PIC16F916-E/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz 14KB Flash MCU with LCD | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F916-E/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.61 | $26.10 |
| 100 | $2.31 | $231.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.82 | $1,820.00 |
PIC16F916-E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripherals, and I/O into one device. The PIC16F916 belongs to the PIC mid-range 8-bit family β within the broader hierarchy: PIC16F91X -> PIC16F family -> PIC16 -> PIC microcontrollers -> 8-bit microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. The mid-range core executes instructions in a single cycle (200 ns at 20 MHz) from a 35-instruction RISC set, balancing code density, deterministic interrupt response, and ease of programming.
Key features include a 25 mA source/sink I/O current capability for direct LED drive, an internal 32 kHz to 8 MHz oscillator eliminating external crystals, two 8-bit timers (TMR0, TMR2), one 16-bit timer (TMR1), an extended watchdog timer (EWDT), Brown-Out Reset (BOR) with software control, In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP), and a programmable Low-Voltage Detect (LVD). The "/E" temperature suffix indicates an extended industrial temperature range of -40C to +125C, making this MCU suitable for harsh-environment designs.
The PIC16F916 architecture combines a RISC Harvard-bus CPU with separate program and data buses for predictable instruction timing, and the integrated LCD driver supports static, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 multiplexed LCDs with selectable bias, reducing BOM cost and PCB area in user-interface designs. nanoWatt Technology provides multiple power-managed modes (Run, Idle, Sleep) for battery-powered applications.
Typical applications include battery-powered consumer appliances with LCD displays, industrial control panels, metering equipment, white-goods user interfaces, security system keypads, and any cost-sensitive embedded design requiring segment-LCD visualization without an external driver.
When designing with the PIC16F916-E/SS, route the LCD segment pins to a common bus with proper bias capacitor placement, and use ICSP for field updates. Choose the -E (extended) temperature grade for automotive or industrial enclosures above +85C.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes for the PIC16F916-E/SS not found in a single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F916-E/SS 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Architecture, Package, Timers, I/O Pins, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F916-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F916-E/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.3 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F916T-E/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F913-I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F913T-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876A-E/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.62 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F882-E/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.49 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F916-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| RAM | 352 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 24 |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA per pin |
| ADC | 5-channel, 10-bit |
| LCD Driver | Up to 60 segments |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit) |
| Watchdog Timer | Extended WDT (EWDT) |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 kHz to 8 MHz |
| Brown-Out Reset | Yes, with software control |
| Low-Voltage Detect | Programmable LVD |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended, "-E" suffix) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F916-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI β PORTA bit 7 / oscillator input / clock input |
| Pin 2 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO β PORTA bit 6 / oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 3 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/ICDAT β PORTA bit 0 / ADC input 0 / comparator input / ICD data |
| Pin 4 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/LCDSEG0 β PORTA bit 1 / ADC input 1 / comparator input / LCD segment 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/CVREF/C2IN+ β PORTA bit 2 / ADC input 2 / negative Vref / comparator reference / comparator input |
| Pin 6 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/C1OUT β PORTA bit 3 / ADC input 3 / positive Vref / comparator output |
| Pin 7 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input / comparator output |
| Pin 8 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN/C2OUT β PORTA bit 5 / ADC input 4 / SPI slave select / HLVD input / comparator output |
| Pin 9 | RE0/AN5/LCDSEG1 β PORTE bit 0 / ADC input 5 / LCD segment 1 |
| Pin 10 | RE1/AN6/LCDSEG2 β PORTE bit 1 / ADC input 6 / LCD segment 2 |
| Pin 11 | RE2/AN7/LCDSEG3 β PORTE bit 2 / ADC input 7 / LCD segment 3 |
| Pin 12 | VDD β Positive power supply (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 13 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 14 | RB7/PGD β PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 15 | RB6/PGC β PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 16 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 18 | RB3/PGM β PORTB bit 3 / LVP programming |
| Pin 19 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 22 | VDD β Positive power supply |
| Pin 23 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 24 | RC7/RX/DT β PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / synchronous data |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK β PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / synchronous clock |
| Pin 26 | RC5/SDO β PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 27 | RC4/SDI/SDA β PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 28 | RC3/SCL/SCK β PORTC bit 3 / I2C clock / SPI clock |
Typical Applications
PIC16F916-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Appliance Control with LCD, Industrial Metering and Instrumentation Display, Security Keypad and Alarm Panel, Automotive Aftermarket Displays, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices, HVAC Control Panels and Thermostats.
Battery-Powered Appliance Control with LCD
The PIC16F916-E/SS's integrated 60-segment LCD driver and 2.0V-5.5V wide operating range make it a strong fit for battery-powered white-goods and small appliance control boards. The 14KB Flash holds application logic plus segment-LCD bitmaps, and the 352-byte RAM is sufficient for state variables and a small UI stack. With nanoWatt Technology offering Sleep currents under 1uA, two AA cells can run the system for years. Place a 1uF bypass on VDD and route LCD segment lines with matched trace lengths to preserve display contrast.
Recommended
Industrial Metering and Instrumentation Display
The PIC16F916-E/SS is well suited for industrial metering (electricity, water, gas) where a segment-LCD shows consumption and status. Its 10-bit ADC with 5 input channels is adequate for sensor signal conditioning (current transformer, thermistor, pulse counter), and the extended -40C to +125C temperature range covers outdoor cabinet installations. The 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants and tamper counters, while ICSP allows field firmware upgrades during meter deployment without opening the enclosure.
Recommended
Security Keypad and Alarm Panel
Security keypads, alarm panels, and door-entry terminals benefit from the PIC16F916-E/SS's integrated LCD driver (displaying status messages), low-power Sleep modes (preserving battery backup), and ICSP for OEM firmware customization. The 24 general-purpose I/O can scan a 4x4 matrix keypad and drive LEDs, buzzer, and relay outputs simultaneously, while the 25 mA I/O source/sink eliminates driver transistors for LED indicators. Brown-Out Reset protects against supply sag during AC mains brownouts.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Displays
In automotive aftermarket accessories (diagnostic tools, GPS heads-up displays, gauge clusters) the PIC16F916-E/SS's extended -40C to +125C temperature range and integrated LCD driver minimize BOM. The internal 32kHz-to-8MHz oscillator eliminates external crystals, reducing PCB area, while the ADC reads analog sensors (temperature, voltage). For OEM automotive designs requiring AEC-Q100, consider the Q-graded PIC16F variant; the -E temperature grade handles aftermarket and under-hood environments with proper thermal management.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
Portable medical monitoring devices (pulse oximeters, glucose meters, digital thermometers) leverage the PIC16F916-E/SS's low-power nanoWatt modes, integrated ADC, and segment-LCD display. Sleep currents under 1uA extend battery life to weeks or months on a single coin cell, and the 14KB Flash holds application firmware plus small lookup tables. For FDA-compliant designs add external watchdog and redundant reset circuitry; the integrated EWDT provides the first layer of fault recovery.
Recommended
HVAC Control Panels and Thermostats
HVAC wall thermostats and zone controllers use the PIC16F916-E/SS to drive segment-LCD temperature/setpoint displays while reading thermistors and button inputs. The wide 2.0-5.5V supply range accepts 24VAC-derived DC rails after rectification, and the 25 mA I/O drives backlight LEDs and relay coils directly via Darlington arrays. The extended temperature range survives attic and outdoor cabinet environments, while ICSP allows HVAC OEMs to ship firmware updates across product families with one programmer.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F916-E/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F916-I/SS | PIC16F916T-E/SS | PIC16F913-I/SS | PIC16F913T-I/SS | PIC16F876A-E/SS | PIC16F882-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 352 B | 352 B | 352 B | 352 B | 352 B | 368 B | 128 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 128 B |
| LCD Segments | 60 | 60 | 60 | 48 | 48 | 0 (no LCD) | 0 (no LCD) |
| ADC Channels | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (-E) | -40C to +85C (-I) | -40C to +125C (-E) | -40C to +85C (-I) | -40C to +85C (-I) | -40C to +125C (-E) | -40C to +125C (-E) |
| I/O Pins | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 24 |
Key Differentiators
- Only 28-SSOP MCU in family with 14KB Flash AND 60-segment LCD (vs PIC16F913-I/SS)
- Industrial-temperature 60-segment LCD MCU in 28-SSOP (vs PIC16F916-I/SS)
- Integrated LCD eliminates external driver BOM cost (vs PIC16F876A-E/SS)
- 14KB Flash vs 3.5KB for cost-optimized LCD designs (vs PIC16F882-E/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pin 12 and pin 22) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the main 5V or 3.3V rail within 25 mm of the MCU. For battery-powered designs using nanoWatt Sleep mode, ensure no high-impedance pull-ups on analog inputs that could inject leakage into the ADC sample-and-hold, and switch the ADC off before Sleep to reduce current to under 1 uA.
Route the LCD segment lines as a matched-length bus with 0.2 mm trace width and 0.2 mm spacing, away from switching signals and digital I/O. Place the LCD bias capacitors (typically 100 nF) close to the VLCD pin (if exposed). If using the internal 31 kHz LF oscillator for low-power Sleep wakeups, do not share the OSC1/OSC2 pins with PORT functions without firmware discipline β switching between HF and LF modes can glitch peripheral timing.
Do not exceed 5.5V on any pin; the PIC16F916 is not 5V-tolerant on analog/digital I/O when VDD is below 5V, and absolute maximum ratings include -0.3V to VDD+0.3V on analog inputs. Always include an ESD protection diode array on external connectors and ensure ICSP lines (PGD/PGC) are accessible after final assembly for in-field firmware updates. Configure unused I/O as outputs low to minimize Sleep current.
When using the internal 8 MHz HF oscillator as the primary clock, configure OSCCON for HFINTOSC with proper PLL disabled to avoid 4x clock jitter. For USART or I2C communication above 100 kbps, switch to the 20 MHz external crystal mode (HS oscillator configuration) for accurate baud-rate generation. The MSSP peripheral in SPI mode supports up to 5 MHz clock at 5V VDD.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. The /E suffix denotes extended industrial temperature grade (-40C to +125C), but the part is not AEC-Q100 qualified β for automotive OEM designs, contact Microchip for the Q-graded (AEC-Q100) variants. Lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals compliant.
