Diodes Incorporated PI7C9X760BCLE

Overview

PI7C9X760BCLE from Diodes Incorporated is an I²C-bus/SPI-to-UART bridge controller with single-channel full-duplex UART, 64-byte TX/RX FIFOs, 16 Mbps max baud rate (4× sampling), and backward compatibility with 16C450 register sets. It supports industrial computing and embedded systems requiring protocol translation between microcontroller buses and RS-232/RS-485 physical layers.

For engineers reviewing the PI7C9X760BCLE datasheet, PI7C9X760BCLE pinout, PI7C9X760BCLE application, or PI7C9X760BCLE equivalent, key selection considerations include dual-interface flexibility (I²C or SPI), hardware/software flow control support, RS-485 auto-direction control, IrDA SIR up to 1.152 Mbps, and eight programmable GPIOs for system integration.

Technical Context

The PI7C9X760BCLE implements a register-compatible UART core with enhanced FIFO management, supporting both I²C-bus (fast-mode, up to 400 kHz) and SPI (mode 0, slave-only, up to 33 MHz) host interfaces. Its internal clocking accepts crystal (up to 24 MHz) or external clock (up to 64 MHz) inputs, enabling precise fractional baud rate generation via 16-bit divisor.

It integrates dedicated hardware logic for automatic RS-485 driver direction control via RTS, built-in IrDA encoder/decoder for SIR compliance, and independent programmable trigger levels for RX/TX FIFO interrupts. The device supports software reset independent of hardware RESET pin, and maintains full 16C450 register mapping for legacy driver reuse.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The PI7C9X760BCLE is housed in a 24-pin TQFN (ZD) package with 0.5 mm pitch and an exposed center thermal pad that must be connected to PCB ground. Pin 1 index area is marked on top-side silkscreen; the center pad is electrically VSS and requires solder connection for thermal and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART bridge applications.

Compared with SC16IS752IPW and MAX3107EEG+, the PI7C9X760BCLE uniquely combines dual-interface flexibility (I²C/SPI), RS-485 auto-direction, IrDA SIR, and eight GPIOs-making it optimal for heterogeneous industrial gateways requiring minimal external components and maximum protocol adaptability.

Availability

PI7C9X760BCLE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial computing, factory process control, and embedded applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant green packaging.

Supply support for PI7C9X760BCLE 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 manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and integrated circuits, specializing in high-performance analog, logic, and interface solutions for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

The PI7C9X760BCLE belongs to Diodes' UART bridge product line, designed specifically to simplify microcontroller-to-serial peripheral interfacing in space- and power-constrained embedded systems with mixed-bus architectures.

FAQ

What interface modes does the PI7C9X760BCLE support, and how is mode selection implemented?

The PI7C9X760BCLE supports both I²C-bus (fast-mode, up to 400 kHz) and SPI (mode 0, slave-only, up to 33 MHz) host interfaces. Mode selection is controlled by the logic level on the I2C/SPI pin: HIGH selects I²C mode (with SDA/SCL functionality), LOW selects SPI mode (with CS/SI/SO/SCLK). This pin must be set at power-up and cannot be changed dynamically during operation.

How does the PI7C9X760BCLE handle RS-485 driver direction control without external circuitry?

The PI7C9X760BCLE uses its RTS output pin to directly control RS-485 transceiver direction. When Auto-RTS is enabled (EFR[6]), RTS asserts low when the RX FIFO has space and de-asserts when full-automatically enabling/disabling the driver. Direction inversion is configurable via a dedicated register bit, eliminating need for external MOSFETs or logic gates.

Can the PI7C9X760BCLE operate from a 1.8 V supply, and what impact does voltage have on GPIO and interface performance?

Yes, the PI7C9X760BCLE operates across 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V supplies. At 1.8 V, GPIO drive strength and I²C pull-up resistor values (1.5 kΩ recommended) are adjusted per datasheet guidance; SPI timing margins remain compliant at 33 MHz. All logic thresholds scale with VDD, ensuring robust interface interoperability without level shifters.

What is the role of the center thermal pad in the TQFN package, and is it electrically connected?

The exposed center pad on the PI7C9X760BCLE's TQFN package is metallic and electrically connected to VSS (ground). It must be soldered to a PCB copper pour tied to system ground for thermal dissipation and noise immunity. Leaving it unconnected degrades thermal performance and may cause instability under sustained UART transmit load.