Microchip PIC17C44-16/L: An Overview of the 8-Bit CMOS Microcontroller

The Microchip PIC17C44-16/L represents a significant member of the PIC17Cxx family of high-performance 8-bit microcontrollers. Fabricated with advanced CMOS technology, this microcontroller is engineered to deliver a powerful blend of computational performance, power efficiency, and peripheral integration, making it suitable for a wide range of demanding embedded control applications.

At the heart of the PIC17C44-16/L lies an optimized RISC CPU core. This core features a 16-bit wide instruction set, enabling most instructions to execute in a single cycle, and a 16-bit wide data path for efficient data handling. Operating at a clock speed of 16 MHz (as denoted by the -16 suffix), it achieves a instruction cycle time of 250 ns, providing the necessary throughput for complex algorithms and real-time control tasks.

A key feature of this microcontroller is its substantial on-chip memory. It is equipped with 8 KB of EPROM program memory, offering ample space for application code, and 454 bytes of RAM for data manipulation and stack operations. This integrated memory architecture simplifies system design by reducing the need for external memory components.

The peripheral set of the PIC17C44-16/L is robust and versatile. It includes a high-performance 16-bit timer/counter with a prescaler and period registers, another 16-bit timer/counter, and an 8-bit timer/counter. For communication, it incorporates a programmable synchronous/asynchronous serial port (USART) for RS-232, RS-485, and other serial protocols. Furthermore, it features an on-chip 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 12 input channels, allowing it to interface directly with analog sensors and signals. With 33 I/O pins, it offers significant flexibility for connecting to switches, displays, and other digital peripherals.

Housed in a 40-pin plastic DIP package (denoted by the /L), it is well-suited for prototyping and production. Its CMOS construction ensures low power consumption, a critical factor for battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC17C44-16/L stands as a powerful, self-contained 8-bit CMOS microcontroller solution. Its blend of a fast RISC CPU, substantial integrated memory, and a rich set of peripherals like the 16-bit timer and on-chip ADC made it a compelling choice for developers designing sophisticated embedded systems in the industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics sectors.

Keywords: 8-Bit Microcontroller, CMOS Technology, RISC Architecture, On-Chip ADC, Embedded Control.