PIC17C44-16I/L - 8-Bit 16MHz 16KB OTP MCU, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC17C44-16I/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.41 | $11.41 |
| 10 | $10.27 | $102.70 |
| 100 | $8.85 | $885.00 |
| 500 | $7.42 | $3,710.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.15 | $6,150.00 |
PIC17C44-16I/L Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and programmable I/O peripherals on one silicon die. The PIC17C family sits above the PIC16CXX mid-range line and below the PIC18F enhanced family in Microchip's 8-bit portfolio, offering approximately 8.25 MIPS (121 ns instruction cycle) throughput and only 58 single-word instructions while remaining upward compatible with PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX, and PIC16CXX code. It belongs to the broader category of embedded microcontrollers, semiconductor ICs, and computing platforms.
Key features of the PIC17C44 include 33 programmable digital I/O pins, a 16-bit data bus architecture, multiple timer/counter modules, a versatile USART, and 454 bytes of general-purpose RAM for data storage. The supply voltage range of 4.5 V to 6.0 V is well suited to legacy 5 V industrial designs. The /L suffix denotes the 44-lead PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) J-lead surface-mount package with square body shape (package code QCCJ).
The architecture is a RISC-based Harvard design with separate program and data paths, a deep hardware stack, and built-in interrupt controller. The OTP program memory allows prototype-to-production code flexibility, and the UV-erasable CERDIP option (-JW suffix) supports field development. Microchip documentation explicitly recommends the newer PIC18F442 as a migration target for new designs.
Typical applications include industrial control and monitoring systems, motor drive controllers, smart sensor hubs, and embedded data-acquisition front-ends. The wide I/O count (33 pins) and 16 KB code space make it well suited to protocol-conversion bridges, multi-channel instrumentation, and human-machine interface (HMI) panels.
When designing with this part, note that the PIC17C44 is mature and being phased out by Microchip in favor of PIC18F/PIC24 alternatives; designers should validate long-term availability. The OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit, so production programming must be planned. Always observe the VCC decoupling layout per Microchip's application notes for PIC17C family noise immunity.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found on a single manufacturer page. Sources include Octopart, Heisener, DigiKey, and Microchip's product family documentation. Cross-brand drop-in equivalents are uncommon because the PIC17C44 occupies a specialized industrial niche; same-family speed and temperature variants are the most reliable replacements.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17C44-16I/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 PIC17C44-16I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17C44T-16I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C44-16E/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44T-16/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44-16/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C44-16I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$8.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44-33I/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C44-16I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC17C |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (UV-erasable window variant in CERDIP) |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16 words) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 16 MHz (33 MHz on -33 suffix variants) |
| Instruction Throughput | 8.25 MIPS at 33 MHz (121 ns/instruction) |
| Instruction Set Size | 58 single-word instructions |
| Data Bus Width | 16-bit |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 4.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead), package code QCCJ, square body |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, /I suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lifecycle | Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND) - Microchip recommends PIC18F442 |
PIC17C44-16I/L 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/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / Voltage reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/SS — PORTA 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 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | TOCKI — Timer 0 clock input (alternate) |
| Pin 11 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (5V) |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 |
| 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/RD — PORTE bit 0 / Parallel port read strobe |
| Pin 38 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / Parallel port write strobe |
| Pin 39 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / Parallel port chip select |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (5V) |
| Pin 41 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 42 | RF0 — PORTF bit 0 (auxiliary I/O) |
| Pin 43 | RF1 — PORTF bit 1 (auxiliary I/O) |
| Pin 44 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / Programming voltage input |
Typical Applications
PIC17C44-16I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control Systems, Motor Drive and PWM Controllers, Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Front-Ends, HMI Display and Keypad Controllers, Legacy Protocol Conversion Bridges, Embedded Instrumentation and Test Equipment.
Industrial Process Control Systems
The PIC17C44-16I/L's 33 digital I/O pins, 16 KB OTP EPROM, and -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating suit it for PLCs, distributed sensor controllers, and legacy 5 V factory automation nodes. Its 8.25 MIPS throughput handles PID loops and serial protocol bridging concurrently, while the 454-byte RAM is sufficient for small state machines and Modbus/RTU frame buffering. Placed on a backplane with opto-isolated I/O and a 5 V rail, it can manage up to four 8-bit sensor banks plus a USART uplink. The OTP memory secures firmware against unauthorized field reprogramming in process-critical installations.
Recommended
Motor Drive and PWM Controllers
The PIC17C44-16I/L's multiple timer/counter modules can be configured as PWM channels to drive brushless DC, stepper, or solenoid actuators in industrial motion-control applications. With 16 MHz clock and 121 ns instruction cycle, it can update PWM duty cycles every 8 us while servicing current-sense ADC interrupts. Its 33 I/O pins allow direct interface to H-bridge gate drivers, Hall-effect sensors, and tachometer feedback. The 44-PLCC package handles typical motor-control PCB thermal loads (under 1 W dissipation) without active cooling. Field-deployed motor controllers benefit from the OTP code lock that prevents firmware tampering.
Recommended
Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Front-Ends
The PIC17C44-16I/L serves as the supervisory MCU in multi-channel data-acquisition front-ends, where it sequences analog multiplexers, triggers external ADCs, and stores results in its 454-byte RAM before forwarding via USART. Its 16-bit instruction path executes looped data-collection routines efficiently, and the 33 I/O pins drive chip-select lines for multiple sensor chains. Operating from a stable 5 V rail, it can timestamp each acquisition in hardware using one of its timer modules. The OTP program memory secures calibration constants in field-deployed measurement instruments.
Recommended
HMI Display and Keypad Controllers
The PIC17C44-16I/L drives character LCDs and matrix keypads in legacy HMI panels where its 33 I/O lines easily cover 4-bit LCD data plus 8x8 keypad scan plus status LEDs. At 16 MHz, the controller can refresh a 16x2 character LCD at 60 Hz while debouncing a 16-key matrix without visible latency. Its 16 KB OTP program space accommodates full menu state machines and character-set lookups. The 44-PLCC industrial package handles workshop and factory floor thermal environments from -40C to +85C. Existing designs can be kept alive by qualifying the -16E/L variant for hotter enclosures.
Recommended
Legacy Protocol Conversion Bridges
The PIC17C44-16I/L converts between legacy serial protocols such as RS-232, RS-485, I2C, and SPI in industrial gateway modules. Its USART module plus software-driven bit-banging supports multi-protocol bridging on a single chip. With 16 KB of program memory, it can hold full protocol stacks for Modbus RTU, DF1, or proprietary command sets. The 33 I/O pins allow simultaneous RS-485 transceiver, RS-232 driver, and isolated I2C bus connections. Drop-in compatibility with the -16E/L extended-temperature variant supports outdoor cabinet installations.
Recommended
Embedded Instrumentation and Test Equipment
The PIC17C44-16I/L functions as the control MCU inside bench instruments, signal generators, and automated test fixtures where its deterministic instruction timing and 33 I/O lines support keypad, rotary encoder, and display interfaces. At 16 MHz with 8.25 MIPS, it can sequence test routines, drive relay matrices, and report results over a serial port. The 454-byte RAM holds transient calibration data, while OTP EPROM stores the test program securely. The 44-PLCC J-lead package is well suited to through-hole-style PCB assemblies typical in laboratory instrumentation, and the -16I/L industrial temperature grade covers typical lab environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17C44-16I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C44T-16I/L | PIC17C44-16E/L | PIC17C44T-16/L | PIC17C44-16/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | 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-PLCC (J-Lead) - same |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP EPROM | 16 KB OTP EPROM | 16 KB OTP EPROM | 16 KB OTP EPROM | 16 KB OTP EPROM |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 6.0 V | 4.5 V to 6.0 V | 4.5 V to 6.0 V | 4.5 V to 6.0 V | 4.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature rating (-40C to +85C) for factory and outdoor deployments (vs PIC17C44-16/L)
- Drop-in upgrade to extended temperature range without PCB change (vs PIC17C44-16E/L)
- 8.25 MIPS RISC throughput with 58-instruction set for compact code (vs PIC16CXX family)
- OTP EPROM code security prevents firmware reverse engineering (vs Flash-based PIC18F442)
Design Notes
The PIC17C44-16I/L operates from 4.5 V to 6.0 V with typical current consumption of 15-50 mA depending on clock speed and peripheral activity. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (the 44-PLCC has multiple VDD pins at pins 19 and 40) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or electrolytic capacitor at the regulator output. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 44) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation and a diode clamp to VDD when used with in-circuit programming. Estimated current at 16 MHz with all 33 I/O pins driven: approximately 35 mA, allowing a 5 V/250 mA regulator for headroom.
The 44-PLCC (J-Lead) package has J-leads on all four sides with a 1.27 mm pitch and is designed for socket-based prototyping as well as surface-mount reflow. Maintain at least 0.5 mm clearance between PLCC leads and adjacent traces for solder bead control. Use a ground plane beneath the IC to reduce EMI on the 16-bit data bus; route the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces symmetrically with short lengths (under 10 mm) and a grounded guard ring. Place the crystal within 10 mm of pins 7-8 to minimize stray capacitance that detunes the oscillator.
Do not assume in-circuit reprogrammability - the OTP EPROM in PIC17C44 can be programmed exactly once via a high-voltage (VPP ~13V) procedure. Code bugs discovered after programming cannot be fixed; the device must be discarded. Always prototype with the CERDIP windowed variant (PIC17C44-16/JW with UV-erasable EPROM) before committing to OTP production units. Configuration bits (FOSC, WDTE, PWRTE, BOR, CP) are also OTP and must be set correctly on the first attempt. Brown-out reset (BOR) is highly recommended for industrial 5 V supplies subject to droop.
The PIC17C44's 16-bit data path requires careful PCB layout for reliable operation above 16 MHz. Use a continuous ground plane under the device, keep PORTA/PORTB/RC/RD/RD/RE traces short, and place series resistors (33-100 ohm) on long signal lines to dampen ringing. The 5 V supply must be stable; add a ferrite bead in series with VDD if switching regulators feed the same rail. Estimated: the read-strobe pulse width on PORTE (pin 37) at 16 MHz is approximately 60 ns, so external memory or peripheral devices must meet this access-time budget.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is an industrial-grade MCU, not automotive. Microchip publishes a Material Declaration and Conflict Minerals Report covering this part; REACH compliance confirmed by Microchip's environmental documentation.
