PIC17C44T-33I/PQ - 33MHz 8-Bit CMOS MCU, 16KB OTP | Microchip
MPN: PIC17C44T-33I/PQ ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $12.4 | $6,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.1 | $11,100.00 |
PIC17C44T-33I/PQ Overview
The PIC17C44 belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller category, a class of single-chip processors that combine CPU, program memory, RAM, and peripherals on a single die. Within the broader microcontroller taxonomy, the PIC17C44 sits as an enhanced PIC17C series device, upwards compatible with the PIC16C5X/PIC12CXXX/PIC16CXX families. Its RISC Harvard architecture with only 58 single-word instructions enables compact code generation; OTP program memory suits low-volume production and prototyping where in-system reprogrammability is not required.
Key features include a 16-level hardware stack for nested subroutines, multiple counter/timer modules, an 8-bit A/D converter with multiple input channels, a USART for serial communication, and a watchdog timer for reliable operation. The part runs across the industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C (suffix "I") with a 2.5V to 6.0V operating voltage, allowing direct operation from a 5V regulated rail or a battery stack.
Architecturally, the PIC17C44 uses a two-stage instruction pipeline with separate program and data buses, allowing the next instruction to be fetched while the current one executes. The OTP program memory is implemented in EPROM cells, which are programmed once via the ICSP interface and are not erasable; for erasable versions, the PIC17C44 needs to be replaced with a windowed ceramic-package variant. Peripherals are memory-mapped into the data bus, giving the C compiler and assembler a unified view.
Typical applications include industrial control modules, automotive body electronics, white-goods motor control, and battery-powered sensor nodes where the PIC17C44T-33I/PQ's combination of OTP memory, RISC performance, and QFP packaging meets legacy design requirements. The Microchip MPLAB-X IDE supports legacy PIC17C development, allowing reuse of older code bases while maintaining source compatibility with newer PIC18F/PIC24 replacements.
A key design consideration is that Microchip has announced the PIC17C family as mature and recommends the PIC18F442 as a newer, pin-compatible migration target for new designs. Designs should verify second-source availability and consider migrating to PIC18F parts for long-term continuity before starting new production.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, and pin-compatible legacy PIC17C drop-in alternatives that are not listed in the manufacturer marketing collateral. Octopart inventories for the PIC17C44T-33I/PQ typically come from a limited number of authorized distributors handling EOL stock, so lead-time checks before quoting a production BOM are recommended.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17C44T-33I/PQ — 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-33I/PQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Core, Program Memory Type, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17C44T-25I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44-16I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C42A-33I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44T-33I/PQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC17C 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 8-bit data / 16-bit instruction |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16 words) |
| RAM | 454 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 33 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 121 ns (8.25 MIPS) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-pin MQFP (PQ), 10x10 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Peripherals | A/D (8-bit), USART, Timers, WDT |
| Instruction Set Size | 58 single-word instructions |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 16 levels |
PIC17C44T-33I/PQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5 — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2 — PORTA bit 6 / Oscillator output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1 — PORTA bit 7 / Oscillator input |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 / USART TX |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 / USART RX |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 27 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 29 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 30 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 31 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 32 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 33 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 34 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 35 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 |
| Pin 36 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 |
| Pin 37 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 |
| Pin 38 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear / programming voltage input |
| Pin 39 | T0CKI — Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 41 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC17C44T-33I/PQ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Modules, Automotive Body Electronics, White-Goods Motor Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, HVAC Climate Control, Security / Access-Control Panels.
Industrial Control Modules
The PIC17C44T-33I/PQ's 33 MHz (8.25 MIPS) throughput and 33 digital I/O pins make it a strong fit for industrial control modules driving relays, sensors, and HMI displays. The on-chip 8-bit ADC with multiple channels handles 4-20 mA loopback readings, while the USART interfaces to RS-485 transceivers for fieldbus connectivity. Its -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade supports factory-floor enclosures and outdoor control cabinets without derating. Place 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitors within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair and keep the oscillator trace under 10 mm to avoid clock distortion; this mirrors the layout guidance in the Microchip PIC17C44 datasheet. Compared with PIC17C42A-33I/PQ, the 16 KB OTP allows larger Modbus / serial-stack libraries that would not fit in the smaller part.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Within the automotive body-electronics tier, the PIC17C44T-33I/PQ implements door-module controllers, seat-position memory, mirror-fold logic, and wiper timers. The 33 MHz instruction rate runs CAN-style bit-banging or LIN stacks in software at standard 19.2 kbps baud, while the 16 KB OTP stores diagnostic fault codes and learned-position tables. The 33 I/O pins serve simultaneous mirror-fold motors, position sensors, and LED indicators. Although it is rated for industrial rather than AEC-Q100 automotive temperature, the part has been deployed in body systems where ECU-side qualification covers the MCU; new designs should check the latest Microchip automotive-grade alternatives before production. Note that Microchip recommends PIC18F442 for new automotive designs; cross-validate before reuse in next-generation modules.
Recommended
White-Goods Motor Control
The PIC17C44T-33I/PQ controls BLDC and universal-motor drivers in washing machines, dishwashers, and small kitchen appliances. The PWM/timer peripherals generate the switching frequency for the gate driver, while the 8-bit ADC samples back-EMF and current-shunt signals for closed-loop torque control. The 33 I/O pins accept user-panel inputs (buttons, encoders, hall sensors) and drive indicator LEDs and triac-gate outputs. The 2.5V to 6.0V supply range tolerates rectified 5V rails common in appliance power supplies. Trade-off: at 33 MHz the firmware loop time is 121 ns, fast enough for 25 kHz PWM but not for field-oriented control of high-end compressors; for FOC-class applications, migrate to a dsPIC33 or PIC32MK MCU.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
Battery-powered sensor nodes use the PIC17C44T-33I/PQ's low sleep current and 2.5V minimum supply to operate from two AA cells or a single Li-primary chemistry. A typical duty-cycled configuration wakes the MCU every few seconds, reads an analog sensor through the 8-bit ADC, transmits a packet over USART, and re-enters sleep - extending battery life to multiple years. The 33 I/O pins share multiple sensor buses and a wake-up interrupt pin. Although 33 MHz is far above what's needed for sensor reads, the speed grade allows designers to budget for future code growth. Migrate to PIC18F or PIC24F parts for designs that need <1 uA sleep and integrated LCD drivers.
Recommended
HVAC Climate Control
HVAC climate-control thermostats and fan-coil unit controllers benefit from the PIC17C44T-33I/PQ's mixed-signal integration: the 8-bit ADC reads thermistor or 10K NTC temperature sensors while PWM timers drive triac-fired blower motors. The USART interfaces with the wall-network or with a remote display module, and the watchdog timer guards against firmware lockup from EMI spikes on 24VAC lines. The -40C to +85C rating covers plenum-mounted control boxes without additional thermal management. Zener clamping and Y-cap filtering on the AC side are essential; design with 4 kV ESD-rated connectors and route the MCU at least 10 mm from any triac snubber for reliable operation.
Recommended
Security / Access-Control Panels
Security access-control panels use the PIC17C44T-33I/PQ to manage keypad inputs, RFID/Wiegand reader interfaces, lock-driver outputs, and alarm-loop monitoring. The 33 MHz throughput runs the keypad debounce and Wiegand-26 decoder in real time without missing bits, while the 16 KB OTP holds the user-credential table and event log. The 33 I/O pins split between 8x4 matrix keypads, four Wiegand readers, eight supervised alarm zones, and eight relay outputs. For new deployments, pair with an external RTC (DS1307) for time-stamped event logging, and migrate to PIC18F or PIC24 for designs that need Ethernet or USB-OTG connectivity.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17C44T-33I/PQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C44T-25I/PQ | PIC17C44-16I/PQ | PIC17C42A-33I/PQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-MQFP (PQ) 10x10 mm | 44-MQFP (PQ) 10x10 mm - same | 44-MQFP (PQ) 10x10 mm - same | 44-MQFP (PQ) 10x10 mm - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Max Clock Frequency | 33 MHz | 25 MHz (-24%) | 16 MHz (-52%) | 33 MHz (identical) |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 2 KB OTP (-88%) |
| RAM | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 256 bytes (-44%) |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy |
| Qty-1 Price (USD) | 18.50 | ~16.80 (slightly lower) | ~15.20 (lowest) | ~12.40 (smallest memory) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest speed grade in the PIC17C44 family at 33 MHz (vs PIC17C44-16I/PQ)
- Pin-compatible with PIC17C42A-33I/PQ but with 8x the program memory (vs PIC17C42A-33I/PQ)
- Pin-compatible with PIC17C44T-25I/PQ at lower cost (vs PIC17C44T-25I/PQ)
Design Notes
PIC17C44T-33I/PQ operates from 2.5 V to 6.0 V; place one 100 nF X7R ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 17 and 40 in the MQFP-PQ layout) and a single 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor at the regulator output. Estimated: at 33 MHz active the core draws approximately 15 mA typ; in sleep mode this drops to microamp-level currents. Add a ferrite bead on VDD if the board shares a 24 V industrial bus with switching loads.
Keep the OSC1/OSC2 trace under 10 mm and guard the high-frequency oscillator signals with a grounded copper pour. Route the MCLR/VPP line away from PWM-switching traces to prevent false resets during in-circuit programming. For the 44-pin MQFP footprint, ensure 0.8 mm pitch trace-and-space capability at your PCB vendor; design rule checks for MQFP land pattern width at 0.30 mm minimum are typical.
Do not substitute the PIC17C42A-33I/PQ for PIC17C44T-33I/PQ without verifying code size - the PIC17C42A only has 2 KB OTP versus the PIC17C44's 16 KB. Watch the A/D channel assignment: only the first six analog inputs share pins with PORTA; pulling the upper PORTB pins high during ADC reads injects noise. The OTP memory cannot be erased, so MCLR/VPP programming should be one-shot per device - verify code thoroughly with MPLAB-X ICE before final programming.
Estimated: at 33 MHz active and 5 V supply the chip dissipates approximately 75 mW; the 44-pin MQFP package provides a theta_JA of approximately 50 C/W on a 2-layer FR-4 board, yielding a junction rise of 4 C above ambient. This is far below the 150 C junction limit, so no heatsink is required. Reduce operating frequency to 16 MHz (PIC17C44-16I/PQ drop-in) if the enclosure is fully sealed with no airflow.
Compliance Information
RoHS / lead-free / halogen-free status for the legacy PIC17C44 family was not consistently confirmed in the verified distributor listings; consult the authorised distributor at order time to verify the date code's environmental compliance. Conflict-mineral statement per Microchip corporate policy.
