PIC16F916-E/SP - 8-Bit 20MHz 14KB Flash MCU w/ LCD | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F916-E/SP β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.27 | $5.27 |
| 10 | $4.78 | $47.80 |
| 100 | $4.21 | $421.00 |
| 500 | $3.72 | $1,860.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.3 | $3,300.00 |
PIC16F916-E/SP Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Programmable Interrupt Controller / Peripheral Interface Controller) is a RISC-based 8-bit MCU built on a Harvard architecture, optimized for deterministic real-time embedded control. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC16F parts sit between the baseline PIC10/12/16 baseline families and the higher-end PIC18 and dsPIC lines, offering a balance of code density, peripheral integration, and low power consumption for cost-sensitive designs.
Key features include nanoWatt Technology for ultra-low sleep currents (typical standby <100 nA with watchdog enabled), a self-programmable flash memory that supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and an on-chip LCD driver capable of directly multiplex-segmented displays of up to 28 segments x 4 commons - eliminating the need for an external LCD controller. The 28-SPDIP package gives 31.4 C/W theta_JA typical, suitable for hand-soldered prototyping, educational kits, and through-hole industrial control boards.
Typical applications include human-machine interface (HMI) panels with character or segmented LCDs, low-cost consumer appliances, battery-powered sensor nodes using sleep modes, and industrial process controllers with on-panel displays. The wide 2.0V-5.5V operating range supports direct connection to single-cell Li-ion (with boost) or 3.3V/5V regulated rails.
When designing with this device, follow the datasheet ICSP pinout and reserve the PGx/PGD-PGC lines for in-circuit programming. The LCD charge-pump bias generator requires external capacitors on the VLCD pins - do not leave these floating. Use the C compiler (XC8) or assembly (MPASM) with the appropriate header file for the PIC16F916 device ID.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16F alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a one-stop reference for selecting, sourcing, and integrating the PIC16F916-E/SP.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F916-E/SP 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 PIC16F916-E/SP (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F914-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F913-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F917-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F916-I/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.25 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F882-I/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F916-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Flash Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Harvard RISC, 8-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 352 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 24 digital I/O |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| LCD Driver | On-chip, up to 28 segments x 4 commons |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 (8/16-bit mix) |
| PWM Modules | Yes (CCP/ECCP) |
| Comparators | 2 on-chip |
| Communication | AUSART, I2C/SPI (MSSP) |
| Temperature Range (E suffix) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300", 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16F916-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA7/SEG18 β Digital I/O / LCD segment 18 |
| Pin 2 | RA6/SEG17 β Digital I/O / LCD segment 17 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/SEG14 β Digital I/O / LCD segment 14 |
| Pin 4 | RA4/SEG11 β Digital I/O / LCD segment 11 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/SEG5/VREF+ β Digital I/O / LCD seg 5 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA2/SEG2 β Digital I/O / LCD segment 2 |
| Pin 7 | RA1/SEG1 β Digital I/O / LCD segment 1 |
| Pin 8 | RA0/SEG0 β Digital I/O / LCD segment 0 |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI β Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO β Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 12 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β Digital I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | RB6 β Digital I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 15 | RB5 β Digital I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RB4 β Digital I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB3/PGM β Digital I/O / ICSP low-voltage programming |
| Pin 18 | RB2 β Digital I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 19 | RB1 β Digital I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT β Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 21 | RC7/RX/DT β Digital I/O / AUSART RX / I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC6/TX/CK β Digital I/O / AUSART TX / clock |
| Pin 23 | RC5 β Digital I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 24 | RC4 β Digital I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RC3 β Digital I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 26 | RC2 β Digital I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 27 | RC1/T1OSI β Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 28 | RC0/T1OSO β Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output |
Typical Applications
PIC16F916-E/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panel with LCD, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Industrial Process Controller with LCD Display, Consumer Appliance Control Board, Educational Microcontroller Trainer Board, Automotive Dashboard Auxiliary Display (Non-Safety), Medical Device Front Panel (Non-Implantable).
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panel with LCD
The PIC16F916-E/SP is purpose-built for HMI panels that drive a segmented character LCD directly from the MCU. Its on-chip LCD controller supports up to 28 segments x 4 commons (112 pixels) without an external driver, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. With 24 I/O pins, the part can scan a 4x4 keypad, drive status LEDs, and read rotary encoders simultaneously. The nanoWatt Technology feature lets the MCU enter sleep mode between button presses, drawing <1 uA and enabling battery-powered remote controls with 5+ year coin-cell life. A 20MHz clock speed allows smooth menu navigation and debounced input handling. Use the XC8 compiler's MPLAB Code Configurator to auto-generate LCD initialization code from the MCC GUI.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16F916-E/SP's nanoWatt Technology and 2.0V-5.5V operating range make it ideal for battery-powered wireless sensor nodes. Sleep current with watchdog timer enabled is typically <1 uA, allowing years of operation from a single CR2032 coin cell. The 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels reads temperature, light, or battery voltage sensors directly. On-chip comparators provide threshold-based wake-up without ADC power-up latency. The 14KB flash accommodates small Zigbee/BLE stack helper code, while the 352-byte RAM handles sensor buffering. Internal 31 kHz oscillator eliminates external crystal for ultra-low-power sleep modes. For designs needing only 8KB flash, the PIC16F913-I/SP offers a cost-down alternative.
Recommended
Industrial Process Controller with LCD Display
The PIC16F916-E/SP's Extended temperature range (-40C to +125C) and integrated LCD segment driver suit industrial process controllers with on-panel status displays. It can drive up to 112 LCD segments to show process variables, alarm states, and operator prompts directly on a glass-front panel. The on-chip 10-bit ADC reads 4-20mA current loops via a shunt resistor, while the AUSART peripheral interfaces to RS-485 transceivers for Modbus RTU communication. The 24 I/O pins handle relay drivers, opto-isolated inputs, and status LEDs. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply range allows direct connection to 24V industrial rails via a small switching regulator. The 28-SPDIP package is preferred for hand-reworkable industrial boards.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
The PIC16F916-E/SP fits consumer appliances like washing machines, microwave ovens, and coffee makers where a segmented LCD shows time, settings, and status. Its integrated LCD driver replaces a separate HT1621-style controller, cutting BOM cost by $0.30-$0.50. The PWM module drives motor speed control or heater elements, while the 10-bit ADC reads temperature sensors (NTC thermistors) for closed-loop control. Flash self-programming allows firmware updates for new appliance features without factory retooling. The 2.0V-5.5V range supports direct 3.3V operation for energy-star compliant low-standby designs. Compared to 8051-based alternatives, the PIC16 RISC architecture executes 4x faster per MHz.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Trainer Board
The PIC16F916-E/SP's 28-SPDIP through-hole package is ideal for educational trainer boards and breadboard-friendly student projects. The 0.1" pin pitch accepts standard 28-pin DIP sockets, allowing easy insertion and replacement by students. The 14KB flash accommodates full Microchip XC8 tutorial projects including LCD drivers, ADC sampling, PWM motor control, and I2C EEPROM interfacing. The MPLAB X IDE and PICkit 5 debugger provide a free, industry-standard toolchain for university courses. The PIC16F91x family is widely taught in electrical engineering curricula, and the 'E/SP' Extended temperature part survives student mishandling better than automotive-grade QFN variants.
Recommended
Automotive Dashboard Auxiliary Display (Non-Safety)
The PIC16F916-E/SP drives non-safety automotive auxiliary displays like HVAC status panels, audio system LCDs, and seat-position indicators. Its Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) handles under-dash thermal stress in most regions, though safety-critical displays require AEC-Q100 qualified parts. The on-chip LCD controller drives 4-common x 28-segment TN/STN glass typical of automotive climate-control panels. The 20MHz clock speed supports smooth button debounce and CAN-bus software stacks via the AUSART. For under-hood or safety-critical displays, the AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F1939 family is recommended instead.
Recommended
Medical Device Front Panel (Non-Implantable)
The PIC16F916-E/SP suits medical device front panels for non-implantable, non-life-support equipment such as blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and infusion pump status displays. Its integrated LCD driver shows readings and status icons directly on segmented glass without external controller cost. The nanoWatt Technology feature enables multi-year battery life for portable diagnostic devices. Extended temperature range handles clinical environments. For IEC 60601-1 medical safety compliance, additional isolation and watchdog circuitry are required beyond the MCU itself. The 14KB flash stores calibration tables, display fonts, and BLE helper code for smartphone pairing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F916-E/SP β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F914-I/SP | PIC16F913-I/SP | PIC16F917-I/SP | PIC16F916-I/SP | PIC16F882-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 8 KB (-43%) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 3.5 KB (-75%) |
| RAM | 352 bytes | 352 bytes | 256 bytes | 352 bytes | 352 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Integrated LCD Driver | Yes (28x4 segments) | Yes (24x4 segments) | Yes (16x4 segments) | Yes (32x4 segments) | Yes (28x4 segments) | No |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 24 | 24 | 24 | 36 | 24 | 24 |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes (lead-free) | Yes (lead-free) | Yes (lead-free) | Yes (lead-free) | Yes (lead-free) | Yes (lead-free) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC16F916-I/SP)
- Largest LCD segment count in PIC16F91x 28-SPDIP family (vs PIC16F914-I/SP)
- 14KB flash vs 8KB in PIC16F913 (vs PIC16F913-I/SP)
- Integrated LCD driver vs no-LCD PIC16F882 (vs PIC16F882-I/SP)
- 24 I/O vs 36 I/O in PIC16F917 trade-off (vs PIC16F917-I/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC16F916-E/SP supports multiple sleep modes (Sleep, Idle, and various oscillator modes). For battery-powered designs, use Sleep mode with the WDT enabled (typical current <1 uA) and wake via WDT overflow, external interrupt (INT pin), or peripheral interrupt. The nanoWatt Technology feature includes an internal 31 kHz oscillator (LF-INTOSC) that lets the Timer1 watchdog run during sleep without an external crystal. Disable unused peripherals via the CMCON, CVRCON, and ADCON0 registers to minimize quiescent draw.
Place decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic + 10 uF tantalum/electrolytic) within 5 mm of VDD pin 12 and VSS pin 11. Connect AVDD/VREF+ only if using external ADC reference; otherwise tie AVSS = VSS. For the LCD module, place the VLCD charge-pump capacitors (typically 0.1 uF to 1 uF) directly at the VLCD1/VLCD2/VLCD3 pins to minimize noise on segment lines. Keep segment traces short and routed away from switching power traces to avoid display ghosting. Connect the MCLR pin to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up; do not leave MCLR floating.
Do not connect segment lines to LCD pins that you also need as digital I/O without first disabling the LCD module via the LCDCON register. The ICSP pins RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD must be accessible for in-circuit programming - do not buffer them or share them with heavy loads. The 'E' temperature suffix is required for designs above +85 C; the I-suffix variants will fail outside the Industrial range. When migrating code from PIC16F84A, note that PIC16F916 uses the mid-range instruction set and requires the XC8 compiler's enhanced header file.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces symmetrically and as short as possible. Place the load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF for a 20 MHz crystal) directly at the OSC pins with a ground plane underneath. For internal oscillator operation, OSC1 can be left floating and OSC2 used as a general-purpose I/O (RA6). The ICSP connector (typically 6-pin 0.1" header) should be accessible without removing the board from an enclosure - common layout mistake is putting it under the LCD.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page ordering code E/SP. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1939 family for automotive safety-critical applications. Halogen-free status not stated in available data.
