PIC17LC44-08/PT - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 16KB, 8MHz, 44-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC17LC44-08/PT ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.26 | $6.26 |
| 10 | $5.83 | $58.30 |
| 100 | $5.21 | $521.00 |
| 500 | $4.65 | $2,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
PIC17LC44-08/PT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces such as timers, ADC, and serial ports. MCUs sit below microprocessors (MPUs) in performance but above discrete logic in integration, and they are the building block of nearly every embedded product, from washing-machine controllers to industrial PLCs and automotive ECUs. Within the power-management hierarchy they are categorized as Power Management > Voltage Regulators only in the broadest taxonomy; functionally they belong to Integrated Circuits > Microcontrollers.
Key features of the PIC17LC44-08/PT include an enhanced 8-level hardware stack, multiple interrupt sources, three hardware timers, a USART, and a 33-bit-wide I/O bus split across ports A-D. The 16-bit-wide instruction word with an 8-bit data path improves code density versus pure 8-bit CISC architectures, while the OTP program memory enables low-cost prototyping and small-to-medium production runs without the expense of a windowed EPROM part.
The PIC17C44 architecture uses a 33 MHz maximum internal clock divider feeding a four-phase instruction pipeline, although the PIC17LC44-08 part is speed-binned at 8 MHz maximum clock input (33 MHz equivalent clock rate using the internal 4x PLL). This makes it suitable for legacy industrial designs and replacement of older PIC17C44A socket assemblies where an OTP-reprogrammable device is required. Per Microchip datasheet DS30081, the part is rated for commercial temperature grades.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, legacy PIC17C44 socket replacement boards, consumer electronics user-interface controllers, and automotive body-control sub-modules. The wide I/O count (33 lines) is particularly valuable for keypad scanning, LED matrix driving, and parallel bus interfacing. The 16KB code space supports moderate-size C or assembly programs with lookup tables and interrupt-driven state machines.
When designing with this part, plan the OTP programming flow early: OTP parts can be programmed only once, so firmware must be fully validated on a windowed or emulator part before committing to PIC17LC44-08/PT production units. Engineers should also evaluate the modern PIC18 or dsPIC33 families for new designs, as the PIC17C44 line is now considered legacy.
This page synthesizes distributor stock data, drop-in PIC17C44 family alternatives, and engineering selection notes beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17LC44-08/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 PIC17LC44-08/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Data Bus Width, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17C44-16I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44-08I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44-16E/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44T-25I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC43-08/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44-08/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16 instructions) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz (33 MHz equivalent internal) |
| Instruction Cycle | 121 ns (single cycle) |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Instruction Width | 16-bit |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Number of Pins | 44 |
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Peripherals | USART, Timers, Interrupts |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (legacy part) |
PIC17LC44-08/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RC0 — PORTC digital I/O bit 0 |
| Pin 2 | RC1 — PORTC digital I/O bit 1 / CCP2 |
| Pin 3 | RC2 — PORTC digital I/O bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 4 | RC3 — PORTC digital I/O bit 3 / SCK |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — PORTC digital I/O bit 4 / SDI |
| Pin 6 | RC5 — PORTC digital I/O bit 5 / SDO |
| Pin 7 | RC6 — PORTC digital I/O bit 6 / TX (USART) |
| Pin 8 | RC7 — PORTC digital I/O bit 7 / RX (USART) |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input or external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 14 | RB0 — PORTB digital I/O bit 0 / INT |
| Pin 15 | RB1 — PORTB digital I/O bit 1 |
| Pin 16 | RB2 — PORTB digital I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 17 | RB3 — PORTB digital I/O bit 3 |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — PORTB digital I/O bit 4 |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — PORTB digital I/O bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | RB6 — PORTB digital I/O bit 6 / PGC |
| Pin 21 | RB7 — PORTB digital I/O bit 7 / PGD |
| Pin 22 | RA0 — PORTA digital I/O bit 0 / AN0 |
| Pin 23 | RA1 — PORTA digital I/O bit 1 / AN1 |
| Pin 24 | RA2 — PORTA digital I/O bit 2 / AN2 |
| Pin 25 | RA3 — PORTA digital I/O bit 3 / AN3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 26 | RA4 — PORTA digital I/O bit 4 / T0CKI |
| Pin 27 | RA5 — PORTA digital I/O bit 5 / AN4 / SS |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 29 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 30 | RD0 — PORTD digital I/O bit 0 |
| Pin 31 | RD1 — PORTD digital I/O bit 1 |
| Pin 32 | RD2 — PORTD digital I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 33 | RD3 — PORTD digital I/O bit 3 |
| Pin 34 | RD4 — PORTD digital I/O bit 4 |
| Pin 35 | RD5 — PORTD digital I/O bit 5 |
| Pin 36 | RD6 — PORTD digital I/O bit 6 |
| Pin 37 | RD7 — PORTD digital I/O bit 7 |
| Pin 38 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 39 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 40 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| 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
PIC17LC44-08/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Industrial Automation Controllers, Consumer Electronics User-Interface Controllers, Automotive Body-Control Sub-Modules, PIC17C44 Socket Replacement Boards, Hobby and Educational Embedded Projects, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning.
Legacy Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC17LC44-08/PT's 16KB OTP program memory and 33 I/O pins make it suitable for legacy industrial automation controllers replacing obsolete PIC17C44-16/P boards. Its 121 ns single-cycle instruction execution supports deterministic interrupt response for real-time control loops, while the 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range accepts both 3.3 V and 5 V PLC backplane rails. The 44-TQFP footprint is compatible with surface-mount PLC module designs. Per Microchip datasheet DS30081, the part's Harvard architecture enables simultaneous instruction fetch and data access, critical for high-speed PID loop and servo-control firmware. Compared to modern alternatives, the legacy PIC17C44 family provides the unique advantage of binary drop-in compatibility with thousands of installed PIC17C44-based industrial boards, eliminating the need for firmware rewrite.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics User-Interface Controllers
The PIC17LC44-08/PT's 33 I/O pins and built-in USART peripheral make it well-suited for consumer electronics user-interface controllers such as microwave-oven keypads, washing-machine displays, and HVAC thermostat control boards. Its 454 bytes of RAM supports small display buffers and keypad state machines, while the 8 MHz clock input provides sufficient throughput for matrix keypad scanning and seven-segment multiplexing. Per Microchip datasheet DS30081, each I/O pin can source 20 mA and sink 25 mA, eliminating the need for external LED driver transistors in low-current display applications. The OTP memory keeps unit cost low for high-volume consumer products, and the 44-TQFP package supports modern SMT assembly lines.
Recommended
Automotive Body-Control Sub-Modules
Although the PIC17LC44-08/PT itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified, its family members are widely deployed in non-safety automotive body-control sub-modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting drivers. The 8 MHz clock and 16KB code space accommodate CAN-style or LIN-bus protocol stacks and lighting-state machines, while the 33 I/O lines multiplex multiple relay drivers and switch inputs. Per the automotive industry standard for non-safety electronics, designers pair the PIC17LC44 with external CAN/LIN transceivers. Note that AEC-Q100 variants are NOT available in this family; safety-critical automotive designs should migrate to PIC18F or dsPIC33 AEC-Q100 qualified parts.
Recommended
PIC17C44 Socket Replacement Boards
The PIC17LC44-08/PT is commonly used as a one-time-programmable production code device to ship into existing PIC17C44-16/P socket assemblies where the original windowed EPROM parts have exhausted erase cycles. Its 16KB OTP capacity matches the PIC17C44-16 code space exactly, and the 44-TQFP variant with socket adapter boards allows direct PCB footprint replacement. Per Microchip datasheet DS30081, the PIC17LC44 instruction set is binary-compatible with the PIC17C44, so validated firmware runs unmodified. Engineers should verify that the OTP programming flow is finalized before committing production units, since OTP devices cannot be re-programmed.
Recommended
Hobby and Educational Embedded Projects
The PIC17LC44-08/PT remains a useful teaching tool for embedded systems courses covering the PIC RISC architecture, instruction pipelining, and OTP memory programming workflows. Its 58-instruction set, 121 ns cycle time, and 33 I/O pins give students hands-on experience with timers, interrupts, and USART communication without the complexity of modern peripherals. Per Microchip datasheet DS30081, the part's Harvard architecture is clearly documented, making it suitable for computer-architecture coursework. Universities can pair PIC17LC44 development boards with MPLAB-X IDE for assembly and C programming instruction. Hobbyists building retro-computing projects also use the PIC17LC44 to recreate 1990s-era microcontroller designs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC17LC44-08/PT's combination of analog-friendly digital I/O and the USART peripheral makes it a viable controller for industrial sensor signal-conditioning boards interfacing with external ADCs and 4-20 mA loop drivers. Its 33 I/O pins multiplex sensor-enable lines, calibration relays, and digital status outputs, while the 454-byte RAM buffers averaged sensor readings for downstream serial transmission. Per Microchip datasheet DS30081, the wide supply range (2.5 V to 5.5 V) accommodates both 3.3 V sensors and 5 V industrial backplanes. The commercial temperature grade suits indoor control panels and factory-floor enclosures with climate control.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17LC44-08/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17C44-16I/PT | PIC17LC44-08I/PT | PIC17LC43-08/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10) | 44-TQFP (10x10) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10) - same |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 8 KB OTP (-50%) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes |
| Max Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 16 MHz (+100%) | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0 to +70 C) | Industrial (-40 to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 to +85 C) | Commercial (0 to +70 C) |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Active | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in 16 MHz upgrade variant available within same family (vs PIC17C44-16I/PT)
- Industrial temperature variant with active lifecycle (vs PIC17LC44-08I/PT)
- Lower-cost 8KB variant for memory-constrained designs (vs PIC17LC43-08/PT)
Design Notes
PIC17LC44-08/PT uses OTP (one-time programmable) memory that cannot be erased or re-programmed. Final firmware MUST be fully validated on a windowed PIC17C44-16/P or PIC17LC44-08I/PT development part before committing production units. Programming failures due to incorrect configuration bits are not recoverable on OTP devices - engineers should use MPLAB-X verification mode and double-check the configuration word before each programming cycle. Per Microchip datasheet DS30081, the configuration word includes oscillator, watchdog timer, brown-out, and code-protection settings that affect runtime behavior.
The PIC17LC44-08/PT requires a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 13 or 29) and a bulk 10 uF electrolytic or tantalum capacitor on the supply rail. For battery-powered applications, the part's low-voltage operation (2.5 V min) allows direct connection to two alkaline cells, but a 100 uF bulk capacitor is recommended to handle inrush during USART transmission. Per Microchip datasheet DS30081, the maximum supply current is approximately 30 mA at 8 MHz over the full voltage range. Brown-out reset (BOR) should be enabled to prevent code corruption during supply droops.
Place the 8 MHz crystal or ceramic resonator as close as possible to the OSC1 (pin 9) and OSC2 (pin 10) pins, with short trace lengths and a ground guard ring to minimize EMI. Avoid routing high-speed switching signals (such as PWM outputs on RC2/CCP1) parallel to the oscillator traces to prevent injection of switching noise into the clock. The 44-TQFP package requires a 10x10 mm PCB land pattern with 0.8 mm pitch - refer to the Microchip package drawing in DS30081 Appendix B for exact dimensions. Exposed thermal pad is not present on the TQFP-44, so standard PCB thermal management applies.
Compliance Information
PIC17LC44-08/PT is a legacy Microchip part predating widespread RoHS conversion; confirmed non-compliant per distributor listings. Not AEC-Q100 qualified. For RoHS-compliant alternatives, consider PIC17LC44-08I/PT or PIC18F/dsPIC33 families.