PIC17LC44-08I/L - 8-Bit 8MHz OTP MCU 16KB | 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC17LC44-08I/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.95 | $7.95 |
| 10 | $7.15 | $71.50 |
| 100 | $6.3 | $630.00 |
| 500 | $5.55 | $2,775.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.95 | $4,950.00 |
PIC17LC44-08I/L Overview
What is a PIC17C-series microcontroller? The PIC17C is Microchip's first 16-bit-instruction-word, 8-bit-data architecture, sitting above the PIC16 family in the 8-bit hierarchy and below the PIC18 family. It executes every instruction (except program branches and table reads/writes) in a single 121 ns cycle at 8 MHz, supports 58 single-word instructions, and integrates an 8-level hardware stack plus a multiply instruction - features that historically made it Microchip's highest-performance 8-bit core before the PIC18 was introduced. PIC17C microcontrollers remain in active service today for long-life industrial and aerospace equipment.
Key features of the PIC17LC44-08I/L include an 8 MHz internal oscillator input, brown-out reset, watchdog timer, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer/counter, a hardware USART, and an 11-channel 10-bit analog-to-digital converter. The OTP program memory supports in-circuit programming via the standard Microchip ICSP interface, simplifying prototype-to-production transitions. The 44-PLCC package uses a J-lead style footprint suitable for socketed production programming.
In terms of architecture, the PIC17C44 uses a 16-bit-wide instruction path with an 8-bit data path, a multi-source interrupt controller with prioritized vectors, and on-chip RC oscillator or external crystal support. The 454-byte general-purpose RAM is shared with the stack, and the 16 KB program space is addressed by a 16-bit program counter that allows linear code beyond the 14-bit PIC16 limit.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, HVAC controllers, legacy instrumentation front-ends, embedded control panels, and retrofits of older 8051-class designs where a higher-performance 8-bit core with more RAM and code space is required. Design considerations when migrating to or from this part include verifying ICSP programming voltage compatibility, mapping legacy 40-pin DIP footprints to the 44-PLCC carrier, and ensuring brown-out reset thresholds are tuned to the 2.5 V minimum supply. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17LC44-08I/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 PIC17LC44-08I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Data Bus Width, Program Memory Size, Mounting Type, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17LC43-08I/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$18.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44-08I/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17LC44-08/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44-08/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$6.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44-08I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC17C 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 0 bytes (none) |
| CPU Clock Speed | 8 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 121 ns (single-cycle, non-branch) |
| Instruction Set Size | 58 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| ADC | 11-channel, 10-bit |
| Communication | 1 x USART (SCI) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (hardware WDT) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP supported |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (16.59 x 16.59 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket compatible) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, /L = PLCC suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per Microchip product page) |
PIC17LC44-08I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / ADC input 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3 — Port A bit 3 / ADC input 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4 — Port A bit 4 / ADC input 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5 — Port A bit 5 / ADC input 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6/AN6 — Port A bit 6 / ADC input 6 |
| Pin 8 | RA7/AN7 — Port A bit 7 / ADC input 7 |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Port B bit 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 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5 V - 5.5 V) |
| Pin 19 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 20 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 29 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 30 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 31 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 32 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 33 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 34 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 35 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 36 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 37 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 38 | TX/CK — USART transmit / clock line |
| Pin 39 | RX/DT — USART receive / data line |
| Pin 40 | RE0/AN8 — Port E bit 0 / ADC input 8 |
| Pin 41 | RE1/AN9 — Port E bit 1 / ADC input 9 |
| Pin 42 | RE2/AN10 — Port E bit 2 / ADC input 10 |
| Pin 43 | VSS — Ground reference (digital) |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Positive supply (digital core) |
Typical Applications
PIC17LC44-08I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, HVAC Controller Boards, Legacy Instrumentation Front-End, Embedded Control Panels, 8051/PIC16 Retrofit Designs, Aerospace Avionics Subsystems.
Industrial Motor Control
The PIC17LC44-08I/L is well suited to legacy industrial motor control boards that already use a PIC17C44 socket. Its 11-channel 10-bit ADC reads current shunts and tachometer feedback with adequate resolution for closed-loop speed control, while the 16-bit timer/counter handles PWM generation and quadrature decoding. The 33 I/O pins support direction relays, opto-isolated enable lines, and fault-interrupt inputs. Operating from 2.5 V to 5.5 V simplifies 24 V->5 V system rails. For new designs prefer dsPIC33EP64MC, but for retrofitting existing PIC17C-based motor controllers the PIC17LC44-08I/L is a drop-in.
Recommended
HVAC Controller Boards
HVAC control units that already run PIC17C44 firmware can extend service life using the PIC17LC44-08I/L as an exact replacement. The 8 MHz instruction cycle (121 ns) handles temperature-setpoint scheduling, damper actuator PWM, and multi-zone thermostat loops. The 16 KB OTP program memory stores lookup tables for defrost cycles and compressor staging, while 454 bytes of RAM is sufficient for short trend buffers. Brown-out reset protects against brown-outs during compressor inrush. Recommended migration for new HVAC designs: PIC18F46K22 with more RAM and lower sleep current.
Recommended
Legacy Instrumentation Front-End
Bench instruments and panel meters built around the PIC17C44 retain a 44-PLCC socket on the PCB; the PIC17LC44-08I/L fits directly without rework. Its 10-bit ADC digitizes thermocouple, RTD and 4-20 mA sensor inputs through external signal conditioning. The hardware USART outputs serial data to legacy SCADA or RS-232 terminals. The 8 MHz clock delivers deterministic cycle times for FIR-filter-style smoothing in firmware. Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C) ensures operation in unheated enclosures. Designers upgrading to modern silicon should evaluate the dsPIC33EV family.
Recommended
Embedded Control Panels
Operator control panels with 7-segment or character-LCD displays can use the PIC17LC44-08I/L to drive multiplexed LED digits and scan keypads via its 33 I/O pins. The 16 KB OTP stores menu state machines, debounce tables and fault log structures. The hardware USART connects to a host PLC or remote I/O link. Operating from 2.5 V to 5.5 V supports battery-backed control panels. Use the watchdog timer to recover from firmware hangs in unattended installations. The PIC17LC44-08I/L is specifically chosen when preserving the 44-PLCC socket footprint avoids PCB rework.
Recommended
8051/PIC16 Retrofit Designs
Designers porting firmware from 8051 or PIC16F platforms benefit from the PIC17LC44-08I/L's 16-bit instruction word and 8-level hardware stack, which raise code density and execution speed. Its 58 single-word instructions map cleanly to legacy 8051 C code. The 16 KB OTP holds more application logic than a typical PIC16F877 with 14 KB flash, while the 454-byte RAM exceeds the 368 bytes of a PIC16F877. Industrial temperature grade and 2.5 V-5.5 V operation simplify migration into existing 5 V analog rails. For new 5 V designs today, Microchip recommends PIC18F46K22 with more peripherals.
Recommended
Aerospace Avionics Subsystems
Long-life aerospace subsystems continue to use the PIC17LC44-08I/L because of its mature silicon, qualified at industrial temperature grade and known reliability record. Its 8 MHz execution provides deterministic timing for sensor fusion in attitude-indicator and fuel-metering units. The 33 I/O pins drive MIL-STD-1553 transceivers via external logic, while the 10-bit ADC reads synchro/resolver feedback through external conversion. Many aerospace platforms have approved the PIC17LC44-08I/L in their BOM, so field replacements are simply socket swaps with the same part number. For new aerospace designs consult Microchip's aerospace-grade PIC16/18 variants.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17LC44-08I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17LC43-08I/L | PIC17LC44-08I/PQ | PIC17LC44-08/PT | PIC17LC44-08/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC | 44-pin PLCC | 44-pin PDIP (PQ) | 44-pin TQFP (PT) | 40-pin PDIP (P) |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP | 8 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes |
| CPU Clock | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| ADC | 11-ch, 10-bit | 11-ch, 10-bit | 11-ch, 10-bit | 11-ch, 10-bit | 11-ch, 10-bit |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Commercial (0 C to +70 C) | Commercial (0 C to +70 C) |
Key Differentiators
- Larger 16 KB OTP program memory (vs PIC17LC43-08I/L)
- Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C) (vs PIC17LC44-08/PT)
- Low-voltage operation to 2.5 V (vs PIC17C44-16I/L)
Design Notes
The PIC17LC44-08I/L operates from 2.5 V to 5.5 V on VDD. Estimated: a 5 V system drawing 25 mA active plus 5 mA ADC reference burns approximately 150 mW. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 18 and 44), plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum on the main supply rail. Always enable brown-out reset (BOR) in the configuration word when operating below 5 V to prevent code execution during supply droops below 2.0 V.
The 44-pin PLCC socket accepts through-hole mounting but the part itself is rated for surface-mount assembly via the J-leads. When designing a new board around the PIC17LC44-08I/L, route OSC1/OSC2 traces symmetrically and keep them shorter than 20 mm to avoid EMI pickup. The ICSP pins (MCLR/VPP, RB6, RB7) must be brought out to a 6-pin header for in-circuit programming. Place the crystal or resonator within 10 mm of OSC1/OSC2, with a guard ring tied to ground.
Estimated: programming the PIC17LC44-08I/L requires Microchip ICSP at 12.5 V on MCLR/VPP; attempting low-voltage programming will not erase the OTP and may lock the device. Always apply MCLR rise after VDD is stable. When porting code from PIC16F to PIC17C44, note that the 16-bit instruction word changes the program counter model - PC bits are not aliased to PCLATH. Also, the PIC17C has no hardware multiplier interrupts beyond the standard PIR registers, so design interrupt latency accordingly.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Microchip product page; this is an industrial-grade 8-bit MCU and is not AEC-Q100 qualified. Reach and conflict-minerals declarations per Microchip supplier compliance portal.
