PIC16LF1938-E/SP - 28KB Flash, LCD, nanoWatt XLP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1938-E/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
PIC16LF1938-E/SP Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a RISC-based embedded processor that executes one instruction per clock cycle (except branches), giving predictable timing and deterministic interrupt response. PIC MCUs sit in the broader taxonomy as 8-bit microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors, and the PIC16 sub-family targets ultra-low-power and mixed-signal applications with on-chip peripherals such as ADCs, comparators, and LCD drivers.
Key features include an integrated LCD driver supporting up to 96 segments, a 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels, multiple communication peripherals (EUSART, MSSP for SPI/I2C), 2 capture/compare/PWM modules, and nanoWatt XLP modes achieving sub-uA sleep currents. The device also supports 25 mA source/sink per I/O, making it suitable for direct LED drive.
Technically, the PIC16LF1938 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a 14-bit instruction word, and a 32 kHz to 32 MHz internal oscillator with PLL. The 'LF' prefix denotes the low-voltage (1.8V-3.6V) variant optimized for battery-powered designs, while the 'E' suffix indicates the extended (-40C to +125C) operating temperature grade.
Typical applications include battery-powered LCD instrumentation (utility meters, thermostats, weighing scales), remote controls, sensor nodes, consumer appliances with segment displays, and industrial control panels. The on-chip LCD driver eliminates the need for an external LCD controller, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
When designing with this part, note that the 28-pin SPDIP package is through-hole, making it ideal for prototyping and hand-soldered prototypes but not high-volume SMT production - consider PIC16LF1938-E/SS (SSOP-28) or PIC16LF1938-E/ML (QFN-28) variants for reflow-soldered boards.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parameter comparisons against same-family and competitor MCUs, and practical design notes - information not aggregated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1938-E/SP — 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/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, LCD Driver, Package, Timers, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1938-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1938-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1937-E/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1936-E/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1939-E/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1938-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 28 KB (16K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 1024 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended, 'E') |
| Number of I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| LCD Driver | Up to 96 segments |
| Communication Peripherals | 1x EUSART, 1x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| PWM / CCP Modules | 2x CCP, 1x Enhanced CCP (ECCP) |
| Timers | 4x 8-bit, 1x 16-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300", 7.62mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Instruction Set | PIC16 (14-bit instructions, RISC) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1938-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN0-/LCDSEG0 — GPIO RA0 / ADC0 ch0 / Comparator1 in- / LCD segment 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN1-/LCDSEG1 — GPIO RA1 / ADC0 ch1 / Comparator1 in- / LCD segment 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/C1IN0+/LCDSEG2 — GPIO RA2 / ADC0 ch2 / Vref- / Comparator1 in+ / LCD segment 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/C1IN1+/LCDSEG3 — GPIO RA3 / ADC0 ch3 / Vref+ / Comparator1 in+ / LCD segment 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT/SRQ/CCP5 — GPIO RA4 / Timer0 clock / Comparator1 out / SR latch Q / CCP5 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/C2IN0-/SS/HLVDIN — GPIO RA5 / ADC0 ch4 / Comparator2 in- / SPI SS / HLVD input |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT/VCAP — GPIO RA6 / XTAL2 / CLKOUT / core capacitor |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO RA7 / XTAL1 / CLKIN |
| Pin 9 | RE3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO RE3 (input only) / MCLR / programming Vpp |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | RB0/AN12/C2IN0+/CCP4/SRI — GPIO RB0 / ADC1 ch0 / Comparator2 in+ / CCP4 / SR latch I |
| Pin 13 | RB1/AN10/C1IN3-/P1C/EEBI — GPIO RB1 / ADC1 ch1 / Comparator1 in- / PWM1C / EEPROM bit |
| Pin 14 | RB2/AN8/P1B — GPIO RB2 / ADC1 ch2 / PWM1B |
| Pin 15 | RB3/AN9/C1IN2-/P1C — GPIO RB3 / ADC1 ch3 / Comparator1 in- / PWM1C |
| Pin 16 | RB4/AN11/C2IN1-/P1D/SDA — GPIO RB4 / ADC1 ch4 / Comparator2 in- / PWM1D / I2C SDA |
| Pin 17 | RB5/AN13/C2IN2-/CCP3/P2A/SDI/SDA — GPIO RB5 / ADC1 ch5 / Comparator2 in- / CCP3 / PWM2A / SPI SDI / I2C SDA |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC/SCK/SCL — GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock / SPI SCK / I2C SCL |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD/TX/CK — GPIO RB7 / ICSP data / EUSART TX/CK |
| Pin 20 | RD0/CPS8/COM3 — GPIO RD0 / Cap touch 8 / LCD COM3 |
| Pin 21 | RD1/CPS9/COM2 — GPIO RD1 / Cap touch 9 / LCD COM2 |
| Pin 22 | RD2/CPS10/COM1 — GPIO RD2 / Cap touch 10 / LCD COM1 |
| Pin 23 | RD3/CPS11/COM0 — GPIO RD3 / Cap touch 11 / LCD COM0 |
| Pin 24 | RC0/T1CKI/P2A — GPIO RC0 / Timer1 clock / PWM2A |
| Pin 25 | RC1/CCP2/P2A — GPIO RC1 / CCP2 / PWM2A |
| Pin 26 | RC2/P1A/CCP1 — GPIO RC2 / PWM1A / CCP1 |
| Pin 27 | RC3/SCL/SCK — GPIO RC3 / I2C SCL / SPI SCK |
| Pin 28 | RC4/SDA/SDI — GPIO RC4 / I2C SDA / SPI SDI |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1938-E/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Utility Meter with LCD, Industrial Control Panel with Segment Display, Thermostat and HVAC User Interface, Medical Monitoring Device (Home-Use Segment Display), Consumer Appliance Front Panel, Portable Weighing Scale, Automotive Aftermarket Segment Display.
Battery-Powered Utility Meter with LCD
The PIC16LF1938-E/SP is purpose-built for battery-powered utility meters (electricity, water, gas) requiring multi-year coin-cell life with an always-on LCD readout. Its nanoWatt XLP technology drops sleep current below 1 uA per datasheet 41397G, and the integrated LCD driver eliminates a separate display controller, saving BOM cost. With 28KB flash and 1024B RAM, the part has ample headroom for metrology algorithms, tariff logic, and LCD rendering while staying inside the 28-pin SPDIP footprint.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panel with Segment Display
In industrial control panels, the PIC16LF1938-E/SP drives a segment LCD for status display while reading sensors and controlling actuators. The 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels handles multiple analog inputs (temperature, pressure, level), and the 2 CCP/PWM modules drive motor or valve control. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (E suffix) ensures operation in factory environments. The 28-pin SPDIP package simplifies hand-rework and field replacement.
Recommended
Thermostat and HVAC User Interface
The PIC16LF1938-E/SP suits thermostat and HVAC user interfaces where a multi-segment LCD shows temperature, setpoint, and mode. Its nanoWatt XLP sleep modes keep idle current under 1 uA, critical for battery-backed thermostats, while the EUSART and MSSP peripherals support Wi-Fi or sub-GHz radio modules for connectivity. The 25 I/O pins accommodate keypad scanning, relay drivers, and triac control outputs without external mux chips.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Device (Home-Use Segment Display)
For home-use medical devices like blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and pulse oximeters, the PIC16LF1938-E/SP provides the LCD segment driver, ADC for sensor readout, and low-power operation essential for AAA/coin-cell power. The 28KB flash supports feature-rich firmware including calibration curves and trend logging. Note: this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for FDA-grade medical designs additional qualification may be required.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Front Panel
Washing machines, microwave ovens, and induction cooktops use segment LCDs for user feedback - the PIC16LF1938-E/SP drives these displays while handling keypad input, encoder feedback, and relay/triac control. Its 32 MHz core provides responsive UI updates, the integrated LCD driver replaces an external controller saving cost, and the extended temperature grade supports appliance operating environments including near heating elements.
Recommended
Portable Weighing Scale
Portable weighing scales benefit from the PIC16LF1938-E/SP's integrated LCD segment driver for the weight display, 10-bit ADC for load-cell readout, and nanoWatt XLP modes for long battery life. The 28KB flash supports tare, unit conversion, and Bluetooth pairing logic for smart scales. The 28-pin SPDIP package is preferred for hand-assembled prototypes and field-replaceable modules.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Segment Display
For non-safety automotive aftermarket products (e.g., audio head units, GPS displays, gauge clusters), the PIC16LF1938-E/SP can drive segment LCDs and read switch/encoder inputs. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade handles automotive cabin and engine-bay-adjacent environments. Note: this part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical or OEM automotive systems, use AEC-Q100-qualified PIC microcontrollers from Microchip.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1938-E/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1938-I/SP | PIC16F1938-E/SP | PIC16LF1937-E/SP | PIC16LF1936-E/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP | 28-pin SPDIP (same) | 28-pin SPDIP (same) | 28-pin SPDIP (same) | 28-pin SPDIP (same) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| LCD Driver | Yes (up to 96 segments) | Yes (96 segments) | Yes (96 segments) | Yes (96 segments) | Yes (96 segments) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 17 channels | 10-bit, 17 channels | 10-bit, 17 channels | 10-bit, 17 channels | 10-bit, 17 channels |
| Approx Unit Price (qty 1) | $3.42 | $3.20 | $3.55 | $2.95 | $2.75 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade vs standard industrial (vs PIC16LF1938-I/SP)
- Integrated LCD driver for up to 96 segments (vs PIC16LF1937-E/SP)
- Same-family drop-in with 5V capability (vs PIC16F1938-E/SP)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD=3.3V with CPU active at 32 MHz, the PIC16LF1938 draws roughly 8 mA (typical per datasheet 41397G figure 33-2). In sleep with LCD off, current drops below 1 uA (nanoWatt XLP mode). For battery-life estimation, use the active:standby duty cycle times the respective currents, plus the LCD driver draw (~5 uA with 96 segments at 1/3 bias). Pair with a low-Iq LDO like the MCP1700 (1.6 uA quiescent) for stable rail.
Estimated: At 32 MHz and 3.3V, the PIC16LF1938 dissipates approximately 0.03 W. The 28-pin SPDIP package has thermal resistance theta_JA around 80 C/W (estimated for through-hole SPDIP), giving a junction temperature rise of only 2-3 C above ambient. Even at +125C ambient, the device operates well within its 150 C junction limit, so thermal management is generally not a concern for this MCU.
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD pin 10 with the ground return via VSS pin 11. For noise-sensitive applications add a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. If using the internal 32 MHz oscillator, ensure no high-current traces run parallel to the OSC1/OSC2 area to minimize EMI. For ICD (in-circuit debugging) header, route PGC/PGD (RB6/RB7) away from switching signals.
Do not exceed 3.6V VDD on the LF variant or risk permanent damage - the LF cannot tolerate 5V. When migrating from PIC16F1938 firmware, verify all VDD assumptions are within the LF's 1.8V-3.6V range. Always configure unused I/O pins as outputs (not inputs) to minimize supply current from floating inputs. The MCLR pin (RE3) must be tied high through a pull-up resistor for normal operation; never left floating.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - this MCU is intended for industrial, consumer, and battery-powered applications, not automotive safety-critical. The 'E' suffix denotes extended temperature grade only, not automotive qualification. For AEC-Q100 needs, choose a qualified PIC MCU from Microchip's automotive portfolio.
