Diodes Incorporated PI7C9X1170BCLE
- Part No.:
- PI7C9X1170BCLE
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Controllers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
PI7C9X1170BCLE.pdf
- Description:
- IC SPI TO UART BRDG 16TSSOP 96PC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,015
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Product details
Overview
PI7C9X1170BCLE from Diodes Incorporated is an I²C-bus/SPI-to-UART bridge controller implementing a single-channel, full-duplex UART with 64-byte TX/RX FIFOs, backward-compatible register mapping to the 16C450, and support for baud rates up to 16 Mbit/s (4× sampling) or 33 Mbps SPI interface. It operates across 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V supply rails and integrates eight programmable GPIOs, RS-485 direction control, and IrDA SIR encoding/decoding - deployed in industrial computing and battery-powered embedded systems.
For engineers reviewing the PI7C9X1170BCLE datasheet, PI7C9X1170BCLE pinout, PI7C9X1170BCLE application, or PI7C9X1170BCLE equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-interface flexibility (I²C or SPI host-side), hardware/software flow control implementation, fractional baud rate generation, automatic RS-485 half-duplex control via RTS, and compatibility with legacy 16C450 register access patterns in firmware.
Technical Context
The PI7C9X1170BCLE implements a register-compatible UART core with enhanced FIFO management, supporting both I²C-bus (fast-mode, slave-only) and SPI (mode 0, slave-only) host interfaces. Its internal clocking accepts crystal (up to 24 MHz) or external clock (up to 64 MHz), enabling precise baud rate synthesis via a 16-bit programmable divisor.
It delivers full bidirectional protocol conversion between serial peripheral buses and RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 physical layers, with dedicated logic for auto RTS/CTS flow control, RS-485 driver direction assertion/reversal, and IrDA SIR (115.2 kbps standard, optional 1.152 Mbps). The device supports software-initiated reset independent of hardware RESET#.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Interface Support | I²C-bus (fast-mode, slave-only) or SPI (mode 0, slave-only); interface selected by I2C/SPI# pin level |
| FIFO Depth | 64-byte transmit and receive FIFOs with independently programmable trigger levels for interrupt generation |
| Baud Rate Range | Up to 16 Mbit/s using 4× oversampling; fractional divisor enables precise timing alignment with non-integer clock sources |
| GPIO Count | Eight user-programmable general-purpose I/O pins, configurable as inputs, outputs, or modem control signals (DSR#, DTR#, CD#, RI#) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.62 V to 3.6 V operation - supports 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V logic domains without level shifters |
| IrDA Support | Built-in encoder/decoder for IrDA SIR at 115.2 kbps (standard) or 1.152 Mbps (optional mode) |
| RS-485 Control | Hardware-driven RTS-based direction control with polarity inversion option for direct integration into half-duplex bus systems |
Pinout & Package
PI7C9X1170BCLE is housed in a 24-pin TQFN (ZD) package with exposed thermal pad (non-electrical, must be soldered to PCB ground plane). Pin numbering follows top-side view with pin 1 at top-left corner.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 VDD | Power supply input | 1.62–3.6 V main supply; decoupling capacitor required near pin |
| 2 A0/CS# | I²C address select / SPI chip select | Active-low SPI CS when I2C/SPI# = LOW; sets LSB of I²C address when HIGH |
| 3 A1/S1 | I²C address select / SPI data input | MSB of I²C address when I2C/SPI# = HIGH; SPI MOSI when LOW |
| 4 I2C/SPI# | Interface mode select | HIGH = I²C mode; LOW = SPI mode - determines function of SDA/SO/SI/SCL pins |
| 5 RX | UART receive input | Logic-HIGH idle; supports standard UART and inverted IrDA receive modes |
| 6 TX | UART transmit output | Logic-HIGH idle in UART mode; logic-LOW idle in IrDA mode |
| 14 IRQ# | Interrupt request output | Open-drain, active-LOW signal indicating pending interrupt (7 priority levels) |
| 15 RTS# | Request-to-send output | Auto-controlled for hardware flow or RS-485 direction; polarity invertible via register |
| 17 GPIO4/DSR# | GPIO or Data Set Ready input | Configurable as general-purpose I/O or modem status input (active-LOW) |
| 19 CTS# | Clear-to-send input | Auto-monitored for hardware flow control; also usable as general-purpose input |
| 22 VDD | Secondary power supply input | Same voltage domain as pin 1; both require local decoupling |
| 23 GND | Ground reference | Primary ground connection; connects to thermal pad on underside |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 16C450 Register Compatibility | Full backward register mapping enables drop-in replacement in legacy firmware without driver modification |
| Programmable Baud Rate Generator | 16-bit divisor with fractional capability ensures accurate timing across wide clock source variations (e.g., ±0.1% error at 115.2 kbps) |
| Auto RS-485 Direction Control | RTS# output automatically toggles driver enable based on TX activity - eliminates need for external direction logic or timing delays |
| Dual Flow Control Modes | Simultaneous hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (Xon/Xoff) flow control with independent enable/disable per channel |
| Low-Power Standby Operation | Sub-1 µA standby current at 3.3 V enables extended battery life in portable applications |
Applications
| Industrial Process Controller | Smart Meter Communication Module |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Serial communication between PLC CPU and field sensors over RS-485 bus in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Protocol bridge converting I²C commands from microcontroller to RS-485 UART frames with automatic half-duplex direction control. Use Value: Eliminates discrete level shifters and direction logic while maintaining deterministic timing via hardware RTS control and 64-byte FIFO buffering. |
Use Scenario: Bidirectional data exchange between AMI meter SoC and optical/RF communication interface using IrDA or RS-232. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: UART bridge providing IrDA SIR encoding/decoding and software-configurable framing (5–8 bit, parity, stop bits) for legacy protocol compliance. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by integrating IrDA PHY, GPIOs, and flow control - critical for space-constrained meter head designs. |
| Handheld Barcode Scanner | IoT Edge Gateway Serial Adapter |
|
Use Scenario: Host MCU (I²C-connected) communicates with barcode engine via TTL-level UART with strict low-power requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-voltage UART bridge operating at 1.8 V, managing RX/TX FIFOs and generating interrupts only on full/empty thresholds to minimize wake-ups. Use Value: Achieves <1 µA standby current and supports rapid resume from sleep using software reset - extends battery runtime beyond 12 months. |
Use Scenario: Aggregating Modbus RTU, ASCII, and custom sensor protocols over multiple RS-485 ports controlled by ARM Cortex-A processor via SPI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-slave UART bridge enabling concurrent multi-port serial handling with independent FIFO trigger levels and interrupt prioritization. Use Value: Offloads UART state management from host CPU via 7-level interrupt hierarchy and programmable Xon/Xoff character detection. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART bridge applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC16IS752IPW | Two-channel I²C-to-UART with 64-byte FIFOs; no SPI interface; lacks RS-485 direction control and IrDA support | Preferred where dual UARTs are needed but RS-485/IrDA features are unnecessary; requires separate direction logic for half-duplex | Select SC16IS752IPW if multi-port consolidation outweighs need for integrated RS-485 control or IrDA PHY |
| MAX3107EAE+T | Single-channel SPI-to-UART with 128-byte FIFOs; supports 26 MHz max SPI clock; no I²C interface; no GPIOs or RS-485 logic | Suitable for high-throughput SPI hosts needing deeper FIFOs but not requiring I²C compatibility or peripheral control signals | Choose MAX3107EAE+T when SPI bandwidth >33 Mbps is required and GPIO/RS-485 functions are handled externally |
Compared with SC16IS752IPW and MAX3107EAE+T, the PI7C9X1170BCLE uniquely combines dual-interface flexibility (I²C/SPI), integrated RS-485 direction control, IrDA SIR support, and eight GPIOs - reducing system-level component count and firmware complexity in compact, multi-protocol edge devices.
Availability
PI7C9X1170BCLE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process controllers, smart meter communication modules, handheld barcode scanners, and IoT edge gateway serial adapters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant green packaging.
Supply support for PI7C9X1170BCLE 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal ICs for power management, signal integrity, and connectivity applications.
The PI7C9X1170 belongs to Diodes' serial interface bridge product line, engineered for seamless protocol translation between embedded processors and legacy serial peripherals in space- and power-constrained industrial and portable systems.
FAQ
What interface modes does the PI7C9X1170BCLE support, and how is selection implemented?
The PI7C9X1170BCLE supports either I²C-bus (fast-mode, slave-only) or SPI (mode 0, slave-only) as its host-side interface. Selection is determined by the logic level on the dedicated I2C/SPI# pin: HIGH configures I²C mode (with SDA/SCL active), while LOW configures SPI mode (with SO/SI/SCLK/CS# active). This pin must be hardwired during PCB layout and cannot be changed dynamically in operation.
How does the PI7C9X1170BCLE handle RS-485 half-duplex direction control?
The PI7C9X1170BCLE uses its RTS# output to directly control RS-485 transceiver direction. When Auto RTS is enabled, RTS# asserts before transmission begins and deasserts after the last stop bit, synchronized to TX activity. Polarity inversion is supported via register setting, allowing compatibility with both active-HIGH and active-LOW direction-enable inputs on common RS-485 drivers like the MAX13487.
Can the PI7C9X1170BCLE operate from a 1.8 V supply, and what are the implications for I/O voltage levels?
Yes, the PI7C9X1170BCLE operates from 1.62 V to 3.6 V, including 1.8 V nominal supply. All digital I/Os (GPIOs, IRQ#, RTS#, CTS#, etc.) are fully compliant with 1.8 V logic levels - no external level shifters are required when interfacing with 1.8 V microcontrollers. Pull-up resistors on open-drain pins (e.g., IRQ#) must be referenced to the same VDD rail.
What is the role of the center thermal pad on the TQFN package, and how should it be handled in PCB layout?
The center thermal pad on the PI7C9X1170BCLE's 24-pin TQFN package is metallic but electrically isolated from internal circuitry. It must be soldered to the PCB for mechanical stability and thermal dissipation. While not required to connect to GND, doing so improves EMI performance and heat transfer. The PCB thermal pad should match the package pad size, use solder-mask-defined openings, and include at least four thermal vias to inner ground planes.
PI7C9X1170BCLE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Protocol:
- I2C
- Function:
- Bridge, I2C/SPI to UART
- Interface:
- UART
- Standards:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.62V ~ 3.63V
- Current - Supply:
- 6mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
PI7C9X1170BCLE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PI7C9X1170BCLE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PI7C9X1170BCLE 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 PI7C9X1170BCLE reliable?
The price and inventory of PI7C9X1170BCLE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PI7C9X1170BCLE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PI7C9X1170BCLE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PI7C9X1170BCLE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PI7C9X1170BCLE?
PI7C9X1170BCLE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PI7C9X1170BCLE 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 PI7C9X1170BCLE?
For technical support, including PI7C9X1170BCLE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PI7C9X1170BCLE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PI7C9X1170BCLE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PI7C9X1170BCLE 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 PI7C9X1170BCLE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PI7C9X1170BCLE?
All PI7C9X1170BCLE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PI7C9X1170BCLE, 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 PI7C9X1170BCLE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PI7C9X1170BCLE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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