PIC17C44-16E/PT - 8-bit 16MHz 16KB OTP MCU 44-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC17C44-16E/PT ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.95 | $5,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.4 | $10,400.00 |
PIC17C44-16E/PT Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), data RAM, and peripherals such as timers, communication ports, and I/O pins. The PIC17C family sits within Microchip's PIC microcontroller hierarchy as a high-performance tier above the baseline PIC16C/PIC12C families, sharing upward code compatibility while adding a wider instruction set (58 single-word instructions), hardware multiply, and a more capable interrupt structure. MCUs belong to the broader semiconductor hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor.
Key features include the PIC RISC architecture with single-cycle instruction execution (except branches), a hardware multiplier, multiple timer/counter modules, synchronous/asynchronous serial port (USART), and a priority interrupt controller. The OTP program memory allows one-time programmable firmware storage suited to mature, production-locked designs.
Architecturally, the PIC17C44 uses a Harvard-style memory layout with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. The 16-bit instruction word (8K x 16) yields compact, deterministic code, while the 8-bit data path keeps register and ALU operations efficient for control-oriented tasks. Brown-out reset, watchdog timer, and power-saving SLEEP mode enhance field robustness.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, embedded instrumentation, motor control front-ends, sensor interfacing, and legacy OEM products whose firmware has been finalized. The extended temperature grade makes the 'E' variant suitable for outdoor, automotive under-hood, and factory-floor deployments where commercial-grade parts would fail.
When designing with this part, note that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit; an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) socket or a flash-based PIC17C/18F equivalent should be used for development. Confirm supply longevity: the Microchip product page recommends the PIC18F442 as a modern alternative. This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17C44-16E/PT — 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/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Maximum Clock Frequency, Core Architecture, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17C44-16I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44-16/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C44-25I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C44-33I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$13.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44-16E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC17C |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Performance | 8.25 MIPS (121 ns instruction cycle) |
| Instruction Set | 58 single-word instructions |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (extended industrial, 'E' suffix) |
| Package | 44-TQFP (PT), 10x10 mm |
| Pin Count | 44 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity | USART (sync/async serial port) |
| Hardware Multiplier | Yes (8 x 8 -> 16-bit single-cycle) |
| Interrupt Controller | Priority interrupt structure |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Power-Saving Mode | SLEEP mode |
PIC17C44-16E/PT 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 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 10 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 12 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 13 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground reference |
| 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 — Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 36 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 37 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 38 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 39 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 40 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear / programming voltage |
| Pin 41 | TX/CK — USART transmit / clock line |
| Pin 42 | RX/DT — USART receive / data line |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC17C44-16E/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Automotive Under-Hood Modules, Embedded Instrumentation, Motor Control Front-End, Sensor Interfacing Hubs, Legacy OEM Replacement Boards.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC17C44-16E/PT's 16 KB OTP program memory, 454-byte RAM, and 8.25 MIPS throughput make it well-suited to industrial control PLCs and embedded controllers driving relays, solenoids, and indicator panels. The 'E' extended temperature grade of -40C to +125C handles factory-floor ambient swings and unheated enclosures without derating. Hardware USART interfaces to RS-485/RS-232 transceiver ICs for Modbus or proprietary fieldbus links. The PIC17C44's hardware 8x8 multiplier accelerates PID loop math; brown-out reset and watchdog timer survive noisy industrial power rails.
Recommended
Automotive Under-Hood Modules
The PIC17C44-16E/PT's extended -40C to +125C operating range and CMOS RISC core suit under-hood automotive subsystems such as HVAC flap controllers, mirror adjusters, and sensor signal-conditioning front-ends. The 16 MHz clock delivers deterministic 121 ns instruction timing for sensor sampling loops. OTP program memory locks firmware against unauthorized modification in production vehicles. Pin-compatible same-family parts (PIC17C44-16I/PT, -25I/PT) allow reuse of the same PCB across temperature/speed grades. Note: this part predates AEC-Q100; new designs should consider PIC18F or dsPIC33EP automotive-qualified parts.
Recommended
Embedded Instrumentation
The PIC17C44-16E/PT's 58-instruction RISC core and 16 KB OTP support bench-top instruments such as multimeters, calibrators, and process calibrators where firmware is finalized and locked at production. Its hardware USART interfaces to external ADC front-ends or Bluetooth/wired telemetry modules. The 454-byte RAM is sufficient for measurement buffering and LCD menu state machines. Brown-out reset preserves calibration data across power glitches. The 44-TQFP package is hand-solderable for low-volume test equipment production, and the extended temperature grade supports laboratory and field-deployable instruments.
Recommended
Motor Control Front-End
The PIC17C44-16E/PT's hardware 8x8 multiplier, multiple timers, and 16 MHz throughput enable BLDC and stepper motor control front-ends generating PWM commutation tables and reading Hall-effect or quadrature encoder feedback. Its deterministic instruction timing simplifies the implementation of field-oriented control (FOC) loops. The 'E' temperature grade supports motor housing environments. Pairing with external gate drivers (e.g., IR2104, MCP14E4) and current-sense amplifiers creates a complete motor drive. The OTP memory locks proprietary motor calibration tables against field duplication.
Recommended
Sensor Interfacing Hubs
The PIC17C44-16E/PT's multiple timer/counter modules and USART make it suitable as a sensor hub aggregating temperature, pressure, and flow sensors over SPI, I2C (via bit-bang), or analog channels. The 16 KB OTP accommodates sensor linearization tables and communication protocol stacks. The hardware multiplier accelerates compensation calculations (e.g., thermocouple cold-junction compensation). Extended temperature grade supports outdoor sensor stations. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer survive unstable remote-site power.
Recommended
Legacy OEM Replacement Boards
The PIC17C44-16E/PT is frequently specified in legacy OEM equipment whose firmware has been finalized, and where the only practical repair path is a like-for-like part replacement. As an obsolete Microchip part, it is sourced from authorized and independent distributors for field-service board swaps. Its 44-TQFP package matches the original PCB land pattern, allowing direct solder reflow without board rework. Same-family drop-in variants (PIC17C44-16I/PT, -25I/PT) provide alternatives when the exact -16E grade is out of stock. Engineers should qualify any independent-distributor source for date code and traceability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17C44-16E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C44-16I/PT | PIC17C44-16/PT | PIC17C44-25I/PT | PIC17C44-33I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-TQFP (PT) | 44-TQFP (PT) - same | 44-TQFP (PT) - same | 44-TQFP (PT) - same | 44-TQFP (PT) - same |
| Max CPU Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 25 MHz | 33 MHz |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP (8K x 16) | 16 KB OTP (8K x 16) | 16 KB OTP (8K x 16) | 16 KB OTP (8K x 16) | 16 KB OTP (8K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Performance | 8.25 MIPS (121 ns/cycle) | 8.25 MIPS | 8.25 MIPS | 12.5 MIPS | 16.5 MIPS |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatible | Reference | Yes (drop-in) | Yes (drop-in) | Yes (drop-in) | Yes (drop-in) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Extended industrial temperature grade (-40C to +125C) (vs PIC17C44-16I/PT)
- Pin-compatible with same-family higher-speed variants (vs PIC17C44-25I/PT (25 MHz))
- Long-standing second-source availability in 44-TQFP (vs PIC17C44-16/PT (commercial temp))
Design Notes
The PIC17C44-16E/PT requires a stable VDD within the datasheet-specified range (typically 4.5V to 5.5V for the 'E' extended grade variants). Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum capacitor on the same supply trace. The AVSS/AVDD pins (38, 39) should be tied to VSS/VDD with their own 100 nF decoupling cap if the analog peripherals are used; otherwise AVSS may be tied directly to VSS. Brown-out reset must be enabled in configuration fuses to prevent code execution at marginal voltages.
Keep the crystal or external clock traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 7 and 8) short and surrounded by a ground pour to minimize EMI susceptibility. Place the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 40) pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) close to the pin and add a 100 nF cap to ground for noise immunity. For in-circuit debugging, bring out the PGD/PGC lines to a header; these are not dedicated pins on the PIC17C44 in 44-TQFP, so consult the datasheet's ICD section. All unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs and tied low to minimize current consumption.
Do not assume the PIC17C44-16E/PT can be programmed with modern PICkit programmers; older PIC17C OTP devices often require the PICSTART Plus, PRO MATE II, or specific software (MPLAB IDE v5.x or earlier). The PIC17C family is NOT instruction-set compatible with PIC18F despite both being Microchip 8-bit cores; firmware must be rewritten in assembly or C for migration. Confirm OTP programming voltage (typically 13V on VPP) and timing per the datasheet's programming specification. When sourcing from independent distributors, verify date codes to avoid parts with degraded EPROM charge retention.
Compliance Information
Obsolete Microchip part. RoHS and lead-free status not stated in current public data; check Microchip product page or specific distributor listing for definitive compliance. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the PIC17C family predates automotive qualification standards. For AEC-Q100 needs, consider DSPIC33EP64GP504-I/PT or PIC18F automotive-grade variants.