PIC16LF1904-E/PT - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB Flash, LCD, nanoWatt XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1904-E/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.21 | $22.10 |
| 100 | $1.85 | $185.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.38 | $1,380.00 |
PIC16LF1904-E/PT Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and a rich set of peripherals (timers, ADC, communications, I/O). The PIC16LF1904 belongs to the broader taxonomy of 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. Its on-chip LCD controller with charge pump simplifies direct-drive segment displays in low-power consumer and industrial products, eliminating an external LCD driver.
Key features of the PIC16LF1904 include: 18 general-purpose I/O pins, an integrated LCD driver supporting up to 116 segments, a 10-bit ADC with up to 14 channels, multiple timers (Timer0/1/2), Enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (EUSART), Master I2C/SPI, and nanoWatt XLP sleep current under 30 nA typical. Internal oscillator options up to 16 MHz reduce external component count.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1904 uses an enhanced mid-range 14-bit instruction set with hardware multiply, providing a favorable MIPS-per-mA balance for battery-powered designs. The wide analog and digital peripheral integration allows it to consolidate functions previously requiring multiple ICs.
Typical applications include battery-powered LCD meters, thermostats, white-goods user interfaces, medical dosing devices, portable instrumentation, IoT sensor nodes, and remote controls. The on-chip LCD driver is a particularly strong fit for any human-machine interface (HMI) display node.
When designing with this part, use the MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler; in-circuit debug uses two I/O lines via ICSP. Always include proper decoupling (100 nF + 1 uF) close to VDD pins and follow Microchip AN1267 PCB layout recommendations for the TQFP-44 package.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives (same-brand PIC16LF1904 family variants and qualified same-package options), and practical design notes not found in the bare datasheet, helping engineers shorten the BOM-to-prototype cycle.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1904-E/PT — 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 PIC16LF1904-E/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Low-Power Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1904-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1906-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1907-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1902-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1904-E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit CPU |
| Instruction Set Architecture | 14-bit, with hardware multiply |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (industrial, E suffix) |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (PT), 10x10 mm, 0.80 mm pitch |
| Integrated LCD Driver | Yes, with charge pump (up to 116 segments typical) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 channels |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, I2C/SPI Master |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| Time at Peak Reflow Temperature | 40 s max |
| Lead Finish | Lead-free (Matte Tin) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1904-E/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/C2IN+/SEG12 — GPIO/analog input/comparator input/LCD segment |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/C2IN-/SEG7 — GPIO/analog input/comparator input/LCD segment |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/COM0 — GPIO/analog input/VREF-/LCD common |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/COM1 — GPIO/analog input/VREF+/LCD common |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT/SEG5 — GPIO/Timer0 clock/comparator output/LCD segment |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/C2OUT/SEG4 — GPIO/analog input/comparator output/LCD segment |
| Pin 7 | RA6/ICSPCLK — GPIO/ICSP clock |
| Pin 8 | RA7/ICSPDAT — GPIO/ICSP data |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | RB0/AN12/INT/SEG0 — GPIO/analog input/external interrupt/LCD segment |
| Pin 12 | RB1/AN10/C1IN3-/SEG1 — GPIO/analog input/comparator input/LCD segment |
| Pin 13 | RB2/AN8/C1IN2-/SEG2 — GPIO/analog input/comparator input/LCD segment |
| Pin 14 | RB3/AN9/C1IN1-/SEG3 — GPIO/analog input/comparator input/LCD segment |
| Pin 15 | RB4/AN11/SEG6 — GPIO/analog input/LCD segment |
| Pin 16 | RB5/SEG8 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 17 | RB6/SEG9 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 18 | RB7/SEG10 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 19 | RC0/SOSCO/T1CKI/SEG21 — GPIO/secondary oscillator/Timer1 clock/LCD segment |
| Pin 20 | RC1/SOSCI/SEG22 — GPIO/secondary oscillator/LCD segment |
| Pin 21 | RC2/AN13/SEG23 — GPIO/analog input/LCD segment |
| Pin 22 | RC3/AN7/SEG24 — GPIO/analog input/LCD segment |
| Pin 23 | RC4/AN6/SEG25 — GPIO/analog input/LCD segment |
| Pin 24 | RC5/AN5/SEG26 — GPIO/analog input/LCD segment |
| Pin 25 | RC6/AN18/SEG27 — GPIO/analog input/LCD segment |
| Pin 26 | RC7/AN19/SEG28 — GPIO/analog input/LCD segment |
| Pin 27 | RD0/COM2 — GPIO/LCD common |
| Pin 28 | RD1/COM3 — GPIO/LCD common |
| Pin 29 | RD2/SEG29 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 30 | RD3/SEG30 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 31 | RD4/SEG31 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 32 | RD5/SEG32 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 33 | RD6/SEG33 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 34 | RD7/SEG34 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 35 | RE0/AN5/SEG35 — GPIO/analog input/LCD segment |
| Pin 36 | RE1/AN6/SEG36 — GPIO/analog input/LCD segment |
| Pin 37 | RE2/AN7/SEG37 — GPIO/analog input/LCD segment |
| Pin 38 | RE3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO/master clear/programming voltage |
| Pin 39 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 40 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 41 | RF0/SEG38 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 42 | RF1/SEG39 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 43 | RF2/SEG40 — GPIO/LCD segment |
| Pin 44 | RF3/SEG41 — GPIO/LCD segment |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1904-E/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered LCD Thermostat, Portable Medical Dosing Device, Smart Energy Meter / Sub-metering, Industrial Sensor Node / IoT Edge, White-Goods User Interface Board, Remote Control / Handheld HMI.
Battery-Powered LCD Thermostat
The PIC16LF1904-E/PT is exceptionally well suited to battery-powered thermostat designs because of three converging features: its integrated LCD segment driver with charge pump eliminates an external LCD controller IC, its 2.5-3.6 V VDD range matches two-AA alkaline cells directly, and its nanoWatt XLP technology drives sleep current to under 30 nA typical. A thermostat typically needs 10-20 segments for temperature and mode display; the LF1904's >116-segment headroom leaves room for additional UI elements. The 7 KB Flash accommodates PID control logic, hysteresis state machines, and BLE/wifi-stack glue code. The E temperature grade supports outdoor HVAC enclosures.
Recommended
Portable Medical Dosing Device
Portable medical dosing pumps and inhalers benefit from the PIC16LF1904-E/PT's nanoWatt XLP sleep modes, integrated 10-bit ADC for sensor readout, and 256 B SRAM for transient state storage. The LCD driver with charge pump can drive a small segment display showing dose count, remaining battery, and warning icons directly from 3 V without a boost converter. The industrial -40C to +125C temperature grade supports refrigeration storage of pharmaceuticals. The 18 GPIO can interface buttons, motor drivers, and reed sensors while keeping the BOM under ten external components.
Recommended
Smart Energy Meter / Sub-metering
Single-phase residential smart energy meters frequently use PIC16LF1904-E/PT derivatives because the on-chip LCD driver directly displays kWh and instantaneous power on a segment LCD, the 10-bit ADC samples current-transformer and shunt outputs, and the EUSART links to a metrology AFE or PLC modem. The 2.5-3.6 V range aligns with auxiliary supplies in energy-harvesting designs. The 7 KB Flash stores tariff tables and tamper flags. The same LCD driver supports both 7-segment numeric and 14-segment alphanumeric overlays for multi-currency displays.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Node / IoT Edge
For wired industrial sensor nodes (4-20 mA loops, Modbus RTU slaves, HVAC transmitters), the PIC16LF1904-E/PT provides the right balance of peripherals: EUSART for RS-485, I2C for digital sensors, 10-bit ADC for analog inputs, and 18 GPIO for control outputs. The LCD driver is useful for local-loop display readouts on field-mountable transmitters. nanoWatt XLP allows loop-powered operation with a 3 V LDO downstream of the 4-20 mA sense resistor. The E temperature grade supports outdoor and cabinet environments with limited thermal management.
Recommended
White-Goods User Interface Board
Washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens use the PIC16LF1904-E/PT for user-interface boards that drive segment LCDs, read capacitive or mechanical buttons, control buzzers and relays, and supervise the main appliance controller via UART. The integrated LCD driver with charge pump eliminates a separate display IC; the 18 GPIO covers 16-segment icons plus 4-6 buttons and buzzer. The 7 KB Flash stores wash-cycle profiles, error history, and capacitive-touch firmware. The E temperature grade supports behind-the-panel locations adjacent to heating elements.
Recommended
Remote Control / Handheld HMI
Universal remote controls, security keypads, and point-of-sale terminals benefit from the PIC16LF1904-E/PT's ultra-low sleep current (enables coin-cell operation), integrated LCD driver for status displays, and EUSART for IR or BLE module communication. The 20 MHz CPU clock decodes RC5/RC6/SIRC IR protocols in real time without DMA. The E temperature grade supports outdoor keypads and vehicle-mounted terminals.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1904-E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1904-I/PT | PIC16LF1906-E/PT | PIC16LF1907-E/PT | PIC16LF1902-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-TQFP - same | 44-TQFP - same | 44-TQFP - same | 28-SPDIP - different |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB (same) | 14 KB (+100%) | 14 KB (+100%) | 4 KB (-43%) |
| SRAM | 256 B | 256 B (same) | 512 B (+100%) | 1024 B (+300%) | 128 B (-50%) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| LCD Driver | Yes, with charge pump | Yes, with charge pump | Yes, with charge pump | Yes, with charge pump | Yes, with charge pump |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 ch | 10-bit (same) | 10-bit (same) | 10-bit (same) | 10-bit, fewer channels |
| Unit Price (qty 1, as of 2026-09-25) | $2.45 | $2.40 approx | $2.65 approx | $2.85 approx | $2.10 approx |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade -40C to +125C in same TQFP-44 footprint (vs PIC16LF1904-I/PT)
- 2x Flash for firmware growth (vs PIC16LF1904-I/PT)
- Integrated LCD driver with charge pump (vs PIC16F727-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF1904-E/PT operates from 2.5-3.6 V; for two-AA alkaline cells (2.0-3.2 V under load) use a low-Iq LDO such as MCP1700. Decouple VDD with 100 nF plus 1 uF ceramic placed within 5 mm of both VDD pins (9 and 39). Tie unused VDD pins to VDD, never leave floating. Use Sleep mode with internal LFINTOSC and disable unused peripherals via PMD registers to reach nanoWatt XLP sleep current.
At 20 MHz the LF1904 draws approximately 6-8 mA active; the 44-TQFP package thermal resistance theta_JA is roughly 50 C/W on a 2-layer JEDEC EIA/JESD51 board. For the E temperature grade (-40C to +125C) no heatsink is required, but at high ambient (>85C) consider reducing clock to 4 MHz to lower die temperature. A 4-layer PCB reduces theta_JA by 30%.
The 44-TQFP (PT) package uses 0.80 mm pitch; follow Microchip AN1267 (PCB Design Considerations) for trace width/spacing. Provide a continuous ground pour under the IC. Keep the ICSP lines (RA6/RA7) accessible for in-circuit debug; add a 2x5 0.05" header if space permits. The LCD segment pins route to the display connector - keep these traces short and parallel for uniform segment contrast.
Do not connect MCLR/RE3 directly to VDD without a pull-up; floating MCLR can cause spurious resets. Always configure unused GPIO as outputs (low) to minimize current draw. When using the LCD charge pump, follow the datasheet's external capacitor values (typically 1 uF on VLCD pins) and sequence the charge-pump enable after VDD stabilizes. Programming voltage on MCLR must be observed for ICSP.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free matte-tin finish; not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial -E grade only). Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in retrieved data - verify with Microchip environmental documentation.
