PIC16LF1936-E/SS - 14KB Flash 8-bit MCU LCD XLP 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1936-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.92 | $1.92 |
| 10 | $1.73 | $17.30 |
| 100 | $1.54 | $154.00 |
| 500 | $1.38 | $690.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.22 | $1,220.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.05 | $3,150.00 |
PIC16LF1936-E/SS Overview
What is an 8-bit flash microcontroller? An 8-bit flash microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, with on-chip Flash program memory that is electrically re-programmable in-circuit. Microcontrollers belong to the broader family of microprocessors and embedded processors, and they sit at the heart of nearly every embedded system. Compared to older OTP (one-time-programmable) or ROM-only devices, Flash-based MCUs like the PIC16LF1936 support field upgrades, faster prototyping, and lower-cost firmware revision control. Within Microchip's portfolio, the PIC16LF1936 sits in the enhanced mid-range PIC16F1xxx family, which targets ultra-low-power LCD applications where both code density and on-chip analog integration matter.
Key features that distinguish the PIC16LF1936-E/SS include 14 KB self-programmable Flash, an integrated LCD driver with charge pump and contrast control, a 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels, two 8-bit timers, three 16-bit timers, an Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART), Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) supporting SPI and I²C, and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents as low as a few hundred nA depending on mode. The device also features a wide operating voltage range of 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports interrupt-on-change on multiple I/O pins, making it suitable for human-machine-interface designs.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1936 uses a 14-bit instruction word, single-cycle ALU operations except for branches, and a deep hardware interrupt stack. The on-chip LCD module generates the segment and common signals internally, offloading software overhead and freeing the CPU for application logic.
Typical applications include battery-powered LCD thermometers, glucose and fitness meters, remote sensor displays, low-cost appliance HMIs, industrial counters, IoT sensor nodes with LCD readouts, and portable medical monitoring devices where nanoWatt XLP extends battery life. When designing with this MCU, place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD, use the internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC for clock accuracy trade-offs, and follow Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 toolchain for code development. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1936-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 PIC16LF1936-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in LCD Driver, Timers, ADC, Package, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1936-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1937-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1934-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1933-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1906-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF19156-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18855-E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1936-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range, 8-bit data path, 14-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E = extended) |
| I/O Pins | Up to 25 |
| LCD Driver | On-chip, up to 96 segments with charge pump |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit, 3x 16-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, MSSP (I²C/SPI), AUSART |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <30C/85% RH) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1936-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RE3/MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input / digital I/O |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 (analog/digital I/O, T0CKI) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 (digital I/O, OSC1) |
| Pin 14 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 (digital I/O, OSC2) |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (digital I/O, SCL) |
| Pin 19 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 (digital I/O, COM0) |
| Pin 20 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 (digital I/O, COM1) |
| Pin 21 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 (digital I/O, COM2) |
| Pin 22 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 (digital I/O, COM3) |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (digital I/O, SDA) |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (digital I/O, SDO) |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (digital I/O, TX/CK) |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (digital I/O, RX/DT) |
| Pin 27 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 28 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (interrupt-on-change) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1936-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered LCD Thermometer, Industrial Counter and Process Timer, Glucose Meter and Fitness Health Device, Low-Cost Appliance HMI Controller, IoT Sensor Node with LCD Readout, Portable Medical Monitoring Device.
Battery-Powered LCD Thermometer
The PIC16LF1936-E/SS fits battery-powered LCD thermometers through three core advantages: the on-chip LCD driver eliminates external charge-pump ICs and segment drivers, reducing BOM cost by USD 0.30 to USD 0.50 per unit; nanoWatt XLP sleep currents extend coin-cell life to over 5 years; and the 10-bit ADC with integrated temperature sensor provides direct Celsius readings without external components. The MCU runs at 32 MHz for display refresh and idle cycles, then drops to <1 uA in sleep between measurements. Designers place a 32.768 kHz crystal on the SOSC pins for RTC-based wake-up every 30 seconds, achieving average current under 5 uA and battery life exceeding 3 years on a single CR2032.
Recommended
Industrial Counter and Process Timer
For industrial counters, the PIC16LF1936-E/SS delivers reliable 32 MHz operation across -40C to +125C with the EUSART supporting RS-485 communication to PLCs or HMIs. The integrated LCD driver displays count values, setpoints, and alarm states directly on the panel glass, eliminating 7-segment display drivers and reducing wiring complexity. The MCU captures up to 1 MHz input signals on Timer1 with input capture, accurate to under 1 us. Robust EMI performance comes from the Schmitt-trigger digital inputs and on-chip brown-out reset set to 1.8 V. Typical designs use one MCP1700 LDO and a four-digit 7-segment + status LCD, fitting in a 60x60 mm panel-mount enclosure.
Recommended
Glucose Meter and Fitness Health Device
The PIC16LF1936-E/SS serves blood-glucose meters and fitness devices where medical-grade measurement and long battery life converge. Its 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels reads electro-chemical test strips at sub-100 uA bias currents, while nanoWatt XLP sleep mode at 30 nA typical extends CR2032 life to 1,000+ measurements. The hardware LCD driver displays results in seven-segment or dot-matrix mode without external bias circuitry, supporting displays up to 96 segments in 4-MUX configuration. Built-in EUSART streams results to paired Bluetooth modules such as the RN42 for companion mobile apps, while MSSP supports I²C for accessory glucose-strip ROM identification.
Recommended
Low-Cost Appliance HMI Controller
For appliance HMIs in washing machines, microwave ovens, and induction cooktops, the PIC16LF1936-E/SS provides a cost-optimized MCU with direct LCD glass drive. The 14 KB Flash accommodates full state-machine firmware with cycle programs, while the 256-byte EEPROM stores user presets and last-cycle memory across power cycles. The integrated LCD driver handles 4-MUX displays up to 96 segments, eliminating the USD 0.20 to USD 0.40 external segment driver. AC zero-cross detection on the 16-bit CCP peripheral synchronizes triac firing to within 1 ms, supporting dimmer and heater control. The MSSP I²C peripheral reads temperature and humidity sensors with interrupt-driven wake-up from sleep.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Node with LCD Readout
In IoT sensor nodes that require local display feedback, the PIC16LF1936-E/SS combines LoRa/Wi-Fi module communication with on-board LCD readout of sensor values. The MCU coordinates with RN2483 LoRaWAN modules via EUSART for long-range telemetry while updating local LCD status indicators every 5 seconds, drawing under 100 uA average. The 14 KB Flash holds sensor calibration tables and stack firmware, while nanoWatt XLP sleep extends battery life to multiple years. The 17-channel ADC reads multiple analog sensors simultaneously, with a single MCP9700 temperature sensor providing cold-junction compensation for thermocouple measurements.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Device
The PIC16LF1936-E/SS targets portable medical monitors such as pulse oximeters and blood-pressure cuffs where battery safety and accuracy intersect. The 10-bit ADC reads optical pulse-oximetry photodiode signals through transimpedance amplifiers, while the integrated LCD driver displays SpO2% and pulse rate directly on small monochrome LCD glass. nanoWatt XLP idle currents under 1 uA extend AAA-battery life beyond 1,000 measurement cycles. Hardware ECC and MPU features ensure firmware integrity required by IEC 62304 medical device standards. The EUSART streams data to Bluetooth Low Energy modules for smartphone integration, with all peripherals interrupt-driven for deterministic response.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1936-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1936-I/SS | PIC16LF1937-E/SS | PIC16LF1934-E/SS | PIC16LF1933-E/SS | PIC16LF1906-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-28 | SSOP-28 - same | SSOP-28 - same | SSOP-28 - same | SSOP-28 - same | SSOP-28 - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 16 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB |
| SRAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 1 KB | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 512 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 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 Driver | Yes, up to 96 segments | Yes, up to 96 segments | Yes, up to 96 segments | Yes, up to 96 segments | Yes, up to 96 segments | No |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- Higher Flash and SRAM than PIC16LF1933-E/SS drop-in (vs PIC16LF1933-E/SS)
- Industrial vs extended temperature range (vs PIC16LF1936-I/SS)
- Integrated LCD driver eliminates external charge pump (vs PIC16LF1906-E/SS)
Design Notes
Power the PIC16LF1936-E/SS from a 3.3 V rail with a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 11). Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail for transient suppression during LCD charge-pump load steps. For battery applications, the MCP1700-3302E LDO provides 250 mA output at 1.6 uA quiescent current, ensuring total idle current stays below 5 uA when the MCU is in sleep with LCD off.
Route the MCLR pin (RE3) through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and place a 100 nF capacitor to ground for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP). Reserve RB6 and RB7 (on 28-pin SPDIP only) or dedicated ICSP pins (PGD/PGC) accessible for PICkit or MPLAB Snap debug header. Use a 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane under the SSOP-28 footprint for thermal dissipation and EMI suppression of the LCD segment signals.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD or you risk EEPROM corruption and latch-up; the LF family lacks 5 V tolerance. Configure the configuration bits correctly: disable watchdog unless used (FWPSA=1:1, WDTPS=1:1) and set the brown-out reset voltage (BORV=0 for 1.8 V threshold). Always run the configuration bits through Microchip MPLAB X IDE visual configurator to avoid bootloader conflicts. The LCD charge pump requires the Vcap pin to have a 1 uF to 4.7 uF low-ESR capacitor to ground.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip Material Declaration documents.
