PIC17C44T-16/L - 8-Bit 16MHz OTP MCU 16KB 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC17C44T-16/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $14.1 | $1,410.00 |
| 500 | $12.4 | $6,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.05 | $11,050.00 |
PIC17C44T-16/L Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer that processes data 8 bits at a time; it belongs to the broader category of microcontrollers -> embedded controllers -> microprocessors -> semiconductors. The PIC17C family sits above the PIC16C and PIC14C lines in Microchip's portfolio and was designed for higher-performance 8-bit applications requiring larger program memory and more I/O than mid-range PIC16 devices can deliver. PIC17C44 parts use a 16-bit instruction word, giving them a 16-bit program memory bus despite their 8-bit data path.
Key features include 33 digital I/O pins, an internal oscillator option, multiple timer/counter modules, USART serial communication, a 10-bit (or 8-bit, family-dependent) ADC, and an instruction set that executes most instructions in a single cycle. The OTP memory allows one-time field programming without the UV window required by older EPROM-based PIC17C variants. The 44-PLCC package provides ample pin count for parallel buses, multiple peripherals, and external memory expansion if needed.
Architecture-wise, PIC17C44 is built on an enhanced Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, enabling simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. The 16 MHz clock combined with a 4-cycle-per-instruction design yields approximately 4 MIPS of throughput, competitive with other 8-bit MCUs of its generation. Hardware peripherals (timers, capture/compare/PWM, USART) are integrated on-chip, reducing external component count.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, automotive subsystems (legacy designs), motor control, instrumentation, and consumer electronics that benefit from the larger 16KB program space versus PIC16C alternatives. The PLCC socket-friendly package simplifies prototyping, rework, and field service in mature designs.
When designing with this part, verify supply voltage (4.5V-6V typical) compatibility with your system rail and confirm the OTP memory model fits your firmware update strategy. For new designs, consider whether a flash-based PIC18 or PIC16F1xxx equivalent may be more cost-effective over the product lifecycle.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, OTP-vs-EPROM distinction, and drop-in 44-PLCC alternatives not found in the manufacturer datasheet itself.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17C44T-16/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 PIC17C44T-16/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Maximum Clock Frequency, Operating Temperature.
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 →PIC17C44-25I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C44-25/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C43-16/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44T-16/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC17C |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bits |
| Program Memory Bus Width | 16 bits |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | approx 4 MIPS (4 cycles/instruction) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.5 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Package Type | 44-PLCC (J-lead) |
| Package Dimensions | 16.59 mm x 16.59 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (legacy OTP/PLCC process) |
| Lifecycle | Obsolete (last-time-buy stock only) |
PIC17C44T-16/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 — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / analog input 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5 — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 5 |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 10 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 12 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 13 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock line |
| Pin 16 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data line |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 19 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 21 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 22 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 23 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 24 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 25 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply (4.5V-6V) |
| Pin 28 | RE0/RD — PORTE bit 0 / parallel port read control |
| Pin 29 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / parallel port write control |
| Pin 30 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / parallel port chip select |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 33 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 34 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 35 | RB3/INT3 — PORTB bit 3 / external interrupt 3 |
| Pin 36 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 39 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 41 | VDD — Positive supply (4.5V-6V) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet pinout) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet pinout) |
| Pin 44 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC17C44T-16/L is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Motor Control and PWM Drives, Automotive Subsystems (Legacy), Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Consumer Electronics Controllers, Embedded Educational and Prototyping Platforms, Communication Peripherals and Protocol Bridges.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC17C44T-16/L fits legacy industrial control designs because its 16 KB OTP memory accommodates mid-sized state-machine and PID control firmware, while the 33 digital I/O pins handle multiple sensor inputs and actuator outputs directly without external expanders. At 16 MHz (approx 4 MIPS), the PIC17C44 executes control loops fast enough for motor speed regulation and conveyor sequencing. The 44-PLCC socketable package simplifies field service and board-level replacement in factory-floor equipment where downtime is costly. For new industrial designs, consider migrating to PIC18F or PIC16F1xxx parts for flash memory and lower supply voltage, but for installed-base retrofits the PIC17C44T-16/L remains a viable, route-proven choice.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Drives
The PIC17C44T-16/L suits small motor control applications because its integrated Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules generate the precise switching waveforms required for brushed DC and stepper drives, while the 16 MHz clock provides sufficient resolution for PWM frequency generation in the tens of kHz range. The 33 I/O pins accommodate direction control, current sensing, and fault inputs. The 16 KB OTP memory holds commutation tables and PID controller code. For three-phase brushless DC, the part's limited PWM channel count may require supplementation with external gate drivers. The 44-PLCC package is preferred in motor control because the socket simplifies prototyping PWM tuning cycles.
Recommended
Automotive Subsystems (Legacy)
The PIC17C44T-16/L has historically been used in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as instrument clusters, HVAC controls, and lighting modules in vehicles designed before the PIC18 era. The 16 KB OTP program memory and 33 I/O pins support segmented LCD driving or LED multiplexing, while the 4.5V-6.0V supply tolerates 12V automotive rails after pre-regulation. AEC-Q100 qualification is NOT standard on the PIC17C44T-16/L, so it is limited to non-safety automotive applications. For new automotive designs, AEC-Q100-qualified PIC18F or dsPIC33 parts should be used instead.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The PIC17C44T-16/L is well suited to bench-top test equipment where its 16 KB OTP memory stores calibration tables and instrument firmware, while its 16 MHz clock drives precise timing measurements via the timer/counter modules. The USART peripheral enables communication with a host PC or display, and the 33 I/O pins route signals through front-panel switching relays. The PLCC package is popular in instrumentation because it allows easy firmware updates during development - swap a programmed part into a socketed production unit. For portable instruments, the part's 5V supply may require DC-DC conversion; modern flash MCUs offer wider voltage ranges.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Controllers
The PIC17C44T-16/L fits mid-volume consumer products where 16 KB of OTP memory holds appliance control firmware - washing machines, microwave ovens, or HVAC thermostats - and 33 I/O pins drive seven-segment displays, keypads, and relay outputs. OTP memory is acceptable for consumer goods because production volumes amortize programming cost. The PIC17C44's 5V supply matches the rectified mains environment common in white goods. For cost-sensitive products today, designers would typically choose PIC16F1xxx or PIC18F1xxx flash parts because they eliminate the need to program OTP at production and reduce inventory risk for firmware revisions.
Recommended
Embedded Educational and Prototyping Platforms
The PIC17C44T-16/L is sometimes used in university embedded systems courses and legacy trainer platforms because the 44-PLCC socket simplifies student reprogramming by simply swapping the OTP part. The PIC17C instruction set is a stepping stone between PIC16 mid-range and PIC18 enhanced cores, giving students exposure to Harvard architecture and bank-switched memory. The 16 KB program space is large enough for lab projects (sensor logging, simple RTOS) but small enough to teach manual memory management. Modern curricula have largely migrated to PIC18 or ARM-based boards, but PIC17C44T-16/L-equipped trainers remain in service at many institutions.
Recommended
Communication Peripherals and Protocol Bridges
The PIC17C44T-16/L fits communication protocol bridge designs where the integrated USART handles serial conversion between legacy RS-232/485 and proprietary buses, and the 16 KB OTP memory stores protocol stacks and lookup tables. The 16 MHz clock is sufficient for bit-banged lower-speed protocols such as I2C and SPI alongside the hardware USART. 33 I/O pins accommodate multiple serial channels and status LEDs. The 5V supply matches RS-232 driver rails directly. For modern designs requiring USB, Ethernet, or CAN, migrate to PIC18F2550 or dsPIC33 parts - the PIC17C44T-16/L is best reserved for legacy bridge retrofits.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17C44T-16/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C44-16/L | PIC17C44-16I/L | PIC17C44-25I/L | PIC17C44-25/L | PIC17C43-16/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-lead) 16.59x16.59 mm | 44-PLCC (J-lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-lead) - same |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 8 KB OTP (-50%) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 25 MHz (+56%) | 25 MHz (+56%) | 16 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5V to 6.0V | 4.5V to 6.0V | 4.5V to 6.0V | 4.5V to 6.0V | 4.5V to 6.0V | 4.5V to 6.0V |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Lifecycle | Obsolete (stock only) | Obsolete (stock only) | Obsolete (stock only) | Obsolete (stock only) | Obsolete (stock only) | Obsolete (stock only) |
Key Differentiators
- OTP memory model vs UV-EPROM alternative (vs PIC17C44-16I/L (windowed EPROM))
- 16 MHz commercial temp grade drop-in upgrade path (vs PIC17C43-16/L (8 KB memory))
- Faster speed grade available in same package (vs PIC17C44-25I/L (25 MHz upgrade))
Design Notes
The PIC17C44T-16/L operates from a single 5V supply (4.5V-6.0V) and draws approximately 5-15 mA active depending on clock speed and peripheral activity. Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor close to each VDD pin (pins 27 and 41 on the 44-PLCC) and a bulk 10uF electrolytic on the board supply rail. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 44) requires a 10k pull-up to VDD; during in-circuit programming, VPP rises to ~13V which must be blocked from the rest of the circuit by a series resistor or Schottky diode to VDD.
The 44-PLCC J-lead package mounts in a 44-pin PLCC socket, allowing easy field replacement of the OTP part. Use a machined-pin socket for reliable industrial use; the standard stamped sockets are adequate for consumer applications. Keep high-current traces and relay-coil flyback diodes at least 5 mm from the MCU to avoid noise coupling into the analog inputs (RA0-RA5). Ground the PLCC socket's central thermal pad or leave it NC per the socket datasheet.
OTP memory cannot be erased - a programming error permanently bricks the part. Verify the configuration bits (oscillator selection, watchdog enable, code protection, brown-out voltage) in software BEFORE writing them to the PIC17C44. The PIC17C bank-switched RAM requires careful linker setup; declared arrays exceeding 256 bytes must be placed using bank qualifiers. Unlike PIC18, the PIC17C44's PCLATH must be manually written before any computed goto/call, or program counter will wrap to incorrect addresses.
Route the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 7-8) short and symmetric, with the crystal or ceramic resonator within 10 mm of the IC. Place load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) directly at the IC pins, not at the crystal. For ADC accuracy, isolate analog traces (RA0-RA5) from digital switching lines by at least 3x the trace-to-trace spacing; use a ground guard trace around analog inputs if the board has significant digital noise.
Compliance Information
PIC17C44T-16/L is a legacy 44-PLCC part predating RoHS; solder finish contains lead per PLCC manufacturing standards of its era. AEC-Q100 qualification is NOT standard on this part - it is not qualified for safety-critical automotive applications. REACH compliance pertains to substance declarations only.
