PIC17LC44T-08/L - 8-Bit 8MHz OTP MCU 16KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC17LC44T-08/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.5 | $6.50 |
| 10 | $5.85 | $58.50 |
| 100 | $5.2 | $520.00 |
| 500 | $4.65 | $2,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
PIC17LC44T-08/L Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripheral I/O on one die. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, which lets the CPU fetch the next instruction while reading data - the source of the famous 'single-cycle instruction' performance. The PIC17 family sits at the top of Microchip's 8-bit lineup, offering more interrupts, more peripherals, and a wider 16-bit instruction word than the mid-range PIC16 devices, while still preserving the PIC instruction-set compatibility for migration.
Key features of the PIC17LC44T-08/L include a 16-level hardware stack, 8 x 8 hardware multiply, multiple timer modules, a USART, and a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels. The 33 I/O pins can source/sink up to 25 mA per pin for direct LED drive. The 'LC' suffix denotes the low-voltage CMOS variant, while the '-08' suffix specifies the 8 MHz maximum clock. Tape-and-reel ('T') and PLCC ('L') packaging suit high-volume SMT assembly.
Typical applications include industrial control, motor drive, sensor conditioning, embedded control boards, and legacy 8-bit system upgrades. The wide 2.5-5.5 V supply range is convenient for both 3.3 V and 5 V designs. The OTP memory means firmware is mask-programmed at Microchip or field-programmed once via ICSP, suiting high-volume cost-sensitive products rather than field-upgradable firmware.
When designing, allocate 5 V-tolerant I/O and follow Microchip's ICSP programming guidelines. Note the PLCC package is now considered legacy for new designs but remains widely used for service replacements of installed equipment.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17LC44T-08/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 PIC17LC44T-08/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Instruction Cycle, Package, Program Memory Size, Mounting Type, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC17LC44T-08I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44-08I/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44-08I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.04 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44T-25I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC43T-08/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44T-08/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Series | PIC17C (PIC17LC44) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | None |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 8 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 121 ns (single-cycle) |
| Data Bus Width | 16-bit (internal), 8-bit external |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Instruction Set | 58 single-word instructions |
| Package Type | 44-pin PLCC (J-Lead) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount, Tape & Reel |
PIC17LC44T-08/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5 — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6/AN6 — PORTA bit 6 / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 8 | RA7/AN7 — PORTA bit 7 / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5 V to 5 V) |
| Pin 14 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 15 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 16 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 17 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 21 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 22 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 23 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 24 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 25 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 26 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 27 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 29 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 30 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 31 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 32 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 33 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 34 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 35 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 36 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 37 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 38 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 |
| Pin 39 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 |
| Pin 40 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 |
| Pin 41 | TX/CK — USART asynchronous transmit / clock |
| Pin 42 | RX/DT — USART asynchronous receive / data |
| Pin 43 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5 V to 5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC17LC44T-08/L is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Process Control, Motor Drive and Stepper Control, Legacy Embedded Control Boards, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy), Consumer Appliance Control, Educational Development and Prototyping.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC17LC44T-08/L fits industrial process-control PLCs and sensor-conditioning boards because its 33 I/O pins can directly drive 25 mA loads such as relays, optocouplers, and LED indicators, while the 8 MHz clock and 121 ns instruction cycle deliver deterministic loop times for PID control. With 16 KB of OTP program memory, it accommodates the mid-sized ladder-logic or state-machine firmware typical of pump controllers, conveyor sequencers, and HVAC damper actuators. The wide 2.5 V to 5 V supply range simplifies integration into 3.3 V or 5 V analog front-end designs, and the on-chip ADC with multiple channels reads 4-20 mA loop sensors directly. Legacy installations often pair the LC44 with an external RS-485 transceiver using the integrated USART for Modbus RTU slave communications.
Recommended
Motor Drive and Stepper Control
In stepper-motor driver boards, the PIC17LC44T-08/L generates phase-step waveforms using its hardware timers and PWM, while the 33 high-current I/O pins drive the gate inputs of H-bridge MOSFETs or discrete Darlington arrays. The 454-byte RAM holds the step-position table and acceleration ramp, and the 16 KB OTP stores the motion-profile firmware. Because the LC44 can source/sink 25 mA per pin, it can directly interface to opto-isolated gate drivers without external buffers. The 8 MHz clock and single-cycle instructions keep the step-rate interrupt latency under 1 us, which is sufficient for low-RPM positioning systems, valve actuators, and small CNC axes.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded Control Boards
The PIC17LC44T-08/L is a sustainment part for legacy OEM equipment - barcode scanners, POS terminals, security panels, and similar 1990s-vintage embedded products whose original PIC17C44-based PCB cannot be re-engineered. Its identical pinout, peripheral set, and 8 MHz timing allow a literal drop-in replacement without firmware changes or PCB rework. Service technicians keep stock of the LC44 variant because the wide 2.5-5 V supply accepts either the original 5 V rail or a modern 3.3 V replacement. This makes it the preferred choice for MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) of installed systems where Microchip has declared the PIC17 family obsolete but end-customers still need parts.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
For sensor-signal-conditioning front-ends, the PIC17LC44T-08/L reads multiple analog channels through its on-chip ADC, applies linearization in firmware, and outputs corrected values via USART or parallel I/O to a host processor. Its 33 I/O lines easily accommodate keypad scanning, LCD data buses, and alarm-relay outputs typical of environmental monitoring equipment. The 16 KB OTP holds calibration tables and PID control loops for pressure, temperature, or flow sensors. The 454-byte RAM is sufficient for buffer-based averaging algorithms, while the 2.5 V minimum supply lets it run directly from battery-backed rails in remote telemetry units.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
Although the PIC17LC44T-08/L is not AEC-Q100 qualified, the same die in industrial-temperature variants has been widely used in pre-2000 automotive body modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and simple instrument-cluster drivers. The 33 I/O pins drive small DC motors and lamp outputs directly, while the USART provides diagnostic communication. With 16 KB of OTP and 454 B RAM, the firmware can run closed-loop motor control and read switch inputs without external glue logic. Modern automotive designs should migrate to PIC18F or dsPIC33 AEC-Q100 parts, but the LC44 continues to serve MRO channels for vehicles still in service.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
Cost-sensitive high-volume consumer appliances - washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and air conditioners - historically used the PIC17LC44T-08/L for main control because its OTP memory is cheaper than Flash in large volumes and its 8 MHz instruction throughput handles the user-interface scanning, sensor reads, and relay sequencing of these products. The 33 I/O drive seven-segment displays, keypads, buzzer, and triac-gate optocouplers directly. The wide 2.5-5 V supply accepts rectified mains-derived rails. Because OTP is programmed once at the factory, firmware is locked against field tampering, which is desirable for safety-critical appliances. Today, new designs use PIC18F K-series for Flash flexibility, but installed appliances still depend on the LC44.
Recommended
Educational Development and Prototyping
The PIC17LC44T-08/L remains a useful learning vehicle in university embedded-systems courses and hobbyist labs because it exposes the full PIC17 architecture - 16-bit instruction word, hardware multiply, 16-level stack, and bank-switched RAM - at low cost. Students program it through the ICSP interface with Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and an ICD debugger to learn assembly and C firmware patterns that transfer directly to PIC18 and PIC24 families. The 44-pin PLCC socket on a training board lets the same chip be reused across many lab exercises, and the 16 KB OTP is large enough for full demonstration projects including UART, ADC, PWM, and interrupt-driven scheduling.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17LC44T-08/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17LC44T-08I/L | PIC17LC44-08I/P | PIC17C44T-25I/PQ | PIC17LC43T-08/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 40-PDIP - different | 44-MQFP (PQ) - different | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP - same | 16 KB OTP - same | 16 KB OTP - same | 8 KB OTP - 50% |
| RAM Size | 454 bytes | 454 bytes - same | 454 bytes - same | 454 bytes - same | 454 bytes - same |
| Max Clock Speed | 8 MHz | 8 MHz - same | 8 MHz - same | 25 MHz - +213% | 8 MHz - same |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5 V (LC) | 2.5 V to 5 V (LC) - same | 2.5 V to 5 V (LC) - same | 4.0 V to 6.0 V (C) - different | 2.5 V to 5 V (LC) - same |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 - same | 33 - same | 33 - same | 33 - same |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Lower-voltage operation than original PIC17C44 (vs PIC17C44T-25I/PQ)
- Doubled program memory vs PIC17LC43 (vs PIC17LC43T-08/L)
- Slower but lower-voltage vs faster C variant (vs PIC17C44T-25I/PQ)
Design Notes
The PIC17LC44T-08/L draws supply current directly proportional to clock frequency and I/O toggle rate; typical IDD at 8 MHz with all I/O static is around 15-25 mA per the PIC17C44 datasheet. Decouple VDD (pin 13 and pin 44) with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each VDD pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic at the board entry point. Because the LC variant operates down to 2.5 V, the I/O switching threshold (VIH ~ 0.45*VDD, VIL ~ 0.15*VDD) shifts with supply - ensure any 5 V peripheral interfacing uses a level translator, not a direct connection.
The 44-pin PLCC socket should be a high-quality machined-pin type (e.g., 3M Textool or AMP) with gold plating to survive multiple insertion cycles for development and field service. PLCC extraction tools are required to avoid bending pins - never pry the chip out with a screwdriver. For production boards, consider reflow-soldering the PLCC directly to avoid socket reliability problems, but this prevents reuse. Place decoupling capacitors on the underside of the PCB directly beneath the VDD/VSS pin pairs to minimize loop inductance for the high-di/dt switching transients.
Three pitfalls are common when designing with the PIC17LC44T-08/L. First, OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten - any firmware bug is permanent, so plan to use a Flash-based PIC18 on a development board and only commit to OTP after full validation. Second, the MCLR pin (pin 11) is sensitive to noise; add a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground to filter out false resets from EMI. Third, the PIC17C44 has a 16-level hardware stack - if your C compiler cannot guarantee static stack depth, link with --stack-overflow-check to avoid silent corruption in deep call chains.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified distributor data; the PIC17 family predates widespread RoHS adoption. AEC-Q100 not applicable - PIC17 is not an automotive-qualified platform. Engineers should request a compliance certificate from the distributor when RoHS/REACH status is critical.
