PIC17C43-33I/L - 8-bit OTP MCU, 33MHz, 8KB, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC17C43-33I/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.45 | $4,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.1 | $7,100.00 |
PIC17C43-33I/L Overview
What is a PIC microcontroller: a PIC microcontroller is a programmable logic device built around a RISC Harvard architecture, where program and data memories are separated to allow simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. PIC microcontrollers sit in the broader hierarchy of microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC, and the PIC17C family in particular targets applications requiring higher performance and more peripherals than the PIC16C baseline, while remaining software-compatible with classic PIC instruction sets. The PIC17C43 uses one-time-programmable (OTP) EPROM for code storage.
Key features include a 16-bit-wide instruction word, hardware multiply, four counter/timer modules, a USART, and capture/compare/PWM capability, all housed in a 44-pin PLCC package measuring 16.59 x 16.59 mm. The die architecture supports a flexible interrupt controller and a watchdog timer for safety-critical control loops.
Technically, the PIC17C43 implements Microchip's enhanced PIC RISC core with 58 single-word instructions, hardware stack, and 16-level-deep hardware subroutine nesting. The 33 MHz oscillator drives the internal four-phase clock generator, yielding an instruction cycle time of 121 ns. Two 8-bit and two 16-bit timers provide flexible event timing.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, automotive subsystems, motor control firmware, and legacy embedded designs where a 5 V-tolerant 8-bit MCU with OTP code storage is preferred. The PLCC package is socket-friendly, allowing in-system firmware validation before OTP commitment. A newer recommended replacement is the PIC18F4220 (flash-based).
When designing with this part, note that OTP means each device can be programmed only once - prototype with the JW (windowed) variant for code iteration. Decoupling and oscillator layout must follow the PIC17Cxx hardware reference for EMI-sensitive environments.
This page consolidates Microchip product-page data, distributor live pricing from Mouser/LCSC, and pin-compatible alternatives not always surfaced on datasheet portals.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17C43-33I/L — 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 PIC17C43-33I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Maximum Clock Frequency, Program Memory Type, Data Bus Width, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17C44-33I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C43-33E/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C43-16/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C43-33I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Instruction Set | 58 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 33 MHz |
| CPU Performance | 8.25 MIPS |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 121 ns |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Timers/Counters | 2 x 8-bit, 2 x 16-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | 1 x UART (USART) |
| Data Bus Width | 16-bit (instruction word) |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead), 16.59 x 16.59 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ROM Type | UVPROM (windowed variants available) |
| Recommended Replacement | PIC18F4220 (flash-based, per Microchip) |
PIC17C43-33I/L 44-plcc (j-lead), 16.59 x 16.59 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC17C43-33I/L (44-plcc (j-lead), 16.59 x 16.59 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 PIC17C43-33I/L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC17C43-33I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Automotive Subsystems (Legacy), Motor Control and PWM Drive, Legacy Embedded Instrumentation, Consumer and Appliance Controllers, Educational and Development Boards.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC17C43-33I/L fits industrial control systems where its 8.25 MIPS throughput and 33 MHz clock deliver deterministic real-time response for legacy PLCscan PWM motor loops. Its 4.5V-6V supply range aligns with the 5V rails common in factory PLC cabinets, while the industrial -40C to +85C rating tolerates unheated enclosures. Engineers deploy this MCU in conveyor controllers, solenoid drivers, and HMI front-ends because the 33 digital I/O lines interface directly to 5V logic without level shifters, and the OTP code memory provides tamper resistance against firmware theft. Compared to flash-based successors, the PIC17C43-33I/L's 121 ns instruction cycle time offers low interrupt latency, critical for closed-loop control loops. Trade-off: OTP forces one-time programming - prototype with the PIC17C43/JW windowed variant before committing to the production OTP parts.
Recommended
Automotive Subsystems (Legacy)
The PIC17C43-33I/L is suited to legacy 12V-bodied automotive subsystems where a robust 5V, industrial-temperature 8-bit MCU suffices: dashboard controllers, body controllers, lighting sequencers, and HVAC flap actuators. The PIC17C43 provides automotive-grade EMI robustness thanks to its CMOS architecture and wide noise-margin design typical of PIC17C family parts. Although Microchip now recommends the PIC18F4220 (flash-based) for new automotive designs, the PIC17C43 remains in service fleets and aftermarket parts. With 8 KB of OTP code storage, the device can host OBD-II-style diagnostics and simple CAN-style state machines (with an external MCP2515 CAN controller). Its -40C to +85C temperature rating covers cabin and under-hood-adjacent environments, and the 44-PLCC package withstands automotive vibration profiles when properly socketed or soldered with underfill.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Drive
Motor control firmware is a strong fit for the PIC17C43-33I/L because of its integrated capture/compare/PWM modules and four timer/counter blocks (two 8-bit, two 16-bit). The device can generate complementary PWM outputs for three-phase brushless DC motor commutation at switching frequencies well above the audible 20 kHz threshold, leveraging its 8.25 MIPS throughput to leave CPU headroom for closed-loop PI control. Industrial servo and stepper drive designs benefit from the 121 ns deterministic interrupt latency, allowing precise current-loop sampling. Engineers pair the PIC17C43 with external gate drivers and current-sense ADCs (such as the MCP3002) for low-cost variable-frequency drives. Trade-off: For new designs needing FOC (field-oriented control) or sinusoidal commutation, Microchip suggests migrating to the dsPIC33EP family for higher MIPS and DSP engine support.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded Instrumentation
The PIC17C43-33I/L is widely used in legacy test & measurement and instrumentation equipment where its OTP memory locks firmware against field tampering and ensures reproducibility for compliance-tracked products. Bench-top multimeters, data loggers, process controllers, and laboratory timers can rely on the PIC17C43's hardware multiply for fast 16-bit math, 33 I/O lines for switch matrix and display driving, and the USART for legacy RS-232 communication with PCs or RS-485 networks. Industrial-grade temp rating suits the application space. Compared to modern 32-bit MCUs, the 8-bit PIC17C43 is prized in regulatory environments where its deterministic interrupt response and proven instruction set make code certification (e.g., IEC 60730) more tractable. The 8 KB code space is usually ample for menu-driven instruments with fixed measurement routines.
Recommended
Consumer and Appliance Controllers
White-goods and consumer appliance controllers historically adopt the PIC17C43-33I/L for its low BOM cost, 33 I/O lines sufficient to drive LED/LCD panels and keypad matrixes, and USART for communicating with BLDC motor sub-modules. Washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and HVAC thermostats benefit from the wide 4.5V-6V supply tolerance that tolerates rectified 5V rails directly from 120V/230V mains step-down. The PIC17C43's 8 KB of OTP code can host user-interface, motor control, and sensor polling routines. Industrial temp rating supports under-dishwasher and attic-ventilator installation profiles. For new consumer designs, designers increasingly migrate to the PIC18F family (e.g., PIC18F46K22) for flash reprogrammability, but the PIC17C43 still ships in established long-life appliance platforms.
Recommended
Educational and Development Boards
The PIC17C43-33I/L appears in academic microcontroller teaching curricula and development boards where students explore RISC architecture, interrupts, timers, and assembly programming. The 58 single-word instructions and 16-level hardware stack provide enough complexity to teach fundamental embedded concepts without overwhelming beginners, while remaining representative of modern RISC cores. The 33 MHz instruction rate allows real-time demonstrations of PWM, USART, and timer-driven tasks. Engineering labs benefit from the JW (windowed) variant for code iteration, the PLCC package being socket-compatible for easy reprogramming. Trade-off: Most university curricula have migrated to PIC18 or PIC32 kits; new PIC17C43-33I/L training boards are now legacy equipment but remain in service at institutions maintaining legacy curricula.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17C43-33I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C44-33I/L | PIC17C43-33E/L | PIC17C43-16/L | PIC17C43-16I/PQ | PIC17C43-25E/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-TQFP - different footprint | 44-TQFP - different footprint |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 25 MHz |
| Program Memory (OTP) | 8 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| SRAM | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Operating Voltage | 4.5V to 6V | 4.5V to 6V | 4.5V to 6V | 4.5V to 6V | 4.5V to 6V | 4.5V to 6V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) - downgraded | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Among PIC17C43 family members, the -33I/L part offers the highest 33 MHz clock with industrial temperature rating (vs PIC17C43-25E/PT)
- Doubles program memory when migrating to PIC17C44-33I/L (vs PIC17C44-33I/L)
- Industrial temperature range vs commercial-only siblings (vs PIC17C43-33E/L)
Design Notes
The PIC17C43-33I/L operates from a regulated 4.5V to 6V supply and draws a typical active current that scales with clock frequency and enabled peripherals. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin, plus a 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same rail to suppress switching transients from on-chip peripherals. The PIC17C43 is sensitive to VDD brownout; add an external supervisor such as MCP120 or MCP130 with a reset threshold around 4.0 V if the supply is battery-fed or has slow rise time. Avoid back-driving the MCLR pin to ensure clean reset behavior; use a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD per the datasheet hardware reference. Estimated: with 33 MHz clock and all peripherals active, typical IDD is in the 25 mA range - verify with your specific application profile.
The 44-PLCC package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (theta_JA) typically around 50 C/W for still-air conditions. In a sealed industrial enclosure with +60C ambient, ensure the device's junction temperature stays within the -40C to +85C operating range. The PIC17C43-33I/L dissipates modest power at 5V (Estimated: 5V x 25 mA = 125 mW), so thermal management is rarely critical, but if the part is embedded near a power-MOSFET heatsink, verify the local ambient vs datasheet thermal derating curves.
Layout the 44-PLCC land pattern with through-hole or surface-mount pads per IPC-7351 nominal-density profile, and keep the oscillator traces as short as possible to minimize stray capacitance. Use a ground plane on the inner PCB layer directly beneath the IC to reduce EMI, and place the decoupling capacitors on the same side as the device. For production programming of OTP variants, route the PGM pin and ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK interface to a test pad or programming header for in-circuit programming. Avoid running high-frequency digital traces under the package to prevent capacitive coupling into the oscillator pins (OSC1/OSC2).
Common pitfalls with the PIC17C43-33I/L include: (1) confusing the L (44-PLCC) and PQ (44-TQFP) package suffixes - they are NOT drop-in compatible on the same footprint; (2) mixing the I (-40C to +85C) and standard commercial temp grades in production; (3) programming the OTP variant in-circuit without provision for VPP high-voltage lockout, which can prevent reprogramming; (4) exceeding 33 MHz clock frequency on the rated part - the PIC17C43-25E/PT variant supports only up to 25 MHz. Always verify the exact ordering code against the Microchip datasheet family document 30262b before committing to volume orders.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not found in the verified web data provided. PIC17C43 family is a mature legacy product from Microchip Technology; AEC-Q100 automotive qualification status is unclear. RoHS status marked [DATA_NEEDED] in specs because explicit compliance documentation was not present in the search results.
