PIC17C44-16I/P - 8-bit 16MHz 16KB OTP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC17C44-16I/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13.95 | $13.95 |
| 10 | $12.4 | $124.00 |
| 100 | $10.85 | $1,085.00 |
| 500 | $9.6 | $4,800.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.55 | $8,550.00 |
PIC17C44-16I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and programmable peripherals. The PIC17C44 belongs to the high-performance tier of Microchip's 8-bit PIC architecture, positioned above PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX families while remaining upwards source-compatible with the PIC16CXX mid-range family. This hierarchy of 8-bit MCU -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor gives the part its place in modern embedded designs where deterministic instruction timing and simple development matter more than raw compute throughput.
Key features include 58 single-word instructions, an 8-level hardware stack, a multiplier for signed/unsigned arithmetic, four counter/timer modules, a USART, two capture/compare/PWM modules, and a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator. The OTP EPROM program memory allows prototype-to-production migration with the same die, while the CMOS process keeps typical supply current under 15 mA at 5 V. The 16 MHz clock at 4:1 internal division yields the 4 MHz instruction rate quoted in older literature; at 16 MHz oscillator / 4 the instruction rate is 4 MHz (250 ns), and the 16 MHz MIPS figure Microchip publishes reflects 1:1 instruction-cycle counting in this family.
Typical applications include industrial control, motor drive front-ends, instrumentation, security panels, and embedded designs that require deterministic 8-bit control with simple OTP-based code storage. The wide supply range and -40C to +85C operation support factory-floor and outdoor enclosures. Although Microchip recommends migrating new designs to PIC18F442 for flash-based reprogrammability, the PIC17C44 remains in service for long-lifecycle products and legacy board rework where OTP and pinout compatibility matter.
When designing with this part, remember that OTP parts cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit and require a UV-windowed CERDIP variant (e.g. PIC17C44-16I/L) for development. Plan a separate programming step using a Microchip or third-party device programmer before PCB conformal coating, and budget for a programming-test yield loss of typically 1-3 percent on first articles.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17C44-16I/P — 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/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Package, Core Architecture, Data Bus Width.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17C44-16/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C43-16I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44T-16I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C44-16I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC17C |
| Instruction Set | 58 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP EPROM (8K x 16) |
| RAM | 454 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | None (OTP only) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 16 MHz (8.25 MIPS / 121 ns instruction cycle) |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2 CCP modules |
| Serial Interface | 1x USART (SCI) |
| Hardware Multiplier | 8 x 8 hardware multiplier |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP ('/P' suffix, through-hole) |
| Pin Count | 40 |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | not_qualified (industrial grade only) |
PIC17C44-16I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / T0CKI |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / INT |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 13 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 14 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 / T1OSO |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 / T1OSI |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 / SCL |
| Pin 19 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 / SDA |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 / TX |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 / RX |
| Pin 27 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 34 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 35 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 36 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / PGC |
| Pin 37 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / PGD |
| Pin 38 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 39 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 |
Typical Applications
PIC17C44-16I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Motor Drive and PWM Front-End, Security and Access Control Panels, Instrumentation and Data Acquisition Front-Ends, Embedded Legacy Appliance Controllers, Automotive Cabin and Aftermarket Modules.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC17C44-16I/P's 8.25 MIPS throughput and industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade make it a strong fit for factory-floor controllers driving relays, solenoid valves, and motor contactors. Its 33 I/O pins comfortably handle multi-zone PLC front-ends and discrete I/O expansion cards, while the on-chip USART supports Modbus RTU links to a master PLC or HMI. Unlike flash MCUs, the OTP program memory ensures the firmware is locked at production and cannot be overwritten in the field, which is often a regulatory or safety requirement on machine controllers. The 16 MHz oscillator / 121 ns instruction execution provides deterministic timing for sequencing pneumatic actuators, conveyor indexing, and packaging machinery.
Recommended
Motor Drive and PWM Front-End
With two CCP modules providing capture, compare, and PWM outputs, the PIC17C44-16I/P can drive the control inputs of a BLDC or stepper predriver without software bit-banging. The 16 MHz oscillator yields fine PWM resolution at typical 20-25 kHz switching frequencies, while the 8x8 hardware multiplier accelerates PI loop calculations for closed-loop current control. Industrial temperature operation (-40C to +85C) supports motor cabinets and outdoor pump stations. For retrofit of legacy drives, the 40-pin PDIP is socket-friendly so failed boards can be swapped without desoldering.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
Security alarm panels and access controllers benefit from the PIC17C44-16I/P's deterministic 121 ns instruction cycle, which simplifies supervision of multiple sensor loops and keypad scans in a fixed-time schedule. The 454 bytes of RAM comfortably holds a small zone table and PIN buffer, while 16 KB OTP holds the panel's state machine and communication protocol. The OTP memory also satisfies anti-tamper requirements where field firmware modification must be impossible. The wide 3.0-5.5 V supply range allows direct battery-backed operation, and the 33 I/O pins support multiple keypad, siren, and detector zones.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Data Acquisition Front-Ends
For laboratory instruments and process transmitters, the PIC17C44-16I/P's CCP capture inputs can directly time frequency, period, and pulse-width measurements from sensors, while the USART bridges to a host display or logger. The hardware multiplier accelerates scaling math for thermocouple and RTD linearization. Industrial temperature range and a 3.0-5.5 V supply match 5 V analog front-end rails. For long-life industrial transmitters where firmware is finalized in production, OTP locking is a security and stability asset that flash parts cannot match.
Recommended
Embedded Legacy Appliance Controllers
Household and commercial appliance boards in the field often use PIC17C44-16I/P because the OTP firmware locks the manufacturer's calibration and feature set against end-user modification. The 16 KB program memory holds feature-rich wash, cook, or HVAC control sequences, while 454 bytes of RAM suffices for state variables and timer slots. The wide supply tolerance supports universal-input power supplies (3.0-5.5 V post-regulation). For service and warranty repairs, the 40-pin PDIP allows field replacement with socketed spares.
Recommended
Automotive Cabin and Aftermarket Modules
Although the PIC17C44-16I/P is not AEC-Q100 qualified, its -40C to +85C industrial temperature range is acceptable for cabin and aftermarket automotive modules such as interior lighting, alarm upgrades, parking sensors, and trailer controllers. The OTP firmware prevents unauthorized tuning, while the 33 I/O pins drive multi-channel LED drivers and relay arrays. For new automotive programs, Microchip's PIC18F family with AEC-Q100 qualification is recommended, but for legacy service and aftermarket modules, the PIC17C44-16I/P remains a reliable and field-proven choice.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17C44-16I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C44-16/P | PIC17C43-16I/P | PIC17C44T-16I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP | 40-pin PDIP (same) | 40-pin PDIP (same) | 40-pin PDIP (same) |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 8 KB OTP (-50%) | 16 KB OTP |
| RAM | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes |
| Max Clock Speed | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +70C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Programming Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Largest OTP memory in the PIC17C 40-pin PDIP family (vs PIC17C43-16I/P)
- Industrial temperature grade vs commercial temperature grade (vs PIC17C44-16/P)
- Through-hole 40-pin PDIP for prototype and field-service friendly designs (vs PIC17C44-16I/L)
Design Notes
OTP memory cannot be erased in-circuit. Once the PIC17C44-16I/P is programmed, no firmware update is possible without physical replacement. For development cycles, prototype using the PIC17C44-16I/L (CERDIP/PLCC with UV window) or step up to a flash MCU like PIC18F442 before committing to OTP. Always run a small engineering pilot with socketed parts to validate firmware before locking the OTP bits on production units.
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible between each pair of VDD/VSS pins (11/12 and 32/31 on the 40-pin PDIP). Add a 10 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor at the board's power entry. The PIC17C44 draws up to 15 mA active at 5 V/16 MHz; budget the regulator accordingly. For battery-backed designs, use the SLEEP instruction and watchdog wake to reduce quiescent current to under 10 uA typical.
Keep the 16 MHz crystal (or resonator) and its loading capacitors within 1 cm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins (13/14). Route the MCLR line (pin 1) directly to a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD with a 100 nF cap to ground for proper reset. Avoid routing high-current switching traces near the oscillator to prevent injection of noise into the system clock, which would corrupt USART timing and PWM outputs.
For 40-pin PDIP prototype boards, use machined-pin IC sockets so failed parts can be swapped in seconds. For production, conformal coating should be applied AFTER programming because the OTP memory is sensitive to UV exposure during cure; some conformal-coating UV-trace inspection lamps can partially erase windowed variants, so verify the part variant before exposing.
Compliance Information
PIC17C44-16I/P predates many modern compliance declarations; RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status must be verified per specific manufacturer lot. AEC-Q100 qualification does not apply (industrial grade only).
