NXP Semiconductors SC16C2550BIBS,151
- Part No.:
- SC16C2550BIBS,151
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
SC16C2550BIBS,151.pdf
- Description:
- SERIAL I/O CONTROLLER, 2 CHANNEL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SC16C2550BIBS from NXP Semiconductors is a dual-channel 5 V / 3.3 V / 2.5 V UART IC supporting up to 5 Mbit/s data rate, featuring independent 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs, programmable baud rate generators, and full modem control (CTS/RTS/DSR/DTR/RI/CD) for industrial serial communication systems.
For engineers reviewing the SC16C2550BIBS datasheet, SC16C2550BIBS pinout, SC16C2550BIBS application, or SC16C2550BIBS equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specifications, HVQFN32 package mapping, functional UART channel A/B separation, DMA-ready TXRDY/RXRDY signaling, and real-world integration guidance for embedded host interfaces requiring low-CPU-overhead serial I/O.
Technical Context
The SC16C2550BIBS implements two fully independent UART channels (A and B), each with dedicated register sets, address decoding (A0–A2), chip selects (CSA/CSB), and interrupt outputs (INTA/INTB). Its architecture supports simultaneous asynchronous serial communication with configurable character framing (5–8 bits, 1/1.5/2 stop bits, even/odd/no parity) and false start-bit detection.
It integrates dual 16-byte FIFOs with four selectable receive trigger levels (1/4/8/14 bytes), time-out interrupt logic, and hardware flow control via RTS/CTS. The programmable baud rate generator accepts up to 80 MHz clock input and divides by 1–65535 to achieve DC–5 Mbit/s rates - 5 Mbit/s at 5 V/3.3 V, 3 Mbit/s at 2.5 V - with support for both crystal (XTAL1/XTAL2) and external clock modes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Channels | Dual independent UARTs (A and B), each with separate registers, interrupts, and modem control signals. |
| Max Data Rate | 5 Mbit/s at 5 V or 3.3 V supply; 3 Mbit/s at 2.5 V - enables high-speed modem and industrial link interfacing. |
| FIFO Depth | 16-byte transmit and 16-byte receive FIFO per channel - reduces CPU polling frequency and interrupt load by >15× vs legacy 1-byte buffers. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V operation - supports mixed-voltage system integration without level-shifting. |
| Interface Logic | 3-state TTL-compatible data bus (D0–D7) and control lines (IOR/IOW/RESET) - directly interfaces with 8-bit microcontrollers and FPGAs. |
| Modem Support | Full hardware handshaking: CTS/RTS/DSR/DTR/RI/CD per channel - enables robust RS-232/RS-485 modem and terminal emulation. |
| Package | HVQFN32 (5 × 5 × 0.85 mm, no leads) - compact thermal-enhanced footprint for space-constrained industrial PCBs. |
Pinout & Package
HVQFN32 package: 32-terminal plastic thermal-enhanced very thin quad flat package, body size 5 × 5 × 0.85 mm, leadless construction with exposed thermal pad (SOT617-1).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0–A2 | Address select inputs | Select internal register address (0–7) for read/write access to THR/RHR/IER/FCR/LCR/MCR/MSR/SPR. |
| CSA / CSB | Channel-select chip enables | Active-low enables for UART A or B - allows independent configuration and data transfer without bus contention. |
| D0–D7 | Bidirectional 8-bit data bus | 3-state TTL interface to CPU/FPGA; transfers register contents, transmit data, and received data. |
| INTA / INTB | Channel-specific interrupt outputs | Active-low, 3-state signals indicating RX/TX/line/modem events per channel - supports prioritized ISR handling. |
| IOR / IOW | Read/write strobes | Active-low controls data direction on D0–D7; synchronized with A0–A2 to latch register reads/writes. |
| TXA / TXB | Transmit serial outputs | Logic-level UART outputs (A and B) - connect to line drivers (e.g., MAX3232) for RS-232 physical layer. |
| RXA / RXB | Receive serial inputs | Logic-level UART inputs (A and B) - accept signals from line receivers; disabled during internal loopback mode. |
| RTSA / RTSB | Request-to-send outputs | Active-low modem control outputs - indicate data readiness to external modems or transceivers. |
| CTSA / CTSB | Clear-to-send inputs | Active-low modem status inputs - gate transmission when external device is ready to accept data. |
| RESET | Active-high reset | Initializes all registers, disables TX/RX outputs, clears FIFOs - required for deterministic power-on behavior. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Clock input/output | Supports crystal oscillator (1.8432 MHz–80 MHz) or external clock source - configures baud rate generator precision. |
| VCC / GND | Power supply pins | Single-supply operation at 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V - eliminates need for multiple rail regulators in multi-voltage designs. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Independent TX/RX baud rate control | Each channel uses its own divisor (DLL/DLM) - enables asymmetric full-duplex links (e.g., 115.2 kbit/s RX / 921.6 kbit/s TX). |
| Four-level RX FIFO trigger | Selectable thresholds (1/4/8/14 bytes) - optimizes interrupt latency vs. CPU bandwidth trade-off in multi-channel systems. |
| Internal loopback diagnostics | Hardware self-test path connects TX output to RX input internally - validates UART functionality without external cabling or loopback cables. |
| DMA-ready signaling | TXRDYA/TXRDYB and RXRDYA/RXRDYB outputs - enable block-mode data transfers with minimal CPU intervention in high-throughput applications. |
| Software compatibility | Power-up defaults match ST16C2450; register map compatible with INS8250/SC16C550 - simplifies firmware migration and driver reuse. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Serial Gateway | Medical Device RS-232 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connects microcontroller to multiple legacy RS-232 field devices (sensors, actuators, HMIs) over isolated serial buses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual UART bridges parallel CPU bus to two independent serial streams with hardware flow control and FIFO buffering. Use Value: 16-byte FIFOs reduce interrupt frequency from ~10 kHz to <700 Hz at 115.2 kbit/s, freeing CPU cycles for real-time control tasks. |
Use Scenario: Enables bidirectional diagnostic logging and firmware updates between embedded ARM host and external clinical analyzers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides two isolated, ESD-hardened UART paths with precise baud rate generation for FDA-compliant data integrity. Use Value: Independent TX/RX clocking ensures accurate timing for time-stamped patient data packets, even under variable load conditions. |
| POS Terminal Multi-Port Hub | Telecom Baseband Modem Interface |
Use Scenario: Aggregates serial traffic from barcode scanner, receipt printer, and PIN pad onto single host processor bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel UART with RTS/CTS handshaking manages concurrent peripheral I/O without data loss or overrun. Use Value: Four RX FIFO trigger levels allow fine-tuning of interrupt response to match bursty peripheral traffic patterns (e.g., scanner scan bursts). |
Use Scenario: Interfaces baseband processor to V.34/V.90 analog modems requiring high-speed synchronous data exchange. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed UART (up to 5 Mbit/s) with DMA signaling offloads serial protocol handling from DSP core. Use Value: Supports 460.8 kbit/s modem data rates using standard 1.8432 MHz crystal - eliminates need for custom clock synthesis. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual UART applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC16C2550BIA44 | Same die, PLCC44 package (SOT187-2); larger footprint, through-hole mountable; no thermal pad. | Suitable for prototyping, legacy board upgrades, or environments requiring mechanical robustness over miniaturization. | Select SC16C2550BIA44 when board rework, manual soldering, or socket-based testing is required. |
| SC16C2550BIB48 | Same die, LQFP48 package (SOT313-2); 48-pin, 7×7 mm body; includes RXRDY/TXRDY pins not present in HVQFN32 variant. | Preferred for new designs needing full DMA signaling capability and higher pin count for debug/test access. | Choose SC16C2550BIB48 when RXRDY/TXRDY outputs are required for DMA controller integration. |
Compared with SC16C2550BIA44 and SC16C2550BIB48, the SC16C2550BIBS offers the smallest footprint and best thermal performance in HVQFN32, but omits RXRDY/TXRDY pins - making it optimal for space-constrained, cost-sensitive industrial modules where DMA is handled via interrupts.
Availability
SC16C2550BIBS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC gateways, medical device serial interfaces, POS terminal hubs, telecom modem interfaces, and embedded test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for SC16C2550BIBS 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in mixed-signal and interface IC design.
The SC16C2550BIBS belongs to NXP's legacy UART product line, engineered for high-reliability serial communication in harsh industrial environments - emphasizing low-power operation, wide voltage range, and long-term supply stability.
FAQ
What voltage levels does the SC16C2550BIBS support, and are level shifters required?
The SC16C2550BIBS operates natively at 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V supply - all I/O pins (D0–D7, CSA, CSB, IOR, IOW, etc.) are 5 V tolerant only on input pins (per datasheet Table 23), but output drive strength and logic thresholds scale with VCC. No external level shifters are needed when interfacing with matching-voltage microcontrollers or FPGAs; however, RS-232 line drivers (e.g., MAX3232) must be used for physical-layer compliance.
How does the SC16C2550BIBS handle dual UART channel addressing and register access?
The SC16C2550BIBS uses CSA and CSB pins to select UART A or B independently. Address bits A0–A2 decode internal registers (THR/RHR/IER/FCR/LCR/MCR/MSR/SPR) within each channel. When CSA = 0 and CSB = 1, only UART A responds; when CSB = 0 and CSA = 1, only UART B responds; both can be active simultaneously if bus arbitration is managed externally. Register access follows standard 8-bit parallel protocol with IOR/IOW strobes.
Does the SC16C2550BIBS support true independent transmit and receive baud rates per channel?
Yes - the SC16C2550BIBS provides fully independent baud rate generators for TX and RX on each channel via separate DLL/DLM register pairs. This allows asymmetric full-duplex operation (e.g., UART A transmitting at 921.6 kbit/s while receiving at 115.2 kbit/s), critical for modem protocols and proprietary serial link layers where upstream/downstream rates differ.
What is the function of OP2A and OP2B pins on the SC16C2550BIBS, and how are they configured?
OP2A and OP2B are user-defined open-drain outputs controlled by MCR[3] bit. When MCR[3] = 1, OP2n is driven low and INTAn/INTBn are enabled; when MCR[3] = 0, OP2n is pulled high (via external resistor) and INTAn/INTBn enter 3-state mode. These pins provide flexible signal routing for system-level interrupt multiplexing or status indication - but cannot be used simultaneously with INTA/INTB on the same channel.
Can the SC16C2550BIBS operate without an external crystal, and what clock sources are supported?
Yes - the SC16C2550BIBS supports both crystal oscillator mode (1.8432 MHz to 80 MHz across XTAL1/XTAL2) and external clock mode (applied to XTAL1 only, with XTAL2 left open or tied to VCC via 2 kΩ). Crystal mode enables precise baud rate accuracy; external clock mode allows synchronization to system clocks or jitter-reduced sources - both configure the same 16× baud rate generator with divisors 1–65535.
SC16C2550BIBS,151 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Features:
- -
- Number of Channels:
- 2, DUART
- FIFO's:
- 16 Byte
- Protocol:
- -
- Data Rate (Max):
- 5Mbps
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V, 3.3V, 5V
- With Auto Flow Control:
- Yes
- With IrDA Encoder/Decoder:
- -
- With False Start Bit Detection:
- Yes
- With Modem Control:
- Yes
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-HVQFN (5x5)
SC16C2550BIBS,151 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SC16C2550BIBS,151 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SC16C2550BIBS,151 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 SC16C2550BIBS,151 reliable?
The price and inventory of SC16C2550BIBS,151 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SC16C2550BIBS,151 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SC16C2550BIBS,151?
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SC16C2550BIBS,151 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SC16C2550BIBS,151 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 SC16C2550BIBS,151?
For technical support, including SC16C2550BIBS,151 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SC16C2550BIBS,151 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SC16C2550BIBS,151 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SC16C2550BIBS,151 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 SC16C2550BIBS,151 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SC16C2550BIBS,151?
All SC16C2550BIBS,151 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SC16C2550BIBS,151, 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 SC16C2550BIBS,151 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SC16C2550BIBS,151:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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