PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ - 8-Bit 8MHz MCU 16KB OTP 44-MQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.73 | $6.73 |
| 10 | $6.05 | $60.50 |
| 100 | $5.38 | $538.00 |
| 500 | $4.78 | $2,390.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.25 | $4,250.00 |
PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ Overview
Background: A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer integrating a CPU core, program memory (ROM/OTP/Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripherals such as timers, ADC, and I/O on one die. The PIC17C family sits between PIC16 mid-range and PIC18 enhanced parts, providing a RISC Harvard architecture, separate program and data buses, and a higher pin count for I/O-rich designs. OTP variants such as the PIC17LC44 are intended for volume production where firmware is finalized and field re-programmability is unnecessary, offering lower per-unit cost than windowed or flash parts.
Key features include the Harvard bus, eight-level hardware stack, 33 I/O ports organized to support parallel peripherals, an 8-bit data bus with 16-bit instruction word, and operating speed DC-33 MHz (8 MHz for the -08 speed grade). On-chip peripherals typically include multiple timers, a USART, and capture/compare/PWM modules per the PIC17C44 datasheet. The 16KB OTP holds 8K single-word instructions; 454 bytes of general-purpose RAM buffer register data and stack operations.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, motor-drive interface boards, instrumentation front-ends, automotive body electronics, and embedded legacy upgrades where PIC17 firmware is already deployed. The wide 2.5V-5V supply range enables both 3.3V and 5V system rails, and the 33 I/O allow direct parallel bus expansion to LCD, keypads, or memory-mapped peripherals. The MQFP-44 footprint also simplifies surface-mount assembly on legacy boards designed for the PIC17 family.
Designers should observe the 8 MHz oscillator limit, keep I/O sourcing within the 20-25 mA per-pin specification, and add a 0.1 uF decoupling cap adjacent to each VDD/VSS pair. Because this is an OTP device, firmware must be fully validated before programming; prototype with a windowed (JW) or emulation part before committing to production. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC17C family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ — 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-08I/PQ (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:
PIC17LC44T-08/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44-08I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44T-25I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C44-16I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17C43T-25I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$13.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC17C |
| Core | 8-bit RISC PIC |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Instruction Word | 16 bit |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| RAM | 454 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 0 bytes (none) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 8 MHz |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Instruction Count | 58 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle | 121 ns (single-cycle) |
| Package | MQFP-44 (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T/R) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Lifecycle Stage | Active |
PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 3 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 4 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 29 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 30 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 31 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 32 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 33 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 34 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 35 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 36 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 37 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5V-5V) |
| Pin 38 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 39 | TOCKI — Timer0 external clock input |
| Pin 40 | INT — External interrupt input |
| Pin 41 | RX — USART receive |
| Pin 42 | TX — USART transmit |
| Pin 43 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5V-5V) |
| Pin 44 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panel Logic, Sensor Interface Front-End, Automotive Body Electronics, Embedded Legacy System Upgrades, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Controller, Motor-Drive Interface Board.
Industrial Control Panel Logic
The PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ fits industrial control panels because its 33 GPIO pins can directly drive keypads, 7-segment displays, relay coils, and opto-isolated inputs without external multiplexers. The 2.5V-5V supply accepts both legacy 5V rails and modern 3.3V logic, and 16KB OTP holds full state-machine firmware for sequence control. With 454 bytes of RAM, the MCU tracks timers, debounces inputs, and manages comms state, while the 8 MHz clock gives 121 ns instruction cycle for deterministic scan loops. The MQFP-44 footprint is also rugged enough for industrial PCBs that must survive vibration and thermal cycling.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Front-End
The PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ is well-suited as a sensor front-end MCU for multi-channel analog and digital sensors. Its 33 GPIO handle multiple SPI, I2C, or UART sensor buses in parallel, while 454 bytes of RAM buffer sensor data before forwarding to a host. The 2.5V-5V supply matches 3.3V sensor rails directly, and 8 MHz throughput (121 ns instruction cycle) is sufficient for polled sampling rates up to a few kHz per channel. The 16KB OTP holds calibration tables and protocol stacks, and the MQFP-44 footprint lets the MCU sit adjacent to sensor arrays on compact PCBs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ targets body-electronics modules such as lighting controllers, HVAC blend-door actuators, and instrument-cluster I/O expanders. Its 33 GPIO drive LEDs, switches, and LIN/CAN-friendly UART peripherals, and the industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers cabin and underhood-near applications. The wide 2.5V-5V input tolerates automotive load-dump transients when paired with a TVS clamp, while the MQFP-44 package supports wave-solder and reflow assembly on FR4. For AEC-Q100 qualified programs, Microchip recommends dsPIC33 or PIC18 variants - the LC44 is suitable for non-safety body modules.
Recommended
Embedded Legacy System Upgrades
The PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ is the natural choice for embedded legacy upgrades where existing PCBs already route to a PIC17C44 44-MQFP footprint. Designers can swap from EPROM windowed or flash predecessors to this LC OTP variant without layout changes, since the pinout and peripheral map remain identical across the PIC17C44 family. The 16KB OTP holds existing firmware images, the 8 MHz speed grade preserves deterministic timing budgets, and 33 GPIO maintain backwards compatibility with established sensor and actuator wiring. This makes the LC44 a low-risk production refit for instruments still shipping into long-lifecycle markets.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Controller
The PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ acts as an HMI controller for membrane keypads, character LCDs, and rotary encoder inputs. Its 33 GPIO easily scan 4x4 key matrices and 4-bit or 8-bit parallel LCD interfaces, while 454 bytes of RAM debounce keys, hold character FIFOs, and buffer encoder counts. At 8 MHz the MCU refreshes a 16x2 LCD at 100 Hz without flicker, and the 16KB OTP holds full custom-font and menu-tree state machines. The 2.5V-5V supply allows direct 5V LCD drive without level shifters.
Recommended
Motor-Drive Interface Board
The PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ serves as a glue controller on motor-drive interface boards, generating PWM direction logic, fault monitoring, and serial telemetry to a host DSP or FPGA. Its 33 GPIO drive opto-isolated gate-driver signals, encoder inputs, and current-sense amplifier enables, while 16KB OTP holds commutation tables for trapezoidal or simple FOC routines. The 8 MHz clock supports deterministic control loops up to several kHz, and the 2.5V-5V supply aligns with 3.3V gate-driver rails. The MQFP-44 package tolerates the higher thermal environments near power stages.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC17LC44T-08/PT | PIC17LC44-08I/L | PIC17C44T-25I/PQ | PIC17C44-16I/PQ | PIC17C43T-25I/PQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | MQFP-44 (10x10 mm) | TQFP-44 tray | LCC-44 windowed | MQFP-44 (same) | MQFP-44 (same) | MQFP-44 (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Speed | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 25 MHz | 16 MHz | 25 MHz |
| Program Memory | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB EPROM (windowed) | 16 KB EPROM | 16 KB EPROM | 8 KB OTP |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5 V | 2.5 V to 5 V | 2.5 V to 5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| RAM | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes | 454 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Surface-mount MQFP Tape & Reel factory packaging (vs PIC17C44-16I/PQ)
- Industrial 2.5V-5V wide supply range (vs PIC17C44T-25I/PQ)
- 16KB OTP for higher code density than LC43 family (vs PIC17C43T-25I/PQ)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of every VDD/VSS pin pair on the PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ MQFP-44. The PIC17C44 datasheet specifies four VDD pins (1, 23, 44 plus the analog supply if used) and corresponding VSS pins - bypassing each pair separately prevents supply droop during I/O switching transients that can corrupt the Harvard bus fetch. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic close to the device for transient load steps at 8 MHz clock.
The MQFP-44 10x10 mm body uses 0.8 mm lead pitch, which is reflow-solderable but requires a precise solder-paste stencil (0.15 mm thickness typical). Keep continuous ground planes under the package to control EMI, and route the high-speed OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric to minimise clock jitter. For production lines, follow IPC-A-610 Class 2 acceptance criteria unless the end product requires Class 3.
The PIC17LC44T-08I/PQ is OTP (One-Time Programmable) and cannot be erased or re-programmed - validate firmware on a JW windowed or PIC17C44 EPROM part before committing to OTP production units. Ensure the MCLR pin is pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor with a 100 nF cap to VDD for clean reset behaviour, otherwise spurious resets may occur during power-up. Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 6V or the device may latch up.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status typical for Microchip PIC17 family MQFP-44 OTP parts. AEC-Q100 not qualified - choose dsPIC33 or PIC18 AEC-Q100 parts for automotive safety applications.
