PIC17LC44-08I/PT - 8-Bit 8MHz OTP MCU 16KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC17LC44-08I/PT ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17.65 | $17.65 |
| 10 | $15.89 | $158.90 |
| 100 | $13.42 | $1,342.00 |
| 500 | $11.18 | $5,590.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.45 | $9,450.00 |
PIC17LC44-08I/PT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, timers, interrupt logic, and peripheral interfaces. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, which lets the CPU fetch an instruction and read data in the same cycle. The PIC17 family specifically targets higher-performance 8-bit designs that need more code space and I/O than the PIC16 family can provide, sitting at the top of Microchip's classic 8-bit lineup before the PIC18 generation.
Key features include 58 single-word instructions, single-cycle execution (121 ns at 8 MHz) except for program branches and table reads/writes which take two cycles, an internal data EEPROM emulation scheme via the OTP array, and an instruction set optimized for compiled C efficiency. The 8.25 MIPS throughput simplifies real-time control loops, while the 33 I/O lines support matrix keypads, character LCDs, and parallel sensor interfaces common in industrial human-machine interface modules.
The architecture uses a 16-bit-wide instruction word with an 8-bit data path, allowing compact code while keeping peripheral registers byte-addressable. The high-throughput core, combined with hardware multiply assist and table-read/write primitives, makes the PIC17LC44 suitable for control code that previously required a 16-bit MCU. Industrial-grade (-40C to +85C) operation is qualified by the 'I' suffix.
Typical applications include industrial control front panels, instrumentation with character LCD or LED displays, motor control interface boards, and legacy embedded systems migrating from PIC16 designs that have outgrown 8 KB of code space. The wide 2.5-5.5 V supply range also allows direct connection to 5 V logic and 3.3 V systems without level shifters.
When designing with this part, allocate the OTP array carefully: each byte can only be programmed once, so a code-review discipline and in-circuit emulation (ICE) or simulator pass are recommended before committing code. Decouple VDD/VSS pairs with a 0.1 microfarad ceramic plus a 10 microfarad bulk capacitor, and place MCLR pull-up within 25 mm of the pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC17 family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17LC44-08I/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 PIC17LC44-08I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, RoHS Status, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17LC44-08I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.04 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44-08/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44-08I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC43-08I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC17LC43-08I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC42A-08/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44-08I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC17C |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Instruction Word Width | 16 bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Performance | 8.25 MIPS |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 121 ns (single cycle) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 0 bytes (EEPROM-less) |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC17LC44-08I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS — Port A bit 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1 — Oscillator input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 19 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 27 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 29 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 30 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 34 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 35 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 36 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 37 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 38 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 39 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 40 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 41 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 42 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 43 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC17LC44-08I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Front Panels, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Motor Control Interface Boards, Legacy Embedded System Migration, Point-of-Sale Terminal Peripherals, Building Automation Sensor Nodes.
Industrial Control Front Panels
The PIC17LC44-08I/PT suits industrial control panels because its 16 KB OTP program memory, 33 I/O lines, and -40C to +85C industrial temperature range can directly drive 4x4 matrix keypads, 16x2 or 20x4 character LCDs, and status LED arrays from a single 5 V rail. The 8.25 MIPS throughput keeps debounce and menu-render loops responsive, and the wide 2.5-5.5 V supply tolerance tolerates noisy 24 V-to-5 V industrial backplanes. The 44-pin TQFP package gives enough pins for keypad, display, and serial RS-485 interface simultaneously. Compared with a PIC16 design, the larger OTP code space lets engineers add multi-language UI and diagnostics without outgrowing the core.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The PIC17LC44-08I/PT fits test and measurement front-end controllers because its 454 bytes of RAM buffer measurement records, 33 I/O pins scan multiple multiplexed sensor channels, and 8.25 MIPS throughput executes averaging and linearization in real time. Operating from a single 5 V rail with low CMOS power, it can be powered from a USB or bench supply without extra regulators. The wide operating temperature (-40C to +85C) handles lab and field environments, and the OTP code space is sufficient for a full UI with calibration tables. Migration from older PIC16 instrumentation designs is straightforward since the same MPLAB toolchain supports the PIC17 family.
Recommended
Motor Control Interface Boards
The PIC17LC44-08I/PT works as a stepper or BLDC motor interface controller because its 33 I/O pins handle quadrature encoder feedback, H-bridge enable lines, limit-switch inputs, and status LEDs without external I/O expanders. The 8.25 MIPS core executes PID loops at multi-kilohertz rates, keeping stepper commutation jitter below 1 microsecond. The wide 2.5-5.5 V supply range accepts 3.3 V or 5 V logic rails and tolerates motor back-EMF ripple on the supply. Industrial temperature rating makes it suitable for factory-floor motor cabinets, and the 44-TQFP footprint fits standard 50 mm x 50 mm motor-control PCBs.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded System Migration
The PIC17LC44-08I/PT is targeted at maintaining and migrating legacy embedded systems originally designed around PIC16 or PIC17C parts that have run out of code space or I/O. Its 16 KB OTP (8K x 16 instructions) doubles the program memory of typical PIC16 designs while preserving the same MPLAB and MPASM toolchain, so firmware ports with minimal rewrite. The Harvard RISC architecture and 58-instruction set minimize retraining for engineers familiar with PIC mid-range parts. The wide 2.5-5.5 V supply accommodates both old 5 V and newer 3.3 V subsystems during staged migration, and the 44-TQFP package fits standard panel-mount PCB footprints.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal Peripherals
The PIC17LC44-08I/PT can act as a POS peripheral controller because its 33 I/O lines drive magnetic-stripe reader interfaces, 4x4 keypad scan matrices, customer-facing character LCDs, and serial cash-drawer kick outputs from a single chip. The 16 KB OTP accommodates card-format parsing firmware plus UI code, and 454 bytes RAM holds transaction buffers between interrupts. The 8.25 MIPS performance keeps card swipe latency under 50 ms for a smooth user experience. Industrial temperature rating handles retail and warehouse environments, and the small 44-TQFP outline keeps the BOM compact for slim POS terminal designs.
Recommended
Building Automation Sensor Nodes
The PIC17LC44-08I/PT works in building automation sensor nodes (HVAC, lighting, occupancy) because its 33 I/O pins accept multiple analog and digital sensor inputs simultaneously, and 16 KB OTP holds full BACnet or Modbus protocol stacks plus sensor-calibration routines. Operating from 2.5-5.5 V lets it run from a 3.3 V regulator or 5 V bus, simplifying power-tree design in DIN-rail enclosures. The 8.25 MIPS core executes sensor fusion and digital filtering at low latency, while the -40C to +85C industrial range covers unheated equipment rooms. The 44-TQFP package keeps the node footprint under 12 mm x 12 mm for compact wall-mount boxes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17LC44-08I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17LC44-08I/P | PIC17LC44-08/PT | PIC17LC44-08I/L | PIC17LC43-08I/PT | PIC17LC43-08I/L | PIC17LC42A-08/PQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) | 40-pin PDIP - different package | 44-pin TQFP - same | 44-pin PLCC - different leaded package | 44-pin TQFP - same | 44-pin PLCC - different leaded package | 44-pin MQFP - same pin count |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 8 KB OTP | 8 KB OTP | 4 KB OTP |
| Maximum Clock | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 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 +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Same 16 KB OTP memory and 33 I/O pins as the through-hole PIC17LC44-08I/P, but in a surface-mount 44-TQFP (vs PIC17LC44-08I/P)
- Industrial temperature range -40C to +85C versus 0C to +70C commercial on the PIC17LC44-08/PT (vs PIC17LC44-08/PT)
- Larger 16 KB OTP program memory versus 8 KB on the PIC17LC43 family (vs PIC17LC43-08I/PT)
- Higher 16 KB OTP versus 4 KB on the older PIC17LC42A die (vs PIC17LC42A-08/PQ)
Design Notes
Estimated: the PIC17LC44-08I/PT draws approximately 5-15 mA active at 8 MHz depending on I/O load and oscillator configuration, so design the 5 V regulator with at least 50 mA headroom for digital switching transients. Place a 0.1 microfarate ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 11 and 32) and a single 10 microfarate tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor near the package. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 1) and a decoupling capacitor directly at the MCLR pin to prevent spurious resets from switching noise. The 'LC' low-voltage variant accepts 2.5 V to 5.5 V, so the same decoupling layout works for both 3.3 V and 5 V rails.
The OTP (One-Time-Programmable) program memory cannot be erased or rewritten - once a bit is programmed to zero, it stays zero. Always fully verify firmware with the MPLAB ICE emulator and simulator before committing code to production parts. The PIC17C44 instruction set differs from the PIC16 and PIC18 families: branches and table reads/writes take two cycles (242 ns at 8 MHz) versus one cycle for arithmetic, so delay loops need recalibration when porting from PIC16 assembly. Additionally, code-protect bits should be enabled for production but be aware they prevent re-verification of the protected memory region.
The 44-pin TQFP (PT) package has 0.8 mm pitch and 10 mm x 10 mm body, which requires fine-pitch PCB manufacturing (6 mil trace/space recommended). Use a 4-layer stack-up with a continuous ground plane under the device to reduce EMI from the 8 MHz oscillator on pins 13-14. Keep oscillator traces short and surrounded by ground pour, and route the MCLR pull-up directly to VDD without sharing traces with switching signals. The exposed thermal pad on the TQFP bottom should be soldered to a copper pour for improved heat dissipation, although the PIC17LC44 typically dissipates under 100 mW at full operation so thermal management is rarely critical.
Place the 8 MHz crystal or resonator within 10 mm of pins 13 (OSC1) and 14 (OSC2), and add 22-33 pF load capacitors from each oscillator pin to ground as specified in the datasheet crystal table. Route the I/O ports (RA, RB, RC, RD, RE) in banks to keep trace lengths balanced; if any port drives long cables or relays, add 100 ohm series resistors at the driver output to dampen transmission-line ringing. The 33 I/O lines are organized as 5 ports (5+8+8+8+5) for a total of 33 lines plus dedicated power and oscillator pins, so PCB layout can group connectors by port for cleaner cable routing.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free 44-pin TQFP package. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is an industrial-grade MCU not targeting automotive. Lifecycle status is NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs); Microchip recommends migration to PIC18F family for new projects.