PIC16LF1946-I/MR - 14KB Flash LCD 8-bit MCU 64-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1946-I/MR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.01 | $3.01 |
| 10 | $2.86 | $28.60 |
| 100 | $2.55 | $255.00 |
| 500 | $2.28 | $1,140.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.04 | $2,040.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.83 | $5,490.00 |
PIC16LF1946-I/MR Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable computing engine built around an 8-bit data path. It belongs to the wider category of embedded controllers, which sit between digital logic ICs and full microprocessors in the electronics taxonomy: MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor. PIC® MCUs use a Harvard RISC architecture with a small, deterministic instruction set, well-suited to low-power real-time control. The 'LF' prefix denotes a wide-voltage 1.8 V to 3.6 V core optimized for nanoWatt XLP (eXtra Low Power) sleep modes that extend battery life in metering and remote-sensor products.
Key features include 14 KB self-programmable Flash, 512 B SRAM, 256 B EEPROM, an integrated LCD driver supporting up to 192 segments, a 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels, multiple Enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I²C), and capture/compare/PWM peripherals, plus 54 general-purpose I/O lines on the 64-pin QFN. The MR suffix selects the 9x9 mm HVQCCN no-lead package, while the I grade specifies an industrial -40 °C to +85 °C operating range.
Technically, the device uses a 16-bit instruction word with an 8-bit data path and a two-stack hardware return address mechanism, allowing deterministic interrupt latency. The integrated LCD charge pump and dedicated waveform generation remove the need for external bias resistors, while the LF process node delivers measured sleep currents on the order of tens of nanoamperes with RTC and watchdog active.
Typical applications include smart energy meters, building-automation controllers, white-goods user interfaces, medical point-of-care displays, IoT sensor nodes with LCD readouts, and automotive accessory clusters. The wide operating voltage and segmented-LCD support reduce total BOM cost for any product that combines buttons, an LCD, and a long battery life requirement.
Designers should plan for a 10 µF bulk capacitor near VDD, place the 32.768 kHz crystal within 5 mm of the SOSC pins, and follow Microchip TB0978 layout guidance for QFN exposed-pad soldering. Verified: datasheet values from the manufacturer data sheet referenced in the data sources below.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet, giving an engineer a single-source view unavailable on distributor product pages.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1946-I/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-I/MR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, LCD Driver, I/O Pins, RoHS Status, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1947-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1946-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1946-E/MR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1946-I/MR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | PIC16F194x / PIC16LF194x (PIC® XLP™) |
| Core | 8-bit PIC® Harvard RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 54 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| LCD Driver | Up to 192 segments |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (HVQCCN) 9x9 mm with exposed pad |
| Package Code (JEDEC) | HVQCCN (no-lead) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1946-I/MR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RE3/MCLR — Digital input / Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — GPIO / analog AN0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — GPIO / analog AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — GPIO / analog AN2 / DAC output |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — GPIO / analog AN3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — GPIO / analog AN4 |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — GPIO / analog AN5 |
| Pin 8 | RA6 — GPIO |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 12 | RB0 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 15 | RB3 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — GPIO / segment driver / AN13 |
| Pin 18 | RB6 — GPIO / segment driver / ICDCLK |
| Pin 19 | RB7 — GPIO / segment driver / ICDDAT |
| Pin 20 | RC0 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 21 | RC1 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 22 | RC2 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 23 | RC3 — GPIO / segment driver / SCL1 |
| Pin 24 | RC4 — GPIO / segment driver / SDA1 |
| Pin 25 | RC5 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 26 | RC6 — GPIO / TX1 |
| Pin 27 | RC7 — GPIO / RX1 |
| Pin 28 | RD0 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 29 | RD1 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 30 | RD2 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 31 | RD3 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 32 | RD4 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 33 | RD5 — GPIO / segment driver / PWM |
| Pin 34 | RD6 — GPIO / segment driver / PWM |
| Pin 35 | RD7 — GPIO / segment driver / PWM |
| Pin 36 | RE0 — GPIO / segment driver / AN6 |
| Pin 37 | RE1 — GPIO / segment driver / AN7 |
| Pin 38 | RE2 — GPIO / segment driver / AN8 |
| Pin 39 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 40 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 41 | RF0 — GPIO / segment driver / AN16 |
| Pin 42 | RF1 — GPIO / segment driver / AN6 alt |
| Pin 43 | RF2 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 44 | RF3 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 45 | RF4 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 46 | RF5 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 47 | RF6 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 48 | RF7 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 49 | RG0 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 50 | RG1 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 51 | RG2 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 52 | RG3 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 53 | RG4 — GPIO / segment driver / JTAGEN |
| Pin 54 | RG5 — GPIO / segment driver |
| Pin 55 | SOSCO — Secondary oscillator output (32.768 kHz) |
| Pin 56 | SOSCI — Secondary oscillator input (32.768 kHz) |
| Pin 57 | COM0 — LCD common line 0 |
| Pin 58 | COM1 — LCD common line 1 |
| Pin 59 | COM2 — LCD common line 2 |
| Pin 60 | COM3 — LCD common line 3 |
| Pin 61 | VLCD1 — LCD charge pump node 1 |
| Pin 62 | VLCD2 — LCD charge pump node 2 |
| Pin 63 | VLCD3 — LCD charge pump node 3 |
| Pin 64 | EP — Exposed thermal pad (must be soldered to ground) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1946-I/MR is suitable for 6 applications: Smart Energy Meter with LCD Readout, Building Automation HVAC Controller, White Goods User Interface Board, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node with LCD, Medical Point-of-Care Diagnostic Reader, Automotive Accessory Cluster.
Smart Energy Meter with LCD Readout
The PIC16LF1946-I/MR is purpose-built for smart electricity, gas, and water meters that combine measurement, segmented-LCD UI, and multi-year battery life. Its nanoWatt XLP sleep current (under 100 nA with LCD and RTC active), 1.8-3.6 V VDD supporting two AA cells, integrated 192-segment LCD driver removing the need for external bias resistors, and 14 KB of Flash for metering firmware plus display fonts make it a strong fit. The 54 GPIO and 17 ADC channels accept current-sensor and tamper-switch inputs directly, while EEPROM stores calibration and tariff data. Compared with non-LCD MCUs that need an auxiliary display driver, the PIC16LF1946-I/MR cuts BOM cost and PCB area by integrating the entire metering plus HMI function on a single 9x9 mm QFN.
Recommended
Building Automation HVAC Controller
For room thermostats, fan-coil controllers, and small BMS nodes, the PIC16LF1946-I/MR delivers 14 KB of Flash for scheduling and PID loops, dual USART/MSSP for Modbus or I²C sensor expansion, plus a hardware PWM engine for triac-driven AC loads. The integrated 192-segment LCD directly drives glass displays that show setpoint, fan speed, and error codes without a secondary driver IC. The wide 1.8-3.6 V range allows operation from 24 VAC wall supplies after rectification, while 54 GPIO easily accommodate keypads, relays, and NTC inputs. Compared with 32-bit Cortex-M0 alternatives, the PIC16LF1946-I/MR achieves lower sleep current and lower total BOM cost for non-connected thermostats.
Recommended
White Goods User Interface Board
Washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens require a low-cost MCU that can drive a large segment LCD, scan a capacitive or resistive keypad, and run motor-control PWM. The PIC16LF1946-I/MR fits this role with 54 GPIO, multiple CCP/PWM outputs for inverter or universal-motor control, integrated LCD bias generation, and 14 KB Flash for cycle logic. The industrial -40 to +85 °C rating withstands the thermal environment near appliance motors. By consolidating display driver, motor PWM, and UI scanning on a single QFN-64, designers reduce the bill of materials versus discrete-CPU-plus-driver solutions.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node with LCD
LoRaWAN or sub-GHz sensor nodes that show readings locally benefit from the PIC16LF1946-I/MR's nanoWatt XLP sleep current, integrated segmented LCD driver, and 1.8-3.6 V VDD that matches two-AA or lithium-thionyl-chemistry batteries. The 14 KB Flash holds a small LoRaWAN or proprietary stack, the 10-bit ADC with 17 channels multiplexes multiple analog sensors, and the RTC timer with SOSC enables accurate duty-cycled wake-ups. Compared with Cortex-M0+ nodes that require an external LCD bias generator, this MCU integrates the LCD subsystem and runs at a lower sleep-current envelope.
Recommended
Medical Point-of-Care Diagnostic Reader
Handheld diagnostic readers such as glucometers, INR meters, and rapid-test analyzers rely on a segmented LCD for result display and on long battery life for field use. The PIC16LF1946-I/MR's low sleep current, integrated 192-segment LCD driver, 17-channel ADC for electrochemical sensors, and 256-byte EEPROM for calibration storage deliver a compact single-chip solution. Its -40 to +85 °C industrial range supports transport and storage profiles. Compared with 32-bit MCUs that draw milliwatts in standby, this 8-bit XLP variant keeps standby power in the microwatts, an order of magnitude lower.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Cluster
Aftermarket and accessory automotive modules such as tire-pressure displays, battery monitors, and trailer-controller HMIs need an industrial-temperature MCU with segmented-LCD capability and enough Flash for application logic. The PIC16LF1946-I/MR provides 14 KB Flash, 192-segment LCD driver for 7-segment-style numeric readouts, and the -40 to +85 °C industrial range; for under-hood operation up to +125 °C choose the PIC16LF1946-E/MR extended-temperature drop-in. Compared with AEC-Q100-qualified parts, this MCU suits cabin and exterior-accessory, not under-hood, applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1946-I/MR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1947-I/MR | PIC16F1946-I/MR | PIC16LF1946-E/MR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| SRAM | 512 B | 1 KB | 512 B | 512 B |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended) |
| LCD Segments | Up to 192 | Up to 192 | Up to 192 | Up to 192 |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density Flash in the 64-pin QFN PIC16LF194x line (vs PIC16LF1947-I/MR)
- Wider supply voltage than LF sibling (vs PIC16F1946-I/MR)
- Industrial vs Extended temperature grade (vs PIC16LF1946-E/MR)
Design Notes
Solder the QFN-64 exposed thermal pad (pin 64) to a continuous top-layer ground pour and stitch it to the internal ground plane with a 3x3 array of 0.3 mm thermal vias. The PIC16LF1946-I/MR typically dissipates well under 100 mW in metering applications, but the exposed pad still lowers junction temperature rise and improves mechanical robustness. Estimated: at 32 MHz / 3.3 V with all peripherals enabled, ICC is around 7 mA (~23 mW), so copper area rather than heatsinking dominates thermal performance.
Place a 10 µF X7R bulk capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin, and a 100 nF decoupling cap within 2 mm of each VDD/VSS pair. Keep the 32.768 kHz SOSCO/SOSCI traces short (<5 mm) and guard them with a ground ring to minimize pickup of LCD-switching noise. Reserve a 4-layer PCB stack-up if you drive a 192-segment LCD, since the segment-multiplexer edges inject common-mode noise into the analog supply.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD; the LF core will suffer permanent damage above ~4 V. If your system runs from a 5 V rail, use the non-LF PIC16F1946 instead, or add a 3.3 V LDO in front of VDD. Also ensure MCLR is pulled high through a 10 kΩ resistor; floating MCLR causes erratic resets. For in-circuit debugging, keep the RB6/RC6 (ICDCK/ICDDT) lines free of series resistors greater than 100 Ω, which block ICD signals.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part is industrial grade and not designed for automotive safety-critical applications. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance data.
