Microchip Technology PIC16F1938-I/ML

Summary of the PIC16F1938-I/ML Microcontroller

The PIC16F1938-I/ML from Microchip Technology is a member of the PIC® XLP™ Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit microcontroller family. Designed for high flexibility, this device targets cost-sensitive embedded applications that require reliable control, integrated analog functions, and energy efficiency. Featuring 28 KB (16K x 14 bits) of on-chip flash program memory, the microcontroller is offered in a compact 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package, making it ideal for dense PCB layouts and space-constrained applications. Its operating voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V and temperature specification of -40°C to +85°C position the PIC16F1938-I/ML as a versatile solution for both consumer and industrial designs.

Main Performance Characteristics of the PIC16F1938-I/ML

At its core, the PIC16F1938-I/ML is built around an enhanced 8-bit PIC architecture, capable of running at up to 32 MHz with a 125 ns instruction cycle. The device implements a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture with only 49 instructions to learn, ensuring ease of programming while maximizing code efficiency. Most instructions execute in a single cycle, aside from branches.

Engineers benefit from a deep hardware stack (16 levels) supporting complex interrupts and nesting routines. Its typical operating current can be as low as 43 µA/MHz at 1.8V, and standby current drops to 60 nA, contributing to high energy efficiency. The high-precision internal oscillator (factory calibrated to ±1%) eliminates the need for external clock components in most scenarios.

Built-in Peripheral Devices and Communication Capabilities of PIC16F1938-I/ML

A defining strength of the PIC16F1938-I/ML is its extensive suite of integrated peripherals, which supports a broad range of interfacing and control requirements:

LCD Driver: On-chip controller for up to 96 segments with variable clock input and programmable contrast control, well-suited for direct driving of LCD displays in metering or user-interface applications.

Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): 10-bit resolution, up to 14 input channels, with selectable voltage references (1.024V, 2.048V, 4.096V).

Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): Built-in 5-bit rail-to-rail DAC enables simple analog output generation.

Comparators: Two rail-to-rail input/output comparators with power mode and hysteresis control.

Multiple Timers: Includes Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit, with low-power oscillator), and Timers 2/4/6 (8-bit with period register and prescale/postscale).

Capture/Compare/PWM Modules: Two CCP and three enhanced ECCP modules provide flexible PWM, capture, and compare operations with auto-shutdown and programmable dead-band delays for motor and power control.

Communication Interfaces: Supports I2C, SPI, UART/USART (EUSART), LINbus, and IrDA protocols, along with SMBus/PMBus compatibility.

Capacitive Sensing: Up to 16 selectable CPS channels, supporting touch or proximity interfaces.

Other features: Integrated SR Latch (555 Timer emulation), programmable code protection, and interrupt-on-change pins enhance application flexibility and security.

Energy Management and Ultra-low Power Attributes in the PIC16F1938-I/ML

Energy efficiency and robust power management are central to the PIC16F1938-I/ML’s architecture. XLP™ technology enables ultra-low-power operation with features such as:

Standby current of 60 nA (1.8V, typical)

Operating current as low as 43 µA/MHz (1.8V, typical)

Low-power Watchdog Timer (500 nA)

Dedicated low-power Timer1 oscillator

Brown-out Reset (BOR) with dual selectable trip points

Power-on Reset (POR), Power-up Timer (PWRT), and Oscillator Start-up Timer (OST) for reliable operation during power resumes and brownouts

Power-saving Sleep mode with configurable wake-up sources

These capabilities make the device an excellent fit for battery-powered or energy-harvesting products, such as portable measurement devices, remote controls, and wireless sensors.

Internal Memory and Configuration Options

The PIC16F1938-I/ML integrates substantial memory resources:

16K x 14-bit (28 KB) Flash program memory

1 KB of SRAM data memory for rapid variable access

256 bytes of data EEPROM, supporting non-volatile parameter storage such as serial numbers, user settings, and calibration data

Also, processor read-access to program memory facilitates advanced application architectures, while in-circuit serial programming (ICSP™) and on-chip debugging support streamline development and field updates.

Available Packages and Pin Assignments for PIC16F1938-I/ML

This device is available in several leaded and small-form-factor packages to accommodate diverse PCB constraints. The 28-QFN variant offers a 6x6 mm footprint with an exposed pad recommended to be connected to Vss for optimal thermal performance. Each of the up to 25 user-configurable I/O pins supports high-current source/sink capability for direct LED drive and features programmable pull-ups, interrupt-on-change, and protection functions. The APFCON register allows engineers to move specific pin functions as needed, contributing to flexible hardware layout and simplified design upgrades.

Detailed pinout diagrams for QFN, SPDIP, SOIC, SSOP, UQFN, and VQFN variants are provided in Microchip documentation to assist in pin assignment and board layout.

Common Engineering Uses of the PIC16F1938-I/ML

Given its combination of flexible analog and digital peripherals, LCD driver, and robust connectivity, the PIC16F1938-I/ML is built for applications such as:

Handheld and battery-operated measurement instruments

Home appliances featuring user-interface displays

Industrial control panels and process monitors

Utility meters with LCD readout

Automotive interface and control nodes

Embedded communications bridges with multi-protocol support

Low-cost capacitive-sensing control surfaces

Its low power consumption and extended temperature support address both industrial reliability needs and portable product demands.

Alternative and Comparable Models for PIC16F1938-I/ML

For engineers considering drop-in or functionally similar replacements, the following Microchip PIC16 family members are potential alternatives:

PIC16F1937: Offers identical program memory but with a different I/O configuration and package options, including 28/40/44 pins.

PIC16F1939: Provides the same memory resource as PIC16F1938-I/ML but with an expanded I/O count and packaging (up to 36 I/Os, 28/40/44 pins).

PIC16F1936: Features 8 KB program memory and similar peripheral sets for smaller applications.

PIC16F1946/1947: Increased pin counts (up to 54 I/Os), making them suitable for applications requiring additional connectivity and larger display drivers.

Selection among these depends on required I/O, memory capacity, pinout, and package compatibility. All share core CPU and peripheral functionality, simplifying migration within the series.

Conclusion

The PIC16F1938-I/ML microcontroller delivers a carefully balanced mix of performance, integration, and efficiency. With advanced analog features, extensive digital peripherals, robust communication support, XLP™ low-power operation, and a highly flexible LCD controller, it enables cost-effective solutions for a wide range of embedded applications. The range of package options, robust power management, and Microchip’s ecosystem further strengthen its position for selection engineers and procurement specialists seeking longevity, reliability, and design flexibility. By considering supported alternatives in the PIC16F193x family, engineers can tailor solutions to evolving product requirements with minimal risk and maximum hardware reuse.