PIC16LC924-04/L - 8-Bit CMOS MCU w/ LCD Driver, 7KB OTP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC924-04/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22.99 | $22.99 |
| 10 | $19.5 | $195.00 |
| 100 | $16.2 | $1,620.00 |
| 500 | $13.45 | $6,725.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.1 | $11,100.00 |
PIC16LC924-04/L Overview
Background: An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, peripherals, and I/O onto one silicon die. The PIC16C/PIC16LC family from Microchip uses a Harvard RISC architecture with a 14-bit instruction word, which keeps instruction fetch and data access on parallel buses for fast deterministic execution. The 'LC' suffix denotes a low-voltage CMOS variant that operates down to 2.5V, which is critical for battery-powered designs that need to survive deep-discharge conditions. Built-in LCD drivers eliminate the need for an external charge-pump or segment-driver ASIC, reducing both BOM cost and PCB area in meter, appliance, and consumer-display products.
Key features include 7KB OTP program memory organized as 4K x 14, 176 bytes of data RAM, 52 bidirectional I/O pins, integrated LCD driver with up to 32 segment outputs, a 5-channel 8-bit ADC, USART, capture/compare/PWM, and a watchdog timer. The OTP memory lets designers iterate firmware during development and lock production units economically for low- to mid-volume manufacturing.
The architecture combines a RISC CPU core with on-chip peripherals tuned for human-interface and instrumentation applications. The internal oscillator option further reduces external component count.
Typical applications include battery-powered thermostats and utility meters, appliance front-panel controls, point-of-sale terminals, and instrumentation readouts. The on-chip LCD controller eliminates the need for an external driver.
When designing with this device, observe the 4 MHz maximum clock at 5V. Designers planning field firmware updates should consider migrating to a Flash-based PIC16F equivalent (such as PIC16F946 in 64-pin TQFP or similar 68-pin variants) to retain the LCD subsystem with in-circuit reprogrammability.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that are not collected in any single manufacturer document.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC924-04/L — 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 PIC16LC924-04/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in LCD Driver, Package, Program Memory Type, ADC, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC924-04I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC924T-04I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C924-04/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C924-04I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC924T-04/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC924-04/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC924-04/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC16C / PIC16LC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 176 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 52 |
| LCD Driver | Integrated (up to 32 segments) |
| ADC | 5-channel x 8-bit |
| Peripherals | USART, CCP, Watchdog Timer, POR |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Package | 68-pin PLCC (24.23 x 24.23 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (J-Lead) |
PIC16LC924-04/L 68-pin plcc (24.23 x 24.23 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16LC924-04/L (68-pin plcc (24.23 x 24.23 mm) 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 PIC16LC924-04/L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16LC924-04/L is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Thermostat, Utility Meter Front Panel, Appliance Front-Panel Control, Point-of-Sale Terminal Readout, Portable Instrumentation Readout, Industrial Process Indicator, Consumer Electronics Display Controller.
Battery-Powered Thermostat
The PIC16LC924-04/L fits battery-powered thermostats because its 'LC' low-voltage CMOS process operates from 2.5 V to 5.5 V, surviving two- and three-cell alkaline packs through deep discharge. The integrated 32-segment LCD driver directly drives the temperature and setpoint display, eliminating an external charge-pump ASIC and reducing BOM cost. With 7 KB OTP and 176 bytes of RAM, the MCU handles scheduling, hysteresis control, and keypad scanning on 52 I/O pins. The 4 MHz clock is more than sufficient for typical HVAC control loops measured in seconds, and the commercial 0 C to 70 C window covers indoor residential environments. Static CMOS design combined with Sleep mode keeps quiescent current low for multi-year battery life.
Recommended
Utility Meter Front Panel
The PIC16LC924-04/L is well suited for electric, gas, and water meter front panels because the integrated LCD driver can directly multiplex up to 32 segments for consumption, tariff, and status indicators. The 52 I/O pins accommodate pulse-input metering, tamper detection switches, and an optical port for AMR (Automatic Meter Reading). OTP memory locks the calibration and tariff firmware to prevent field tampering, which is essential for billing accuracy. The 68-pin PLCC package provides enough I/O for both the display multiplexer and the metrology interface, while the 176 bytes of RAM buffer pulse counts between LCD refresh cycles.
Recommended
Appliance Front-Panel Control
For washing machines, microwave ovens, and dishwasher control boards, the PIC16LC924-04/L provides all the integration needed: 52 I/O for keypads and LEDs, 32-segment LCD for cycle status, and a 5-channel 8-bit ADC reading temperature and water-level sensors. The 7 KB OTP fits menu navigation, cycle profiles, and fault diagnostics without external memory. The 4 MHz clock executes control loops and timer logic with adequate margin, while the integrated USART enables service-port diagnostics. The commercial 0 C to 70 C window covers indoor appliance environments, and the PLCC package supports through-hole manufacturing processes common in white-goods production.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal Readout
In POS terminals and small cash registers, the PIC16LC924-04/L drives the operator display, scans the keypad, and manages receipt-printer handshake. The integrated LCD driver reduces display-driver components on the BOM while 52 I/O pins accommodate a 4x4 keypad matrix, status LEDs, and a serial printer interface. The 7 KB OTP fits transaction-format, tax-table, and authentication logic. Commercial temperature grade suits indoor retail environments, and the 68-pin PLCC offers robust mechanical connections for high-vibration POS counter installations. The Harvard RISC core executes deterministic keypad-debounce and printer-handshake sequences at 4 MHz with zero jitter.
Recommended
Portable Instrumentation Readout
For handheld multimeters and portable test instruments, the PIC16LC924-04/L is a strong match: 2.5 V to 5.5 V operation allows direct battery connection without boost converters, and the integrated LCD driver displays measurement readouts with low-power segment driving. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC samples sensor inputs directly, while 52 I/O handle range switching, mode buttons, and rotary encoder inputs. The 176 bytes of RAM buffer measurement averaging between display updates. OTP memory locks calibration constants to prevent user tampering, important for NIST-traceable instrumentation.
Recommended
Industrial Process Indicator
For industrial process indicators on the factory floor, the PIC16LC924-04/L delivers integrated LCD display, 52 I/O for limit alarms and 4-20 mA loop interfaces, and OTP firmware protection against unauthorized modification. The 4 MHz clock executes PID-loop display calculations at rates well above the human-eye refresh threshold. 7 KB of OTP stores multi-channel scaling, alarm setpoints, and Modbus-style register maps. The commercial temperature grade covers most indoor control-panel environments, while the 68-pin PLCC provides rugged mechanical retention in panel-mount chassis.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Display Controller
In consumer audio equipment, clock radios, and kitchen scales, the PIC16LC924-04/L provides an all-in-one display + control solution. The integrated 32-segment LCD driver supports clock digits, channel labels, and weight readouts without external drivers, while 52 I/O accommodate IR receivers, rotary encoders, and tactile buttons. OTP memory locks user-interface firmware in cost-sensitive consumer products. The 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range allows direct 3-cell alkaline or single Li-ion operation, and the static CMOS Sleep mode drops quiescent current below microamp levels for battery-powered shelf life.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC924-04/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC924-04I/L | PIC16LC924T-04I/L | PIC16C924-04/L | PIC16C924-04I/L | PIC16LC924T-04/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 68-pin PLCC (24.23x24.23) | 68-pin PLCC (24.23x24.23) - same | 68-pin PLCC (24.23x24.23) - same | 68-pin PLCC (24.23x24.23) - same | 68-pin PLCC (24.23x24.23) - same | 68-pin PLCC (24.23x24.23) - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (LC) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (LC) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (LC) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (C) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (C) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (LC) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| LCD Driver Segments | Up to 32 | Up to 32 | Up to 32 | Up to 32 | Up to 32 | Up to 32 |
| I/O Pins | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 |
| Packaging Format | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Wider supply voltage range than C-variant siblings (vs PIC16C924-04/L)
- Commercial temperature grade cost optimization (vs PIC16LC924-04I/L)
- Integrated LCD driver eliminates external charge-pump ASICs (vs Generic 8-bit MCU without LCD)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC924-04/L operates from 2.5 V to 5.5 V, but the maximum 4 MHz clock requires VDD >= 4.5 V per the PIC16C924 datasheet. At 3.0 V operation the part must run at 2 MHz or below. Designers using two-cell alkaline batteries (3.0 V nominal) must include brown-out-reset configuration and account for voltage drop during Sleep mode wake-up to avoid oscillator instability.
OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten. Any firmware bug discovered after programming locks the silicon permanently, requiring a new part. For prototypes and field-updateable products, switch to Flash-based PIC16F946 or PIC18F8490 family MCUs, which have similar LCD drivers but require PCB rework from 68-pin PLCC to 64-pin TQFP.
The PIC16LC924-04/L is rated for commercial 0 C to +70 C operation. For outdoor or industrial installations use the 'I' suffix variant (PIC16LC924-04I/L or PIC16LC924T-04I/L) qualified for -40 C to +85 C. Operating below 0 C without proper industrial-grade qualification risks oscillator start-up failure and ADC offset drift per the Microchip datasheet temperature specifications.
The 68-pin PLCC package has J-leads on all four sides. Place decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic + 10 uF tantalum) within 5 mm of the VDD pins with a low-inductance ground return. For the LCD driver outputs, route segment and common traces with minimal crosstalk - keep adjacent segments separated by at least one ground trace and use a ground plane beneath the LCD glass to suppress coupling.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly stated in the Verified Web Data. As a legacy Microchip PIC16C family part released in the 1990s, the original 68-pin PLCC variant may not be fully RoHS compliant; lead-free re-stocked variants should be verified against the latest distributor data. AEC-Q100 not applicable for commercial-grade part.
