PIC17C43/JW - 8-Bit 33MHz 8KB EPROM Microcontroller | Microchip
MPN: PIC17C43/JW ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $14.05 | $1,405.00 |
| 500 | $12.4 | $6,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.95 | $10,950.00 |
PIC17C43/JW Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and peripherals. The PIC17C43 belongs to the 8-bit MCU category (PIC16C5X/PIC12CXXX/PIC16CXX upward-compatible family), itself a subset of microcontrollers within the broader semiconductor and embedded systems hierarchy. EPROM-based MCUs with a quartz window allow UV erasure for development and re-programming, distinguishing them from one-time-programmable (OTP) or flash variants.
Key features include 454 bytes of general-purpose RAM, multiple timer/counter modules, a synchronous/asynchronous serial port (USART/SCI), capture/compare/PWM modules, and an 8-bit parallel slave port. The device supports a wide operating voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V and is offered in industrial (-40C to +85C) temperature grades. Hardware stack depth is 16 levels, supporting nested subroutine calls. The instruction set is RISC-based with Harvard architecture, providing deterministic interrupt response.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, motor control, automotive subsystems (pre-CAN ECU designs), instrumentation, and embedded legacy designs. The combination of EPROM (re-programmable during development) and CERDIP packaging makes it well-suited to prototype and qualification phases. Microchip's product page notes that a newer device, the PIC18F4220, is recommended for new designs, but the PIC17C43/JW remains in production for legacy support.
When designing with this part, place 0.1 uF decoupling capacitors close to each VDD pin and connect all ground and VDD pins to minimize noise. EPROM windowed parts require a quartz window sticker or opaque tape in production to prevent UV-induced data corruption. Programming is performed via Microchip's PRO MATE or PICSTART toolchains.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, lifecycle status, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet alone. Pricing references are as of 2026-09-25.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17C43/JW — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17C43-25/JW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C44/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C42A-25/JW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C42A-33/JW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C756A-33/JW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C43/JW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC® 17C |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Instruction Set Size | 58 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (UV-erasable) |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 33 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 121 ns |
| Performance | 8.25 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Hardware Stack | 16 levels |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Package | 40-pin Windowed CERDIP |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (contains Pb in CERDIP window) |
| Lead-Free | No |
PIC17C43/JW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / VREF |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 — Oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 12 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 13 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 19 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Positive supply (5 V) |
| Pin 22 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 23 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 24 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 25 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 26 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 27 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 29 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 30 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 31 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 32 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 33 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 34 | VDD — Positive supply (5 V) |
| Pin 35 | TX/CK — USART transmit / clock |
| Pin 36 | RX/DT — USART receive / data |
| Pin 37 | CCP1 — Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 38 | CCP2 — Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 39 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear / Programming voltage |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply (5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC17C43/JW is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy), Motor Control and PWM Drive, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Aerospace and Defense Subsystems, Embedded Education and Training Platforms.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC17C43/JW suits legacy industrial process controllers because its 8 KB EPROM (4K x 16) and 454 bytes RAM host PID control loops, while the 33 MHz clock executes control math in 121 ns. The EPROM window allows field re-programming during commissioning and qualification, and the 4.5-5.5 V supply tolerates industrial 5 V rails. The 33 I/O pins drive indicator LEDs, keypad inputs, and relay outputs directly. Its deterministic interrupt response (Harvard architecture, fixed instruction cycles) ensures repeatable loop timing critical to PLC and DCS subsystems. Use it as a drop-in for existing PIC17C-series control boards.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
The PIC17C43/JW is widely deployed in pre-CAN automotive body modules - climate controls, instrument clusters, seat controllers - that rely on its 8-bit RISC core and EPROM-based code storage. The 33 MHz / 121 ns cycle handles multiplexed switch scanning and gauge driving with headroom. The 454 bytes of RAM is sufficient for local buffers, and the 33 I/O lines interface directly to MOSFET drivers and analog sensors. AEC-Q100 is not formally qualified, but many legacy automotive programs ran this part. PIC17C756A-33/JW is the natural upgrade when CAN is needed.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Drive
The PIC17C43/JW's capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module and 33 MHz instruction rate enable precise DC motor, stepper, and small BLDC control loops. The 121 ns cycle supports high-frequency PWM carrier generation for switching amplifiers up to tens of kHz with fine duty-cycle resolution. The PIC17C architecture's deterministic interrupt latency ensures commutation events are serviced within one instruction cycle, critical to sensorless BLDC operation. EPROM storage allows last-minute tuning of PWM parameters during motor characterization. Choose this part for legacy motor control designs where firmware is already validated.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The PIC17C43/JW operates as the control MCU in bench instruments such as multimeters, signal generators, and process calibrators. Its 33 MHz throughput executes measurement averaging and display update loops efficiently, while the EPROM window allows code updates during instrument qualification. The 33 I/O lines interface directly to LCD drivers, rotary encoders, and range-relay matrices. The 4.5-5.5 V supply matches battery or wall-adapter rails. The Harvard bus architecture prevents data-memory contention with program fetches, improving measurement loop determinism.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Subsystems
The PIC17C43/JW remains in production for aerospace and defense programs because windowed EPROM provides robust data retention and radiation tolerance versus floating-gate cells. The CERDIP hermetic package withstands thermal cycling and vibration. Its 8-bit core runs flight-qualified firmware for navigation aids, payload controllers, and test-set adapters. The deterministic interrupt response and 121 ns instruction cycle satisfy real-time control requirements. Lead times of 6-10 weeks are accepted for the long lifecycle of military/aerospace programs. Programmatic upgrade paths use the pin-compatible PIC17C44/JW.
Recommended
Embedded Education and Training Platforms
The PIC17C43/JW is well-suited to university embedded systems courses because the UV window allows students to repeatedly erase and re-program during lab sessions - an effective teaching tool versus OTP parts. Its 58-instruction RISC set exposes students to clean Harvard architecture principles, while the 33 MIPS throughput and 8 KB EPROM support meaningful projects. The 40-pin CERDIP package is breadboard-friendly. Legacy PIC17C evaluation boards (e.g. Microchip PICDEM-17) use this part as the canonical reference design.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17C43/JW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C43-25/JW | PIC17C44/JW | PIC17C42A-25/JW | PIC17C42A-33/JW | PIC17C756A-33/JW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-pin Windowed CERDIP | 40-pin Windowed CERDIP - same | 40-pin Windowed CERDIP - same | 40-pin Windowed CERDIP - same | 40-pin Windowed CERDIP - same | 40-pin Windowed CERDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 8 KB (4K x 16) EPROM | 8 KB EPROM | 16 KB EPROM | 4 KB EPROM | 4 KB EPROM | 16 KB EPROM |
| Maximum Clock | 33 MHz | 25 MHz | 33 MHz | 25 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 121 ns | 160 ns | 121 ns | 160 ns | 121 ns | 121 ns |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Architecture | PIC17C 8-bit RISC | PIC17C 8-bit RISC | PIC17C 8-bit RISC | PIC17C 8-bit RISC | PIC17C 8-bit RISC | PIC17C 8-bit RISC |
| Approximate Unit Price (qty 100) | $14.05 | $13.50 | $18.20 | $11.95 | $13.40 | $19.50 |
Key Differentiators
- Higher operating frequency than the 25 MHz variant (vs PIC17C43-25/JW)
- Smaller program memory than PIC17C44/JW (vs PIC17C44/JW)
- No CAN peripheral - simpler than PIC17C756A (vs PIC17C756A-33/JW)
- Doubles program memory vs PIC17C42A family (vs PIC17C42A-33/JW)
Design Notes
Place one 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor adjacent to each VDD pin (pins 21, 34, 40 on the 40-pin CERDIP) and a single 10 uF tantalum or aluminum bulk capacitor at the board supply input. The PIC17C43/JW has multiple VDD/VSS pairs to reduce internal ground bounce; connect all of them. During EPROM programming, VPP (MCLR/VPP pin 39) is raised to 13 V nominal, so ensure the reset pull-up network tolerates this voltage or use a programming socket that disconnects the reset circuit.
Estimated: at 33 MHz clock with all peripherals active, the PIC17C43/JW core dissipation is approximately 50 mA x 5 V = 250 mW. The 40-pin CERDIP package has theta_JA around 40 C/W (datasheet value varies by mounting). At 25C ambient this yields ~10C above ambient, well within the -40C to +85C operating range. No external heatsink is required. For elevated-temperature industrial enclosures above 60C, verify junction temperature stays below 125C with worst-case I/O sourcing.
Keep the quartz crystal (or ceramic resonator) within 1 cm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins to minimize parasitic capacitance. Use a ground plane beneath the oscillator area and route OSC traces over a continuous ground reference. For EPROM windowed parts, do not place opaque tape over the window during prototyping; in production, cover the window with a UV-opaque sticker (Microchip p/n or equivalent) to prevent UV-induced bit corruption from fluorescent lighting or sunlight.
Do not connect MCLR directly to VDD without a resistor - the datasheet specifies a 10-50 kohm pull-up to VDD. Floating MCLR causes erratic resets. EPROM programming requires a high-voltage programmer (PRO MATE II, PICSTART Plus, or modern ICD-compatible tools) - in-system programming is not supported on the 'JW' windowed variant. Always verify CONFIG bits (oscillator, watchdog, code protection) match your design intent; an unprogrammed CONFIG defaults to RC oscillator and watchdog enabled.
The PIC17C43 has no internal phase-locked loop, so the external crystal determines the system clock directly. For 33 MHz operation, use a fundamental-mode crystal with load capacitance specified by the crystal manufacturer (typically 15-33 pF). Place load capacitors close to OSC1/OSC2 with short traces. Route digital I/O signals away from the analog AN0-AN3/VREF pins to minimize digital switching noise coupling into ADC conversions (if the analog subsystem is enabled).
Compliance Information
Windowed CERDIP package contains Pb in ceramic glass seal; non-RoHS. REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. AEC-Q100 not formally qualified - commonly used in legacy automotive but without explicit qualification.
