC16LF1946-I/MR)
- Sub-100 nA sleep current with RTC running (vs PIC16F1947-I/PT)
Design Notes
For battery-powered designs targeting multi-year life, place a 100 nF + 10 µF decoupling pair close to each VDD/VSS pin pair of the PIC16F1946-I/MR and connect the exposed thermal pad directly to a ground pour. Avoid routing high-frequency digital signals across the analog supply trace to keep ADC noise floor within 10-bit ENOB.
The 64-pin QFN (MR) package relies on the exposed pad for thermal conduction; with the MCU's low active current (~ 8 mA at 32 MHz) and < 100 nA sleep current, junction temperature rise is negligible in normal operation. However, in continuous-transmit RF designs driven from I/O, ensure the ground pour under the exposed pad has at least 4 thermal vias to the inner ground plane.
Keep the high-speed ADC traces (AN0-AN11) at least 5 mm away from PWM or TRIAC switching nodes to preserve 10-bit ADC accuracy. Use a guard ring connected to analog ground around sensitive analog traces, and route the VLCD0-VLCD3 bias pins as short traces to the LCD glass to reduce ghosting on high-segment-count displays.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating - tie it to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor for normal operation, or to a reset supervisor for robust brown-out behaviour. The VCAP pin requires a 1 µF low-ESR ceramic to ground; omitting it causes erratic behaviour during flash programming and high-temperature operation.
When driving the integrated LCD at full 184-segment load, observe Microchip's recommended segment/common drive waveform configuration in datasheet 41391G section 36. Switching frequencies above 200 Hz on the LCD bias pins can inject noise into adjacent analog inputs; keep LCDCLK below 200 Hz for ADC-heavy applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product environmental compliance information. Lead-free Matte Tin (Sn) finish. Halogen-free mould compound. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1946-E/PT for extended-temperature variants.
