PIC18LF8493-I/PT - 8-bit 40MHz 16KB Flash LCD MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF8493-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.55 | $65.50 |
| 100 | $5.9 | $590.00 |
| 500 | $5.3 | $2,650.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.75 | $4,750.00 |
PIC18LF8493-I/PT Overview
A PIC18 microcontroller is an 8-bit modified Harvard RISC MCU core built around the PIC18 instruction set, which sits in the broader taxonomy of microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. PIC18 devices combine a rich peripheral set with low power consumption, which is why they are widely used in human-machine interface (HMI) products, metering equipment, and battery-powered instrumentation.
Key features of this part include the integrated LCD driver supporting up to 192 segments, a 12-bit ADC with up to 12 input channels, nanoWatt XLP power-management technology for ultra-low sleep currents, an enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), and 64 digital I/O pins. The 80-pin TQFP package provides generous pin budget for parallel LCD glass and mixed analog/digital signal acquisition.
The architecture uses a 16-bit instruction word with 8-bit data path, an internal 31-level hardware stack, hardware multiply, and a 32 kHz to 40 MHz oscillator block with PLL options. The nanoWert XLP technology enables sleep currents in the nanoamp range, which is critical for battery-backed metering products where the LCD must stay visible for the lifetime of the cell.
Typical applications include handheld meters (multimeters, clamp meters, energy monitors), thermostats and HVAC controllers, home appliances with LCD user interfaces, medical point-of-care devices, industrial sensor readouts, and any battery-powered product with a segment LCD.
Designers should carefully budget I/O pins against the LCD segment count, use the internal 31 kHz oscillator for low-power sleep modes, and provide adequate decoupling on AVDD/AVSS pins when sampling the 12-bit ADC. The 'LF' variant should be selected when the system is powered from a 2-cell alkaline or single-cell Li-ion supply, since regular PIC18F devices need 4.2V minimum.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing and design decisions on PIC18LF8493-I/PT-based boards.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF8493-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 PIC18LF8493-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF8393-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF8490-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F8493-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K22T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46J11-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF8493-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 16 KB Flash (8K x 16) |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 12 channels |
| LCD Driver | Up to 192 segments |
| Digital I/O Pins | 64 |
| Package | 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC18LF8493-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG31 — LCD segment drive / RB0 |
| Pin 10 | SEG38 — LCD segment drive / RB7 |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V-3.6V) |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Oscillator input / GPIO |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Oscillator output / GPIO |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RD0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 2 | SEG32 — LCD segment drive / RB1 |
| Pin 20 | RD1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RD2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RD3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RD4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 28 | RD5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 29 | RD6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 3 | SEG33 — LCD segment drive / RB2 |
| Pin 30 | RD7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 33 | RE0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 34 | RE1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 35 | RE2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 36 | RE3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 37 | RE4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 38 | RE5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 39 | RE6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 4 | SEG34 — LCD segment drive / RB3 |
| Pin 40 | RE7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 41 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 42 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 43 | RA0/AN0 — Analog input 0 |
| Pin 44 | RA1/AN1 — Analog input 1 |
| Pin 45 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Analog input 2 / VREF- |
| Pin 46 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Analog input 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 47 | RA4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 48 | RA5/AN4 — Analog input 4 |
| Pin 49 | SEG0 — LCD segment 0 |
| Pin 5 | SEG35 — LCD segment drive / RB4 |
| Pin 50 | SEG1 — LCD segment 1 |
| Pin 51 | SEG2 — LCD segment 2 |
| Pin 52 | SEG3 — LCD segment 3 |
| Pin 53 | SEG4 — LCD segment 4 |
| Pin 54 | SEG5 — LCD segment 5 |
| Pin 55 | SEG6 — LCD segment 6 |
| Pin 56 | SEG7 — LCD segment 7 |
| Pin 57 | SEG8 — LCD segment 8 |
| Pin 58 | SEG9 — LCD segment 9 |
| Pin 59 | SEG10 — LCD segment 10 |
| Pin 6 | SEG36 — LCD segment drive / RB5 |
| Pin 60 | SEG11 — LCD segment 11 |
| Pin 61 | SEG12 — LCD segment 12 |
| Pin 62 | SEG13 — LCD segment 13 |
| Pin 63 | SEG14 — LCD segment 14 |
| Pin 64 | SEG15 — LCD segment 15 |
| Pin 65 | SEG16 — LCD segment 16 |
| Pin 66 | SEG17 — LCD segment 17 |
| Pin 67 | SEG18 — LCD segment 18 |
| Pin 68 | SEG19 — LCD segment 19 |
| Pin 69 | SEG20 — LCD segment 20 |
| Pin 7 | SEG37 — LCD segment drive / RB6 |
| Pin 70 | SEG21 — LCD segment 21 |
| Pin 71 | SEG22 — LCD segment 22 |
| Pin 72 | SEG23 — LCD segment 23 |
| Pin 73 | SEG24 — LCD segment 24 |
| Pin 74 | SEG25 — LCD segment 25 |
| Pin 75 | SEG26 — LCD segment 26 |
| Pin 76 | SEG27 — LCD segment 27 |
| Pin 77 | SEG28 — LCD segment 28 |
| Pin 78 | SEG29 — LCD segment 29 |
| Pin 79 | SEG30 — LCD segment 30 |
| Pin 8 | RF0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 80 | MCLR — Master clear / reset (active low) |
| Pin 9 | RF1 — Digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF8493-I/PT is suitable for 7 applications: Handheld Digital Multimeter (DMM), Programmable Thermostat / HVAC Controller, Residential Energy Meter, Blood Glucose Meter, Industrial Sensor Readout / Transmitter, Home Appliance Control Panel, Battery-Powered Weighing Scale.
Handheld Digital Multimeter (DMM)
The PIC18LF8493-I/PT is well-suited to handheld digital multimeters thanks to its integrated 192-segment LCD driver, which can directly multiplex 3.5-digit or 4-digit numeric displays plus bar graph and unit icons without external controller ICs. Its 12-bit ADC handles voltage, current, and resistance measurements at adequate precision for consumer-grade meters. The 2.0V-3.6V supply range allows operation directly from 2xAA cells, eliminating boost converters.
Recommended
Programmable Thermostat / HVAC Controller
Thermostats and HVAC wall controllers require a clear LCD readout of setpoint, mode, and sensor temperature plus low standby current for 24/7 wall operation. The PIC18LF8493-I/PT's nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 100 nA extend battery life in wireless thermostats, while the 192-segment LCD driver supports temperature, humidity, fan-speed, and schedule icons. Its 12-bit ADC captures thermistor or RTD signals with 0.1C resolution over typical HVAC ranges.
Recommended
Residential Energy Meter
Single-phase residential energy meters need to display kWh, voltage, current, power factor, and time-of-use segments, all of which fit within the PIC18LF8493-I/PT's 192-segment LCD budget. The 12-bit ADC with multiple channels supports CT (current transformer) and shunt voltage sampling simultaneously, while 16KB Flash accommodates IEC 62053-21 metering firmware and anti-tamper logic. The wide 2.0V-3.6V range simplifies operation from rectified mains-derived low-voltage rails.
Recommended
Blood Glucose Meter
Portable blood glucose meters require a sharp segmented LCD for mg/dL readout plus date/time and battery icons, making the PIC18LF8493-I/PT's 192-segment driver an ideal fit. Its nanoWatt XLP technology keeps sleep current below 1 uA, preserving coin-cell battery life over the device's multi-year shelf and use life. The 12-bit ADC accurately reads the electrochemical strip's small current signal when properly conditioned by an external op-amp front-end.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Readout / Transmitter
Loop-powered 4-20 mA industrial sensor transmitters must display process variables on a local LCD while maintaining low power budget, which the PIC18LF8493-I/PT addresses through nanoWatt XLP technology and the 2.0V-3.6V supply range. The 12-bit ADC digitizes RTD, thermocouple, or strain-gauge signals through an external front-end, and the 192-segment LCD shows PV, engineering units, bar graph, and alarm status without an auxiliary display controller.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Panel
Washing machines, microwave ovens, and dishwasher control panels use segment LCDs to show cycle status, time remaining, and child-lock icons. The PIC18LF8493-I/PT drives these displays directly while its EUSART and MSSP interfaces connect to the main power-inverter control board or sensor hub. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) tolerates under-cabinet and behind-door thermal environments common in kitchen appliances.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Weighing Scale
Bathroom and kitchen weighing scales display weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and trend graphs on multi-segment LCDs, all well within the PIC18LF8493-I/PT's 192-segment budget. The 2.0V-3.6V operation enables direct use of 2xAAA or 2xAA cells, while nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 100 nA preserves battery life during idle display standby. The 12-bit ADC reads 1- or 2-load-cell bridge signals when paired with an external instrumentation amp.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF8493-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF8393-I/PT | PIC18LF8490-I/PT | PIC18F8493-I/PT | PIC18F46K22T-I/PT | PIC18F46J11-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) | 80-pin TQFP - same | 80-pin TQFP - same | 80-pin TQFP - same | 80-pin TQFP - same | 80-pin TQFP - same |
| Program Memory | 16 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash | 16 KB Flash | 64 KB Flash | 64 KB Flash |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 3896 bytes | 3760 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| LCD Segments | 192 | 120 | 192 | 192 | No LCD | No LCD |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Max CPU Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 64 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage operation in the family (vs PIC18F8493-I/PT)
- Integrated 192-segment LCD controller (vs PIC18F46K22T-I/PT)
- Highest segment count in same TQFP-80 footprint (vs PIC18LF8393-I/PT)
- Larger Flash than PIC18LF8393 family (vs PIC18LF8393-I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: When running at 40 MHz from a 3.3V supply, the PIC18LF8493-I/PT core current is approximately 10-15 mA; switching to the internal 31 kHz LFINTOSC and entering Sleep mode drops current to below 1 uA (typical 100 nA). For battery-powered metering applications, gate all unused peripherals in Sleep and use RTCC with external 32.768 kHz crystal for timekeeping wake-ups.
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair (the device has multiple VDD pins: 12, 32) and another on AVDD/AVSS (pins 41/42). For LCD-driven designs, route segment lines with minimum 0.15 mm trace width and keep COM lines shielded from segment crossovers. Provide a guard ring around the analog inputs to minimize digital switching noise coupling into ADC samples.
Critical: Never apply voltage above 3.6V to the PIC18LF8493-I/PT - this is the 'LF' low-voltage variant and exceeding VDD_max will damage the Flash. Use the PIC18F8493 (4.2V-5.5V) for 5V designs. Also note that the MCLR pin (pin 80) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; floating MCLR prevents normal operation. Finally, configure unused I/O as outputs low rather than inputs to minimize current leakage.
When sampling small ADC signals (e.g., load cell, thermocouple), use the dedicated AVSS/AVDD pins with separate analog ground return, not a shared digital ground. Enable the ADC's acquisition delay (ACQT) to allow the internal hold capacitor to settle, and average 16-64 samples for noisy environments. Avoid running the LCD charge pump at full strength during sensitive ADC conversions.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive, refer to PIC18F8493-Q1 variants. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available data.