PIC18F6493-I/PT - 8-bit 40MHz 16KB Flash LCD MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F6493-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.43 | $6.43 |
| 10 | $5.92 | $59.20 |
| 100 | $5.31 | $531.00 |
| 500 | $4.78 | $2,390.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.32 | $4,320.00 |
PIC18F6493-I/PT Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Programmable Integrated Circuit) is a Harvard-architecture RISC device widely used in embedded designs for deterministic control, low power consumption, and integrated peripherals. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18F6493 belongs to the PIC18F family of high-performance 8-bit microcontrollers, sits under the umbrella of Microchip 8-bit MCUs, and is positioned in the larger category of microcontrollers -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. The "F" denotes Flash program memory, and the "LCD" derivative specifically integrates a segment LCD driver.
Key features include a built-in LCD driver supporting up to 128 segments, a 12-bit A/D converter with up to 12 input channels, an enhanced USART, MSSP for SPI/I2C, two analog comparators, a 16-bit timer, three 8-bit timers, and nanoWatt power management. The 64-pin TQFP provides ample pin budget for simultaneous display control and analog/digital I/O. The peripheral set targets low-power human-interface products where display, sensing, and communication coexist on a single chip.
Technically, the PIC18F6493 is built on an enhanced PIC18 RISC core with a hardware multiply and C-friendly architecture, allowing efficient use of MPLAB XC8 compilers. The integrated LCD driver supports static, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 multiplex displays with selectable charge-pump bias generation, removing the need for external bias resistors. The 12-bit ADC delivers up to 100 ksps with automatic acquisition and conversion, well-suited for precision sensor readout. These architectural choices reduce BOM cost and PCB area.
Typical applications include handheld meters, thermostats, home security panels, and power/gas/water metering products. Per Microchip's product page, the device family is "easily adapted for handheld meters, thermostats, home security and power/gas/water metering products" where the integrated segment LCD, ADC, and digital I/O simplify the analog front-end and HMI circuitry.
When designing with this part, choose the TQFP-64 footprint with a 1.0 mm pitch and route the LCD segment lines carefully to avoid crosstalk. Enable the on-chip LCD charge pump only when the supply voltage is below the biasing threshold to maximize contrast at low VDD.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, application notes, and practical design considerations that go beyond what the bare Microchip datasheet offers.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F6493-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 PIC18F6493-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, LCD Driver, Operating Temperature, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F6393-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F8393-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F6493T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F63J90-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F6410-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F6493-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (enhanced PIC18) |
| Program Memory | 16 KB Flash (8K x 16) |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, "I") |
| I/O Pins | 54 |
| A/D Converter | 12-bit, up to 12 channels |
| LCD Driver | Integrated segment LCD, up to 128 segments |
| Timers | 1x 16-bit + 3x 8-bit |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | TQFP-64 (PT), 10x10 mm, 1.0 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Peripheral Family | PIC18F6xxx LCD series |
PIC18F6493-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG0 — LCD segment driver output 0 |
| Pin 2 | SEG1 — LCD segment driver output 1 |
| Pin 3 | SEG2 — LCD segment driver output 2 |
| Pin 4 | SEG3 — LCD segment driver output 3 |
| Pin 5 | SEG4 — LCD segment driver output 4 |
| Pin 6 | SEG5 — LCD segment driver output 5 |
| Pin 7 | SEG6 — LCD segment driver output 6 |
| Pin 8 | SEG7 — LCD segment driver output 7 |
| Pin 9 | SEG8 — LCD segment driver output 8 |
| Pin 10 | SEG9 — LCD segment driver output 9 |
| Pin 11 | SEG10 — LCD segment driver output 10 |
| Pin 12 | SEG11 — LCD segment driver output 11 |
| Pin 13 | SEG12 — LCD segment driver output 12 |
| Pin 14 | SEG13 — LCD segment driver output 13 |
| Pin 15 | SEG14 — LCD segment driver output 14 |
| Pin 16 | SEG15 — LCD segment driver output 15 |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.2 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | OSC1/CLKIN — External clock input or crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 20 | OSC2/CLKOUT — External clock output or crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 21 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 22 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 23 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 24 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 25 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 26 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 27 | RA5/AN4 — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 28 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 29 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 30 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 31 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.2 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 32 | RB0/INT0 — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 33 | RB1/INT1 — Port B bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 34 | RB2/INT2 — Port B bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 35 | RB3/INT3 — Port B bit 3 / External interrupt 3 |
| Pin 36 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 39 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 40 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 41 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 42 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 43 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 44 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 45 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 46 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 47 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 48 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 49 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 50 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 51 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 52 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 53 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 54 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 55 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 56 | SEG16 — LCD segment driver output 16 |
| Pin 57 | SEG17 — LCD segment driver output 17 |
| Pin 58 | SEG18 — LCD segment driver output 18 |
| Pin 59 | SEG19 — LCD segment driver output 19 |
| Pin 60 | SEG20 — LCD segment driver output 20 |
| Pin 61 | SEG21 — LCD segment driver output 21 |
| Pin 62 | SEG22 — LCD segment driver output 22 |
| Pin 63 | SEG23 — LCD segment driver output 23 |
| Pin 64 | VLCD — LCD supply voltage (bias generation output) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F6493-I/PT is suitable for 7 applications: Power/Gas/Water Metering, Thermostat and HVAC Controller, Home Security Control Panel, Handheld Measurement Instrument, Industrial Process Indicator, Medical Infusion Pump User Interface, Consumer Appliance Control Board.
Power/Gas/Water Metering
The PIC18F6493's integrated segment LCD driver (up to 128 segments) and 12-bit ADC make it ideal for utility meters where energy or flow readings must be displayed and totalized. The 40 MHz core yields 10 MIPS, ample for pulse counting, tamper detection, and tariff calculations while the nanoWatt technology keeps standby current low for battery-backed designs. The 16 KB Flash supports structured C firmware with calibration tables, and the on-chip LCD charge pump eliminates external bias resistors, reducing BOM cost for high-volume meter production.
Recommended
Thermostat and HVAC Controller
Wall thermostats require simultaneous temperature sensing, LCD display, keypad input, and HVAC relay control, all of which the PIC18F6493 handles natively. The 12-bit ADC reads thermistor or analog temperature sensors with 0.1 C resolution, while the integrated LCD driver provides clear segmented indication of setpoint, mode, and fan speed. The EUSART supports remote temperature sensors, and the comparators enable zero-cross detection for triac-driven relays. Operating from 4.2 V to 5.5 V matches common 5 V wall-wart supplies in HVAC installations.
Recommended
Home Security Control Panel
The PIC18F6493 supports up to 54 I/O pins, enough to scan a 4x4 keypad, drive a 128-segment LCD, and monitor multiple zone sensors in a home security panel. The EUSART links to a GSM or PSTN modem for alarm reporting, and the MSSP interfaces with EEPROM or external sensors over SPI/I2C. Flash (16 KB) accommodates zone configuration tables and event logs in RAM (768 bytes), and the wide operating temperature (-40 C to +85 C) handles attic and basement installations. Programming is straightforward with MPLAB XC8 and PICkit 4.
Recommended
Handheld Measurement Instrument
For handheld multimeters and clamp meters, the PIC18F6493's 12-bit ADC, integrated LCD, and low-power nanoWatt modes deliver long battery life with high measurement resolution. The 40 MHz CPU supports RMS calculations, autoranging logic, and display updates in real time, while the 768-byte RAM buffers instantaneous samples. The 5 V supply range matches 4x AA or 9 V regulator rails, and the 64-pin TQFP provides enough I/O for rotary switch decoding, mode buttons, and buzzer/HAPTIC feedback outputs.
Recommended
Industrial Process Indicator
Industrial process indicators display pressure, level, or flow values from 4-20 mA loop inputs, and the PIC18F6493-I/PT handles this with its 12-bit ADC and segment LCD. The wide -40 C to +85 C industrial range covers factory floor environments, while the 5 V supply interfaces directly with loop isolators and analog signal conditioning. The EUSART enables Modbus RTU over RS-485 via an external transceiver, and the integrated timers provide accurate update rates for stable display readings. Industrial customers value the part's longevity and stable silicon supply.
Recommended
Medical Infusion Pump User Interface
Portable medical infusion pumps require a clear alphanumeric LCD, alarm output, encoder input, and medical-grade reliability, all of which the PIC18F6493 supports. The integrated segment LCD reduces display subsystem complexity, while the 12-bit ADC reads pressure and bubble sensors with clinical accuracy. The 16 KB Flash accommodates safety-critical code with structured programming. Note that medical designs must validate the chosen MCU per IEC 62304 and relevant FDA guidance, and the PIC18F6493 is not itself medical-grade qualified by Microchip.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
Washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens combine keypad input, segmented LCD, sensor readout, and motor/valve control, which the PIC18F6493-I/PT handles on a single chip. The 54 I/O pins connect to triac drivers, buzzer alarms, encoder wheels, and serial EEPROM for cycle customization. The 12-bit ADC monitors NTC temperature sensors, while the EUSART interfaces with inverter or Wi-Fi modules for smart-appliance connectivity. Operating from 5 V matches rectified mains supply rails common in white goods.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F6493-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F6393-I/PT | PIC18F8393-I/PT | PIC18F63J90-I/PT | PIC18F6410-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm | TQFP-64 (PT) - same | TQFP-64 (PT) - same | TQFP-64 (PT) - same | TQFP-64 (PT) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB | 8 KB (-50%) | 8 KB (-50%) | 8 KB (-50%) | 16 KB (same) |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes (same) | 768 bytes (same) | 1024 bytes (+33%) | 768 bytes (same) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz (same) | 40 MHz (same) | 40 MHz (same) | 48 MHz (+20%) |
| A/D Converter | 12-bit, 12 channels | 12-bit, 12 channels (same) | 12-bit, 12 channels (same) | 12-bit, 12 channels (same) | 12-bit, 12 channels (same) |
| LCD Driver | 128 segments | 128 segments (same) | 192 segments (+50%) | 96 segments (-25%) | 128 segments (same) |
| USB Peripheral | No | No | No | No | Yes (USB 2.0 FS) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest segment LCD count in the 64-pin PIC18F6x93 family (vs PIC18F63J90-I/PT)
- More Flash memory than the lower-cost family members (vs PIC18F6393-I/PT)
- Industrial temperature range with full 5 V operation (vs PIC18F6410-I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 40 MHz CPU clock and 5 V supply, core current consumption is approximately 12 mA active and below 1 uA in sleep. Add bulk decoupling of 100 nF ceramic + 10 uF tantalum on VDD pins (17 and 31), placed within 5 mm of the package. The VLCD pin (64) requires its own 1 uF bypass capacitor for stable LCD bias generation. Keep the LCD charge-pump enable bit cleared if VDD is above the biasing threshold to maximize contrast and reduce noise.
The TQFP-64 package has a 1.0 mm pin pitch, requiring 0.15 mm trace width and 0.2 mm clearance for fanout. Use a 4-layer PCB with dedicated ground plane to keep ADC readings below 0.5 LSB noise. Route LCD segment lines (pins 1-16 and 56-63) on the opposite side of the ground plane from switching nodes such as triac outputs and relay coils. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kOhm) within 5 mm of pin 21 to ensure reliable reset.
Do not program the device below 4.2 V or above 5.5 V; the 3.3 V variants require a different PIC18F part. Avoid driving more than 8 mA per I/O pin or 200 mA total port current to prevent bond-wire damage. Ensure ICSP pins (RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD) are not loaded with capacitance exceeding 30 pF during in-circuit programming, which can cause programming failures. When migrating to PIC18F6393 (8 KB Flash), recompile and check that the code fits - the device is pin-compatible but not code-compatible.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the part is industrial-grade, not automotive-grade. For automotive designs use a PIC18F K-series or Q-series variant.
