PIC16LF1946T-I/PT - 14KB Flash 8-bit LCD MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1946T-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.9 | $2.90 |
| 10 | $2.65 | $26.50 |
| 100 | $2.32 | $232.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.8 | $1,800.00 |
PIC16LF1946T-I/PT Overview
What is a PIC16 microcontroller? A PIC16 is an 8-bit modified Harvard RISC microcontroller family from Microchip Technology, occupying the mid-range tier between baseline PIC10/12/16 and the 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC families. PIC16 parts pair a compact instruction set with rich peripheral integration, and the XLP (eXtreme Low Power) variants add deep-sleep currents in the nanoamp range, making them a frequent choice for battery-powered consumer, medical, and metering products where both LCD glass drive and long battery life are required.
Key features of the PIC16LF1946 include a 32 MHz internal oscillator, 14 KB self-programmable flash with flash data EEPROM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, an integrated LCD driver capable of up to 192 segments, multiple communication peripherals (EUSART, MSSP I²C/SPI), a 12-bit ADC with computation, comparators, and capture/compare/PWM modules. Sleep current is in the nanoamp range per the XLP family specification, enabling multi-year coin-cell battery operation in metering and remote-sensor applications.
The 64-pin TQFP package exposes up to 54 I/O pins, allowing generous pin-budget flexibility when driving large LCD glass panels with parallel keypad scanning, sensor I/O, and wireless module communication. The LF process node supports 1.8 V–3.6 V operation, while the F variant extends to 5.5 V; both share the same peripheral set and pinout within the package.
Typical applications include low-power LCD-based consumer appliances, battery-powered medical devices such as glucose meters and digital thermometers, single-phase utility metering with segmented displays, industrial sensor transmitters with on-glass readout, and remote controls or IoT sensor nodes that must wake periodically, drive an LCD, and return to deep sleep.
When designing with this MCU, budget the LCD segment count against the available SEG/COM pins and consider whether charge-pump or direct-drive bias is needed; the PIC16LF1946 integrates a charge pump that maintains LCD contrast below 2 V. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of every VDD/VSS pair.
This page synthesizes distributor inventory, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, all sourced from Microchip product pages and authorized distributors.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1946T-I/PT — 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 PIC16LF1946T-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, LCD Driver, Communication, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1947-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1946-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1947-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1946-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1946-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1946T-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC® 16F XLP™ |
| Core | 8-bit PIC16 RISC (modified Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF process) |
| LCD Driver | Integrated, up to 192 segments with charge pump |
| ADC | 12-bit, with computation (ADC²) |
| Number of I/O Pins | Up to 54 |
| Communication | 1x EUSART, 1x MSSP (I²C/SPI) |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit with PWM |
| Comparators | Yes |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (PT), 10x10 mm |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial 'I') |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP™ |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T) |
PIC16LF1946T-I/PT 64-pin tqfp (pt), 10x10 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16LF1946T-I/PT (64-pin tqfp (pt), 10x10 mm 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 PIC16LF1946T-I/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1946T-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Utility Meters, Medical Devices — Glucose Meters & Digital Thermometers, Industrial Sensor Transmitters with Local Display, Consumer Appliance User Interfaces, Remote IoT Sensor Nodes with Periodic Wake, Automotive Aftermarket Accessories.
Battery-Powered Utility Meters
The PIC16LF1946T-I/PT is well suited to battery-powered single-phase electricity, gas, and water meters thanks to its integrated LCD driver and nanoWatt XLP™ technology. The on-chip LCD charge pump maintains segment contrast down to 1.8 V VDD, allowing direct drive of segmented glass displays without a separate boost converter. With nanoamp-class sleep current, 14 KB flash for tariff and rolling-energy storage firmware, and 256 bytes of EEPROM for non-volatile totals, the part can run for more than 10 years on a single lithium primary cell. Designers should budget ADC² sampling slots and route the SEG/COM traces carefully to avoid ghosting on multi-digit displays.
Recommended
Medical Devices — Glucose Meters & Digital Thermometers
In medical point-of-care devices, the PIC16LF1946T-I/PT combines an accurate 12-bit ADC² with a segmented LCD interface, simplifying the BOM for glucose meters, digital thermometers, and INR test readers. The LF process variant operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, which aligns perfectly with two alkaline AAA cells; the LCD driver drives segment glass directly, eliminating the need for an external charge-pump IC. The 12-bit ADC² hardware averages oversamples, supporting the precision signal chain of electrochemical sensors while consuming minimal active current. Designers should plan for IEC 60730 class B self-test routines in firmware and follow ISO 13485 documentation practices.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters with Local Display
Industrial 4–20 mA loop-powered or battery-backed sensor transmitters benefit from the PIC16LF1946T-I/PT's combination of 12-bit ADC², segmented LCD readout, and EUSART for HART or Modbus communication. The 64-pin TQFP exposes up to 54 I/O, allowing redundant sensor inputs plus keypad entry; the integrated LCD allows on-glass readout of process variables without auxiliary display ICs. The LF voltage range supports battery discharge curves down to 1.8 V, extending maintenance intervals. Designers should follow IEC 61000-4-2 ESD hardening practices and consider a TVS protection network on the loop input.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interfaces
Consumer appliances such as washing machines, induction cooktops, air-conditioner indoor units, and microwave ovens benefit from the PIC16LF1946T-I/PT's rich HMI capability. The integrated LCD driver supports up to 192 segments, easily handling 7-segment digits plus status icons; the EUSART and MSSP (I²C/SPI) connect to main board MCUs, sensor modules, and capacitive touch ICs. The industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +85 °C) is sufficient for in-home use, and the LF voltage range simplifies compliance with EU standby-power directives. PCB layout should keep high-current relay traces away from the analog AVSS pin.
Recommended
Remote IoT Sensor Nodes with Periodic Wake
For LPWAN-connected or wake-up-radio-based IoT sensor nodes, the PIC16LF1946T-I/PT provides the ultra-low-power core plus segmented LCD for on-device status readout. The XLP nanoWatt sleep currents in the tens-of-nanoamps region enable multi-year battery life on a coin cell, while the EUSART pairs naturally with sub-GHz transceivers like the Microchip MRF89XA. The 14 KB flash accommodates simple LoRaWAN or proprietary MAC stacks, and the 12-bit ADC² reads battery voltage for accurate state-of-health reporting. Designers should consider Sleep Walking and PPS Peripheral wake-up features to minimize active duty cycle.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessories
The PIC16LF1946T-I/PT is used in automotive aftermarket accessories such as GPS-info overlays, tire-pressure diagnostic tools, and trip-computer retrofits where the segmented LCD driver and 1.8–3.6 V operation simplify integration. The 'I' industrial grade (-40 °C to +85 °C) is sufficient for cabin environments; for under-hood applications the PIC16F1946-E/PT extended grade is recommended. The on-chip ADC² reads vehicle battery voltage and sensor outputs; the EUSART interfaces with OBD-II adapters. Designers should add ISO 7637-2 transient protection on the power input.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1946T-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1947-I/PT | PIC16F1946-I/PT | PIC16F1947-I/PT | PIC16LF1946-E/PT | PIC16LF1946-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-pin TQFP - same | 64-pin TQFP - same | 64-pin TQFP - same | 64-pin TQFP - same | 64-pin TQFP - same |
| Program Flash | 14 KB | 16 KB (+2 KB) | 14 KB | 16 KB (+2 KB) | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40 °C to +85 °C (I) | -40 °C to +85 °C (I) | -40 °C to +85 °C (I) | -40 °C to +85 °C (I) | -40 °C to +125 °C (E) | -40 °C to +85 °C (I) |
| Data RAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| 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 | Up to 192 segments, charge pump | Up to 192 segments, charge pump |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated LCD driver with on-chip charge pump below 2 V (vs PIC16F1939-I/P)
- Extended voltage range with drop-in compatibility (vs PIC16F1946-I/PT)
- Extended temperature grade option in same footprint (vs PIC16LF1946-E/PT)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of every VDD/VSS pin pair on the PIC16LF1946T-I/PT. The integrated LCD charge pump draws brief high-frequency transients during segment updates, so add a 1 µF bulk capacitor close to the AVSS/AVDD analog supply pins. When running from a coin cell, enable nanoWatt XLP Sleep mode and gate all peripherals using PMD bits to minimize active current.
Route SEG and COM LCD traces as parallel and equidistant as possible to minimize ghosting and cross-talk on the glass. Keep the LCD charge-pump flying capacitor traces short and symmetric; the recommended value is 1 nF to 10 nF X7R per the Microchip PIC16F1946 datasheet. Avoid routing noisy digital lines (PWM, oscillator) directly beneath the LCD glass bonding area to prevent contrast drift.
The 64-pin TQFP body has a thermal pad (pin 64) that must be soldered to a copper pour for mechanical reliability; while thermal dissipation is modest, the pad improves PCB ground continuity for the analog ADC² channels. Use a star-ground topology tying AVSS to the central ground pour, and place the MCLR pull-up within 5 mm of the MCLR pin to ensure reliable in-circuit serial programming (ICSP).
Do not assume the LF voltage range covers 5 V designs — the PIC16LF1946 absolute maximum is 3.6 V. For 5 V-tolerant systems migrate to the PIC16F1946-I/PT (drop-in, 2.0–5.5 V). Also, when migrating firmware from PIC16F1939 to PIC16LF1946, verify ADC² configuration bits and LCD bias selection because the 1946 family adds 1/4 bias and a higher segment count.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed by Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified in the industrial 'I' grade; automotive applications should specify the 'E' extended grade or AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F variant.
