PIC16LF1903-E/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU w/ LCD Driver | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1903-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.42 | $1.42 |
| 10 | $1.25 | $12.50 |
| 100 | $0.98 | $98.00 |
| 500 | $0.81 | $405.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.7 | $700.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.5881 | $1,764.30 |
PIC16LF1903-E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip processor with an 8-bit data path, on-board program memory, RAM, and integrated peripherals such as timers, ADC, and communication interfaces. 8-bit MCUs sit at the base of the microcontroller hierarchy (8-bit -> 16-bit -> 32-bit MCU -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC) and dominate ultra-low-power, cost-sensitive, and human-interface applications where a small instruction set, deterministic timing, and picoamp-range sleep currents matter more than raw compute throughput. Microchip's PIC16F enhanced mid-range core combines RISC performance (49 instructions, 16 stack levels) with the company's proprietary eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology, allowing battery-powered products to run for years on a single cell.
Key differentiating features include the on-chip LCD segment driver (up to 72 segments), which eliminates external driver ICs and BOM cost in meter and appliance displays, and the 11-channel 10-bit ADC with a dedicated voltage reference and integrated temperature indicator - enabling sensor readout and on-die thermal monitoring from a single analog pin network. The XLP sleep current and wide 1.8V-3.6V operating range make the part suitable for direct Li-ion or 2x AA battery connection without external regulation.
The PIC16LF1903 architecture pairs an enhanced mid-range CPU core with self-read/write flash, allowing field firmware updates and EEPROM-style data logging in the 128 B non-volatile data store. The integrated 16 MHz high-precision internal oscillator removes the need for an external crystal in cost-sensitive designs, while the brown-out reset and extended watchdog timer provide robust recovery from power and code-flow anomalies. CoreMark-independent benchmarks show the 49-instruction RISC core delivers predictable interrupt latency critical for control loops.
Typical applications include battery-powered consumer products (thermostats, remote controls, toys), small home appliances with LCD panels (microwave ovens, coffee makers, washing machine front panels), industrial sensor transmitters, metering (electricity/water/gas meters with segment LCDs), and low-cost IoT edge nodes. Designers pick this part when the application needs a long battery life, an integrated LCD, and 8-bit simplicity rather than connectivity stacks.
When designing with the PIC16LF1903-E/SS, always consult Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler toolchain for code generation, and reserve one ICD pin pair for in-circuit debug. For LCD designs, follow Microchip Application Note AN649 "LCD Biasing and Contrast" to bias the segment pins correctly and avoid ghosting. Decouple VDD with at least 100 nF plus a bulk capacitor, and keep analog traces short to preserve ADC accuracy.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet - information gain focused on PCB designers and sourcing engineers.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1903-E/SS — 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 PIC16LF1903-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, LCD Driver, Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1903-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1902-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1847-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1907-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1906-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.56 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1903-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Core Architecture | Enhanced Mid-Range (49 instructions, 16 stack levels) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash (self read/write) |
| Program Memory Size | 7KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM / Non-volatile Data Storage | 128 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz (at 3.6V) |
| CPU Speed at 1.8V | 16 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 25 |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| Voltage Reference | Internal (ADC reference) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz |
| Timers | 1x 8-bit (TMR0), 1x 16-bit (TMR1) |
| Watchdog | Extended Watchdog Timer (EWDT) |
| LCD Driver | Up to 72 segments |
| Temperature Indicator | Integrated |
| Brown-Out Reset | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E = Extended) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1903-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/SEG12 — GPIO RA0 / ADC input AN0 / Comparator input / LCD SEG12 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/SEG7 — GPIO RA1 / ADC input AN1 / Comparator input / LCD SEG7 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/SEG6 — GPIO RA2 / ADC input AN2 / VREF- / LCD SEG6 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/SEG5 — GPIO RA3 / ADC input AN3 / VREF+ / LCD SEG5 |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/C1OUT/SEG4 — GPIO RA4 / ADC input AN4 / Comparator output / LCD SEG4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/SEG3 — GPIO RA5 / ADC input AN5 / LCD SEG3 |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT/SEG2 — GPIO RA6 / Crystal OSC2 / CLKOUT / LCD SEG2 |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN/SEG1 — GPIO RA7 / Crystal OSC1 / CLKIN / LCD SEG1 |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive power supply (1.8V - 3.6V) |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | RC0/SOSCO/SCLKI/SEG0 — GPIO RC0 / Secondary oscillator SOSCO / SCLKI / LCD SEG0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1/SOSCI/SEG33 — GPIO RC1 / Secondary oscillator SOSCI / LCD SEG33 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1/SEG34 — GPIO RC2 / CCP1 PWM output / LCD SEG34 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SEG35 — GPIO RC3 / LCD SEG35 |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDA/SDI/SEG36 — GPIO RC4 / I2C SDA / SPI SDI / LCD SEG36 |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SCL/SCK/SEG37 — GPIO RC5 / I2C SCL / SPI SCK / LCD SEG37 |
| Pin 17 | RC6/AN6/TX/CK/SEG38 — GPIO RC6 / ADC AN6 / UART TX / LCD SEG38 |
| Pin 18 | RC7/AN7/RX/DT/SEG39 — GPIO RC7 / ADC AN7 / UART RX / LCD SEG39 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive power supply (1.8V - 3.6V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/AN8/INT/SEG20 — GPIO RB0 / ADC AN8 / External INT / LCD SEG20 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/AN9/SEG21 — GPIO RB1 / ADC AN9 / LCD SEG21 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/AN10/SEG22 — GPIO RB2 / ADC AN10 / LCD SEG22 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/AN11/SEG23 — GPIO RB3 / ADC AN11 / LCD SEG23 |
| Pin 25 | RB4/SEG24 — GPIO RB4 / LCD SEG24 |
| Pin 26 | RB5/SEG25 — GPIO RB5 / LCD SEG25 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/ICSPCLK/ICDCLK/SEG26 — GPIO RB6 / ICD PGC clock / LCD SEG26 |
| Pin 28 | RB7/ICSPDAT/ICDDAT/SEG27 — GPIO RB7 / ICD PGD data / LCD SEG27 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1903-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Electricity Meter with LCD, Home Appliance Front Panel (Microwave / Coffee Maker / Washer), Thermostat and HVAC Controller, Remote Control and Consumer Handheld, Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA Loop-Powered), Low-Cost IoT Edge Node with Local LCD Display.
Battery-Powered Electricity Meter with LCD
The PIC16LF1903-E/SS is purpose-built for single-phase electricity, water, and gas meters that need to drive a multi-digit segment LCD directly from the MCU. Its integrated 72-segment LCD controller eliminates an external HT1621 or similar driver IC, cutting BOM cost by $0.20-$0.40 per meter. The XLP sleep current (sub-microamp at 1.8V) and 1.8V-3.6V operating range allow direct connection to a single Li-SOCl2 primary cell for 10+ year field life. The 11-channel 10-bit ADC simultaneously samples voltage and current sensors while the integrated temperature indicator compensates for drift.
Recommended
Home Appliance Front Panel (Microwave / Coffee Maker / Washer)
Mid-range home appliances use a segment LCD plus 4-20 tactile keys to display time, mode, and status - an ideal fit for the PIC16LF1903-E/SS. The 72-segment LCD driver supports 8-digit 7-segment + icon displays without an external driver, the 25 GPIOs handle key matrices and relay drivers, and the 25 mA source/sink capability directly drives LEDs and small buzzers. The 128 B EEPROM stores user preferences (clock, favorite program), while the 11-channel ADC reads temperature sensors and potentiometers. Industrial temp grade (-40C to +125C) survives kitchen and laundry environments.
Recommended
Thermostat and HVAC Controller
Wall thermostats combine a segment LCD, multiple temperature sensors, and relay/triac outputs - a textbook PIC16LF1903-E/SS application. The integrated 10-bit ADC with voltage reference reads 10K NTC thermistors for ambient and floor temperature, while the LCD driver displays setpoint, current temp, and operating mode. The XLP architecture allows battery-only or energy-harvesting thermostats. Brown-out reset and the extended watchdog timer ensure reliable recovery from brown-outs caused by HVAC compressor switching on shared circuits.
Recommended
Remote Control and Consumer Handheld
TV remotes, fan controllers, and universal remote keypads benefit from the PIC16LF1903-E/SS's low active current, integrated LCD, and ample GPIO for IR LED driving and key matrix scanning. The XLP core's <1 uA sleep current and 1.8V-3.6V range allow direct Li-ion CR2032 or 2x AAA operation. The 25 GPIOs handle 4x4 key matrices plus IR transmit/receive, while the 16-bit TMR1 captures IR carrier frequencies with sub-microsecond resolution. Code compatibility with the broader PIC16F1xxx family simplifies firmware reuse.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA Loop-Powered)
Loop-powered 4-20 mA industrial transmitters must run from <3.6 V with tight quiescent current budgets - a fit for the PIC16LF1903-E/SS XLP core. The 10-bit ADC digitizes the sensor (pressure, temperature, level), the 128 B EEPROM stores calibration coefficients, and the LCD displays the measured value locally. The 72-segment LCD driver supports 4-digit 7-segment plus status icons. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against industrial EMI and brown-out conditions common in long cable runs.
Recommended
Low-Cost IoT Edge Node with Local LCD Display
Simple IoT edge nodes that show status locally without cloud connectivity (smart agriculture sensors, equipment counters, vending machine displays) pair the PIC16LF1903-E/SS with a low-cost sub-GHz or BLE module. The PIC handles sensor sampling via the 11-channel ADC, drives the local LCD via the on-chip segment driver, and serves as the application controller, while a separate radio module handles wireless connectivity. The XLP architecture enables multi-year battery life on a 2x AA cell, even with periodic radio transmissions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1903-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1903-I/SS | PIC16LF1902-I/SS | PIC16LF1847-I/SS | PIC16LF1907-I/SS | PIC16LF1906-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB |
| RAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 1 KB | 256 B | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 3.6V |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest LCD segment count in 28-SSOP PIC16F1xxx family (vs PIC16LF1902-I/SS)
- Integrated LCD driver eliminates external HT1621-class IC (vs PIC16LF1847-I/SS)
- Extended temperature grade for outdoor / harsh environments (vs PIC16LF1903-I/SS)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pins 9 and 20) with a 100 nF ceramic placed within 5 mm of each VDD pin, plus a single 10 uF bulk capacitor. Both 28-SSOP VDD pins MUST be connected - leaving one floating causes intermittent brown-out resets under load. For LCD designs, the LCD bias generation pins (VLCD1-3) need external capacitors per the Microchip AN649 application note. Estimated: at 20 MHz active with all peripherals enabled, peak current is ~5 mA from VDD.
Do not omit the MCLR pull-up (10K typical to VDD) even if MCLR is disabled in configuration bits - leaving it floating can cause spurious resets from EMI. For ICD (in-circuit debug), always provision a 5-pin header with PGC (RB6), PGD (RB7), VDD, VSS, and MCLR routed to the connector; omitting any pin prevents debugging later. The ICD pins are mutually exclusive with their GPIO functions, so reserve them in the schematic before PCB layout.
Keep analog ADC traces (RA0-RA5, RB0-RB3) short and away from switching signals. The PIC16LF1903's 10-bit ADC achieves full accuracy only with a 1 uH isolation between VDD and AVDD, plus a clean VREF bypass capacitor. Estimated: with proper layout the ADC achieves +/-1 LSB INL at the rated 20 MHz. Do not switch LCD segments during ADC conversions - this injects charge into the analog mux and degrades accuracy.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications use AEC-Q100 screened versions like PIC16F1903-E/SS automotive variants.
