PIC16LC925-I/L - 8-bit PIC MCU 7KB OTP LCD Driver | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC925-I/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.95 | $7.95 |
| 10 | $7.16 | $71.60 |
| 100 | $6.37 | $637.00 |
| 500 | $5.74 | $2,870.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.21 | $5,210.00 |
PIC16LC925-I/L Overview
Background: A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data memory, and peripheral interfaces. The PIC16LC925 belongs to the mid-range PIC family built on a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader taxonomy of microcontrollers -> embedded microcontrollers -> CMOS microcontrollers -> 8-bit MCUs. The "LC" suffix designates a low-power CMOS variant optimized for battery-friendly operation, and this specific part integrates a segment LCD driver for direct glass connection.
Key features include 52 digital I/O pins, a 20 MHz maximum clock speed, and an integrated LCD driver supporting up to 96 segments. The device operates from a 2.5V to 5.5V supply (typical 5V), includes three timers, a USART, and an analog comparator. Its instruction set is optimized for compact code density with 35 single-word instructions, most executing in a single instruction cycle.
The PIC16LC925 uses a modified Harvard architecture with a 14-bit instruction word and separate 8-bit data path. The integrated LCD module features selectable bias and duty cycle configurations, charge pump option, and software-controlled contrast. In-system programming is supported via the ICSP interface, simplifying field updates.
Typical applications include industrial control panels with LCD readouts, medical instrument displays, automotive dashboard sub-systems, instrumentation with character or graphic LCDs, point-of-sale terminals, and consumer appliances requiring a low-power MCU with display capability.
When designing with this part, note that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit; ensure firmware is fully validated before blowing the OTP array. Use the ICSP header for prototype development and migrate to a Flash-based PIC16F equivalent for production flexibility.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC925-I/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 PIC16LC925-I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC925T-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC924-04/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F946-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F946T-I/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC925-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC925-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 176 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 52 |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (5 V typical) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 68-PLCC (J-Lead), 24.23 x 24.23 mm |
| Integrated LCD Driver | Yes, up to 96 segments |
| Connectivity | USART |
| Peripherals | LCD Driver, 3 Timers, Analog Comparator, Watchdog Timer |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16LC925-I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG0 — LCD Segment 0 output |
| Pin 2 | SEG1 — LCD Segment 1 output |
| Pin 3 | SEG2 — LCD Segment 2 output |
| Pin 4 | SEG3 — LCD Segment 3 output |
| Pin 5 | SEG4 — LCD Segment 4 output |
| Pin 6 | SEG5 — LCD Segment 5 output |
| Pin 7 | SEG6 — LCD Segment 6 output |
| Pin 8 | SEG7 — LCD Segment 7 output |
| Pin 9 | SEG8 — LCD Segment 8 output |
| Pin 10 | SEG9 — LCD Segment 9 output |
| Pin 11 | SEG10 — LCD Segment 10 output |
| Pin 12 | SEG11 — LCD Segment 11 output |
| Pin 13 | SEG12 — LCD Segment 12 output |
| Pin 14 | SEG13 — LCD Segment 13 output |
| Pin 15 | SEG14 — LCD Segment 14 output |
| Pin 16 | SEG15 — LCD Segment 15 output |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 20 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 21 | VLCD1 — LCD bias voltage 1 |
| Pin 22 | VLCD2 — LCD bias voltage 2 |
| Pin 23 | VLCD3 — LCD bias voltage 3 |
| Pin 24 | COM0 — LCD Common 0 backplane |
| Pin 25 | COM1 — LCD Common 1 backplane |
| Pin 26 | COM2 — LCD Common 2 backplane |
| Pin 27 | COM3 — LCD Common 3 backplane |
| Pin 28 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 29 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 30 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 31 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / Voltage reference plus |
| Pin 32 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 33 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 34 | RA6/OSC2 — PORTA bit 6 / secondary oscillator output |
| Pin 35 | RA7/OSC1 — PORTA bit 7 / secondary oscillator input |
| Pin 36 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 37 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 38 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 39 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 40 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 41 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 42 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 43 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 44 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 45 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 46 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 47 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 48 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 49 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 50 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 51 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 52 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 53 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 54 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 55 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 56 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 57 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 58 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 59 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 60 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 |
| Pin 61 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 |
| Pin 62 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 |
| Pin 63 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 64 | SEG16 — LCD Segment 16 output |
| Pin 65 | SEG17 — LCD Segment 17 output |
| Pin 66 | SEG18 — LCD Segment 18 output |
| Pin 67 | SEG19 — LCD Segment 19 output |
| Pin 68 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC925-I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panel with LCD Readout, Medical Instrument Display, Automotive Dashboard Sub-System, Point-of-Sale Terminal, Consumer Appliance with Character LCD, Battery-Powered Instrumentation.
Industrial Control Panel with LCD Readout
The PIC16LC925-I/L fits industrial control panels because its integrated 96-segment LCD driver eliminates the need for an external display controller, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. With 52 I/O pins the MCU can scan keypads, drive relays, read sensors, and update LCD segments simultaneously, while the -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range covers most factory environments. Power dissipation is low thanks to the LC CMOS core, simplifying thermal design in sealed enclosures.
Recommended
Medical Instrument Display
The PIC16LC925-I/L suits medical instruments such as portable glucometers, blood-pressure monitors, and digital thermometers where a segment LCD readout is required. The 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range supports battery operation, while the integrated LCD driver with charge pump can directly bias the display glass from a single-cell supply. The 176 bytes of RAM are sufficient for sensor filtering and last-reading storage, and OTP memory locks firmware to support regulatory IP protection requirements.
Recommended
Automotive Dashboard Sub-System
The PIC16LC925-I/L works in non-safety automotive sub-systems such as climate-control panels, mirror adjusters, and infotainment secondary displays. Its 52 I/O pins handle button scanning, encoder input, and backlight control, while the LCD driver directly drives the segment glass. The 5 V supply is compatible with automotive 12 V post-regulation rails. For safety-critical or AEC-Q100-qualified applications, Microchip's PIC16F equivalents with automotive grade should be selected instead.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal
The PIC16LC925-I/L supports point-of-sale (POS) terminals by integrating an LCD driver for transaction displays, a USART for receipt printer or networking, and 52 I/O for keypads, card readers, and cash-drawer control. The 20 MHz clock and 7 KB OTP provide ample headroom for menu state machines and encryption subroutines. OTP memory locks the firmware to prevent tampering, supporting PCI-style security requirements at the device level.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance with Character LCD
The PIC16LC925-I/L fits consumer appliances such as washing machines, microwave ovens, and air conditioners where a 16x2 or 20x4 character LCD is required. The integrated LCD driver with selectable bias and duty cycle supports common character LCD configurations without external components. The 52 I/O pins handle button matrices, encoder inputs, and triac/relay outputs for motor and heater control, while the OTP memory locks firmware against unauthorized cloning of appliance features.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The PIC16LC925-I/L suits battery-powered instrumentation such as handheld multimeters, portable data loggers, and field-calibration tools. The "LC" low-power CMOS core reduces active current draw, while the integrated LCD driver with internal charge pump can operate the display directly from a 3 V battery without boost circuitry. The 20 MHz clock can be gated down to 32 kHz for sleep-mode current under 1 uA, extending battery life for field-deployed measurement tools.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC925-I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC925T-I/L | PIC16LC924-04/PT | PIC16F946-I/L | PIC16F946T-I/L | PIC16LC925-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | PDIP-68 (different package, not drop-in) |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 4 KB OTP (-43%) | 14 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash | 7 KB OTP |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash | Flash | OTP |
| RAM | 176 bytes | 176 bytes | 176 bytes | 336 bytes | 336 bytes | 176 bytes |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 52 | 52 | 52 | 53 | 53 | 52 |
| LCD Driver | Yes (96 segments) | Yes (96 segments) | Yes (96 segments) | Yes (96 segments) | Yes (96 segments) | Yes (96 segments) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| In-Circuit Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash) | Yes (Flash) | No (OTP) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 96-segment LCD driver with charge pump (vs PIC16LC924-04/PT)
- Flash memory allows in-circuit reprogramming (vs PIC16F946-I/L)
- Tape-and-reel automated assembly (vs PIC16LC925-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC925-I/L operates from 2.5 V to 5.5 V; for battery applications, the integrated LCD charge pump can generate VLCD voltages from a single 3 V cell, removing the need for an external boost converter. For stable oscillator operation, place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to each VDD/VSS pair, with a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the board supply entry. Keep total VDD rise time under 50 ms to ensure proper Power-On Reset behavior.
Route the LCD segment and common lines as short as possible and away from high-frequency digital traces (USART, oscillator) to minimize coupled noise that produces ghosting on the display. Keep the VLCD bias capacitors within 5 mm of the VLCD1/VLCD2/VLCD3 pins. Use a ground plane under the MCU for noise immunity, and route the ICSP clock (PGC) and data (PGD) lines as a differential pair to maintain programming reliability.
OTP memory on PIC16LC925-I/L cannot be erased - a single misconfigured fuse bit or watchdog timeout during firmware development can render the device unusable. Always prototype with a Flash-based PIC16F946-I/L or PIC16F946T-I/L, and only commit to OTP once firmware is fully validated and locked. Be aware that ICSP programming can still occur after the first write, but only to set configuration bits, not to reprogram flash memory.
Compliance Information
Compliance status for PIC16LC925-I/L not found in the Verified Web Data. Microchip's industrial-grade MCUs are typically RoHS-compliant; verify with manufacturer before procurement.
