PIC16LF1936-E/ML - 8-Bit XLP MCU, 14KB Flash, 32MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1936-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.2 | $3.20 |
| 10 | $2.95 | $29.50 |
| 100 | $2.65 | $265.00 |
| 500 | $2.4 | $1,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.15 | $2,150.00 |
PIC16LF1936-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash for program, SRAM for data, EEPROM for non-volatile storage), and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16LF1936 belongs to the PIC16 enhanced mid-range family, executing most instructions in a single 200ns cycle thanks to its 8-bit RISC-style Harvard architecture. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU is a sub-class of microcomputer, sitting alongside microprocessors (MPUs) and DSPs; the PIC16LF1936 occupies the low-power 8-bit tier, optimized for battery- and energy-harvesting applications rather than high-throughput signal processing.
Key features include up to 36 digital I/O pins, multiple timer/counter modules, Enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I²C), 10-bit ADC with up to 14 channels, comparators, and a charge time measurement unit (CTMU) for capacitive touch or basic time-of-flight sensing. The LCD driver supports static, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 multiplexed panels up to 36 segments x 4 commons, with a dedicated internal bias generator. An integrated 32kHz internal oscillator and Fail-Safe Clock Monitor reduce BOM cost by eliminating an external crystal in many designs.
Architecturally, the device uses a modified Harvard bus with separate instruction and data paths, executing instructions out of Flash in a single cycle pipeline. The nanoWatt XLP technology implements multiple Sleep modes with currents as low as a few hundred nanoamperes with RTCC and watchdog running, and sub-µA deep Sleep with full RAM retention. Code is configured by user-programmable ID locations, and the part supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) plus optional ICD debugging through the standard 2-wire Microchip MPLAB ICD interface.
Typical applications include battery-powered consumer products, low-cost LCD user-interface modules, home appliances with segment displays, metering and sensor interface boards, and IoT edge nodes where Sleep current dominates the energy budget. The combination of XLP Sleep performance and on-chip LCD makes it particularly attractive for thermometers, kitchen scales, and small industrial HMI panels. The 28-QFN (6x6) footprint suits compact handhelds and wearables where board space is constrained.
When designing with this device, observe the 3.6V absolute maximum on VDD and ensure decoupling is placed within 3mm of the supply pin with a 0.1µF ceramic plus a bulk 1-10µF. For LCD applications, allocate charge-pump or resistor-bias components per the datasheet's bias topology; bias-network selection directly affects contrast and current draw. The 'E' suffix denotes the -40°C to +125°C extended operating temperature grade.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1936-E/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 PIC16LF1936-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core, I/O Pins, LCD Driver.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1936-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1936-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1937-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1933-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1902-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF18854-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F15323-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1936-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Core | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns (at 20 MHz) / 125 ns (at 32 MHz) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | Up to 36 (28-pin QFN variant) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2, Timer4, Timer6 |
| PWM | Enhanced CCP, 10-bit PWM |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (SPI / I²C) |
| LCD Driver | On-chip, up to 36 segments x 4 commons |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C (E grade) |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1936-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/ICDDAT — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data / ICD data |
| Pin 2 | RA1/ICDCLK — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock / ICD clock |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8-3.6V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O / TX |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / RX |
| Pin 27 | VLCD — LCD bias voltage / charge pump output |
| Pin 28 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1936-E/ML is suitable for 8 applications: Battery-Powered Thermometer with LCD, Kitchen Scale with Segment LCD, Home Appliance HMI Panel, Low-Cost IoT Sensor Edge Node, Industrial Metering Display Module, Wearable Fitness Tracker Module, Automotive Climate Control Display, Medical Infusion Pump User Interface.
Battery-Powered Thermometer with LCD
The PIC16LF1936-E/ML fits battery-powered thermometers because its on-chip LCD driver directly drives 4-digit 7-segment glass without an external charge-pump, while nanoWatt XLP Sleep at ~50 nA keeps total quiescent current below 1 µA. The 10-bit ADC pairs with an NTC thermistor divider for sub-1°C resolution, and the 14KB Flash easily holds look-up tables, calibration constants, and user-interface state machines. Designers gain a single-chip BOM versus competing parts that require an external LCD controller.
Recommended
Kitchen Scale with Segment LCD
A kitchen scale needs 30+ LCD segments, a load-cell amplifier interface, and months of battery life. The PIC16LF1936-E/ML handles 36-segment LCD via on-chip bias generation, uses its 10-bit ADC to read a load-cell bridge, and runs the calibration/tare firmware from 14KB Flash. Sleep current in the nanoWatt XLP tier enables 6+ months of operation from 2x AAA cells, and the 28-QFN (6x6) small footprint suits the compact scale housing.
Recommended
Home Appliance HMI Panel
For washing machines, microwave ovens, or air-conditioner front panels the PIC16LF1936-E/ML drives segment LCDs, scans capacitive-touch buttons via the CTMU peripheral, and communicates with the main appliance MCU over EUSART. The 14KB Flash stores multi-language UI strings and fault codes, while 256B EEPROM saves user preferences across power cycles. Industrial-grade EMI tolerance and -40 to +125°C temperature range suit the appliance environment.
Recommended
Low-Cost IoT Sensor Edge Node
An IoT sensor node benefits from the PIC16LF1936-E/ML's nanoWatt XLP Sleep (sub-µA), which lets coin-cell-powered nodes last 5+ years. The on-chip 10-bit ADC and 2 comparators interface directly with analog sensors, and the EUSART/MSSP peripherals connect to sub-GHz radio modules or low-power Wi-Fi co-processors. With 512B SRAM the part buffers sensor packets before bulk transmit, and the 28-QFN (6x6) keeps the node PCB under 15x15 mm.
Recommended
Industrial Metering Display Module
Utility meters (electricity, water, gas) require robust LCDs, tamper detection, and 10+ year battery life. The PIC16LF1936-E/ML drives a 36-segment reflective LCD for kWh or m³ display, samples meter pulses on an interrupt pin, and writes audit logs to 256B EEPROM with >1M endurance cycles. The -40 to +125°C extended temperature grade suits outdoor enclosures, and the LF 1.8-3.6V range matches single-cell Li-SOCl2 primary batteries.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness Tracker Module
Wearable fitness bands need a low-power MCU driving an OLED or segment display, sampling accelerometer data, and lasting 1-2 weeks per charge. The PIC16LF1936-E/ML's nanoWatt XLP architecture keeps Sleep current under 1 µA between sensor reads, while EUSART interfaces to BLE modules like the RN4871. The 14KB Flash holds BLE command parsers and step-counting algorithms, and the 28-QFN (6x6) footprint is small enough for slim wristbands.
Recommended
Automotive Climate Control Display
In automotive HVAC panels, the PIC16LF1936-E/ML drives a segment LCD showing temperature setpoints, fan speed, and mode icons via its 36-segment driver. The CTMU enables capacitive touch buttons for backlit controls, while the EUSART links to the body control module over LIN. Although the LF class targets 3.3V rails, the automotive PIC16F1936 variant operates up to 5.5V and meets AEC-Q100 requirements for cabin electronics.
Recommended
Medical Infusion Pump User Interface
Medical infusion pumps require reliable segment LCD readouts, redundant alarm indicators, and long product life cycles. The PIC16LF1936-E/ML's on-chip LCD driver displays flow rate and volume, the CTMU supports capacitive keypad scanning, and the watchdog timer ensures firmware latches into safe state on fault. The 28-QFN (6x6) package fits the compact pump housing while -40 to +125°C operation supports sterilization environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1936-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1936-I/ML | PIC16F1936-E/ML | PIC16LF1937-E/ML | PIC16LF1933-I/ML | PIC16LF1902-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 1 KB | 256 B | 256 B |
| VDD Range | 1.8-3.6 V | 1.8-3.6 V | 1.8-5.5 V | 1.8-3.6 V | 1.8-3.6 V | 1.8-3.6 V |
| Max Clock | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | -40°C to +125°C (E) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +125°C (E) | -40°C to +125°C (E) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C (I) |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip 36-segment x 4-common LCD driver with internal bias generation (vs PIC16F1936-E/ML)
- 2x program Flash vs PIC16LF1933-I/ML (vs PIC16LF1933-I/ML)
- Extended temperature grade -40 to +125°C (vs PIC16LF1936-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1µF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin, plus a bulk 1-10µF tantalum or ceramic on the same rail. For battery-powered designs, add a 10Ω ferrite bead in series with VDD to suppress inrush transients when the battery is hot-plugged. Verify that VDD never exceeds 3.6V on the LF variant - transients from an inductor-coupled load can exceed abs-max and latch the part into permanent damage.
The 28-QFN (6x6) EP package exposes a thermal pad (pin 28) that MUST be soldered to a copper pour connected to VSS for both thermal dissipation and electrical grounding. Use an array of 5x5 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill) under the EP to reduce thermal resistance below 30°C/W. Keep analog traces (sensor inputs, ADC reference) short and isolated from switching lines like PWM and EUSART TX.
Do not confuse the PIC16LF1936 (1.8-3.6V) with the PIC16F1936 (1.8-5.5V) when substituting in production - the LF variant can be permanently damaged by 5V rails. Also, when migrating from PIC16F1936 firmware, verify the LF variant's lower Fosc max at low VDD (16 MHz at 1.8V rising to 32 MHz above 3.0V); running the LF at 32 MHz below 3.0V is out-of-spec.
Estimated: I/O source/sink current is 25 mA per pin (50 mA absolute max per port). When driving LED arrays or relay coils, add a series resistor or flyback diode to limit inrush. For EUSART runs >100 mm, add 100Ω series termination at the driver end to damp reflections; for I²C buses, use 4.7kΩ pull-ups at 100 kHz and 2.2kΩ at 400 kHz.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page; PIC16LF1936 family is not AEC-Q100 qualified but the automotive PIC16F1936 variant in 5V class is recommended for cabin electronics. PIC16LF1936-E/ML halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance disclosures.
