PIC17C44-33/P - 33MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU 16KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC17C44-33/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.54 | $18.54 |
| 10 | $16.85 | $168.50 |
| 100 | $15.26 | $1,526.00 |
| 500 | $13.92 | $6,960.00 |
| 1,000 | $12.4 | $12,400.00 |
PIC17C44-33/P Overview
What is a PIC17C microcontroller? The PIC17C family was Microchip's highest-end 8-bit PIC architecture before the PIC18 generation, optimized for high-throughput C-coded embedded applications that needed more code space and I/O than the PIC16 family could deliver. The PIC17C44 specifically adds a 16-bit-wide instruction word and an 8-level hardware stack, positioning it in the 8-bit microcontroller hierarchy between entry-level PIC16F parts and the newer PIC18F series that eventually replaced it. It belongs to the broader RISC microcontroller taxonomy -> CMOS microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC.
Key specifications include 33 MHz maximum clock frequency, 4.5 V to 6 V supply range, 33 I/O pins, 6 timers, 2 external interrupt sources, and a 16-bit program memory bus architecture. The OTP program memory allows prototype-to-production programming flexibility, while the 454-byte RAM suits data acquisition and small protocol stacks. The 40-pin PDIP form factor supports through-hole assembly and breadboard prototyping.
The PIC17C44-33/P uses a RISC instruction set with only 58 single-word instructions, simplifying code generation and reducing compiler complexity for the era. Its 121 ns instruction execution at 33 MHz enables deterministic real-time control, and its 16-bit instruction path allows most instructions to execute in a single cycle. The architecture is well documented in Microchip's reference manual family and supported by legacy MPLAB toolchains.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, automotive subsystems, motor control boards, instrument panels, and embedded sensor interfaces that benefit from OTP flexibility during development. The wide operating voltage range and 33 I/O lines also support LED driver panels, keypad scanners, and small-form user-interface modules.
When designing with this part, designers should note that the PIC17C44 is a legacy device and Microchip recommends migrating to PIC18F442. Use an external oscillator or crystal within the rated frequency range, and respect the 4.5-6 V supply window. Decoupling capacitors near VDD/SS pins are essential for reliable CMOS operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle flags, drop-in alternative candidates from the same PIC17C family, and practical design notes not consolidated on a single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17C44-33/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 PIC17C44-33/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, Family, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPIC17C44-33/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 16 bits |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 33 MHz |
| Performance | 8.25 MIPS (121 ns instruction cycle) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 454 bytes |
| Data Bus Width | 16 bits (instruction) |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Timers | 6 |
| External Interrupts | 2 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 6 V |
| Package | 40-PDIP (0.600", 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Pin Count | 40 |
PIC17C44-33/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 11 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 21 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 28 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 29 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 30 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 31 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 32 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 33 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 34 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 35 | VDD — Positive supply (4.5 V to 6 V) |
| Pin 36 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 37 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output |
| Pin 38 | T0CKI — Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 39 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 40 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 (digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC17C44-33/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Automotive Subsystem Controllers, Motor Control Boards, Instrument Panels and Displays, Embedded Sensor Interfaces, User Interface Modules (Keypads, Menus).
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC17C44-33/P fits industrial control boards because its 8.25 MIPS throughput handles real-time polling of sensors, relays, and actuators without software overhead. With 33 I/O lines, six timers, and 454 bytes of RAM, it can drive multi-channel PID loops, encoder counters, and discrete I/O scans in 5 V factory automation. The 4.5-6 V supply window tolerates standard 24 V-to-5 V regulator rails. Designers should add watchdog timer supervision and external brown-out detection because the legacy PIC17C core lacks the advanced fault peripherals of newer PIC18F parts.
Recommended
Automotive Subsystem Controllers
The PIC17C44-33/P was widely adopted in 1990s and early-2000s automotive subsystems such as instrument clusters, climate controls, and body controllers where OTP flexibility accelerated development. Its 33 MHz performance is sufficient for panel multiplexing and CAN-equivalent bit-banged protocols, while 16 KB of OTP supports moderately complex state machines. Designers targeting automotive should evaluate AEC-Q100-grade successors because the PIC17C44 family predates automotive-grade qualification and is now NRND.
Recommended
Motor Control Boards
The PIC17C44-33/P suits low-to-mid-speed DC and stepper motor controllers thanks to its six timers, including capture/compare modules that drive PWM channels without CPU intervention. At 33 MHz, the 121 ns instruction cycle provides deterministic commutation timing for brushless DC motors at moderate RPM ranges. Its 33 I/O pins handle quadrature encoder inputs, Hall-effect sensors, and H-bridge enable lines. Migration to PIC18F enables advanced motor-control PWMs with hardware fault shutdown for production designs.
Recommended
Instrument Panels and Displays
The PIC17C44-33/P drives LED matrix panels and character LCDs because its 33 I/O pins multiplex row/column scan lines and serial display data efficiently. With 16 KB of OTP, the firmware can store multiple display modes, font tables, and keypad lookup routines in a single device. The 5 V native supply simplifies interfacing with legacy LED and LCD modules. Designers should add external ESD protection on panel connectors because the PIC17C44 lacks modern ESD-robust I/O.
Recommended
Embedded Sensor Interfaces
The PIC17C44-33/P integrates sensor conditioning and protocol bridging for systems that aggregate analog/digital sensor data and forward it over UART, SPI, or I2C. Its 454 bytes of RAM buffer small telemetry frames, while 33 I/O lines route SPI chip selects, UART handshakes, and interrupt signals. The 5 V supply accommodates legacy industrial sensors. For new sensor hubs, PIC18F migration unlocks 12-bit ADC and USB peripherals not present on the PIC17C44.
Recommended
User Interface Modules (Keypads, Menus)
The PIC17C44-33/P is well suited to user-interface modules such as keypad scanners, menu controllers, and rotary encoder interfaces because its 33 I/O pins and six timers debounce, scan, and time-stamp user inputs efficiently. The 16 KB OTP holds lookup tables for menu trees, character fonts, and beep-tone patterns. Designers should add external ESD protection on user-facing connectors. Migration to PIC18F442 enables flash-based firmware updates for production interface modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17C44-33/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C44-25I/PQ | PIC17C44-16I/PQ | PIC17C44-16I/PT | PIC17C44-16I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 40-PDIP (0.600") | MQFP-44 | MQFP-44 | TQFP-44 | PLCC-44 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 33 MHz | 25 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP |
| Data RAM | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 6 V | 4.5 V to 6 V | 4.5 V to 6 V | 4.5 V to 6 V | 4.5 V to 6 V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
| Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC, 16-bit instruction | PIC 8-bit RISC, 16-bit instruction | PIC 8-bit RISC, 16-bit instruction | PIC 8-bit RISC, 16-bit instruction | PIC 8-bit RISC, 16-bit instruction |
Key Differentiators
- Highest 33 MHz speed grade in the PIC17C44 family (vs PIC17C44-25I/PQ)
- Through-hole PDIP package for prototyping (vs PIC17C44-16I/PQ)
- Same 8-bit RISC core as the wider PIC17C family (vs PIC17C44-16I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 33 MHz with all 33 I/O lines switching and full peripheral activity, VDD current draw approaches 50 mA in 5 V operation. Use a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic at the regulator output. Because the PIC17C44 lacks internal brown-out reset, an external MCP130 supervisor or RC reset network is recommended to prevent code corruption at power-down.
The PIC17C44-33/P is OTP, meaning firmware cannot be re-programmed once written. Provision engineering samples carefully and validate firmware in PIC17C44-25/P or PIC17C44-16/P before committing to OTP production units. Microchip's MPLAB IDE with PIC17C compiler support remains the official toolchain, but newer MPLAB X releases may require legacy plug-ins. Always keep at least one extra blank part per build for engineering rework.
Place the 33 MHz crystal or resonator within 10 mm of OSC1/OSC2 (pins 36 and 37) and surround the oscillator traces with a ground guard ring to minimize EMI. Route MCLR/VPP (pin 1) with a short trace to the reset supervisor to avoid spurious resets from digital switching noise. Because the 40-pin PDIP has wide pin pitch, isolate analog and digital sections of the board to prevent ground bounce from coupling into sensitive signal paths.
Compliance Information
Compliance flags not present in verified web data; treated as 'unknown' per data-authenticity rules. PIC17C44 family predates AEC-Q100 automotive qualification.
