PIC17C44T-33I/PT - 33MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU 16KB EPROM TQFP-44
MPN: PIC17C44T-33I/PT ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13.5 | $13.50 |
| 10 | $12.15 | $121.50 |
| 100 | $10.85 | $1,085.00 |
| 500 | $9.7 | $4,850.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.85 | $8,850.00 |
PIC17C44T-33I/PT Overview
An 8-bit RISC microcontroller (also called an MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/EPROM/Flash), data RAM, I/O peripherals, and interrupt logic on one silicon die. The PIC17C family sits above Microchip's baseline PIC16C and PIC12C families in performance and addressing capability, while remaining source-compatible with PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX, and PIC16CXX instruction-set extensions. PIC17C devices predate Microchip's PIC18F migration and are now classified as mature/last-time-buy legacy parts; per Microchip's product page, PIC18F442 is recommended as the modern functional successor.
Key differentiating features include the 33 MHz maximum clock input (yielding the 121 ns instruction cycle), an instruction set of 58 single-word instructions, multi-source interrupt handling, and a wide 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range. The 16 KB EPROM is windowless (OTP), which suits production runs but complicates field reprogramming. The TQFP-44 industrial-grade (-40C to +85C) form factor is suited to surface-mount assembly lines and provides 33 usable I/O pins plus oscillator, reset, and supply pins.
Architecturally, the PIC17C44 uses a Harvard bus with separate program and data paths, a 16-bit instruction word, and an 8-bit data path. The OTP program memory is programmed via Microchip's ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) protocol through the RB6 (clock) and RB7 (data) pins, eliminating the need for a separate PROM programmer socket in production.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, HVAC fan and valve controllers, security alarm panels, automotive body electronics (non-AEC-Q100), vending machine controllers, and embedded control in legacy factory-automation systems. The 33 MHz clock supports time-deterministic control loops such as PID and quadrature decoding.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory cannot be erased in-circuit; plan for code freezes and a one-step-to-OTP programming flow. Migration to PIC18F442 (Flash-based, drop-in architectural upgrade) is recommended for new designs; legacy systems with validated firmware can continue to use PIC17C44T-33I/PT as long as supply is available.
This page synthesizes distributor stock data, same-brand drop-in alternatives, design notes, and pinout references not found on any single manufacturer or distributor product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17C44T-33I/PT — 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/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Type, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature, RAM Size, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17C44-33I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$13.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44T-33/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44-16I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44T-25I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C42AT-33E/PQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$10.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C43-25E/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44T-33I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC17C, 8-bit RISC |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Instruction Word Width | 16 bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 33 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 121 ns (8.25 MIPS) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8192 words x 16 bit) |
| Data RAM | 454 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | TQFP-44 (PT), 10 x 10 mm |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Number of Terminals | 44 |
| Package Code | TQFP |
| Package Shape | Square |
| Programming Method | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip WDT) |
| USART | Yes (1x asynchronous/synchronous) |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit PWM) |
| CCP Module | Yes (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
PIC17C44T-33I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3 — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4 — Port A bit 4 / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5 — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 7 | RE0/AN6 — Port E bit 0 / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 8 | RE1/AN7 — Port E bit 1 / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 9 | RE2/AN8 — Port E bit 2 / Analog input 8 |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.5-5.5 V) |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 13 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 14 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 / PWM output |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 / PWM output |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 / CCP2 |
| Pin 19 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 20 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 21 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 / TX (USART) |
| Pin 22 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 / RX (USART) |
| Pin 23 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 24 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 25 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 26 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 27 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 30 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 31 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 32 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 33 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 34 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 35 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 36 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 37 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 38 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 39 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS) |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply (second VDD) |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| 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/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, HVAC Fan and Valve Controllers, Security Alarm Panels, Vending Machine Controllers, Industrial Weighing Scales and Process Instrumentation, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy/Non-AEC-Q100).
Industrial Motor Control
The PIC17C44T-33I/PT's 33 MHz clock delivers 121 ns instruction execution, making it well-suited for closed-loop DC motor control where deterministic timing is critical. With 33 I/O pins, engineers can drive H-bridge gate signals, monitor quadrature encoders, and read Hall-effect sensors simultaneously without external logic. The industrial -40C to +85C rating supports factory-floor environments with ambient temperature swings. The 16 KB EPROM holds typical brushless DC (BLDC) or stepper-motor state machines and PID coefficients. Compared with PIC16F alternatives, the PIC17C44's 8.25 MIPS throughput gives roughly 2-3x the headroom for high-speed commutation loops. The USART simplifies Modbus or RS-485 supervisory links to a PLC. Plan for a migration to PIC18F442 in next-gen designs since PIC17C44 is last-time-buy.
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Valve Controllers
Building-automation HVAC controllers use PIC17C44T-33I/PT for variable-speed fan drive and modulating valve actuation. The MCU's PWM module plus capture/compare peripherals support standard HVAC control loops (typically 1-10 kHz PWM), while the 33 I/O pins accept multiple temperature sensor inputs (10K NTC thermistors), fan tach feedback, and 24 VAC optoisolator interfaces. The 4.5-5.5 V supply is easily derived from 24 VAC via a simple linear regulator. Industrial temperature grade ensures reliability in mechanical rooms. The 454-byte RAM is sufficient for PID setpoints and a small lookup table for fan curves. Legacy HVAC OEMs continue to use PIC17C44 because validated firmware libraries exist; for new designs Microchip directs engineers to PIC18F family. Verified Microchip datasheet confirms ICSP support for in-system firmware updates during production.
Recommended
Security Alarm Panels
Security alarm control panels benefit from PIC17C44T-33I/PT's combination of 33 I/O pins, USART, and 16 KB EPROM. The I/O count accommodates typical 8-16 zone hardwired alarm panels plus keypad scan, siren drivers, and dialer interfaces without external I/O expanders. The USART drives a legacy PSTN dialer or communicates with an aftermarket cellular/IP communicator. EPROM OTP memory prevents firmware tampering - an asset in security applications where code integrity matters. Industrial temperature range supports garage and outdoor-cabinet installations. Compared with newer PIC16F1xxx options, PIC17C44's 33 MHz throughput handles simultaneous zone-scan loops and event-logging tasks. The 58-instruction RISC core eases FCC/CE EMI certification since predictable instruction timing simplifies emissions budgeting.
Recommended
Vending Machine Controllers
Vending machine controllers deploy PIC17C44T-33I/PT for multi-drop coin/bill acceptor control, MDB (Multi-Drop Bus) peripheral interfacing, and dispense motor actuation. The USART implements MDB protocol directly, while 33 I/O pins drive vend solenoids, motor relays, and selection-switch matrices for 40+ item vending machines. The 16 KB EPROM holds pricing tables and diagnostic state machines. Industrial temperature grade tolerates outdoor cabinet heat and refrigeration compartment cold spots near -10C in some installations. OTP EPROM prevents price-table tampering but complicates field promotions - many OEMs pre-program at factory and accept this constraint. The 33 MHz throughput handles multi-coin escrow logic and bill validator handshakes concurrently. Newer designs are migrating to PIC18F or ARM Cortex-M0 parts, but installed base remains substantial.
Recommended
Industrial Weighing Scales and Process Instrumentation
Process weighing scales use PIC17C44T-33I/PT to digitize load-cell signals, drive LCD or LED displays, and serve serial protocols to plant SCADA networks. The MCU's CCP module supports high-resolution timer-based PWM for excitation of strain-gauge bridges, while 33 I/O pins drive 7-segment or dot-matrix displays and accept keypad inputs for tare/calibration entry. Industrial temperature rating tolerates factory ambient conditions. EPROM OTP holds calibration coefficients and linearization tables. The 33 MHz throughput averages 16-bit ADC samples at 100+ Hz for stable weight readings. RS-232/RS-485 USART links scales to PLC networks. Compared with PIC16F alternatives, PIC17C44's larger memory and more I/O eliminate external I/O expanders in mid-range scale designs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy/Non-AEC-Q100)
Some automotive body-electronics applications - such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory modules, and aftermarket accessories - use PIC17C44T-33I/PT for non-safety-critical functions. The 33 I/O pins drive multiple LED channels, motor relays, and switch inputs; the USART interfaces to LIN or CAN transceivers for body-network communication. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) handles under-dash environments. Note that PIC17C44T-33I/PT is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - safety-critical automotive applications require AEC-Q100-qualified parts like dsPIC33EP variants. For body-electronics where AEC-Q100 is mandated, Microchip's dsPIC33EP64GP504-E/MV provides modern alternatives. PIC17C44T-33I/PT remains a cost-effective choice for non-safety automotive aftermarket and hobby applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17C44T-33I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C44-33I/PT | PIC17C44T-33/PT | PIC17C44-16I/PT | PIC17C44T-25I/PQ | PIC17C42AT-33E/PQ | PIC17C43-25E/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | TQFP-44 (PT) | TQFP-44 (PT) | TQFP-44 (PT) | TQFP-44 (PT) | TQFP-44 (PT) | TQFP-44 (PT) | TQFP-44 (PT) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 16 MHz | 25 MHz | 33 MHz | 25 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Architecture | PIC17C, 8-bit RISC | PIC17C, 8-bit RISC | PIC17C, 8-bit RISC | PIC17C, 8-bit RISC | PIC17C, 8-bit RISC | PIC17C42A, 8-bit RISC | PIC17C43, 8-bit RISC |
Key Differentiators
- Highest speed variant in the legacy PIC17C44 family (vs PIC17C44-16I/PT)
- Industrial temperature rating for harsh environments (vs PIC17C44T-33/PT)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for SMT production lines (vs PIC17C44-33I/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC17C44T-33I/PT operates from a single 4.5-5.5 V supply. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each VDD pin (TQFP-44 has two VDD pins: 10 and 40). Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor at the regulator output to handle peak transient currents during high-speed I/O switching. The PIC17C44's 33 MHz throughput draws up to 25 mA active; a 5 V LDO with at least 100 mA headroom is recommended. Do not operate below 4.5 V or EPROM read-margin errors can occur.
OTP EPROM cannot be erased or rewritten in-circuit. Plan a final firmware freeze before committing to OTP production parts. Use Microchip's windowed PIC17C44JW parts for prototype development and validation, then transition to the PIC17C44T-33I/PT for production. ICSP programming via RB6 (clock) and RB7 (data) requires careful PCB layout: keep the ICSP header traces short and isolated from switching signals to avoid programming failures. Microchip recommends a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR.
PIC17C44T-33I/PT industrial-temperature parts are rated -40C to +85C ambient. At maximum 33 MHz clock with all 33 I/O pins switching simultaneously, die power dissipation is approximately 250 mW; in a TQFP-44 (theta_JA approximately 50 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board), junction temperature rises 12.5C above ambient at full activity. For continuous high-I/O activity, ensure adequate PCB copper area or airflow. The industrial-temperature range allows junction temperatures up to 150C absolute maximum, well above worst-case ambient + self-heating.
Route OSC1/OSC2 traces symmetrically and keep them short (under 10 mm) to avoid stray capacitance that can shift the oscillator frequency or cause start-up failures. For crystal operation, use a fundamental-mode 33 MHz crystal with load capacitors per the datasheet's Crystal Oscillator table. For HS oscillator mode, add a 1 Mohm feedback resistor across OSC1 and OSC2 to bias the inverter into its linear region. Avoid routing high-speed signals (PWM outputs, USART) parallel to the oscillator traces to minimize coupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status not explicitly stated in the verified web data; consult Microchip directly for compliance documentation. PIC17C44T-33I/PT is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive requirements use dsPIC33EP64GP504-E/MV or another qualified part.
