PIC16LC926-I/L - 8-bit MCU, 14KB OTP, 52 I/O, LCD Driver | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC926-I/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.89 | $3.89 |
| 10 | $3.5 | $35.00 |
| 100 | $3.1 | $310.00 |
| 500 | $2.85 | $1,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC16LC926-I/L Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, volatile data memory, and configurable peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces, and analog blocks. The PIC16LC926 belongs to the PIC16 family of 8-bit RISC microcontrollers, which sit within the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> embedded controllers -> semiconductors -> integrated circuits. PIC MCUs use a Harvard architecture with a 14-bit instruction word and 35 single-word instructions, simplifying firmware development while keeping deterministic interrupt latency suitable for real-time control.
Key differentiating features include the integrated LCD driver (up to 192 segments at 4 commons), five 8-bit bidirectional ports, two analog comparators, a 5-bit programmable prescaler shared with Timer0/Timer1, 14 interrupt sources, and a wide 2.1 V to 5.5 V operating range that enables single-cell Li-ion or two-AA battery operation. The 8-bit core plus 14 KB OTP make it well-suited to mid-volume applications where field programmability via ICSP is acceptable but mask-ROM NRE is not. Sleep current below 1 uA typical supports long standby times in metering and remote-sensor applications.
Architecturally, the PIC16LC926 uses a 14-bit instruction word and an 8-bit data path; the OTP program memory is split into 8K x 14 words, allowing compact encoding of bit-manipulation and table-read operations. The LCD controller supports static, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 multiplex with software-selectable bias and frame frequency, reducing external BOM. Two analog comparators share reference levels with the on-chip LCD bias generator, allowing simple battery-monitor and signal-conditioning interfaces without external op-amps.
Typical applications include metering and instrumentation (electricity/gas/water meters with LCD readout), consumer white goods with LCD user interfaces, medical devices requiring low standby current, industrial control panels, and remote sensor nodes with battery-powered displays. The combination of 52 I/O, 14 KB code space, integrated LCD, and 2.1 V minimum VDD addresses legacy designs where a single MCU must drive both logic and a segment display.
When designing with this device, ensure the LCD bias and segment/commons pin assignments are planned before PCB layout because most pins have a fixed LCD mapping. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD/AVSS and route the oscillator traces short. The OTP memory cannot be erased; use the flash PIC16LF1902 family for development or in-circuit reprogrammability.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16LC926 alternatives, parametric differences across the PIC16C/LC/LF families, and practical design notes not collected in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC926-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 PIC16LC926-I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, LCD Driver, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C926-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC924-04/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC926-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (at 20 MHz) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 336 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (OTP device) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.1 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 52 |
| LCD Driver | Up to 192 segments, static to 1/4 multiplex |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| Interrupt Sources | 14 |
| Package | 68-PLCC (J-Lead), 24.23 x 24.23 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| MSL Level | 3 |
PIC16LC926-I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG0 — LCD segment output 0 |
| Pin 2 | SEG1 — LCD segment output 1 |
| Pin 3 | SEG2 — LCD segment output 2 |
| Pin 4 | SEG3 — LCD segment output 3 |
| Pin 5 | SEG4 — LCD segment output 4 |
| Pin 6 | SEG5 — LCD segment output 5 |
| Pin 7 | SEG6 — LCD segment output 6 |
| Pin 8 | SEG7 — LCD segment output 7 |
| Pin 9 | SEG8 — LCD segment output 8 |
| Pin 10 | SEG9 — LCD segment output 9 |
| Pin 11 | SEG10 — LCD segment output 10 |
| Pin 12 | SEG11 — LCD segment output 11 |
| Pin 13 | SEG12 — LCD segment output 12 |
| Pin 14 | SEG13 — LCD segment output 13 |
| Pin 15 | SEG14 — LCD segment output 14 |
| Pin 16 | SEG15 — LCD segment output 15 |
| Pin 17 | SEG16 — LCD segment output 16 |
| Pin 18 | SEG17 — LCD segment output 17 |
| Pin 19 | SEG18 — LCD segment output 18 |
| Pin 20 | SEG19 — LCD segment output 19 |
| Pin 21 | SEG20 — LCD segment output 20 |
| Pin 22 | SEG21 — LCD segment output 21 |
| Pin 23 | SEG22 — LCD segment output 22 |
| Pin 24 | SEG23 — LCD segment output 23 |
| Pin 25 | SEG24 — LCD segment output 24 |
| Pin 26 | SEG25 — LCD segment output 25 |
| Pin 27 | SEG26 — LCD segment output 26 |
| Pin 28 | SEG27 — LCD segment output 27 |
| Pin 29 | SEG28 — LCD segment output 28 |
| Pin 30 | SEG29 — LCD segment output 29 |
| Pin 31 | SEG30 — LCD segment output 30 |
| Pin 32 | SEG31 — LCD segment output 31 |
| Pin 33 | COM0 — LCD common output 0 |
| Pin 34 | COM1 — LCD common output 1 |
| Pin 35 | COM2 — LCD common output 2 |
| Pin 36 | COM3 — LCD common output 3 |
| Pin 37 | VDD — Positive digital supply (2.1V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 38 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 39 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 40 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 41 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 42 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 43 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 44 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 45 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 46 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 47 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 48 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 49 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 50 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 51 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 52 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 53 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 54 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 55 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 56 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 57 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 58 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 59 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 60 | RE3 — PORTE bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 61 | RE4 — PORTE bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 62 | RE5 — PORTE bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 63 | RE6 — PORTE bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 64 | RE7 — PORTE bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 65 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 66 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 67 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 68 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC926-I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Electricity / Gas / Water Metering with LCD, Consumer White-Goods Control Panel, Medical Devices Requiring Long Battery Life, Industrial Control Panel with LCD HMI, Remote Battery-Powered Sensor with Display, Automotive Aftermarket Gauge Cluster.
Electricity / Gas / Water Metering with LCD
The PIC16LC926-I/L is engineered for utility metering applications that need to drive a segment LCD without an external charge-pump IC. Its integrated LCD controller supports up to 192 segments at static to 1/4 multiplex, with software-selectable bias and frame frequency, so a 6-digit consumption readout plus status icons attaches directly to the glass. The 2.1 V to 5.5 V VDD window allows single-Li-ion or two-AA cell operation, while sub-1 uA sleep current keeps idle power below the meter accuracy floor. According to the datasheet, the 14 KB OTP (8K x 14 words) is sufficient for tariff tables, calibration constants, and tamper logging in ANSI/IEC-compliant residential meters.
Recommended
Consumer White-Goods Control Panel
Washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and microwave ovens integrate a segment-LCD user interface that maps naturally to the PIC16LC926-I/L. The 52 GPIO pins drive keypads, relays, triacs, and rotary encoders while the LCD block handles 7-segment displays and icons, removing the need for an external LCD driver. According to the Microchip datasheet, the 14 KB OTP is ample for cycle-state machines and EEPROM emulation using external I2C memory. Designers appreciate the deterministic 200 ns instruction cycle for triac zero-cross timing, which keeps EMI low without software jitter.
Recommended
Medical Devices Requiring Long Battery Life
Portable medical devices such as glucometers, pulse oximeters, and infusion pumps benefit from the PIC16LC926-I/L's 2.1 V VDD minimum and <1 uA typical sleep current, allowing months of shelf time on a single coin cell. The integrated LCD block eliminates the external driver, shrinking the BOM for cost-sensitive disposable designs. The 14 KB OTP supports both measurement algorithms and FDA audit-trail retention in regulated workflows. The 8-bit PIC16 architecture simplifies IEC 62304 software-class B verification because of the small, deterministic instruction set.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panel with LCD HMI
Industrial HMIs and machine controllers frequently drive a 16x4 or 192-segment LCD from a single MCU, which is the PIC16LC926-I/L's intended use. The 52 digital I/O pins support matrix keypads, optocouplers, and 4-20 mA loops while the on-chip LCD removes a BOM line item. With 2.1 V to 5.5 V VDD, the device rides directly on 24 V industrial rails through a small switching regulator. The PIC16 instruction set gives sub-microsecond deterministic response for safety interlocks, simplifying IEC 61508 SIL-1 designs.
Recommended
Remote Battery-Powered Sensor with Display
Wireless sensor nodes with a local LCD readout such as temperature loggers, gas detectors, and weather stations pair well with the PIC16LC926-I/L because of its 2.1 V to 5.5 V VDD and integrated 192-segment LCD. According to the datasheet, sleep current below 1 uA keeps standby battery drain negligible, while the 14 KB OTP supports simple Modbus or LoRaWAN MAC layers. The 20 MHz core finishes sensor-fusion math quickly enough that the part can return to sleep between samples.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Gauge Cluster
Aftermarket automotive gauges and trip computers use the PIC16LC926-I/L to drive segmented LCD readouts of speed, RPM, and fuel level. The integrated 192-segment LCD and 52 GPIO pins are sufficient for dual-tach displays without an external driver. Although the part is not AEC-Q100 qualified, the -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade covers cabin and trunk environments. The 8-bit core simplifies legacy gauge code that has shipped in millions of aftermarket units.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC926-I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C926-I/L | PIC16LC924-04/PT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 64-TQFP - different (package_match reflects same-family platform, not pin-identical) |
| Core | PIC16 8-bit | PIC16 8-bit | PIC16 8-bit |
| Operating Voltage | 2.1 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Program Memory | 14 KB OTP | 14 KB OTP | 14 KB OTP |
| RAM | 336 bytes | 336 bytes | 336 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 52 | 52 | 32 |
| LCD Segments | Up to 192 | Up to 192 | Lower segment count (per datasheet) |
| Max Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Extended voltage range down to 2.1 V (vs PIC16C926-I/L)
- Highest GPIO and segment count in PIC16 LCD family (vs PIC16LC924-04/PT)
- Faster 20 MHz core vs 4 MHz on PIC16LC924 (vs PIC16LC924-04/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC926-I/L runs from 2.1 V to 5.5 V and draws sub-1 uA in Sleep mode per the datasheet, but the on-chip LCD bias generator can pull several hundred microamps when the display refresh is active. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD (pin 37) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the same rail as the LCD glass connector. For battery-only designs, gate the LCD enable bit in firmware whenever the user is not interacting with the device to extend runtime by 30-50%.
Route the 32 SEG lines and 4 COM lines to the LCD glass connector using matched-length traces where possible; keep them away from switching regulators and triac drivers. The 68-PLCC has a 1.27 mm pitch and the die-attach pad is on the underside, so do not place signal vias beneath the package. Add a guard ring around the analog comparator inputs (RA0-RA3) tied to AVSS to reduce LCD charge-pump noise coupling into measurements.
OTP memory cannot be erased, so all prototype firmware should be burned onto a flash sibling such as PIC16LF1902 (TQFP-44/64) before committing the OTP version. Ensure the ICSP clock and data lines (RB6/RB7 on smaller-pin PICs, dedicated on 68-pin) are not loaded down by the LCD segment multiplexers during programming - the Microchip datasheet recommends isolating these signals with 0 ohm resistors during in-circuit programming.
Compliance Information
Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. RoHS/lead-free compliance per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing.
