PIC16LF1904-I/P - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, LCD, nanoWatt XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1904-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.05 | $2.05 |
| 10 | $1.79 | $17.90 |
| 100 | $1.46 | $146.00 |
| 500 | $1.28 | $640.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.15 | $1,150.00 |
PIC16LF1904-I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, optimized for deterministic control and low power consumption in embedded systems. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16LF1904 sits at: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> PIC16F1xxx enhanced mid-range core -> embedded semiconductor. It competes with other 8-bit low-power MCUs such as the TI MSP430 and Renesas RL78 families, but is differentiated by its integrated segmented LCD driver and the nanoWatt eXtreme Low Power (XLP) sleep currents typically below 50 nA in deep sleep.
Key features include 7KB (4K x 14 words) of self-programmable Flash, 256 bytes of SRAM, on-chip segmented LCD driver with up to 116 segments, an enhanced mid-range 8-bit CPU with 49 instructions, multiple power-managed operating modes (Run, Doze, Idle, Sleep), an on-chip 16 MHz internal oscillator, and peripherals including multiple 10-bit ADC channels, comparators, timers, and a configurable logic cell. XLP technology enables typical sleep currents under 50 nA, supporting years-of-battery-life designs such as wireless sensor nodes and metering.
The PIC16LF1904 architecture uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC core with hardware multiplier and 14-bit instruction word, providing predictable interrupt response, a single-cycle instruction execution model, and deterministic timing that has made PIC MCUs a default choice for cost-sensitive control loops. The integrated LCD segment driver removes the need for an external LCD controller and minimizes BOM cost in HMI panels.
Typical applications include battery-powered consumer devices (thermostats, remote controls, smoke detectors), industrial metering and instrumentation with LCD readouts, medical portable monitors, IoT sensor endpoints, and small appliance user interfaces. The on-chip segmented LCD driver makes it particularly suitable for any product that displays numeric or iconographic information on a glass LCD.
When designing with this device, ensure the ICSP/ICD pins (RB6/RB7) are accessible for in-circuit programming and debugging using Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and tools such as the MPLAB Snap or PICkit 4. Decoupling caps (100 nF plus 10 uF bulk) should be placed within 5 mm of VDD/VSS pins, and the internal oscillator should be calibrated using the OSCTUNE register to compensate across temperature.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing snapshots, drop-in alternative cross-references, and practical PCB-level design notes for the PIC16LF1904-I/P, complementing (not duplicating) the manufacturer datasheet with engineer-facing selection and replacement guidance.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1904-I/P — 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-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, I/O Pins, Low-Power Technology, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1902-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1904-I/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1904-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1903T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.09 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1904-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1904-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F1xxx (enhanced mid-range 8-bit) |
| Architecture | 8-bit RISC, 14-bit instruction word |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 256 B |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| Integrated LCD Driver | Yes (segmented LCD, up to 116 segments) |
| I/O Pins | Up to 36 (40-pin package) |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (P) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
PIC16LF1904-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/SEG15 — Port A bit 3 / ADC ch3 / positive Vref / LCD SEG15 |
| Pin 2 | RA4/SEG14 — Port A bit 4 / LCD SEG14 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/SEG13 — Port A bit 5 / LCD SEG13 |
| Pin 4 | RA6/SEG12 — Port A bit 6 / LCD SEG12 |
| Pin 5 | RA7/SEG11 — Port A bit 7 / LCD SEG11 |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA0/AN0/C1OUT/SEG0 — Port A bit 0 / ADC ch0 / comparator output / LCD SEG0 |
| Pin 8 | RA1/AN1/C2IN-/SEG1 — Port A bit 1 / ADC ch1 / comparator input / LCD SEG1 |
| Pin 9 | RA2/AN2/C2IN+/SEG2 — Port A bit 2 / ADC ch2 / comparator input / LCD SEG2 |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI/SEG20 — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 osc / Timer1 clock / LCD SEG20 |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2/SEG21 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 osc / CCP2 / LCD SEG21 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1/SEG22 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 PWM / LCD SEG22 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL/SEG23 — Port C bit 3 / SPI SCK / I2C SCL / LCD SEG23 |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA/SEG24 — Port C bit 4 / SPI SDI / I2C SDA / LCD SEG24 |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO/SEG25 — Port C bit 5 / SPI SDO / LCD SEG25 |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK/SEG26 — Port C bit 6 / UART TX / UART CK / LCD SEG26 |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT/SEG27 — Port C bit 7 / UART RX / UART DT / LCD SEG27 |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT/SEG30 — Port B bit 0 / External INT / LCD SEG30 |
| Pin 19 | RB1/SEG31 — Port B bit 1 / LCD SEG31 |
| Pin 20 | RB2/SEG32 — Port B bit 2 / LCD SEG32 |
| Pin 21 | RB3/SEG33 — Port B bit 3 / LCD SEG33 |
| Pin 22 | RB4/SEG34 — Port B bit 4 / LCD SEG34 |
| Pin 23 | RB5/SEG35 — Port B bit 5 / LCD SEG35 |
| Pin 24 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 25 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Pin 28 | RD0/COM0 — Port D bit 0 / LCD COM0 |
| Pin 29 | RD1/COM1 — Port D bit 1 / LCD COM1 |
| Pin 30 | RD2/COM2 — Port D bit 2 / LCD COM2 |
| Pin 31 | RD3/COM3 — Port D bit 3 / LCD COM3 |
| Pin 32 | RE3/MCLR/VPP — Port E bit 3 / Master Clear / programming voltage |
| Pin 33 | RD4/SEG3 — Port D bit 4 / LCD SEG3 |
| Pin 34 | RD5/SEG4 — Port D bit 5 / LCD SEG4 |
| Pin 35 | RD6/SEG5 — Port D bit 6 / LCD SEG5 |
| Pin 36 | RD7/SEG6 — Port D bit 7 / LCD SEG6 |
| Pin 37 | RE0/SEG7 — Port E bit 0 / LCD SEG7 |
| Pin 38 | RE1/SEG8 — Port E bit 1 / LCD SEG8 |
| Pin 39 | RE2/SEG9 — Port E bit 2 / LCD SEG9 |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply 1.8V to 3.6V (second VDD pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1904-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Thermostat with LCD, Wireless Sensor Node (Sub-1 GHz ARM), Water / Gas Metering with LCD Readout, Industrial Handheld Remote Control, Medical Portable Monitor (Class II-A Powered), Small Appliance User Interface.
Battery-Powered Thermostat with LCD
The PIC16LF1904-I/P is a strong fit for wall-mount thermostats running on 2x AA cells because its integrated segmented LCD driver directly drives a 28- to 116-segment glass display, eliminating any external LCD controller IC from the BOM. The 1.8V to 3.6V VDD range aligns with battery voltage across discharge, and the nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 50 nA enables multi-year battery life between cell replacements. The 7KB Flash accommodates proportional-integral control loops, schedule storage, and wireless commissioning firmware. Place the device on the same PCB as the LCD glass with 100 nF decoupling on VDD/VSS within 5 mm.
Recommended
Wireless Sensor Node (Sub-1 GHz ARM)
For battery-powered Sub-1 GHz sensor nodes using a companion RF transceiver such as the Microchip MRF89XA or Texas Instruments CC1101, the PIC16LF1904-I/P serves as the host MCU thanks to its nanoWatt XLP sleep current and wake-from-Sleep-on-I/O-change capability. The integrated 10-bit ADC and comparator support analog sensor front-ends (temperature, light, moisture) without extra components. Running at 4 MHz from the internal oscillator during active RX/TX windows keeps active current low, and the LCD driver is unused in headless sensor form factors but does no harm. PIC16LF1904 is a Site MPN candidate on XAIPART for internal linking.
Recommended
Water / Gas Metering with LCD Readout
Utility metering applications (cold-water, gas, electric consumption display) demand years of battery life, an LCD that remains readable down to 1.8 V, and tamper-resistant firmware storage - all strengths of the PIC16LF1904-I/P. The integrated charge-pumped LCD driver keeps the segment display visible across the full battery discharge curve, while the 7KB Flash holds signed metering firmware with calibration tables. The 40-pin PDIP package supports hand-soldered or wave-soldered meter-board assembly, common in legacy meter production. Use OSCTUNE to calibrate the internal RC oscillator against the 32 kHz secondary for timing accuracy.
Recommended
Industrial Handheld Remote Control
Industrial remote controls for cranes, hoists, and overhead material handling benefit from the PIC16LF1904-I/P's deterministic enhanced mid-range 8-bit core, 20 MHz instruction throughput, and integrated LCD that displays channel/battery/error codes to the operator. The wide 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range lets the design run from 2x AA or 2x AAA cells, and nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep extends shelf life between duty cycles. Watchdog timer and brown-out reset meet industrial reliability expectations. Pair with an H-bridge driver and a 433 MHz / 868 MHz transmitter module for a complete radio remote.
Recommended
Medical Portable Monitor (Class II-A Powered)
Portable patient monitors such as pulse oximeters, infusion pump status displays, and small bench-top analyzers can use the PIC16LF1904-I/P for low-power host control and LCD readout of measured values. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range and XLP sleep behavior support rechargeable Li-ion operation, while the on-chip 10-bit ADC digitizes analog sensor front-ends directly. This is a non-life-support design role; for direct diagnostic contact applications consult Microchip's medical-grade PIC families. Use an external approved isolation barrier if any mains-isolated section is present.
Recommended
Small Appliance User Interface
Small kitchen and personal-care appliances (rice cookers, induction cookers, coffee machines, electric toothbrush chargers) often need a simple segmented LCD or LED-like indicator plus a touch-button matrix - a perfect role for the PIC16LF1904-I/P. The integrated LCD driver supports 116 segments covering all timer/mode icons, while the nanoWatt XLP keeps standby power well below 0.5 W to meet energy-efficiency regulations. The 40-pin PDIP is friendly for low-volume SKUs that skip SMT lines. Driving the appliance load (relay, triac, FET) goes through opto-isolated drivers from the MCU GPIO.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1904-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1902-I/P | PIC16LF1904-I/MV | PIC16LF1904-I/ML | PIC16LF1903T-I/SO | PIC16F1904-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-40 (P) | PDIP-40 (P) - same | QFN-40 (MV) - same pin count, SMD | QFN-44 (ML) - more pins, SMD | SOIC-28 (SO) - smaller pin count | PDIP-40 (P) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 4 KB (2K x 14) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| Data SRAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Supply 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 | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Integrated LCD Driver | Yes (up to 116 segments) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| nanoWatt XLP Sleep Current | <50 nA typical | <50 nA | <50 nA | <50 nA | <50 nA | ~100 nA (F-family sleep) |
| Mounting Style | Through-Hole (PDIP) | Through-Hole | Surface Mount (QFN) | Surface Mount (QFN) | Surface Mount (SOIC) | Through-Hole |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated segmented LCD driver with on-chip charge pump (vs PIC16LF1519-I/P)
- nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 50 nA (vs PIC16F1904-I/P (F-family))
- 40-pin PDIP through-hole form factor for prototype assembly (vs PIC16LF18855-I/SP (28-pin SPDIP))
Design Notes
The PIC16LF1904-I/P runs from a 1.8 V to 3.6 V VDD rail and integrates nanoWatt XLP sleep. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling cap within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 27 and 40) and a single 10 uF bulk cap on the same VDD/VSS loop to handle active-mode inrush. For battery designs, configure the LCD driver for static or 1/2 bias and switch to the on-chip 32 kHz secondary oscillator in Sleep mode to keep sleep current under 50 nA; switch back to the HF internal oscillator (calibrated by OSCTUNE) only when an interrupt wakes the CPU.
Keep the trace between VDD/VSS pins and decoupling caps under 5 mm and route them on the same layer. Place the segmented LCD glass on the same side of the PCB as the MCU or use a through-glass flex interconnect, since segment and COM traces should not run under noisy switching nodes (e.g., an LED driver or boost converter). Keep the 32 kHz crystal traces short and guard them with a ground ring to minimize injection into the LCD bias generation. Route MCLR (pin 1) with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for clean in-circuit reset behavior.
Common pitfalls include: (1) forgetting the ICSP/ICD pins (RB6/RB7, pins 39/40) when laying out the PCB, which makes field firmware updates impossible without a costly socket adapter; (2) exceeding 3.6 V on VDD, which destroys the LF variant - if the design uses a Li-ion cell, route power through an LDO rather than directly to VDD; (3) leaving the LCD charge pump disabled in low-VIN designs, which makes the display invisible below ~2.0 V. Also enable the Brown-out Reset (BOR) in configuration words to ensure deterministic reset during battery insertion.
Estimated: at 20 MHz instruction rate with all peripherals active, the MCU draws ~5 mA; with 100 nF + 10 uF caps as recommended, VDD ripple stays under 50 mV. Place analog (ADC) and digital (LCD COM switching) ground returns to a star point at the VSS pin rather than daisy-chaining to avoid ADC crosstalk. If the application uses the internal temperature indicator or an external analog sensor, average multiple ADC samples and disable the digital input buffer on the analog channel (ANSEL bit) to prevent leakage current on the analog pin.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product compliance data. Lead-free finish standard. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade; not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive-grade PIC16F1xxx variants for vehicle applications.
