PIC16LF1938-E/SS - 28KB Flash 8-Bit MCU, LCD, XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1938-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.31 | $4.31 |
| 10 | $3.87 | $38.70 |
| 100 | $3.22 | $322.00 |
| 500 | $2.74 | $1,370.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.38 | $2,380.00 |
PIC16LF1938-E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), non-volatile data storage (EEPROM), and peripheral interfaces on one die. The PIC16LF1938 falls under the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 8-bit CMOS MCU -> Flash-based MCU -> low-power XLP family. Its enhanced mid-range core executes most instructions in a single 200ns cycle, delivering approximately 5 MIPS throughput at 32 MHz.
Key features of the PIC16LF1938-E/SS include 28KB (16K x 14) Flash program memory with self-programming capability, 1KB SRAM, 256B EEPROM, integrated LCD driver supporting up to 96 segments with a dedicated charge pump, multiple Enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) modules, 11 ADC channels with 10-bit resolution, and ultra-low-power nanoWatt XLP technology with sleep currents in the nanoampere range. The 'LF' prefix indicates the wide-voltage low-power variant, while the 'E' suffix denotes the extended operating temperature range of -40C to +125C.
The PIC16LF1938-E/SS utilizes Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core built on CMOS process technology with proprietary nanoWatt XLP design techniques. Peripherals include up to 25 general-purpose I/O pins with interrupt-on-change capability, multiple timers (Timer0/1/2 with gate, RTCC), 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference, and capture/compare/PWM modules. Internal RC oscillators and a 32 kHz secondary oscillator provide flexible clocking while supporting low-power modes such as Sleep, Idle, and Doze.
Typical applications include battery-powered human-machine interface (HMI) panels with segmented LCD displays, low-cost consumer appliances, industrial sensor nodes with LCD readout, thermostat controls, portable medical monitoring devices, and remote control units. The integrated LCD driver eliminates the need for an external display controller, reducing both BOM cost and PCB footprint.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the Flash self-write and EEPROM operations obey the voltage and timing constraints in the datasheet. The LCD charge pump requires external capacitors on the VLCD pins; check the segmented display mux mode to size these capacitors correctly. For low-power designs, leverage the nanoWatt XLP Sleep mode with RTCC wake-up to achieve quiescent currents below 1 microamp.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1938-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 PIC16LF1938-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, LCD Driver, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1938-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1938T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1938-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1938-H/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1937T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1939-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1938-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 1024 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, -E suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (5.30 mm) |
| I/O Pins | Up to 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| LCD Driver | Integrated, up to 96 segments with charge pump |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2, RTCC |
| PWM Modules | ECCP + CCP |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1938-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/CPS0/C1IN0-/SEG12 — PORTA bit 0 / ADC input / capacitive touch / comparator / LCD segment |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/CPS1/C1IN1-/SEG7 — PORTA bit 1 / ADC / touch / comparator / LCD segment |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/CPS2/C1IN0+/VREF-/SEG6 — PORTA bit 2 / ADC / touch / comparator / VREF- / LCD segment |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/CPS3/C1IN1+/VREF+/SEG5 — PORTA bit 3 / ADC / touch / comparator / VREF+ / LCD segment |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/CPS4/C1OUT/T0CKI/SEG4 — PORTA bit 4 / ADC / touch / comparator out / Timer0 clock / LCD segment |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/CPS5/SS1/HLVDIN/SEG3 — PORTA bit 5 / ADC / touch / SPI SS / HLVD / LCD segment |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / clock out / PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 10 | RC0/SOSCO/SCL1/SCK1 — PORTC bit 0 / secondary oscillator / I2C clock / SPI clock |
| Pin 11 | RC1/SOSCI/SDA1/SDI1 — PORTC bit 1 / secondary oscillator / I2C data / SPI data in |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1/P1A/SEG11 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM / LCD segment |
| Pin 13 | RC3/CCP2/P1B/SEG10/REFO — PORTC bit 3 / CCP2 PWM / LCD segment / reference output |
| Pin 14 | RC4/C2OUT/SDA2/SDI2/T1G — PORTC bit 4 / comparator out / I2C / SPI / Timer1 gate |
| Pin 15 | RC5/CCP3/P1C/C3OUT/SDO2/T1CKI — PORTC bit 5 / CCP3 / comparator out / SPI out / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 16 | RC6/AN11/CPS11/CCP4/P1D/SS2/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / ADC / touch / CCP4 / SPI SS / EUSART TX/CK |
| Pin 17 | RC7/AN10/CPS10/CCP5/P2A/SDO2/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / ADC / touch / CCP5 / SPI out / EUSART RX/DT |
| Pin 18 | RB7/ICSPDAT/EEGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data / EEPROM data |
| Pin 19 | RB6/ICSPCK/EEPG — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock / EEPROM program |
| Pin 20 | RB5/AN13/CPS13/CCP6/P2B/T3G/SEG22 — PORTB bit 5 / ADC / touch / CCP6 / Timer3 gate / LCD segment |
| Pin 21 | RB4/AN11/CPS11/CCP5/P1C/KBI0/COM0 — PORTB bit 4 / ADC / touch / CCP5 / KBI / LCD COM0 |
| Pin 22 | RB3/AN9/CPS9/CCP4/P1B/KBI1/COM1 — PORTB bit 3 / ADC / touch / CCP4 / KBI / LCD COM1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/AN8/CPS8/P1D/KBI2/COM2 — PORTB bit 2 / ADC / touch / PWM / KBI / LCD COM2 |
| Pin 24 | RB1/AN10/CPS10/P1C/KBI3/COM3 — PORTB bit 1 / ADC / touch / PWM / KBI / LCD COM3 |
| Pin 25 | RB0/AN12/CPS12/INT/CCP1/SEG23 — PORTB bit 0 / ADC / touch / INT / CCP1 / LCD segment |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 27 | VLCD — LCD bias voltage (charge-pump input/output) |
| Pin 28 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master clear reset / programming voltage / PORTE bit 3 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1938-E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Thermostat with LCD, Industrial Sensor Node with LCD Readout, Portable Medical Monitoring Device, Consumer Appliance Control Panel, IoT Sensor HMI Device, Automotive Aftermarket Accessory Display, Smart Meter / Energy Monitor with LCD.
Battery-Powered Thermostat with LCD
The PIC16LF1938-E/SS is an excellent fit for battery-powered thermostats thanks to its integrated segmented LCD driver and nanoWatt XLP technology. The on-chip LCD driver supports up to 96 segments, enough for a temperature, setpoint, mode, and day-of-week display without an external controller. Sub-microamp Sleep current lets the thermostat run 5+ years on two AA batteries, while the wide 1.8V to 5.5V supply range handles end-of-life battery voltage. The 28KB Flash accommodates PID control code, scheduling logic, and a UI state machine.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Node with LCD Readout
The PIC16LF1938-E/SS excels in industrial sensor nodes requiring a local LCD readout, such as pressure transducers, flow meters, or gas detectors. The 10-bit ADC with 11 channels handles multiple analog sensors, while EUSART and MSSP provide RS-485 Modbus or SPI sensor connectivity. The on-chip LCD driver with charge pump drives a 4-mux glass display without external components. Extended -40C to +125C temperature range tolerates harsh factory environments, and 28KB Flash holds calibration tables, linearization routines, and a Modbus stack.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Device
The PIC16LF1938-E/SS supports portable medical devices such as pulse oximeters, glucose meters, or single-parameter patient monitors. nanoWatt XLP Sleep currents below 1 microamp enable weeks of continuous monitoring from a coin cell, while the 11-channel 10-bit ADC digitizes sensor signals directly. The 28KB Flash stores algorithm firmware for SpO2 or glucose calculation, and the integrated LCD driver eliminates an external display controller for bill-of-materials savings. Extended temperature range supports storage and shipping in uncontrolled environments.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Panel
The PIC16LF1938-E/SS fits mid-range consumer appliances such as washing machines, microwave ovens, or induction cooktops requiring a segmented LCD user interface. The 32 MHz CPU executes user-interface state machines in real time, while PWM channels drive buzzer tones and triac-based load control. The wide 1.8V to 5.5V supply range accepts rectified mains-derived 5V rails directly. 28KB Flash is sufficient for multi-language UI strings and safety diagnostic firmware, and the SSOP package is small enough for tight appliance front panels.
Recommended
IoT Sensor HMI Device
The PIC16LF1938-E/SS builds compact IoT human-machine interface (HMI) devices that display sensor readings or system status on a segmented LCD. A Wi-Fi or BLE module connects via the EUSART or MSSP, offloading RF work from the MCU. The 28KB Flash stores the HMI logic, and the LCD charge pump drives the glass directly without an external boost converter. With Sleep currents under 1 microamp, the HMI remains responsive without draining the battery while idle.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessory Display
The PIC16LF1938-E/SS in 28-SSOP is suitable for automotive aftermarket accessories such as digital tire-pressure gauges, oil-life indicators, or interior temperature monitors. Although the part is not AEC-Q100 qualified (no automotive PPAP), the -40C to +125C extended temperature range covers cabin, trunk, and under-hood aftermarket installations. The 10-bit ADC reads multiple sensors, the LCD driver displays readings on a 4-mux glass, and the 28KB Flash supports custom UI logic and calibration. For OEM automotive designs, consider AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F variants.
Recommended
Smart Meter / Energy Monitor with LCD
The PIC16LF1938-E/SS fits single-phase smart meters or home energy monitors that display kWh, voltage, and power factor on a segmented LCD. The 10-bit ADC samples voltage and current transducers at high rate, while ECCP PWM provides zero-crossing detection for phase measurement. nanoWatt XLP technology keeps idle current low during the meter's standby states. The integrated LCD driver with charge pump drives the glass directly, reducing BOM cost, and 28KB Flash fits the metering algorithm and DLMS/COSEM or Modbus communications stack.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1938-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1938-I/SS | PIC16LF1938T-I/SS | PIC16LF1938-E/SP | PIC16LF1939-I/SS | PIC16LF1937T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SPDIP (THT) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Program Flash | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB (-50%) |
| Data SRAM | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 512 bytes (-50%) |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (-E) | -40C to +85C (-I) | -40C to +85C (-I) | -40C to +125C (-E) | -40C to +85C (-I) | -40C to +85C (-I) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels |
| LCD Driver | 96 segments + charge pump | 96 segments + charge pump | 96 segments + charge pump | 96 segments + charge pump | 96 segments + charge pump | 96 segments + charge pump |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP |
| Lifecycle / EOL | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature range for harsh environments (vs PIC16LF1938-I/SS)
- 28 KB Flash versus 14 KB in the LF1936 family (vs PIC16LF1936-I/SS)
- Integrated 96-segment LCD driver with charge pump (vs ATmega328P-AU)
- Surface-mount 28-SSOP versus through-hole 28-SPDIP (vs PIC16LF1938-E/SP)
Design Notes
Take advantage of the PIC16LF1938-E/SS's nanoWatt XLP technology by routing the device to Sleep mode whenever possible. Use the RTCC (Real-Time Clock Calendar) module with a 32.768 kHz external crystal to wake the MCU at scheduled intervals for sensor reads or LCD updates, achieving average system currents below 5 microamps in battery-powered applications. Ensure the MCLR pin is pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor to VDD to avoid spurious resets that would defeat the low-power duty cycle.
The PIC16LF1938-E/SS operates across -40C to +125C with the -E extended temperature suffix, but the SSOP-28 package (theta_JA approximately 100 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board) has limited heat dissipation. The MCU consumes only a few milliamps at 32 MHz, so self-heating is rarely a concern. However, in enclosed industrial installations above 85C ambient, verify with a thermal probe that the die temperature stays below 125C. The -E suffix guarantees operation up to the rated limit only when the device is properly soldered with adequate ground-copper area.
Place decoupling capacitors (0.1 microfarad ceramic + 10 microfarad bulk) as close to the VDD and VSS pins as possible on every PIC16LF1938-E/SS design. For the LCD driver, mount the charge-pump flying and reservoir capacitors on the VLCD pin as recommended in the datasheet to avoid ripple on the segment drive waveforms. Route the ICSPDAT/ICSPCK lines (RB7/RB6) directly to a 6-pin header for in-circuit programming, and avoid placing other signal traces near the oscillator pins to prevent noise coupling into the system clock.
Do not confuse the PIC16LF1938-E/SS (wide-voltage LF family, 1.8V to 5.5V) with the PIC16F1938-I/SS (standard F family, 4.0V to 5.5V only). The non-LF variant will not operate at 3.3V system rails. When migrating from PIC16F to PIC16LF firmware, verify that all peripheral configuration bits match the LF silicon errata. Also note that the 28-SSOP footprint differs from the 28-SPDIP (PIC16LF1938-E/SP): always check the package code in the MPN before PCB assembly.
When using the PIC16LF1938-E/SS's EUSART at high baud rates (above 115200 bps), use the high-speed baud-rate generator mode and ensure the system clock is derived from the high-frequency internal oscillator (HFINTOSC) or an accurate external crystal. For SPI master mode, keep the SCK traces short and series-terminate if the cable exceeds 50 mm. The MSSP peripheral supports both I2C Standard-mode (100 kHz) and Fast-mode (400 kHz); enable the SMBus levels and slew-rate control for noise-immune industrial I2C buses.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for OEM automotive use, choose AEC-Q100-qualified variants in the PIC16F or dsPIC33 families.
