PIC16LF1903T-I/ML - 8-Bit MCU 7KB Flash LCD Driver XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1903T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.92 | $1.92 |
| 10 | $1.73 | $17.30 |
| 100 | $1.53 | $153.00 |
| 500 | $1.36 | $680.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.21 | $1,210.00 |
PIC16LF1903T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating CPU core, program memory, RAM, timers, and I/O peripherals on one die. The PIC16F family uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range core with 49 instructions and 16 hardware stack levels, occupying a middle position in the broader taxonomy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor device. The "LF" prefix indicates a wide-voltage, low-power variant, while "XLP" (eXtreme Low Power) branding reflects sub-microamp sleep currents suitable for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs.
Key features include integrated support for up to 72 LCD segment drive outputs, an 11-channel 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference, an integrated temperature indicator, hardware Brown-Out Reset (BOR), an Extended Watchdog Timer (EWDT), and I/O drivers capable of 25 mA source/sink for direct LED drive. An internal 16 MHz oscillator removes the need for an external crystal in many applications, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
The architecture combines a Harvard-style separate program/data path with self-read/write Flash, allowing field firmware updates and EEPROM emulation without external in-circuit programming. The integrated temperature indicator and 10-bit ADC enable sensor-conditioning roles without an external analog front-end, while the LCD segment driver supports direct glass connection on products with character or icon displays.
Typical applications include battery-powered consumer devices with LCD keypads (thermostats, remote controls, metering), industrial sensor transmitters, medical monitoring accessories, IoT edge nodes, and automotive human-machine-interface sub-assemblies (consult AEC-Q100 datasheet variants for in-vehicle use). The XLP family makes the part particularly attractive for designs targeting coin-cell operation spanning multiple years.
When designing with this part, leave an exposed pad connection to ground on the QFN-28 PCB footprint for thermal dissipation and signal integrity. Plan I/O assignments to share the 25 mA-capable pins with high-current loads, and reserve adequate Flash/RAM headroom for bootloader and EEPROM emulation overhead.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1903T-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 PIC16LF1903T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, I/O Pins, Internal Oscillator.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1903-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1903-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1902-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1847-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1829-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1828-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1903T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit) |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) Flash |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 256 B |
| Non-Volatile Data Storage | 128 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| ADC | 11-channel 10-bit |
| LCD Segment Driver | Up to 72 segments |
| Timers | 1x 8-bit (TMR0), 1x 16-bit (TMR1), EWDT |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz |
| Brown-Out Reset | Yes (hardware BOR) |
| I/O Drive Strength | 25 mA source/sink per pin |
| Temperature Indicator | Integrated |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 16-level stack |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML) 6x6 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 | See automotive variant |
PIC16LF1903T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — I/O / AN0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — I/O / AN1 / VREF+ |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — I/O / AN2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — I/O / AN3 / VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — I/O / T0CKI |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — I/O / AN4 |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — I/O / OSC2 |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — I/O / OSC1 |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 10 | RB0 — I/O / INT |
| Pin 11 | RB1 — I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB2 — I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — I/O / SEG0 (LCD) |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — I/O / SEG1 (LCD) |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — I/O / SEG2 / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — I/O / SEG3 / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 18 | RC0 — I/O / SEG4 |
| Pin 19 | RC1 — I/O / SEG5 |
| Pin 20 | RC2 — I/O / SEG6 |
| Pin 21 | RC3 — I/O / SEG7 |
| Pin 22 | RC4 — I/O / SEG8 |
| Pin 23 | RC5 — I/O / SEG9 |
| Pin 24 | RC6 — I/O / SEG10 |
| Pin 25 | RC7 — I/O / SEG11 |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 28 | EP — Exposed thermal pad, tie to VSS |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1903T-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Thermostat with LCD, Wireless Sensor IoT Edge Node, Industrial Metering and Counter Display, Medical Monitoring Handheld Device, Consumer Remote Control with LCD, Automotive Interior HMI Sub-Assembly, Educational and Hobbyist MCU Platform.
Battery-Powered Thermostat with LCD
The PIC16LF1903T-I/ML's integrated 72-segment LCD driver and XLP sub-microamp sleep current make it an ideal single-chip controller for battery-powered wall thermostats on 2x AA cells. Its 7 KB Flash accommodates control firmware and small weather-log buffers, while the 11-channel 10-bit ADC reads thermistor, humidity sensor, and supply monitor inputs. With a 20 MHz CPU and 25 mA I/O, the part can drive LCD glass directly and pulse a relay or triac, eliminating an external display driver.
Recommended
Wireless Sensor IoT Edge Node
In battery-operated IoT edge nodes, the PIC16LF1903T-I/ML's XLP nanoWatt current draw and 1.8 V to 3.6 V operating range enable multi-year operation on coin cells. The 7 KB Flash stores sensor-conditioning firmware, the 10-bit ADC digitizes environmental sensors, and the integrated temperature indicator functions as a low-cost calibration sensor. Its small QFN-28 footprint fits inside sensor housings with minimal PCB area.
Recommended
Industrial Metering and Counter Display
PIC16LF1903T-I/ML integrates LCD driver, ADC, and pulse counters in a single QFN-28 device ideal for industrial utility meters, pulse counters, and process totalizers. The 25 mA I/O can directly drive meter relays or optocoupler outputs, while the 10-bit ADC and temperature indicator simplify drift compensation. Wide supply range and industrial temperature rating allow installation in harsh panels without additional conditioning circuitry.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Handheld Device
Battery-powered patient monitors, pill dispensers, and glucose meters benefit from the PIC16LF1903T-I/ML's LCD segment driver for clear numeric readouts, low XLP sleep current for long battery life, and integrated temperature indication for environmental compensation. Hardware BOR and EWDT ensure robust operation across disconnect events. The QFN-28 package fits compact handheld enclosures and supports ±1% ADC measurements for diagnostic accuracy.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control with LCD
Universal remote controls with LCD status displays deploy the PIC16LF1903T-I/ML to consolidate controller, IR drive, keypad scanner, and LCD segment driver into one chip. The 7 KB Flash stores IR code libraries, the 25 mA I/O directly drives IR LEDs and keyboard matrices, and XLP sleep current supports years of standby on AA cells. Internal 16 MHz oscillator removes the need for an external resonator, cutting BOM cost.
Recommended
Automotive Interior HMI Sub-Assembly
Non-safety interior modules such as HVAC readouts, lighting controls, and seat-position indicators can use PIC16LF1903T-I/ML for its LCD driver and ADC in a compact QFN-28 package. Designers must select the AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16LF1903 VAO variant for in-vehicle deployment; the standard part is industrial-grade only. Wide supply range tolerates automotive 12 V rails via external regulators.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist MCU Platform
The PIC16LF1903T-I/ML is well-suited to teaching 8-bit embedded systems with its integrated LCD driver, ADC, and XLP features giving students a rich peripheral set in a single QFN-28 device. MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler support, plus Microchip's PICkit 4 in-circuit programmer, provides a complete learning path from Assembly to C. Available in tape-and-reel format, the part is also practical for small-batch class projects.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1903T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1903-I/ML | PIC16LF1903-E/ML | PIC16LF1902-I/ML | PIC16LF1847-I/ML | PIC16LF1829-I/ML | PIC16LF1828-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | QFN-28 (ML) | QFN-28 (ML) - same | QFN-28 (ML) - same | QFN-28 (ML) - same | QFN-28 (ML) - same | QFN-28 (ML) - same | QFN-28 (ML) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 4 KB | 14 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 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 | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| LCD Segment Driver | Up to 72 segments | Up to 72 segments | Up to 72 segments | Up to 64 segments | Up to 64 segments | Up to 60 segments | Up to 60 segments |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray or T&R | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 72-segment LCD driver on-chip (vs PIC16LF1902-I/ML)
- Larger 7 KB Flash vs 4 KB Flash cousin (vs PIC16LF1902-I/ML)
- Industrial temperature range vs standard commercial (vs PIC16LF1847-I/ML)
- Tape & reel delivery for SMT assembly (vs PIC16LF1903-I/ML)
Design Notes
Recommended: connect the QFN-28 exposed pad (pin 28 / EP) directly to the largest VSS copper pour on the top or bottom layer through at least 4 thermal vias. This provides a low-impedance ground return for the LCD driver switching currents and improves thermal dissipation for the silicon die. Estimated: with ambient 25C and modest 10 mA total drive, the die-to-ambient thermal resistance is approximately 35 C/W depending on PCB area, well within safe operating limits for XLP-only modes.
Critical: place the two decoupling capacitors (one 100 nF ceramic, one 10 uF ceramic or tantalum) within 2 mm of the VDD pin 26 and VSS pin 27, with traces as short and wide as practical. For LCD applications using the integrated segment driver, also place a 1 uF to 10 uF capacitor on the LCD charge-pump output pin (per datasheet) to suppress display flicker. The internal 16 MHz oscillator generally does not require external capacitors, but a guard ring around the OSC traces is recommended on multi-layer boards.
Critical: do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD or apply reverse polarity; the LF variant does not include absolute maximum over-voltage tolerance. Second, ensure the BOR threshold configuration matches the supply rise time or the device may latch in reset on power-up. Third, when migrating from the I version to E version, verify peripheral register map revisions in the errata document. Avoid driving the 25 mA-rated pins above their source/sink specification, which can compromise long-term reliability without providing proportional drive benefit.
Recommended: keep LCD segment traces short to minimize load capacitance and reduce crosstalk into adjacent ADC inputs. If using ADC and LCD on the same package pins in time-multiplexed mode, switch the pin function during inactive ADC sampling to avoid measurement contamination. Estimated: when scanning all 11 ADC channels at 10 kHz, total ADC sampling error from segment trace noise should remain below 1 LSB with proper decoupling and PCB grounding.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip PIC16LF1903 product page. AEC-Q100 variants available separately with -VAO or -Q1 suffix. Standard PIC16LF1903T-I/ML is industrial-grade only.
