PIC16LF1902T-I/ML - 3.5KB Flash 8-Bit MCU w/ LCD | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1902T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.48 | $14.80 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16LF1902T-I/ML Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Programmable Integrated Circuit) is a compact 8-bit RISC processor family originally developed by General Instrument's Microelectronics Division and popularized by Microchip. PIC MCUs combine a Harvard-architecture CPU core with on-chip Flash, RAM, and peripherals (ADC, timers, PWM, communication interfaces) into a single IC, positioning them above simple digital logic but below 32-bit microprocessors in the embedded computing hierarchy. PIC16F1xxx-family devices specifically belong to the enhanced mid-range core family with 49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack, and self read/write Flash capability.
Key features include a 20 MHz maximum operating frequency (16 MIPS performance at 4 clock cycles per instruction), wide 1.8V to 3.6V operating voltage window for battery-powered designs, integrated temperature indicator, brown-out reset (BOR), extended watchdog timer (EWDT), in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and an enhanced 8-bit timer (TMR0) plus 16-bit timer (TMR1). The on-chip LCD driver supports up to 72 segments, eliminating the need for an external LCD controller in many HMI applications.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1902T-I/ML uses an 8-bit data path with separate program and data buses, an interrupt controller with hardware context saving, and nanoWatt XLP power management that drops quiescent current into the microamp range during sleep. The peripheral pin select (PPS) feature enables flexible pin assignment for digital functions, while the 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference supports ratiometric measurements on battery or sensor channels.
Typical applications include battery-powered LCD-based consumer products (thermostats, remote controls, weighing scales, kitchen timers), portable medical devices requiring low-power LCD HMI, industrial sensor transmitters with LCD readout, smart home keypads, and any cost-sensitive embedded design needing integrated LCD without an external driver IC. The wide 1.8V-3.6V range supports direct connection to two AA alkaline cells or single-cell Li-Ion chemistries.
When designing with this device, note that the VQFN-28 (ML) package requires a ground plane via the exposed thermal pad for both thermal dissipation and electrical grounding; neglecting this pad is a common cause of MCU malfunction. Also confirm oscillator selection and PPS locking during bring-up, since the internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC and PLL configurations differ from older PIC16F parts.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1902T-I/ML — 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 PIC16LF1902T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1903T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1902-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1902T-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.5665 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1902T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1902T-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1902T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F1xxx enhanced mid-range |
| Series | PIC16LF1902 |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC (enhanced mid-range, 49 instructions) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 11 channels x 10 bit, with internal voltage reference |
| LCD Driver | Up to 72 segments, integrated charge pump option |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), plus EWDT |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz HFINTOSC + 31 kHz LFINTOSC |
| Program Memory Type | Flash, self read/write capable |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | VQFN-28 (4x4 mm) with exposed thermal pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1902T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — GPIO / segment drive / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — GPIO / segment drive / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — GPIO / segment drive / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — GPIO / segment drive |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — GPIO / segment drive |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — GPIO / segment drive / SCL |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — GPIO / segment drive / SDA |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — GPIO / segment drive |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — GPIO / segment drive |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 12 | RA2 — GPIO / segment drive / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RA1 — GPIO / segment drive / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 14 | RA0 — GPIO / segment drive / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — GPIO / segment drive |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — GPIO / segment drive / ICD PGC |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — GPIO / segment drive |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — GPIO / segment drive / ICD PGD |
| Pin 19 | RB3 — GPIO / segment drive |
| Pin 20 | RB2 — GPIO / segment drive |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — GPIO / segment drive |
| Pin 22 | RB0 — GPIO / segment drive / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RC7 — GPIO / segment drive / RX |
| Pin 24 | RC6 — GPIO / segment drive / TX |
| Pin 25 | RA7 — GPIO / segment drive / oscillator |
| Pin 26 | RA6 — GPIO / segment drive / oscillator |
| Pin 27 | RE3 — GPIO / MCLR (reset, active-low) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply (tied to pin 11 for bypass) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1902T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered LCD Thermostat, Kitchen Timer / Weighing Scale with LCD, Portable Medical Monitoring Device, Industrial Sensor Transmitter with LCD, Smart Home Keypad / HMI Controller, Remote Control with LCD Status Display.
Battery-Powered LCD Thermostat
The PIC16LF1902T-I/ML's integrated 72-segment LCD driver eliminates the need for an external LCD controller IC, reducing BOM cost and PCB footprint in wall-mount thermostats. The on-chip 11-channel 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference reads NTC thermistors directly, while nanoWatt XLP technology keeps quiescent current in the microamp range during sleep for multi-year battery life on two AA cells. The 1.8-3.6 V supply range supports direct alkaline battery operation, and the VQFN-28 (4x4 mm) package fits behind standard LCD glass.
Recommended
Kitchen Timer / Weighing Scale with LCD
Consumer kitchen appliances such as digital timers and weighing scales require an integrated LCD readout and battery-friendly operation. The PIC16LF1902T-I/ML combines a 10-bit ADC for load-cell signal conditioning, the 72-segment LCD driver for direct segment display, and nanoWatt XLP for under-1uA sleep current. The 3.5 KB Flash accommodates user-interface state machines and unit conversion tables, while the 20 MHz / 5 MIPS performance handles button-debounce and tare-weight math in real time without external logic.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Device
Portable medical devices like glucose meters and pulse oximeters demand low-power LCD HMI and accurate sensor readout. The PIC16LF1902T-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology extends battery life in handheld monitors, while the 10-bit ADC reads sensor signals directly. The 1.8-3.6 V supply range supports single-cell Li-Po operation, and the industrial -40 to +85 C temperature rating covers home and clinical environments. The 72-segment LCD driver displays readings without external controller ICs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter with LCD
Loop-powered and battery-powered industrial sensor transmitters benefit from the PIC16LF1902T-I/ML's integrated 10-bit ADC, integrated LCD readout, and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents. The 1.8-3.6 V range accepts 3.6 V lithium primary cells directly, while the 72-segment driver displays process variables in 4-20 mA loops or wireless sensor nodes. The extended -40 to +85 C industrial temperature rating supports factory-floor deployment, and the 3.5 KB Flash stores calibration coefficients and Modbus/RTU protocol stacks.
Recommended
Smart Home Keypad / HMI Controller
Smart-home keypads, alarm panels, and HVAC controllers use the PIC16LF1902T-I/ML as a low-power HMI brain. The 25 I/O pins drive key matrices, LED indicators, and LCD segments simultaneously. The 11-channel ADC reads potentiometers, light sensors, and temperature inputs, while nanoWatt XLP keeps idle power minimal. The integrated LCD driver supports 72 segments, sufficient for menu navigation, setpoint display, and status icons without an external COG controller.
Recommended
Remote Control with LCD Status Display
Universal remote controls and HVAC remote handsets benefit from the PIC16LF1902T-I/ML's integrated LCD for displaying setpoint, mode, and battery status without external controller ICs. The 1.8-3.6 V supply range supports direct 2xAA or single-cell Li-Po operation, and nanoWatt XLP technology keeps average current in the low microamp range during standby. The 3.5 KB Flash stores IR protocol libraries (NEC, RC5, SIRC), and 20 MHz / 5 MIPS performance drives carrier generation and button-debounce in real time.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1902T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1903T-I/ML | PIC16LF1902-I/ML | PIC16LF1902T-I/MV | PIC16LF1902T-I/SO | PIC16LF1902T-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | VQFN-28 (4x4 mm) | VQFN-28 (4x4 mm) | VQFN-28 (4x4 mm) | UQFN-28 (4x4 mm) | SOIC-28 (300 mil) | SPDIP-28 (300 mil) |
| Flash Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 11 ch x 10-bit | 11 ch x 10-bit | 11 ch x 10-bit | 11 ch x 10-bit | 11 ch x 10-bit | 11 ch x 10-bit |
| LCD Segments | Up to 72 | Up to 72 | Up to 72 | Up to 72 | Up to 72 | Up to 72 |
| Packaging Carrier | Tape & Reel (T suffix) | Tape & Reel | Tray (non-T) | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in VQFN-28 upgrade path with 2x memory (vs PIC16LF1903T-I/ML)
- Tray-packaged identical-die alternative (vs PIC16LF1902-I/ML)
- Thinner UQFN variant for space-constrained designs (vs PIC16LF1902T-I/MV)
Design Notes
The VQFN-28 (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that MUST be soldered to a PCB ground plane. This pad serves as both the primary thermal dissipation path (carrying the chip's heat into the inner copper layers) and as the main VSS return. A typical recommended landing pattern uses an array of 3x3 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill / 0.6 mm pad) connecting the EP to the inner ground plane. Skipping the EP solder connection is one of the most common causes of erratic MCU behavior on first prototypes.
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 11), with a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. The PIC16LF1902T-I/ML's internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC starts up in tens of microseconds, but a clean VDD ramp is required for correct oscillator trimming register loading. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 27 / RE3) unless a manual reset pushbutton is wired in series - leaving MCLR floating may cause spurious resets in noisy environments.
When migrating from older PIC16F parts, remember that the PIC16F1xxx enhanced mid-range core uses different Configuration Word bits and oscillator configuration registers. The internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC must be selected via the OSCCON register, not by leaving CONFIG1 untouched. Additionally, the Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature locks by default - failing to unlock PPS before remapping U1TX or CCP1 results in 'pin does nothing' behavior that looks like a hardware fault but is actually a configuration issue.
The integrated LCD driver uses internal charge pump bias generation, but for 72-segment displays with high multiplex duty cycles, add 1 uF ceramic bypass capacitors on each VLCD pin (typically VLCD1, VLCD2, VLCD3) as close as possible to the package. Long LCD segment traces should be routed away from high-frequency switching nodes (PWM, oscillator) to prevent coupled noise from corrupting the LCD waveform, which appears as flickering or ghost segments.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and Pb-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the PIC16LF1902T-I/ML is intended for industrial / consumer applications, not automotive. For automotive-grade equivalents consult Microchip's eXtreme Low Power (XLP) automotive MCU families.