PIC16LF1946-E/MR - 14KB Flash LCD MCU, 32MHz, QFN-64 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1946-E/MR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.65 | $3.65 |
| 10 | $3.21 | $32.10 |
| 100 | $2.79 | $279.00 |
| 500 | $2.41 | $1,205.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC16LF1946-E/MR Overview
What is a PIC microcontroller? A PIC microcontroller (Programmable Intelligent Computer) is a family of 8/16/32-bit RISC-based microcontrollers from Microchip Technology used in embedded systems. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC16LF1946 belongs to: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> PIC16F/LF194x sub-family with LCD driver and XLP low-power peripherals. PIC MCUs are widely deployed in industrial control, consumer appliances, automotive body electronics, and battery-powered IoT edge nodes because they combine deterministic RISC execution, low sleep current, and rich on-chip peripherals (ADC, PWM, I2C, SPI, USART, LCD driver).
Key features of the PIC16LF1946 include nanoWatt XLP sleep currents in the nanoampere range, multiple low-power operating modes (Sleep, Idle, Doze, alternate clock sources), an integrated segmented LCD driver with charge pump, multiple 10-bit ADC modules, two PWM peripherals, two comparators, and a 32 kHz internal oscillator for low-power timekeeping. The 64-pin QFN-EP package exposes a large thermal pad for heat dissipation and supports a wide peripheral pinout including 36+ I/O lines for application flexibility.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1946 uses a Harvard RISC core with single-cycle instruction execution at the system clock, a 14-bit instruction word, and 8-bit data path. The integrated LCD driver is one of its defining features, supporting static, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 bias multiplexed displays with up to 192 segments, eliminating the need for an external LCD controller. The EEPROM emulation in Flash and configurable oscillator options (HFINTOSC, LFINTOSC, external crystal) provide flexibility for energy-constrained designs.
Typical applications include battery-powered thermostats, programmable timers, smart sensors with LCD readouts, portable medical devices with segment LCDs, white goods / home appliance user interfaces, instrument cluster displays, metering equipment, and any cost-sensitive embedded product requiring a graphical segment LCD without an external controller.
Design consideration: When migrating from a larger PIC16 with external LCD driver to the PIC16LF1946, validate that your segment count, bias, and charge-pump voltage requirements fall within the on-chip LCD driver's maximum specifications; the QFN-64-EP package requires PCB thermal pad soldering per IPC-7093 for reliable thermal performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from LCSC, DigiKey, Mouser, and Octopart, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16LF194x family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1946-E/MR — 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 PIC16LF1946-E/MR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in I/O Pins, LCD Driver, Package, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1946-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.83 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1946-E/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1947-E/MR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1946-E/MR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC16 enhanced) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | QFN-64-EP (HVQCCN), 9x9 mm with thermal pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +125C) |
| I/O Pins | 36+ (varies by peripheral mapping) |
| LCD Driver | Integrated, up to 192 segments, 1/2/1/3/1/4 bias, charge pump |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP (sleep current nA range) |
| Communication Peripherals | I2C, SPI, USART (A/E versions) |
| Internal Oscillator | 31 kHz LFINTOSC + HFINTOSC (selectable) |
| MSL Level | MSL3 (JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1946-E/MR qfn-64-ep (hvqccn), 9x9 mm with thermal pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16LF1946-E/MR (qfn-64-ep (hvqccn), 9x9 mm with thermal pad package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16LF1946-E/MR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1946-E/MR is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Thermostats, Smart Sensor with LCD Readout, White Goods / Appliance Front Panel, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices, Electricity / Water / Gas Meters, Industrial Timer / Process Controllers, HVAC User Interface Panels.
Battery-Powered Thermostats
The PIC16LF1946-E/MR is well-suited for battery-powered thermostats because its nanoWatt XLP sleep currents (nA range) and integrated segmented LCD driver enable 5-10+ year battery life while displaying setpoint, room temperature, and mode without an external controller. The 14 KB Flash accommodates thermostat state machines and scheduling algorithms, while the 32 MHz CPU handles NTC linearization, hysteresis control, and weekly program storage in EEPROM. Placed on a CR2032 or 2xAAA-powered PCB, the part's 1.8V-3.6V supply matches lithium and alkaline chemistries directly without boost converter. Unlike discrete MCU + external LCD driver designs, the on-chip charge pump and 192-segment driver remove a chip from the BOM, reducing both PCB area and quiescent draw.
Recommended
Smart Sensor with LCD Readout
The PIC16LF1946-E/MR fits wireless or wired smart sensors that display readings locally on a segment LCD, combining an integrated LCD driver (up to 192 segments) with sufficient ADC channels and PWM outputs for sensor excitation. The 14 KB Flash accommodates calibration tables and linearization math, while the 256 B EEPROM stores per-unit calibration constants. With XLP sleep at nA levels, the MCU can wake on interrupt, take a reading, drive the LCD, and return to sleep in <1 ms, drawing average current under 10 uA for >5 year battery life. Compared with PIC16F188xx without LCD driver, this part eliminates a separate HT1621 or PCF8576 LCD chip and reduces the BOM cost.
Recommended
White Goods / Appliance Front Panel
The PIC16LF1946-E/MR is designed into white goods front panels (washing machines, dishwashers, ovens) where a segment LCD shows cycle state, time remaining, and temperature, alongside rotary encoder or button input. The 32 MHz CPU drives the user interface state machine, PWM controls buzzer and indicator LEDs, and the on-chip LCD driver eliminates the need for an external HT1621. With -40C to +125C industrial operating range (E temperature grade), it survives the elevated ambient temperatures near oven doors or compressor compartments. Compared with PIC16F877 legacy designs, this part drops standby current ~10x and consolidates the LCD driver.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
The PIC16LF1946-E/MR fits portable medical devices such as pill dispensers, blood-pressure cuffs, and pulse oximeters with segment LCD readouts, where 1.8V-3.6V operation aligns with 2xAAA/CR2032 battery chemistry and nanoWatt XLP enables patient-friendly battery life. The integrated LCD driver simplifies compliance with IEC 60601-1 user-interface clarity requirements by providing large, easy-to-read numeric segments. With 512 B SRAM and 14 KB Flash, the MCU can run a simple cuff inflation algorithm or pill-counting state machine without external memory. Unlike higher-end ARM Cortex parts, the PIC16LF1946 keeps the bill-of-materials cost under $5 for the entire BOM, supporting price-sensitive consumer-health products.
Recommended
Electricity / Water / Gas Meters
The PIC16LF1946-E/MR integrates the segmented LCD driver, low-power sleep, and EEPROM storage needed for residential metering endpoints that display consumption on a glass LCD. The 256-byte EEPROM retains rolling 12-month history, while the 14 KB Flash implements tariff calculations and tamper detection. With XLP sleep currents in the nA range, the part can operate >15 years on a primary lithium cell when most of the time is spent in Sleep with periodic LCD refresh wake-ups. Compared with PIC16F886 legacy meter designs, the integrated LCD driver reduces external component count and improves ESD robustness by eliminating the connector to a separate driver IC.
Recommended
Industrial Timer / Process Controllers
The PIC16LF1946-E/MR suits industrial timer and process controller applications where a segment LCD shows elapsed time, setpoint, and relay status, and the MCU drives relays, SSR triggers, and 4-20 mA loops via PWM. The -40C to +125C operating range (E temperature grade) handles outdoor control panels and factory-floor enclosures. The 32 MHz CPU runs PID loop math and debounces noisy mechanical inputs without external logic, while the integrated LCD driver replaces a separate HT1621B. Compared with PLC drop-in alternatives, this part reduces cost by 5-10x for small-batch industrial equipment where the full PLC feature set is not required.
Recommended
HVAC User Interface Panels
The PIC16LF1946-E/MR serves HVAC wall thermostats and zoning controllers that show temperature, fan speed, and schedule on a segment LCD, with capacitive or resistive button input and UART link to the indoor unit. The integrated LCD driver provides 192 segments for a 7-day schedule grid plus animated icons, and nanoWatt XLP keeps standby draw under 30 uA for 24VAC-powered or battery-backed designs. The 32 MHz MIPS throughput handles BLE/Sub-GHz module control via UART and weekly schedule logic without external RTC. Compared with discrete MCU + LCD driver designs, this part lowers the BOM cost and simplifies EMC compliance by reducing the number of high-frequency external ICs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1946-E/MR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1946-I/MR | PIC16F1946-E/MR | PIC16LF1947-E/MR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | QFN-64-EP (9x9 mm) | QFN-64-EP (9x9 mm) - same | QFN-64-EP (9x9 mm) - same | QFN-64-EP (9x9 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB (+100%) |
| SRAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 1 KB (+100%) |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 5.5V (wider) | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| LCD Driver | Up to 192 segments, charge pump | Up to 192 segments, charge pump | Up to 192 segments, charge pump | Up to 192 segments, charge pump |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial -40C to +125C operating range (E grade) (vs PIC16LF1946-I/MR)
- Low-voltage (LF) variant optimized for 1.8V-3.6V battery operation (vs PIC16F1946-E/MR)
- Same QFN-64-EP footprint as larger Flash siblings (vs PIC16LF1947-E/MR)
Design Notes
The QFN-64-EP package requires the center exposed thermal pad to be soldered to the PCB ground plane for both mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. Follow IPC-7093 QFN assembly guidelines: use a solder paste stencil aperture of 50-80% pad coverage to avoid solder voids exceeding 25% of pad area. The 0.5 mm pitch QFN pads require NSMD (non-solder mask defined) land pattern with 0.27-0.30 mm pad width and 0.20 mm solder mask opening for reliable assembly. Place decoupling capacitors (100 nF X7R + 10 uF X5R) within 2 mm of the VDD pins with a low-inductance ground via fence.
Estimated: When migrating from PIC16F1946 (F variant) to PIC16LF1946 (LF variant), the LF device supports only 1.8V-3.6V operation. Do not apply 5V to the LF VDD pin - this will damage the part. If your system runs from 5V, either use the F variant (PIC16F1946-E/MR) directly, or add a 3.3V LDO between the 5V rail and the LF MCU. The nanoWatt XLP sleep current is in the nA range only when all peripherals are disabled and the part is in Sleep mode with the LFINTOSC running; switching on ADC or comparators during sleep raises current by 10-50 uA.
The PIC16LF1946's ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) pins are shared with general I/O and the LCD segment driver - if your design uses the lower-pin-count segment pins for critical functions, you may lose debug access in production PCBs. Always allocate dedicated ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK pins even if the LCD segment count allows reusing them, or your firmware team cannot debug production returns. Additionally, the charge-pump output voltage for the LCD driver requires a 1 uF X7R bypass capacitor on the VLCD pin; failure to install this capacitor causes display contrast drift and ghosting.
The 32 MHz system clock on the PIC16LF1946 emits harmonics up to ~500 MHz on VDD and the I/O ring; route VDD with a wide trace (>=0.5 mm) and place a 100 nF X7R + 10 uF X5R decoupling pair as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pair. For mixed-signal designs with analog sensors, isolate the AVdd/AVss pins with a ferrite bead or 10 ohm resistor from VDD, and place the analog reference capacitor on the Vref+ pin within 3 mm. When the LCD is active, expect 1-2 mA periodic current spikes from the charge pump - bulk capacitance of 47-100 uF near the VLCD pin prevents supply droop that could affect ADC readings.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications choose the PIC16F1946-E/MR VAO automotive variants. The QFN-64-EP package is lead-free and halogen-free per JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL3 rating.
