PIC17C44-16/PQ - 16MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU, 16KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC17C44-16/PQ ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17.24 | $17.24 |
| 10 | $15.52 | $155.20 |
| 100 | $13.79 | $1,379.00 |
| 500 | $12.07 | $6,035.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.34 | $10,340.00 |
PIC17C44-16/PQ Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (ROM/Flash/EPROM), volatile data memory (RAM), and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC17C44 belongs to Microchip's PIC17C family, an early high-end 8-bit RISC architecture positioned above the PIC16C and below the PIC18 generations. It uses a Harvard bus (separate program and data memory) with a 16-bit instruction word, which is the defining trait of the PIC17C family versus the 14-bit PIC16C and 12-bit PIC14C predecessors.
Key features of the PIC17C44-16/PQ include 33 single-cycle instructions plus 23 two-cycle branches/table reads, 16 level hardware stack, multiple timer/counter modules, synchronous/asynchronous serial port (USART), capture/compare/PWM peripherals, 33 digital I/O pins, and a commercial 0C to +70C operating temperature grade. Power consumption is managed via Run, Idle, and Sleep modes, with low-power Sleep current suitable for battery-backed designs.
Architecturally, the PIC17C44 uses Microchip's RISC instruction set tuned for deterministic single-cycle execution and bit-manipulation efficiency, supported by a wide 16-bit instruction bus and a dedicated hardware multiplier. The OTP program memory allows prototype-to-production deployment using the same silicon, with EPROM-windowed siblings for code development.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, HVAC actuators, security and alarm panels, point-of-sale terminals, instrumentation, and embedded control boards where deterministic 8-bit performance and Microchip ecosystem maturity outweigh the need for flash memory. Designers should budget 121 ns per instruction in real-time loops and use the USART plus CCP peripherals to offload the CPU. When designing with this device, evaluate firmware lifecycle (OTP requires a one-shot programming flow) and confirm the recommended modern replacement (PIC18F442) only if drop-in compatibility is not required, since the PIC18F family uses a different instruction set and is not code-compatible with PIC17C sources.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17C44-16/PQ — 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 PIC17C44-16/PQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Maximum Clock Frequency, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17C44T-16/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44-25/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44-16I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44-16/PQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC17C 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Set Size | 58 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 121 ns at 33 MHz; 4-cycle at 16 MHz |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 33 MHz (16 MHz for -16 speed grade) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16 words) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bits |
| I/O Pins | 33 digital I/O |
| Hardware Stack | 16 levels |
| Peripherals | Timers, USART, Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial grade) |
| Package | 44-MQFP (10x10 mm), Tray |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC17C44-16/PQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 — Oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 12 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 13 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 14 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 15 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 16 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 17 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 18 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 19 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 / programming clock |
| Pin 20 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 / programming data |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 24 | RC3/CCP2 — PORTC bit 3 / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RC6/TX — PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit |
| Pin 28 | RC7/RX — PORTC bit 7 / USART receive |
| Pin 29 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 30 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 31 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 32 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 33 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 34 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 35 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 36 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 37 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 |
| Pin 38 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 |
| Pin 39 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 |
| Pin 40 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 41 | T0CKI — Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 42 | T1CKI — Timer 1 clock input |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | VSS — Ground |
Typical Applications
PIC17C44-16/PQ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, HVAC Actuator Controllers, Security and Alarm Panels, Point-of-Sale Terminals, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Embedded Control Boards.
Industrial Motor Control
The PIC17C44-16/PQ fits industrial motor control because its 16 MHz clock delivers an 8.25 MIPS deterministic instruction rate with 121 ns cycle, allowing precise PWM generation and quadrature encoder capture via the on-chip CCP modules. The 33 digital I/O pins handle direction lines, brake logic, fault inputs, and H-bridge gate drive interfaces without external glue logic. Industrial-grade variants (-16I/PQ) extend operation to -40C to +85C for factory-floor enclosures. Designers should drive the MOSFET gate signals directly from the CCP PWM outputs at frequencies up to tens of kHz and verify shoot-through protection in firmware. The OTP memory locks the final tuning parameters, an advantage when motor-control firmware is production-frozen.
Recommended
HVAC Actuator Controllers
The PIC17C44-16/PQ suits HVAC damper and valve actuator controllers thanks to its 16 KB OTP program memory, which comfortably holds PID control loops, scheduling tables, and Modbus ASCII/RTU handlers using the on-chip USART. The 0C-70C commercial temperature grade covers conditioned mechanical rooms, while the industrial -16I variant handles rooftop or basement cabinets. The 121 ns instruction cycle closes the PID loop at sub-millisecond rates, keeping valve position stable under load disturbances. Use the USART to interface with a building automation bus and the timers to generate servo PWM outputs. Verify watchdog timer reset flow before deployment of unattended equipment.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
The PIC17C44-16/PQ supports security alarm panels with its 33 I/O pins accepting multiple zones of PIR sensors, door contacts, and keypad matrices without external I/O expanders. The 16 KB OTP program memory holds zone tables, dialer protocols (Contact ID, SIA), and event logs. The 121 ns cycle time lets the firmware poll all zones and debounce inputs at high rates, reducing false alarms. The USART interfaces to a cellular or PSTN dialer module, while CCP timers drive piezo sirens and strobe outputs. Use the hardware stack and Sleep mode to minimize standby power for battery-backed panels.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminals
The PIC17C44-16/PQ integrates well into legacy point-of-sale terminals where deterministic 8-bit control, keypad scanning, and receipt-printer interfaces are required. The CCP peripherals drive stepper motors for the printer head, while the USART communicates with the cash-drawer kicker and external magnetic-stripe readers. The 16 KB OTP stores menu state machines and printer font tables. The 121 ns instruction cycle maintains responsive user I/O under multitask scheduling. When designing with this part, evaluate whether the receipt printer and card reader protocols need upgrading; if so, consider migrating to a PIC18F or PIC24F for newer interfaces.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The PIC17C44-16/PQ is suitable for bench-top test and measurement front panels where the 33 I/O lines drive seven-segment displays, rotary encoders, function keys, and analog MUX select lines. The USART streams measurement data to a host PC, while CCP modules time gate signals and trigger events. The 8.25 MIPS throughput keeps display multiplexing flicker-free and processes encoder inputs in real time. Industrial temperature variant -16I/PQ operates inside unheated laboratories. Designers should isolate analog front-ends with op-amps fed by clean supplies, since PIC17C44 lacks an internal ADC and an external ADC such as the MCP3201 is required.
Recommended
Embedded Control Boards
The PIC17C44-16/PQ functions as the supervisory MCU on embedded control boards managing power sequencing, watchdog supervision, and inter-processor communication via USART or SPI. The 16 KB OTP holds boot loaders, fault logs, and communication stacks for sub-processor handshaking. The 121 ns instruction cycle lets the firmware detect fault conditions and assert reset lines within microseconds, protecting downstream ASICs. The Sleep mode drops quiescent current to a few microamps, suitable for battery-backed boards. Industrial -16I variant is recommended for harsh embedded environments; engineers should preserve the JTAG/ICSP test points for field diagnostics.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17C44-16/PQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C44T-16/PQ | PIC17C44-25/PQ | PIC17C44-16I/PQ | PIC17C44-16/L | PIC17C44-16/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-MQFP (10x10) | 44-MQFP (10x10) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10) - same | 44-PLCC - different footprint | 44-TQFP - different footprint |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz - same | 25 MHz - +56% | 16 MHz - same | 16 MHz - same | 16 MHz - same |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP - same | 16 KB OTP - same | 16 KB OTP - same | 16 KB OTP - same | 16 KB OTP - same |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C - same | 0C to +70C - same | -40C to +85C (industrial) - wider | 0C to +70C - same | 0C to +70C - same |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 - same | 33 - same | 33 - same | 33 - same | 33 - same |
| Instruction Cycle | 121 ns at 16 MHz | 121 ns - same | 160 ns at 25 MHz - slower per cycle, higher throughput | 121 ns - same | 121 ns - same | 121 ns - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM - same | OTP EPROM - same | OTP EPROM - same | OTP EPROM - same | OTP EPROM - same |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel variant enables high-volume SMD assembly (vs PIC17C44T-16/PQ)
- 25 MHz speed grade offers 56% more clock headroom (vs PIC17C44-25/PQ)
- Industrial temperature variant for harsh environments (vs PIC17C44-16I/PQ)
Design Notes
PIC17C44 program memory is OTP EPROM and CANNOT be erased or rewritten once programmed. Production firmware must be fully verified on EPROM-windowed PIC17C44JW ceramic units or via an in-circuit emulator before committing to OTP units. Any firmware bug discovered after programming locks the device into a scrap part.
Estimated: the PIC17C44-16/PQ supply current in Run mode at 16 MHz with all peripherals enabled is on the order of tens of milliamperes from a single +5 V rail. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pin pair and a bulk 10 uF tantalum at the board supply input. Use Sleep mode for battery-backed designs to drop quiescent current to a few microamperes.
The 44-MQFP has gull-wing leads on a 0.8 mm pitch and requires precise reflow profile (peak ~245C, 60 s above 220C). Maintain at least 0.2 mm clearance between MQFP leads and adjacent traces for clean solder joints; route oscillator traces short and shield them from PWM outputs. Provide a clean ground pour under the package to reduce EMI on the 16 MHz oscillator.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not present in verified distributor data; confirm with specific distributor lot before placing RoHS-restricted orders. AEC-Q100 not applicable for commercial-grade legacy MCU.
