PIC16LF1938-E/SO - 28KB Flash 8-Bit MCU, 1.8-5.5V | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1938-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.92 | $3.92 |
| 10 | $3.61 | $36.10 |
| 100 | $2.84 | $284.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
PIC16LF1938-E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, optimized for embedded control. The PIC16 family uses a RISC Harvard architecture, which keeps program and data memory on separate buses, allowing simultaneous fetch-and-execute to sustain one instruction per clock cycle. As a member of the broader microcontrollers > microcontroller IC > embedded processor > semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC16 sits below 16/32-bit MCUs in capability but above 4-bit controllers in throughput, balancing cost, simplicity, and on-chip peripherals.
Key features include eXtreme Low Power (XLP) sleep currents down to 20 nA, 11 ADC channels with 10-bit resolution, 2 comparators, 4 timers, 2 CCP modules, an Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART), Master I2C, SPI, and an integrated mTouch capacitive-sensing peripheral. Twenty-five GPIO pins break out device peripherals to the PCB, while the integrated LCD driver eliminates external display hardware.
The architecture combines a precision 16-level hardware stack, a deterministic 35-instruction set, and peripherals clocked from the system oscillator through a jitter-free peripheral clock divider. Five oscillator options (HFINTOSC, LFINTOSC, EC, XT, HS) plus 4x PLL give the designer wide frequency vs. power trade-offs.
Typical applications include battery-powered metering (water/gas/heat), thermostat and HVAC controls with LCD readouts, capacitive-touch user interfaces, medical glucose meters, consumer remote controls, and industrial sensor/transmitter nodes where nanoWatt XLP sleep currents materially extend battery life.
When designing with this MCU, budget for the LC divider bypass caps near AVDD/AVSS and route the LCD COM/SEG traces with adequate spacing - the integrated charge-pump can pull a few hundred microamps when driving large glass panels.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the standalone manufacturer datasheet, giving procurement and design engineers a single reference for the PIC16LF1938-E/SO.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1938-E/SO — 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 PIC16LF1938-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Timers, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1938-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1938-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.97 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1938-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1938-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1936-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1933-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1938-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14) |
| RAM | 1 KB (1024 bytes) |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 11 channels, 10-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/4/6 family) |
| CCP Modules | 2 |
| EUSART | 1 |
| I2C / SPI | 1 master I2C, 1 SPI |
| GPIO Pins | 25 |
| LCD Driver | Up to 192 segments, integrated charge pump |
| mTouch Capacitive Sensing | Yes (CTMU peripheral) |
| nanoWatt XLP Sleep Current | 20 nA typical |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16LF1938-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/RE3 — Master Clear reset input or digital-only RE3 input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0, analog channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1, analog channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2, analog channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3, analog channel 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4, analog channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5 — PORTA bit 5, analog channel 5 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1 — PORTA bit 7 / oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2 — PORTA bit 6 / oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock input |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data input/output |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1938-E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Water/Gas Metering, Thermostat and HVAC Control Panel, Capacitive Touch User Interface, Medical Glucose / PoC Meter, Industrial Wireless Sensor Node, Consumer IR Remote Control, LCD-Backed Sensor / Smart Instrument.
Battery-Powered Water/Gas Metering
The PIC16LF1938-E/SO fits battery-powered water and gas meter modules because its 1.8 V-5.5 V VDD range allows direct connection to a single primary lithium cell, while its nanoWatt XLP sleep current of 20 nA lets the application wake only at the magnetic reed sensor pulse and remain dormant for the rest of the day. The integrated 16-bit timer with capture gives precise pulse counting from flow sensors, and the 1 KB SRAM is large enough to log a full rolling monthly consumption history plus event timestamps. The 25-GPIO budget can drive a 192-segment LCD readout to display cumulative m3 and tariff rate, removing the need for any external display driver IC. Available in 28-SOIC, it survives -40 C to +125 C environments as required by AMI metering spec.
Recommended
Thermostat and HVAC Control Panel
The PIC16LF1938-E/SO is an ideal core for 7-day programmable thermostats and HVAC controllers because the integrated LCD driver with internal charge pump can drive a 96- to 192-segment glass display without an external voltage booster, simplifying the front panel to a single PCB layer. Its CTMU peripheral combined with the mTouch library enables capacitive slider/wheel temperature input, while the 11-channel 10-bit ADC services thermistor sensing of supply, return, outdoor, and indoor air temperatures. The 32 MHz clock and 4 timers drive PID-style fan-coil/blower control loops with microsecond resolution. Industrial E-suffix operation from -40 C to +125 C keeps the part reliable in attic-mounted equipment.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) on the PIC16LF1938-E/SO and supporting mTouch software libraries make this MCU a great choice for sealed-key appliances, where capacitive buttons replace mechanical switches. As many as 16 keys can be scanned through a single ADC channel plus one GPIO per pad, freeing GPIOs for LEDs, beepers, and communication; the mTouch reference firmware handles firmware filtering and gesture decoding without CPU overhead. Combined with the 1.8 V-5.5 V supply and 20 nA XLP sleep, devices with capacitive user interfaces can run for years on a coin cell. The 28-SOIC footprint suits both hand-sized appliances and behind-glass industrial HMIs.
Recommended
Medical Glucose / PoC Meter
The PIC16LF1938-E/SO suits battery-powered clinical Point-of-Care meters (e.g., handheld glucose, INR, hematocrit) because its 1.8 V-5.5 V operation covers a single CR2032 coin cell down to end-of-life voltage, and the integrated 1 KB SRAM buffers enough amperometric test points without external memory. Its nanoWatt XLP sleep around 20 nA keeps stand-by draw negligible between monthly tests. The 11 ADC channels handle electrochemical sensor front-end amplification, while the EUSART connects to a Bluetooth Low Energy daughter board or a USB-to-serial bridge. Industrial-grade packaging gives the meter a two-year shelf life target on the original battery.
Recommended
Industrial Wireless Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1938-E/SO acts as the supervisory MCU in industrial wireless sensor nodes (temperature, pressure, vibration) because its 32 MHz MIPS-class compute cycles encryption and IO-Link stack frames while its nanoWatt XLP sleep allows 90% duty-cycle-savings over older 8-bit PIC16 cores. With 1 KB RAM it implements buffered SPI for sub-GHz transceivers and pressure/temperature sensor front-ends. The 25 GPIOs run multiple I2C/SPI slaves concurrently (sensor + DAC + RF module), and the integrated LCD driver offers an optional local panel readout. Industrial -40 C to +125 C operation supports outdoor cabinet and inside-boiler applications.
Recommended
Consumer IR Remote Control
The PIC16LF1938-E/SO is well suited for IR-based remote controls where a coin cell must power a device for years: the nanoWatt XLP 20 nA sleep current drains effectively nothing until a key press, while the ECCP module generates accurate 38 kHz / 40 kHz carrier frequencies without external timers. Its 1.8 V operation directly supports 2x AAA alkaline down to 1.9 V, and 28-SOIC packaging is thin enough for slim wand enclosures. The mTouch peripheral supports capacitive keys without mechanical buttons, providing a more reliable, sealed user interface.
Recommended
LCD-Backed Sensor / Smart Instrument
When building a smart sensor or low-cost handheld instrument requiring on-board alpha-numeric display, the PIC16LF1938-E/SO's integrated 192-segment LCD driver with internal charge-pump removes the need for a separate LCD controller and DC-DC converter. The CTMU peripheral, plus the on-board 10-bit ADC, handles a thermistor, RTD, or 4-20 mA loop while the EUSART bridges to a Bluetooth or RS-485 module. With nanoWatt XLP, the entire smart sensor can sleep at 20 nA and burst-transmit readings once per second, meeting field-battery lifetime requirements. The E-suffix 125 C rating means hot-area installation sites are supported.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1938-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1938-I/SO | PIC16F1938-E/SO | PIC16F1938-I/SO | PIC16LF1936-E/SO | PIC16LF1933-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB (-50%) | 7 KB (-75%) |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 256 B (-75%) |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| GPIO Count | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| ADC Channels | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit |
| LCD Driver | 192 segments | 192 segments | 192 segments | 192 segments | 192 segments | 192 segments |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1, USD) | $3.92 | $3.50 (est., 5-10% lower) | $3.40 (est., 12% lower) | $3.10 (est., 20% lower) | $3.20 (est., 18% lower - 14KB Flash) | $2.85 (est., 27% lower - smaller Flash) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest voltage operation in the PIC16F193x family (vs PIC16F1938-E/SO)
- Industry-lowest 20 nA nanoWatt XLP sleep current (vs PIC16LF1936-E/SO)
- Larger 28 KB Flash + 1 KB SRAM with identical pinout (vs PIC16LF1933-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: With VDD=3.0 V and CPU in sleep (LF prefix, XLP mode, WDT disabled), quiescent current typically measures 20 nA per the datasheet - confirms nanoWatt XLP rating. To achieve lowest sleep current, set PMD=0xFF (all peripherals disabled), clear ADC, comparators, FVR/CSR modules, and pull all unused I/O to defined states (output low or high, never floating). Wake-up sources include WDT, INTx, IOC (interrupt-on-change), or RTCC; each source adds measurable wake latency so select only mandatory sources to minimize average current.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD/VSS pins (pins 20/19 or 8/19 depending on layout) with the shortest possible trace. For VDD rails above 100 mA peak (e.g., LCD charge pump enabled plus ADC running), add a bulk 4.7 to 10 uF tantalum or ceramic. Connect MCLR pin 1 through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; if no in-system programming is required, can be tied directly. Place a 0.1 uF cap on AVSS if precise ADC conversion is required, with AVSS isolated ground via ferrite bead to digital VSS.
Estimated common-pitfall check: When migrating from PIC16LF1938-E/SO to PIC16F1938-E/SO, do not assume the F-prefix operates below 2.0 V - operation is undefined per the datasheet and can corrupt Flash/EEPROM. Likewise, attempting to use the LCD charge pump at VDD<2.2 V may produce dim segments; in low-voltage conditions the pump must be disabled and segments driven directly. Configuring PORT pins as analog (ANSELA/B/C registers) requires explicit disabling before digital use, including for ICSP/PGEC/PGED programming - failure here is the most common beginner pitfall.
Estimated layout guidance: Route the ICSP/PGEC (pin 27) and ICSP/PGD (pin 28) traces straight to a 2x3 or 1x6 in-circuit programming header with no series resistors; Microchip programmers use internal pull-ups on these pins. Keep the ICSP header connector away from high-current traces to avoid noise coupling during debug. For LCD applications, route SEG and COM traces as single-ended pairs separated by a ground shield to minimize crosstalk and to keep the charge-pump-induced ripple from intruding into the analog supply rail.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free/halogen-free status were not included in the Verified Web Data retrieved; please confirm with Microchip's product compliance statements or the formal material declaration documents. AEC-Q100 not applicable - E suffix is industrial-grade (-40 C to +125 C) but not automotive-grade; for AEC-Q100 PIC16 usage, separate PIC16F1938-E/SO Q-grade variants exist under automotive part number IDs.
