PIC17C44-16I/PQ Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC17C44-16I/PQ is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's PIC® 17C series, featuring 16KB OTP program memory and operating at 16MHz. This device is classified as Active product status and remains in production. Substitute parts are identified when original inventory becomes unavailable, when design requirements shift toward enhanced capabilities, or when supply chain optimization necessitates alternative sourcing while maintaining functional compatibility within the same package footprint and electrical specifications.

Substiute Parts

PIC17C44-16I/PQ

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 913PIC17C44-16I/PQ Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PIC18F4420-I/PT

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 2752PIC18F4420-I/PT Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PIC17C44-16I/PQ is determined by the following critical parameters:

Core compatibility criteria:

• PIC processor architecture (8-bit)
• 44-pin QFP package footprint (10x10mm)
• Surface mount configuration
• Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C)
• RoHS3 compliance

Functional compatibility criteria:

• Minimum 16KB program memory
• Voltage supply range overlap (4.5V ~ 6V for original; substitute must operate within or encompass this range)
• I/O pin count equal to or greater than 33
• UART/USART connectivity

The PIC18F4420-I/PT qualifies as a substitute because it maintains the same 44-pin QFP package, operates within compatible voltage ranges (4.2V ~ 5.5V overlaps with 4.5V ~ 6V), provides equal program memory (16KB), exceeds I/O requirements (36 pins vs. 33), and maintains RoHS3 compliance. The upgrade from OTP to FLASH memory and increased processing speed (40MHz vs. 16MHz) represent functional enhancements rather than incompatibilities.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

PIC18F4420-I/PT substitution is valid based on:

• Both devices maintain Active product status from Microchip Technology
• Both achieve ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected classification
• Identical operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C)
• Identical 44-pin QFP package footprint enabling direct PCB compatibility
• Voltage supply ranges overlap within the 4.5V ~ 5.5V window
• Program memory capacity is identical (16KB)
• I/O pin count exceeds original specification (36 vs. 33)

Design considerations:

The PIC18F4420-I/PT introduces FLASH memory versus OTP, enabling field reprogramming. The increased clock speed (40MHz vs. 16MHz) and expanded RAM (768 x 8 vs. 454 x 8) provide performance headroom. Additional connectivity options (I2C, SPI) and integrated analog-to-digital conversion (13x10-bit) represent functional enhancements. Firmware compatibility requires validation due to architectural differences between PIC17C and PIC18F series, though both maintain 8-bit core compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PIC18F4420-I/PT be used as a direct drop-in replacement for PIC17C44-16I/PQ?

A: Physical compatibility is confirmed through identical 44-pin QFP package footprint. Electrical compatibility is confirmed through overlapping voltage supply ranges and identical operating temperature specifications. Firmware compatibility requires code review and testing due to instruction set differences between PIC17C and PIC18F architectures.

Q: What are the key differences between OTP and FLASH memory in these devices?

A: OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory in the PIC17C44-16I/PQ is programmed once during manufacturing and cannot be altered. FLASH memory in the PIC18F4420-I/PT permits multiple reprogramming cycles, enabling field updates and development flexibility.

Q: Does the increased clock speed of the PIC18F4420-I/PT affect power consumption?

A: Higher clock speed typically increases dynamic power consumption. The PIC18F4420-I/PT operates at 40MHz versus 16MHz in the original device. Power profile analysis is required for battery-powered or power-constrained applications.

Q: Are the I/O pin counts compatible?

A: The PIC18F4420-I/PT provides 36 I/O pins compared to 33 in the PIC17C44-16I/PQ. This represents a functional enhancement. Designs utilizing fewer than 36 pins remain compatible; designs requiring all 36 pins gain additional I/O capacity.

Q: What connectivity improvements does the substitute part offer?

A: The PIC18F4420-I/PT adds I2C and SPI interfaces alongside the UART/USART present in both devices. It also integrates 13-channel 10-bit analog-to-digital conversion, absent in the original PIC17C44-16I/PQ.

Q: Are both devices RoHS compliant?

A: Both the PIC17C44-16I/PQ and PIC18F4420-I/PT are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.