PIC16LF1939-E/ML - 8-bit 32MHz 28KB Flash MCU 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1939-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.55 | $2.55 |
| 10 | $2.29 | $22.90 |
| 100 | $1.99 | $199.00 |
| 500 | $1.78 | $890.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.61 | $1,610.00 |
PIC16LF1939-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, Flash program memory, SRAM, and programmable peripherals. Within the broader taxonomy, MCUs sit between microprocessors and digital signal processors (DSPs): microprocessors need external memory, microcontrollers integrate it, while DSPs specialize in numeric computation. The PIC16LF1939 belongs to the 8-bit RISC class, offering deterministic instruction execution ideal for real-time control loops, sensor reading, and human-machine interfaces.
Key features include 28KB (16K x 14) Flash program memory, 1KB RAM, 256B EEPROM, hardware LCD driver supporting up to 192 segments, nanoWatt XLP technology for sub-microamp sleep currents, and an Enhanced Mid-Range core with 49 instructions and 16-level hardware stack. The 36 I/O pins support capacitive touch via mTouch, multiple serial interfaces (EUSART, MSSP SPI/I2C), 10-bit ADC, and 5-bit DAC. The 44-QFN package provides a compact 8x8 mm footprint suitable for space-constrained designs.
Internally, the PIC16LF1939 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction fetch except for branches. The integrated LCD driver includes charge pump and contrast control, eliminating external LCD bias circuitry. XLP technology combines multiple sleep modes (doze, idle, sleep) with peripheral clock gating, enabling years of operation from a single coin cell when duty-cycled appropriately.
Typical applications include handheld battery-powered instruments with LCD displays, IoT sensor nodes, electronic shelf labels, home appliances with segment displays, automotive climate/HVAC control modules, and industrial panel meters. The wide -40C to +125C operating range (E temperature grade) also supports harsh-environment deployments.
When designing with this device, ensure that VDD decoupling follows Microchip's recommended 100nF + 10uF pattern placed within 5mm of the supply pins. For LCD applications, allocate backup segment pins for bias resistor networks and confirm charge pump capacitor values against the segment count datasheet table.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric comparison with drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone datasheet, helping engineers select between the -E (extended temperature) and -I (industrial) suffixes and across the PIC16LF193x family variants.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1939-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 PIC16LF1939-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1938-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1937-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1936-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1939-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1939-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1939-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC (Enhanced Mid-Range) |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Program Memory Size | 28 KB (16K x 14) Flash |
| RAM Size | 1 KB |
| EEPROM Size | 256 B |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| LCD Driver | Integrated, up to 192 segments |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1939-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG33/RE3 — LCD segment 33 or digital I/O RE3 |
| Pin 2 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 3 | SEG34/RB5 — LCD segment 34 or digital I/O RB5 |
| Pin 4 | SEG35/RB4 — LCD segment 35 or digital I/O RB4 |
| Pin 5 | SEG36/RB3 — LCD segment 36 or digital I/O RB3 |
| Pin 6 | SEG37/RB2 — LCD segment 37 or digital I/O RB2 |
| Pin 7 | SEG38/RB1 — LCD segment 38 or digital I/O RB1 |
| Pin 8 | SEG39/RB0 — LCD segment 39 or digital I/O RB0 |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | SEG7/RA0 — LCD segment 7 or digital I/O RA0 |
| Pin 12 | SEG6/RA1 — LCD segment 6 or digital I/O RA1 |
| Pin 13 | SEG5/RA2 — LCD segment 5 or digital I/O RA2 |
| Pin 14 | SEG4/RA3 — LCD segment 4 or digital I/O RA3 |
| Pin 15 | SEG3/RA4 — LCD segment 3 or digital I/O RA4 |
| Pin 16 | SEG2/RA5 — LCD segment 2 or digital I/O RA5 |
| Pin 17 | SEG1/RA6 — LCD segment 1 or digital I/O RA6 |
| Pin 18 | SEG0/RA7 — LCD segment 0 or digital I/O RA7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VLCD1 — LCD bias voltage 1 |
| Pin 21 | VLCD2 — LCD bias voltage 2 |
| Pin 22 | VLCD3 — LCD bias voltage 3 |
| Pin 23 | SEG40/RF0 — LCD segment 40 or digital I/O RF0 |
| Pin 24 | SEG41/RF1 — LCD segment 41 or digital I/O RF1 |
| Pin 25 | SEG42/RF2 — LCD segment 42 or digital I/O RF2 |
| Pin 26 | SEG43/RF3 — LCD segment 43 or digital I/O RF3 |
| Pin 27 | SEG44/RF4 — LCD segment 44 or digital I/O RF4 |
| Pin 28 | SEG45/RF5 — LCD segment 45 or digital I/O RF5 |
| Pin 29 | SEG46/RF6 — LCD segment 46 or digital I/O RF6 |
| Pin 30 | SEG47/RF7 — LCD segment 47 or digital I/O RF7 |
| Pin 31 | SEG8/RD0 — LCD segment 8 or digital I/O RD0 |
| Pin 32 | SEG9/RD1 — LCD segment 9 or digital I/O RD1 |
| Pin 33 | SEG10/RD2 — LCD segment 10 or digital I/O RD2 |
| Pin 34 | SEG11/RD3 — LCD segment 11 or digital I/O RD3 |
| Pin 35 | SEG12/RD4 — LCD segment 12 or digital I/O RD4 |
| Pin 36 | SEG13/RD5 — LCD segment 13 or digital I/O RD5 |
| Pin 37 | SEG14/RD6 — LCD segment 14 or digital I/O RD6 |
| Pin 38 | SEG15/RD7 — LCD segment 15 or digital I/O RD7 |
| Pin 39 | MCLR — Master clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 40 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input or external clock |
| Pin 41 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output or clock output |
| Pin 42 | VCAP — Internal voltage regulator bypass capacitor |
| Pin 43 | SEG30/RC0 — LCD segment 30 or digital I/O RC0 |
| Pin 44 | EP — Exposed thermal pad (connect to VSS) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1939-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Handheld Instruments with LCD, Electronic Shelf Labels and Retail Displays, Home Appliance Control Panels, Industrial Panel Meters and Process Displays, Automotive Secondary Display Modules, IoT Sensor Nodes with Local Display.
Battery-Powered Handheld Instruments with LCD
The PIC16LF1939-E/ML is ideal for battery-powered handheld instruments because its integrated LCD segment driver eliminates external charge pump circuitry while nanoWatt XLP sleep current drops to 20-100 nA. Operating from 2.3V-3.6V, the device runs directly from two AA alkaline cells, and the 28KB Flash supports full UI logic, calibration tables, and sensor compensation routines. At 32MHz, the CPU can complete ADC acquisition, temperature compensation, and LCD refresh within 10ms, enabling years of operation from a single battery set.
Recommended
Electronic Shelf Labels and Retail Displays
The PIC16LF1939-E/ML fits electronic shelf labels because its integrated LCD driver supports up to 192 segments - sufficient for multi-character price tags, barcodes, and product info. With sub-microamp sleep current and RF-friendly duty cycling, the MCU achieves 5-7 year battery life on CR2032 coin cells. The 32MHz CPU burst handles wireless packet acknowledgment within milliseconds before returning to sleep. The 44-QFN 8x8 mm package enables thin label housings under 4mm thick.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Panels
For washing machines, microwave ovens, and dishwasher control panels, the PIC16LF1939-E/ML provides the segment LCD driver for cycle displays plus 36 I/O pins to scan key matrices, drive relays, and read temperature sensors. The -40C to +125C extended temperature grade supports unheated garage and laundry room environments. The 10-bit ADC combined with capacitive touch mTouch I/O replaces mechanical buttons for sealed front panels, improving reliability and aesthetic design.
Recommended
Industrial Panel Meters and Process Displays
The PIC16LF1939-E/ML suits industrial panel meters because its 10-bit ADC accurately reads 4-20mA current loop sensors and 0-10V process signals, while the integrated LCD displays measurements without external driver ICs. The MSSP SPI/I2C peripherals communicate with external digital sensors or EEPROM dataloggers, and the EUSART supports RS-485 networking via external transceivers. The extended temperature grade ensures reliable operation in factory automation cabinets up to 85C ambient.
Recommended
Automotive Secondary Display Modules
The PIC16LF1939-E/ML serves automotive secondary displays such as climate control panels, radio head units, and instrument cluster sub-modules where its LCD segment driver handles backlit displays and its PIC XLP technology reduces ignition-off quiescent drain below 100uA. The 36 I/O pins drive LED backlights, rotary encoders, and matrix keypads, while the MSSP interfaces connect to CAN/LIN gateways. The E temperature grade and automotive-qualified supply chain make it suitable for under-dash deployment.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Nodes with Local Display
For IoT sensor nodes requiring local readout, the PIC16LF1939-E/ML combines its 32MHz processing power for sensor data filtering, integrated LCD driver for local display of readings, and nanoWatt XLP sleep modes that achieve 50-100 nA quiescent drain. This eliminates the need for separate display driver ICs in remote sensor installations such as weather stations, soil monitors, or HVAC zone controllers. The 28KB Flash accommodates MQTT-SN or CoAP protocol stacks alongside application logic.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1939-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1938-E/ML | PIC16LF1937-E/ML | PIC16LF1936-E/ML | PIC16F1939-E/ML | PIC16LF1939-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same |
| Program Memory | 28 KB Flash | 16 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash | 28 KB Flash | 28 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 1 KB | 512 B | 512 B | 256 B | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS |
| I/O Pins | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| LCD Segments | Up to 192 | Up to 192 | Up to 192 | Up to 192 | Up to 192 | Up to 192 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash memory in PIC16LF193x 44-QFN family (vs PIC16LF1938-E/ML)
- Low-voltage LF variant for 3.3V battery designs (vs PIC16F1939-E/ML)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC16LF1939-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5mm of each VDD pin, plus a single 10uF bulk capacitor near the package. The 44-QFN exposed pad (pin 44) MUST be soldered to a ground copper pour of at least 1 sq cm to meet thermal dissipation and provide stable GND return. Without proper EP soldering, junction temperature can rise 20-30C under normal operation, reducing long-term reliability.
Do not exceed 3.6V on VDD or the EEPROM data retention specification will be violated. The MCLR pin requires a 10k-50k pull-up to VDD if not driven externally; leaving MCLR floating causes intermittent reset failures. For LCD applications, configure unused segment pins as digital outputs to reduce charge pump load and improve EMI immunity by 6-10 dB.
Enable nanoWatt XLP sleep mode (SLEEP instruction) with peripherals clock-gated to achieve 20-100 nA quiescent current. Wake from sleep via WDT, IOC, or external interrupt to minimize average current. Estimated: at 1% duty cycle with 1ms active and 99ms sleep, average current is approximately 1.5-5 uA at 3V, enabling 5+ year battery life from a CR2032 coin cell in IoT sensor applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free confirmed via Heisener and Partstack distributor listings. AEC-Q100 not specifically qualified for automotive use; the E temperature grade (-40C to +125C) is suitable for non-safety automotive sub-systems. Not AEC-Q100 - select PIC16F1939-E/ML automotive variants for safety-critical applications.
