PIC17LC43-08I/L - 8MHz 8KB OTP 8-bit MCU 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC17LC43-08I/L ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.65 | $256.50 |
| 100 | $22.8 | $2,280.00 |
| 500 | $20.52 | $10,260.00 |
| 1,000 | $18.24 | $18,240.00 |
PIC17LC43-08I/L Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), data memory (RAM), and peripherals around an 8-bit data bus. MCUs sit at the bottom of the embedded computing hierarchy below microprocessors (MPUs) and are the workhorse of embedded electronics. Within that hierarchy, the PIC17 family is Microchip's high-performance 8-bit tier - one tier above the PIC16 mid-range and PIC12/14 baseline families - bridging classic 8-bit simplicity and 16-bit complexity before the PIC18/dsPIC families.
Key features include only 58 single-word instructions (single-cycle except for program branches and table reads/writes which are two-cycle), 8-level hardware stack, multiply instruction in a single cycle, and an 8 x 8 hardware multiplier. The OTP program memory allows low-cost prototyping and short-run production, while the wide 2.5V-5V supply range makes the LC variant (low-voltage CMOS) compatible with both 3.3V and 5V system rails. The "08" speed grade specifies an 8 MHz maximum oscillator.
Architecture-wise, the PIC17C43 is a Harvard-architecture device with separate program and data buses, enabling simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access - this is the source of its near-1 MIPS/MHz throughput. The 16-bit instruction word gives it a larger code density than PIC16 and a richer instruction set (including hardware multiply), while still sharing the PIC toolchain (MPASM, MPLAB IDE) with the rest of the PIC family.
Typical applications include industrial control, instrumentation, automotive body electronics, sensor signal conditioning, and consumer appliances where moderate MIPS and low cost matter more than 16-bit precision. The 33 I/O pins comfortably drive LED arrays, keypads, character LCDs, and UART/SPI peripherals. Designers should note that the PIC17C family is mature/late-life-cycle - new designs are usually steered to PIC18 or dsPIC33, while the PIC17LC43-08I/L remains in service for legacy maintenance and existing production lines.
When designing, ensure the OTP window is opened only on windowed packages, verify the brown-out and watchdog configuration bits in code, and budget PLL/wait-state cycles when migrating code from PIC16 sources. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package-equivalent alternatives, and pinout details not always present in the original datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17LC43-08I/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 PIC17LC43-08I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17LC43-08I/PQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$6.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC43T-08I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC43-08/PQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17C43-16/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C43-16I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC43-08I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC17C |
| Core | 8-bit RISC |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Instruction Set Width | 16 bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Performance | 8.25 MIPS (121 ns instruction cycle) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, "-I") |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (16.59 x 16.59 mm, J-lead) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Instructions | 58 single-word |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels |
| Multiplier | 8 x 8 single-cycle hardware multiplier |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC17LC43-08I/L 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 | RA6/AN6 — Port A bit 6 / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 8 | RA7/AN7 — Port A bit 7 / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT0 — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 10 | RB1/INT1 — Port B bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 11 | RB2/INT2 — Port B bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 12 | RB3/INT3 — Port B bit 3 / External interrupt 3 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | RC0/T0CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 18 | RC1/CCP1 — Port C bit 1 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2/CCP2 — Port C bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6/TX — Port C bit 6 / USART transmit |
| Pin 24 | RC7/RX — Port C bit 7 / USART receive |
| Pin 25 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 26 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 28 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 29 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 30 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 31 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 32 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 33 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 34 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | OSC1 — Oscillator input |
| Pin 37 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 38 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / Programming voltage |
| Pin 39 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 40 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 41 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 42 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected |
Typical Applications
PIC17LC43-08I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Instrumentation and Data Acquisition, Consumer Appliance Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Security and Access Control.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC17LC43-08I/L fits industrial process-control PLCs and sensor-interface modules thanks to its 8 MIPS performance, 33 I/O pins for parallel sensor banks, and 2.5V-5.5V supply that accepts both 3.3V sensor boards and 5V actuator drivers from a single design. Industrial systems need deterministic instruction timing - the 121 ns cycle ensures accurate PID loop execution at typical 1 kHz update rates. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade handles cabinet and factory-floor thermal stress without derating. Engineers commonly pair the PIC17LC43 with a 4-20 mA current loop driver and an RS-485 transceiver for legacy fieldbus compatibility. The 8KB OTP memory is sufficient for state-machine control firmware plus lookup tables, and the 454-byte RAM supports multiple PID channels with floating-point math libraries.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC17LC43-08I/L was widely adopted in 1990s-2000s automotive body controllers including power-window, mirror-adjustment, and climate-control modules. Its 33 I/O pins drive multiple relay banks and switch inputs without external muxing, while the 8KB OTP stores lookup tables for sensor calibration and motor control ramps. Although the part is not AEC-Q100 qualified, it survives under-hood thermal environments when paired with proper PCB isolation, and Microchip's PIC17 datasheet documents automotive reference designs using this MCU. Migration to PIC18F or dsPIC33 is recommended for new automotive designs requiring CAN/LIN and AEC-Q100 compliance, but the PIC17LC43-08I/L remains in service for maintaining existing vehicle platforms.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
The PIC17LC43-08I/L suits instrumentation front-ends such as digital panel meters, weighing scales, and laboratory data loggers where 8 MIPS is adequate for averaging and linearization algorithms. Its 2.5V-5.5V supply range accepts battery packs directly, while 33 I/O can drive character LCDs, keypads, and multiplexed 7-segment displays without external drivers. The 8KB OTP stores calibration coefficients and unit-conversion tables, and the 454-byte RAM supports circular sample buffers for ADC scan sequences. The single-cycle 8x8 hardware multiplier speeds up RMS and scaling math versus pure-software PIC16 implementations. Engineers typically pair this MCU with a 16-bit delta-sigma ADC such as the ADS1211 for precision measurements.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
Washing machines, microwave ovens, and HVAC thermostats historically used the PIC17LC43-08I/L because its 8 MIPS handles key-scan debouncing, motor-control timing, and user-interface updates concurrently. The 33 I/O drives 7-segment displays, LED indicators, and triac/SCR gate controls for AC loads, while 454-byte RAM holds current state-machine variables. The OTP memory supports one-time customization of model-specific firmware at production. Although the PIC18F and PIC16F families have replaced PIC17 in most new appliance designs (lower cost, Flash memory, smaller packages), the PIC17LC43-08I/L still appears in service manuals and long-life product lines where re-tooling cost is not justified.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
Bridge sensors, RTDs, and thermocouples benefit from the PIC17LC43-08I/L's 8 MIPS which runs linearization and cold-junction compensation in real time. The 33 I/O multiplex multiple sensor channels through external analog switches, while the 8KB OTP stores Steinhart-Hart coefficients and calibration tables. The 2.5V minimum supply allows direct Li-ion or 3.3V transducer power, simplifying battery-powered field instruments. Single-cycle hardware multiply accelerates polynomial corrections versus PIC16 firmware. Engineers typically build 4- or 8-channel thermocouple boards around this MCU with ADS1211 ADC front-ends and the MAX31855 cold-junction companion.
Recommended
Security and Access Control
Access-control panels, alarm keypads, and door controllers used the PIC17LC43-08I/L for matrix keypad scanning, relay control, and EEPROM-backed credential storage. The 33 I/O drives 4x4 or 5x5 keypads plus multiple door strikes, while 8KB OTP stores protocol handlers for Wiegand or magnetic-stripe readers. The 2.5V-5.5V supply accepts backup-battery power during mains failure. Industrial temperature grade handles outdoor and unconditioned installations. Although modern designs migrate to PIC18F with AES hardware and Flash firmware update, the PIC17LC43-08I/L remains in many installed security systems where retrofitting is cost-prohibitive.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17LC43-08I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17LC43T-08I/L | PIC17C43-16/L | PIC17LC43-08I/PQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (J-lead) | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same |
| Program Memory | 8 KB OTP | 8 KB OTP | 8 KB OTP | 8 KB OTP |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 16 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| RAM | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +85 C (commercial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy |
Key Differentiators
- Highest performance in 8-bit PIC family at time of release (vs PIC16C67-04I/L)
- Wider supply voltage range than standard PIC17C43 (vs PIC17C43-16/L)
- Industrial temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC17LC43-08/PQ (commercial temp))
- 33 I/O pins in 44-pin package - high GPIO density for the era (vs PIC18F458-I/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC17LC43-08I/L has two VDD pins (39, 41) and two VSS pins (40, 42) on the 44-PLCC. Both pairs MUST be connected - the LC variant draws higher transient current at 8 MHz and a missing VDD pin causes voltage droop that corrupts OTP programming or runtime operation. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair, plus a 10 uF bulk cap on the main 5V rail.
Configuration bits on the PIC17LC43 control oscillator mode (XT/RC/HS), watchdog enable, brown-out voltage, and code protection. A common mistake is leaving the oscillator in HS mode when using a low-frequency 32 kHz crystal - the part will not start. Always set configuration bits in source code (e.g. __CONFIG in MPASM) and verify them with a programmer before soldering.
The 44-PLCC J-lead package has lead pitch of 1.27 mm (50 mil). For hand-prototyping, use a 44-pin PLCC socket - it accepts both surface-mount and through-hole assembly and aids in-circuit programming. Keep analog traces (AN0-AN7) short and away from digital I/O to minimize crosstalk; if using the ADC, place an RC filter (1k/100nF) on each analog input.
Estimated: at 8 MHz and 5V supply, the PIC17LC43-08I/L consumes approximately 15 mA active and 5 uA sleep. With theta_JA around 50 C/W for the PLCC package, continuous 5V/15 mA operation adds only 3.75 C junction rise above ambient - well within the -40C to +85C industrial range. No heatsink is required. However, OTP programming at 13V VPP injects brief current spikes that may require bulk decoupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product documentation. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive designs should use PIC18F or dsPIC33 with explicit AEC-Q100 qualification. Halogen-free status not explicitly documented in the verified data.
