PIC16F916-I/SO - 8-Bit MCU, 14KB Flash, 20MHz, LCD Driver | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F916-I/SO β 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 | $2.69 | $2,690.00 |
PIC16F916-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, general-purpose registers, on-chip flash/RAM/EEPROM, and a core set of digital peripherals. The PIC16 family sits between the baseline PIC10/12/16 (no letter suffix) and the enhanced PIC18 families. Within that hierarchy the PIC16F916 belongs to the PIC16F91x sub-family defined by an LCD driver and nanoWatt Technology. PIC16F91x devices use a RISC Harvard architecture with 35 single-word instructions and 200 ns instruction execution at 20 MHz, and they sit alongside PIC16F88x and PIC16F87x in Microchip's broader mid-range MCU portfolio.
Key features include 25 digital I/O pins, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer, a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 input channels, an Enhanced USART, an MSSP module supporting SPI and I2C (master/slave), a parallel slave port, a 9-bit addressable comparator with 2 input mux, and a 256-byte block-erasable flash with self-programming support. The integrated LCD controller supports static, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 multiplex modes and includes software-contrast control via an internal charge pump or external resistor ladder.
Typical applications include battery-powered meters, thermostats, white-goods control panels, medical handheld instruments, and any embedded product that needs an on-glass segmented LCD without an external driver. The wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V operating range and nanoWatt sleep modes enable years of operation from a single lithium coin cell in typical metering duty cycles. Choose this part over a PIC16F88x when you need the integrated segmented LCD controller, and over a PIC16F87x when you need a smaller 28-pin footprint with lower cost and newer nanoWatt peripherals.
When designing with PIC16F916-I/SO, observe the absolute maximum VDD of 7.5 V and the recommended 2.0-5.5 V operating range. Use a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD and a bulk capacitor (>=1 uF) on the AVDD/AVSS analog supply rails to keep the ADC and internal bandgap clean. Always configure the unused I/O pins as outputs low and disable the weak pull-ups on unused pins to avoid leakage in deep sleep.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in 28-SOIC alternatives from Microchip, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, including a side-by-side comparison versus PIC16F913-I/SO, PIC16F914-I/PT, and PIC16F88-E/SO.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F916-I/SO 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-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F916T-I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F916-E/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F913-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F914-E/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F916-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 RISC, 8-bit |
| Program Memory | 14 KB flash (8K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 352 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns @ 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| LCD Driver | Up to 60 segments, charge pump |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide-body |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Comparator | 9-bit, 2 input mux |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F916-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RE3/MCLR/VPP β Master Clear reset or input-only RE3, programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/SEG12 β PORTA bit 0, analog input 0, comparator input, LCD segment |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/SEG7 β PORTA bit 1, analog input 1, comparator input, LCD segment |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/C1OUT/SEG6 β PORTA bit 2, analog input 2, voltage reference, comparator out, LCD segment |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/C2IN+/SEG5 β PORTA bit 3, analog input 3, voltage reference, comparator input, LCD segment |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT/SEG4 β PORTA bit 4, Timer0 clock, comparator out, LCD segment |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/C2IN-/SS/HSEG4 β PORTA bit 5, analog input 4, comparator input, SPI slave select, LCD half segment |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN/SEG21 β PORTA bit 7, oscillator input, LCD segment |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT/SEG22 β PORTA bit 6, oscillator output, clock out, LCD segment |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI/SEG32 β PORTC bit 0, Timer1 oscillator, LCD segment |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2/SEG33 β PORTC bit 1, Timer1 oscillator, CCP2, LCD segment |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1/SEG34 β PORTC bit 2, CCP1, LCD segment |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL/SEG35 β PORTC bit 3, SPI clock, I2C clock, LCD segment |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA/SEG36 β PORTC bit 4, SPI data in, I2C data, LCD segment |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO/SEG37 β PORTC bit 5, SPI data out, LCD segment |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK/SEG38 β PORTC bit 6, USART TX/clock, LCD segment |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT/SEG39 β PORTC bit 7, USART RX/data, LCD segment |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive power supply |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT/SEG0 β PORTB bit 0, external interrupt, LCD segment |
| Pin 22 | RB1/SEG1 β PORTB bit 1, LCD segment |
| Pin 23 | RB2/SEG2 β PORTB bit 2, LCD segment |
| Pin 24 | RB3/SEG3 β PORTB bit 3, LCD segment |
| Pin 25 | RB4/SEG8 β PORTB bit 4, LCD segment |
| Pin 26 | RB5/SEG9 β PORTB bit 5, LCD segment |
| Pin 27 | RB6/ICSPCLK/SEG10 β PORTB bit 6, ICSP clock, LCD segment |
| Pin 28 | RB7/ICSPDAT/SEG11 β PORTB bit 7, ICSP data, LCD segment |
Typical Applications
PIC16F916-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Utility Meter with LCD, Thermostat Control Panel, White Goods Control (Washing Machine, Oven), Medical Handheld (Glucose Meter, Pulse Oximeter), Industrial Sensor Transmitter with LCD, Consumer Remote Control with Status LCD.
Battery-Powered Utility Meter with LCD
The PIC16F916's integrated 60-segment LCD controller with internal charge pump and 2.0 V to 5.5 V operating range make it ideal for battery-powered electricity, gas, and water meters that must display kWh, m3, or L readings on a glass-segmented LCD for ten-plus years on a single lithium cell. nanoWatt Technology sleep currents below 100 nA typical extend battery life to 10+ years in metering duty cycles, while the 14 KB flash holds Modbus or wireless-M-Bus protocol stacks. The 28-SOIC footprint gives enough I/O for pulse inputs, tamper switches, and an isolated metrology interface. Placed as the main MCU between the metrology AFE and the LCD glass, the PIC16F916 eliminates the need for an external LCD driver such as the HT1621.
Recommended
Thermostat Control Panel
The PIC16F916's segmented LCD driver, multiple timers, and EUSART fit a wall-mount thermostat that must display setpoint, ambient temperature, humidity, and operating mode on a glass-segmented LCD and that talks to a furnace control board over UART. The 14 KB flash holds HVAC state-machine firmware, the 352 bytes RAM comfortably run the LCD refresh and keyscan loops, and the 28-SOIC package has 25 I/O pins for keypad, rotary encoder, and triac zero-cross sync. The nanoWatt Technology idle modes are critical because thermostats idle 99.9% of the day between user interactions. Placed between the user-interface panel and the HVAC relay/triac stage, the PIC16F916 replaces a discrete LCD driver plus an 8-bit MCU with a single chip, saving both BOM cost and PCB area.
Recommended
White Goods Control (Washing Machine, Oven)
The PIC16F916's 20 MHz CPU, 10-bit ADC, and PWM-capable timers drive a washing-machine or oven front-panel that runs a segmented LCD for cycle status, supports up to 8 analog sensor inputs (water level, temperature, motor current, door switch), and switches triacs and relays via opto-isolated outputs. The 256-byte EEPROM stores user settings and fault logs across power cycles, while the 14 KB flash holds the cycle-state-machine firmware. Industrial temperature grade -40 C to +85 C handles the oven-door ambient without derating. Placed on the main control board, the PIC16F916 replaces a discrete LCD driver plus an 8-bit MCU and a 4-channel 8-bit ADC with one device.
Recommended
Medical Handheld (Glucose Meter, Pulse Oximeter)
The PIC16F916's low-power nanoWatt modes, integrated LCD controller, and 10-bit ADC suit a battery-powered glucose meter or pulse oximeter that displays a reading on a small segmented LCD and runs from two AAA cells. The 28-SOIC package is small enough to fit a handheld enclosure while still leaving 25 I/O pins for the strip-connector, button, buzzer, and serial test port. The 14 KB flash fits the calibration curve lookup and result logging, while 256 bytes EEPROM stores up to 200 last readings with timestamps. Placed between the strip/AFE interface and the LCD glass, the PIC16F916 eliminates an external LCD driver and keeps the BOM small enough for consumer pricing.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter with LCD
The PIC16F916's industrial temperature range, integrated LCD, and 4-20 mA loop or RS-485 interface fit a panel-mount pressure, level, or flow transmitter that displays the live reading on a glass-segmented LCD. The 10-bit ADC reads the sensor bridge directly, the 16-bit timer captures pulse-train flowmeters, and the EUSART drives a 4-20 mA loop or Modbus RTU over RS-485. The nanoWatt Technology idle mode lets the loop-powered variant enter microamp sleep between Modbus polls. Placed between the sensor input and the 4-20 mA / RS-485 output stage, the PIC16F916 replaces a discrete LCD driver, an 8-bit MCU, and a 12-bit ADC with one chip.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control with Status LCD
The PIC16F916's LCD controller, nanoWatt Technology, and small 28-SOIC footprint suit a high-end universal remote or AV-controller front panel that shows channel, volume, and input source on a segmented LCD and that runs from two AA cells for a year of daily use. The 25 I/O pins drive the keypad matrix, IR LED, and rotary encoder, and the 14 KB flash holds the device-code database for the major TV brands. Sleep current below 1 uA is critical because the remote is idle 99.9% of the time. Placed as the main UI MCU, the PIC16F916 replaces a discrete LCD driver plus an 8-bit MCU.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F916-I/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F916T-I/SO | PIC16F916-E/SO | PIC16F913-I/SO | PIC16F914-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 14 KB flash | 14 KB flash | 14 KB flash | 7 KB flash (-50%) | 7 KB flash (-50%) |
| RAM | 352 bytes | 352 bytes | 352 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| LCD Segments | Up to 60 | Up to 60 | Up to 60 | Up to 60 | Up to 96 |
| 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 +125 C |
| 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 60-segment LCD driver with internal charge pump (vs PIC16F88-E/SO)
- 14 KB flash versus 7 KB for PIC16F913 (vs PIC16F913-I/SO)
- 25 I/O pins versus fewer on smaller PIC16 variants (vs PIC16F88-E/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16F916-I/SO integrates Microchip's nanoWatt Technology with a typical sleep current below 100 nA when the WDT, BOR, and ADC are disabled. For battery-powered metering applications that idle 99.9% of the time, put the MCU into Sleep mode between sensor reads and wake it via the WDT or a PORTB interrupt-on-change. The internal 31 kHz LFINTOSC can run Timer1 during sleep, allowing accurate RTC ticks without external 32 kHz crystals. Estimated: at 2.0 V VDD and 100 nA sleep current, a 600 mAh CR2032 cell supports approximately 6.8 years of sleep-only operation.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk 1 uF or larger tantalum/ceramic capacitor on the same VDD net to handle the LCD charge-pump inrush current. The internal charge pump draws short current pulses when driving high-segment-count LCDs at 1/4 duty, so VDD trace inductance must be minimized. According to the Microchip PIC16F91X datasheet, an external bulk cap of 1 uF or more is mandatory on the LCD bias pins when using the internal charge pump, otherwise segment contrast varies with VDD load.
Do not enable the weak pull-ups on unused PORTB pins if you need low sleep current; each floating pull-up pin leaks 1-5 uA. Configure unused I/O as output low. The MCLR pin (RE3 on PIC16F91x) is input-only on this family - never drive it as an output. According to the Microchip PIC16F91X datasheet, the BOR and PWRT must be enabled for any battery-powered design that could see slow VDD rise times, otherwise the device may execute code from an uninitialized flash address and latch up.
Route the LCD segment lines (PORTB, PORTC, PORTA alternate) as short parallel traces to the LCD glass connector with a ground guard on each side to limit cross-segment coupling. Keep the analog inputs (AN0-AN4 on PORTA) physically separated from the digital I/O and the LCD segment lines by a ground plane pour; the ADC sample-and-hold is sensitive to digital switching noise during conversion. According to the Microchip PIC16F91X datasheet, AVDD and AVSS pins (when available on this package) must be tied to VDD and VSS with their own local decoupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the PIC16F91x family is targeted at industrial and consumer, not automotive. Lead-free matte-tin finish on SOIC pins. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.
