PIC17C44-16E/L - 16MHz 8-bit OTP MCU 16KB Flash | Microchip | Industrial
MPN: PIC17C44-16E/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.8 | $168.00 |
| 100 | $14.95 | $1,495.00 |
| 500 | $13.4 | $6,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.95 | $11,950.00 |
PIC17C44-16E/L Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates an 8-bit CPU, program memory, RAM, peripherals, and I/O on one die. The PIC17C family sits at the top of Microchip's legacy 8-bit portfolio: it is upward-compatible with the PIC16C5X/PIC12CXXX/PIC16CXX instruction sets and adds a 16-bit-wide program memory bus, an 8-level hardware stack, and a multiplier for higher arithmetic throughput. The PIC17C44 is the entry-point of the family with 16 KB of One-Time-Programmable (OTP) program memory and 454 bytes of general-purpose RAM.
Key features include 16 KB (8K x 16) OTP program memory, 454 x 8 bits of data RAM, 33 programmable digital I/O pins, an external oscillator interface, and an extended (-40C to +125C) operating temperature range denoted by the "E" suffix. The device is built on a CMOS process and offers low power consumption typical of PIC architecture, with industry-standard peripherals including timers, a USART, and capture/compare/PWM modules.
The PIC17C44-16E/L uses a Harvard architecture with a separate 16-bit program memory bus and 8-bit data bus, enabling single-cycle instruction fetch and efficient execution. The high-performance register file and 8-level deep hardware stack support fast context switching for interrupt-driven firmware. PIC17C44 firmware is supported by Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and the legacy MPASM assembler toolchain.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, motor control front-ends, security and access control panels, instrumentation front-ends, and embedded control in legacy automotive subsystems. The 33 I/O lines make it well suited for keypad-scanning, LED multiplexing, and parallel bus interfaces to character LCDs. Designers migrating production from PIC17C44 should evaluate Microchip's recommendation: the PIC18F442, which provides flash memory, more peripherals, and a modern toolchain at a comparable price.
When designing with this part, note that OTP memory requires programming at the factory or with a production-grade programmer; field firmware updates are not possible. Use the "E" (extended) variant only when the application truly requires -40C to +125C operation - the standard "I" industrial variant is usually sufficient and easier to source.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, with cross-references to functional equivalents in the PIC17C44 family and recommended migration paths to modern PIC18F devices.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17C44-16E/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 PIC17C44-16E/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Instruction Throughput, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17C44-16/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C44-16I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44T-16I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C44-16E/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC17C |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC Harvard |
| Core Speed | 16 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 8.25 MIPS (121 ns instruction cycle) |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) OTP |
| Program Memory Type | One-Time Programmable (OTP), CMOS |
| RAM Size | 454 x 8 bytes (454 bytes) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Package / Case | 44-PLCC (J-Lead), 16.59 x 16.59 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (extended, "E" suffix) |
| Instruction Set | 58 single-word instructions, upward-compatible with PIC16C5X/PIC16CXX |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 8 levels |
| Peripherals | Timers, USART, Capture/Compare/PWM |
PIC17C44-16E/L 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 — Port A bit 3 / analog input 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/SS — Port A bit 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — External oscillator input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — External oscillator output |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 10 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 12 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 13 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 16 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 19 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 20 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 27 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 29 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 30 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 31 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 32 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 33 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 34 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 35 | RE0/RD — Port E bit 0 / read control |
| Pin 36 | RE1/WR — Port E bit 1 / write control |
| Pin 37 | RE2/CS — Port E bit 2 / chip select |
| Pin 38 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 39 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 40 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 41 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 42 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 43 | RB8 — Port B bit 8 (extended) |
| Pin 44 | RB9 — Port B bit 9 (extended) |
Typical Applications
PIC17C44-16E/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Security and Access Control Panels, Instrumentation Front-Ends, Motor Control Front-Ends, Embedded Automotive Subsystems (Legacy), Character LCD and User Interface Controllers.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC17C44-16E/L fits industrial control systems thanks to its extended -40C to +125C operating range, 33 programmable I/O pins, and 16 MHz core delivering 8.25 MIPS throughput. The 16 KB OTP program memory holds substantial state-machine and PID control firmware, while 454 bytes of RAM suffices for sensor buffering and control loops. It is placed as the main controller on a PLC input module or motor-control front-end, where its external oscillator supports precise timing for encoder feedback and PWM generation. The 58-instruction PIC instruction set is upward-compatible with PIC16C5X, easing firmware portability from existing industrial designs. For harsh factory environments, the extended temperature rating eliminates the need for additional thermal conditioning. This part is end-of-life, so new industrial designs should consider the PIC18F442 migration path with flash memory for in-field firmware updates.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
Security alarm panels and access control terminals benefit from the PIC17C44-16E/L's 33 I/O pins for keypad scanning, LED driving, and relay control without external mux ICs. The 16 KB OTP program memory stores authentication routines and event-log buffers, while the 16 MHz core executes keypad debouncing and PIN validation in real time. Extended -40C to +125C operation supports outdoor or unheated vestibule installations. The device's CMOS design minimizes quiescent current for battery-backed panels during AC power loss. Designers should note that OTP requires factory programming; production-grade programmers such as PICSTART Plus are required. New security designs should evaluate the PIC18F442 which provides flash memory for field firmware updates and a hardware AES-friendly peripheral set.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front-Ends
Test and measurement instruments use the PIC17C44-16E/L as a control MCU for front-panel button handling, display multiplexing, and range/function selection. The 454 bytes of RAM and 33 I/O pins are sufficient for menu navigation and segment LCD control, while the external oscillator allows precise timing for relay-driver sequencing. The 16 MHz / 8.25 MIPS throughput handles background ADC polling and user-interface tasks without timing constraints. The 44-PLCC package supports socketed prototyping for easy firmware iteration during development, although OTP requires production-grade programming. For new instrumentation designs requiring in-field calibration updates, Microchip recommends migrating to PIC18F442 with flash memory and built-in 10-bit ADC. Designers can also pair this MCU with external precision ADCs for higher-resolution measurement chains.
Recommended
Motor Control Front-Ends
Stepper and DC motor controllers use the PIC17C44-16E/L's Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules to generate step pulses and PWM drive signals without external timing ICs. The 33 I/O pins drive H-bridge enable lines, current-sense comparators, and end-stop switches for a complete 2-axis stepper controller. At 16 MHz, the device generates PWM frequencies up to ~62 kHz (8-bit) with sufficient resolution for smooth motor torque control. The 16 KB OTP memory stores acceleration/deceleration profiles and homing routines, while 454 bytes of RAM buffers position tables. Extended -40C to +125C operation tolerates under-hood automotive and industrial cabinet environments. For new motor-control designs, Microchip recommends migrating to PIC18F442 with enhanced PWM/ECCP modules.
Recommended
Embedded Automotive Subsystems (Legacy)
Legacy automotive body-control modules and dashboard controllers used the PIC17C44-16E/L for its extended temperature rating and CMOS low-power characteristics. The 33 I/O lines drive gauge stepper motors, indicator LEDs, and switch-matrix inputs. The 16 MHz core handles CAN-equivalent bit-banging protocols and switch debouncing at automotive event rates. The OTP memory locks production firmware, providing anti-tamper protection that is desirable for OEM automotive modules. NOTE: this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified and lacks CAN hardware, so it is NOT suitable for modern automotive designs. For new automotive applications, Microchip recommends AEC-Q100-qualified dsPIC or PIC18 K-series devices with built-in CAN peripherals.
Recommended
Character LCD and User Interface Controllers
Character-LCD modules with integrated keypads are commonly controlled by the PIC17C44-16E/L, leveraging its 33 I/O pins to drive both the LCD parallel data bus (4-bit or 8-bit mode) and a 4x4 keypad matrix without external logic. The 16 KB OTP program memory stores custom character sets, multi-language strings, and menu state machines, while 454 bytes of RAM buffers the active display line and key debounce state. At 16 MHz, the core comfortably refreshes the LCD at 60+ Hz and polls the keypad at 100+ Hz with no perceptible latency. The 44-PLCC package supports socketed prototyping on development boards. New UI designs should consider PIC18F442 or PIC16LF877A flash alternatives for field-upgradeable firmware and reduced production programmer cost.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17C44-16E/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C44-16/L | PIC17C44-16I/L | PIC17C44-16I/PQ | PIC17C44T-16I/L | PIC18F442-I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (recommended migration, NOT pin-compatible) |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead, 16.59x16.59 mm) | 44-PLCC (L) | 44-PLCC (L) | 44-MQFP (PQ) | 44-PLCC (L) | 40-PDIP/44-PLCC (different pinout, NOT drop-in) |
| Core Speed | 16 MHz (8.25 MIPS) | 16 MHz (8.25 MIPS) | 16 MHz (8.25 MIPS) | 16 MHz (8.25 MIPS) | 16 MHz (8.25 MIPS) | 20 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP (8K x 16) | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB Flash (16K x 14), rewritable |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 768 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 34 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (extended) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (rewritable) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active (recommended migration) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature range ("E" suffix) (vs PIC17C44-16I/L (industrial -40C to +85C))
- 33 programmable I/O pins with 16 KB OTP memory (vs PIC16C5X family (12-20 I/O, smaller memory))
- 8.25 MIPS throughput with 16-bit program memory bus (vs PIC16CXX family (5 MIPS, 14-bit program bus))
- PLCC-44 package supports socketed prototyping (vs PIC17C44-16I/PQ (MQFP-44 surface-mount only))
Design Notes
The PIC17C44-16E/L uses One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory, which can be programmed exactly ONCE. There is no in-field firmware update path; any firmware bug requires a new production batch with a new die. For new designs, choose flash-based PIC18F or dsPIC alternatives to enable field upgrades, OTA bootloader support, and lower-cost production programming.
Estimated: at 16 MHz with all peripherals active, the PIC17C44-16E/L typically draws 15-25 mA from a 5V supply. The VDD pins (18, 39) MUST both be connected, and VSS pins (17, 38) MUST both be grounded, with short traces to decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic + 10 uF bulk) placed within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair. Inadequate decoupling causes brown-out resets during PWM transitions.
The PIC17C44 is NOT pin-compatible with the PIC18F442 that Microchip officially recommends as the modern migration. Per Microchip community forums, the pinouts differ between the two families, so PCB redesign or an adapter board is required when migrating. Designers should NOT assume drop-in compatibility based on the similar 40/44-pin package - verify pinout against the target datasheet before committing to a layout.
Route the external oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 7-8) as short as possible and keep them away from high-current switching traces. Place the crystal/oscillator within 10 mm of the OSC pins, with a ground guard ring on both sides. For 16 MHz operation, use a crystal with 20 pF load capacitance or a 4-pin canned oscillator for best jitter performance. Long oscillator traces introduce EMI and timing jitter that can cause USART errors and PWM jitter.
Compliance Information
PIC17C44 family pre-dates widespread RoHS adoption. RoHS/REACH compliance status is not explicitly confirmed in current distributor data; verify directly with Microchip. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not recommended for new automotive designs. The recommended PIC18F442 migration is RoHS compliant and AEC-Q100 variants exist for automotive.
