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Microchip Technology MCP2120-I/SL
- Part No.:
- MCP2120-I/SL
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Encoders, Decoders, Converters
- Package:
- 14-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP2120-I/SL.pdf
- Description:
- IC ENCODR/DECODR 2.5V IR 14-SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,335
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Product details
Overview
MCP2120-I/SL from Microchip Technology is a standalone IrDA 1.3-compliant infrared encoder/decoder IC that bridges UART interfaces and IR optical transceivers. It supports hardware- or software-selectable baud rates up to 115.2 kbaud (IrDA standard) and 312.5 kbaud (at 20 MHz), operates from 2.5–5.5 V, consumes <1 mA at 3.3 V/8 MHz, and features low-power disable mode via EN pin. It is used in portable computing peripherals for cable-free data exchange.
For engineers reviewing the MCP2120-I/SL datasheet, MCP2120-I/SL pinout, MCP2120-I/SL application, or MCP2120-I/SL equivalent, key selection criteria include IrDA 1.3 physical layer compliance, 14-pin SOIC packaging, UART-to-IR modulation/demodulation timing accuracy (±1% baud error), 1.6 µs minimum TXIR pulse width, and support for both microcontroller UARTs and legacy 16550 UARTs.
Technical Context
The MCP2120-I/SL implements fixed-frequency bit-clock generation (16 BITCLKs per bit time) derived from an external crystal or clock source on OSC1/OSC2, enabling precise IrDA-compliant modulation and demodulation. Its half-duplex UART interface requires matched baud rates between controller and device, with jitter-controlled edge placement on RX and TXIR signals.
Hardware baud selection uses TTL-level BAUD2:BAUD0 pins to configure one of five standard rates (e.g., 9600–115.2 kbaud); software mode (BAUD2:BAUD0 = 111) allows dynamic reconfiguration via hex commands (0x81–0x87) sent over the UART. MODE pin toggles between Data Mode (active encode/decode) and Command Mode (echo-only).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| IrDA Compliance | IrDA Physical Layer Specification v1.3 - ensures interoperability with certified IR transceivers and host systems. |
| Max Baud Rate | 312.5 kbaud at 20 MHz - enables high-speed short-range wireless data transfer beyond standard IrDA limits. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5–5.5 V - supports dual-voltage operation across 3.3 V and 5 V embedded systems without level shifting. |
| Quiescent Current | <1 mA @ 3.3 V, 8 MHz - minimizes power draw in battery-powered handheld devices during active communication. |
| TXIR Pulse Width | ≥1.6 µs (min) - meets IrDA 1.3 specification for reliable detection by compliant optical receivers. |
| Disable Current | 0.25 µA @ 3.0 V - enables ultra-low-power sleep state when EN pin is low, critical for energy-constrained designs. |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial environments including automotive infotainment and medical portables. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 14-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), Pb-free, surface-mount compatible.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Positive supply rail | Primary power input for logic and I/O; must be decoupled near pin with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor. |
| OSC1/CLKIN | Clock source input | Accepts crystal (1–20 MHz) or external CMOS clock; determines BITCLK frequency and baud rate accuracy. |
| OSC2 | Clock oscillator output | Drives crystal in parallel-resonant configuration; load capacitance ≤15 pF when external clock used. |
| RESET | Active-low reset input | Asynchronous reset with 2 µs output hi-z delay; requires ≥2 µs low pulse to initiate Device Reset Timer (9–30 ms). |
| RXIR | IR transceiver receive input | Schmitt-triggered input for demodulated IR signal; interprets 16-BITCLK timing to reconstruct UART data. |
| TXIR | IR transceiver transmit output | Open-drain-compatible output driving IR LED driver; modulates UART data into 1.6 µs+ pulse format per IrDA spec. |
| MODE | Software baud mode select | TTL input; low = Command Mode (echo only), high = Data Mode (full encode/decode active). |
| BAUD2–BAUD0 | Baud rate configuration inputs | TTL inputs selecting one of five hardware baud rates or enabling software mode (111). |
| RX | UART receive output | CMOS-level output delivering decoded serial data to controller UART; matches controller's RX pin voltage domain. |
| TX | UART transmit input | TTL-level input accepting serial data from controller UART; requires matching baud rate and start/stop framing. |
| EN | Enable/disable control | Active-high enable; pulling low disables internal logic and reduces current to sub-µA level for power gating. |
| VSS | Ground reference | Common return path for all logic and I/O; must be low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| IrDA 1.3 Physical Layer Compliance | Guarantees interoperability with certified IR transceivers and host stacks without protocol translation firmware. |
| Hardware + Software Baud Selection | Five fixed hardware rates plus dynamic software reconfiguration enables flexible integration with varying UART clocks. |
| 16-BITCLK Bit Timing Precision | Ensures ±1% baud rate error tolerance and stable start-bit detection under jitter conditions per IrDA timing specs. |
| Low-Power Disable Mode | Reduces supply current to 0.25 µA, allowing use in always-on IR receivers with multi-year battery life. |
| Half-Duplex UART Interface | Eliminates need for separate TX/RX lines to controller; simplifies PCB routing and reduces MCU pin count requirements. |
Applications
| Portable Computing Peripherals | Industrial Handheld Terminals |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Wireless file transfer between laptops and PDAs using built-in IrDA ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone encoder/decoder translating UART frames into IrDA-compliant 1.6 µs pulse-modulated signals. Use Value: Enables cable-free, secure, line-of-sight data exchange at up to 115.2 kbaud without host CPU involvement in modulation. |
Use Scenario: Barcode scanner synchronization with warehouse management tablets via IR link. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bridge between microcontroller UART and IR transceiver, handling real-time encoding/decoding with <1 bit-time echo skew. Use Value: Provides deterministic latency (<100 ns rise/fall times) and robust noise immunity in electrically noisy factory environments. |
| Medical Diagnostic Devices | Automotive Infotainment Systems |
|
Use Scenario: Secure patient data upload from portable ECG monitor to clinic PC via IR docking cradle. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolates sensitive analog front-end from digital communication path while maintaining IrDA 1.3 timing integrity. Use Value: Meets medical EMC requirements through low EMI emission (CMOS static design) and 2.5–5.5 V operation across battery discharge curves. |
Use Scenario: Contactless audio track selection between smartphone and car stereo using IR remote emulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Translates UART commands from MCU into standardized IrDA pulses compatible with legacy IR receiver modules. Use Value: Supports wide temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and withstands automotive load dump transients via 7 V absolute max VDD rating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar infrared encoder/decoder applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3221ECAI+T | RS-232 transceiver with integrated charge pump; no IR encoding capability - requires external modulation logic. | Designed for wired serial links only; cannot replace MCP2120-I/SL in IrDA systems without redesign. | Select only if migrating from IR to wired RS-232 connectivity and board layout permits added discrete modulation circuitry. |
| STIR2106BTR | Single-chip IrDA encoder/decoder with integrated transceiver driver; supports same IrDA 1.3 timing but lacks software baud mode. | Fixed hardware baud selection only; no command-mode echo or dynamic rate switching via UART. | Choose when simplified design with minimal firmware interaction is prioritized over runtime baud flexibility. |
Compared with MAX3221ECAI+T and STIR2106BTR, the MCP2120-I/SL uniquely combines IrDA 1.3 compliance, dual-mode (hardware/software) baud configuration, and ultra-low-power disable - making it optimal for portable devices requiring field-upgradable IR communication without hardware changes.
Availability
MCP2120-I/SL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable computing peripherals, industrial handheld terminals, medical diagnostic devices, and automotive infotainment systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MCP2120-I/SL includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Microchip Technology is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and connectivity solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global manufacturing and support infrastructure.
The MCP2120-I/SL belongs to Microchip's infrared communications product line, designed specifically to simplify IrDA 1.3 implementation in cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems without requiring dedicated protocol stacks or FPGA resources.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the MCP2120-I/SL in an embedded system?
The MCP2120-I/SL serves as a dedicated IrDA 1.3-compliant infrared encoder/decoder, converting UART serial data into modulated IR pulses for transmission and demodulating received IR signals back into UART frames. It offloads timing-critical IrDA physical layer processing from the host microcontroller, enabling reliable wireless communication without firmware-based modulation logic. The MCP2120-I/SL handles all IrDA-specific waveform generation and recovery, including 16-BITCLK timing, start-bit detection, and pulse-width compliance.
Does the MCP2120-I/SL support both 3.3 V and 5 V operation?
Yes, the MCP2120-I/SL operates across a supply voltage range of 2.5 V to 5.5 V, making it fully compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V logic systems. At 3.3 V, typical supply current is <1 mA at 8 MHz, while at 5.0 V, disabled current remains below 0.4 µA. Input thresholds are TTL- and Schmitt-trigger-compatible, ensuring robust interfacing with mixed-voltage UART peripherals without level shifters. The MCP2120-I/SL maintains full IrDA 1.3 timing compliance across this entire voltage range.
How does baud rate selection work on the MCP2120-I/SL?
The MCP2120-I/SL supports two independent baud rate selection methods: hardware (via BAUD2:BAUD0 pins) and software (via UART command). Hardware mode offers five fixed rates (e.g., 9600–115.2 kbaud) determined by pin states; software mode (BAUD2:BAUD0 = 111) accepts hex commands (0x81–0x87) to dynamically set rates up to 312.5 kbaud. Both modes maintain ±1% baud accuracy. The MCP2120-I/SL applies new software rates after the stop bit of the echoed command, ensuring glitch-free transitions without UART frame corruption.
What is the role of the MODE pin on the MCP2120-I/SL?
The MODE pin on the MCP2120-I/SL selects between Data Mode (MODE = high) and Command Mode (MODE = low). In Data Mode, the device performs full UART-to-IR encoding and IR-to-UART decoding. In Command Mode, all received UART data is echoed back with <1 bit-time skew, enabling baud rate reconfiguration and diagnostics without interrupting the host UART flow. This dual-mode operation allows in-system updates and debug visibility. The MCP2120-I/SL returns to Data Mode immediately upon MODE going high, resuming normal encode/decode functionality.
Can the MCP2120-I/SL be used with microcontrollers lacking native IrDA support?
Yes, the MCP2120-I/SL is explicitly designed to add IrDA 1.3 capability to any microcontroller with a standard UART, including legacy 8051, PIC, ARM Cortex-M0, and RISC-V cores. It requires no special UART features-only asynchronous TX/RX lines, GPIO for EN/MODE/RESET, and three BAUD pins for hardware configuration. The MCP2120-I/SL handles all IrDA-specific timing, modulation, and demodulation, eliminating the need for bit-banged firmware or protocol stack integration. Its 14-pin SOIC package simplifies drop-in replacement in existing UART-based designs.
MCP2120-I/SL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 14-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Infrared Encoder/Decoder
- Applications:
- -
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- 2.5V ~ 5.5V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 2.5V ~ 5.5V
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 14-SOIC
MCP2120-I/SL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP2120-I/SL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP2120-I/SL on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MCP2120-I/SL reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP2120-I/SL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP2120-I/SL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP2120-I/SL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP2120-I/SL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP2120-I/SL?
MCP2120-I/SL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP2120-I/SL order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MCP2120-I/SL?
For technical support, including MCP2120-I/SL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP2120-I/SL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP2120-I/SL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP2120-I/SL products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MCP2120-I/SL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP2120-I/SL?
All MCP2120-I/SL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP2120-I/SL, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MCP2120-I/SL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP2120-I/SL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MCP2120-I/SL Tags
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MCP2120T-I/SL
Microchip Technology
-
LICAL-ENC-MS001
TE Connectivity Linx
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TW9990AT-NA1-GR
Renesas
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TVP5151IPBSR
Texas Instruments
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TVP5150AM1IPBSR
Texas Instruments
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LICAL-DEC-MS001-T
TE Connectivity Linx
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ADV7391BCPZ
Analog Devices Inc.
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ADV7393BCPZ-REEL
Analog Devices Inc.
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ADV7393BCPZ
Analog Devices Inc.
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ADV7391WBCPZ
Analog Devices Inc.
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ADV7181DBCPZ
Analog Devices Inc.
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ADV7181CBSTZ-REEL
Analog Devices Inc.
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