NXP Semiconductors SC16C2550BIN40,112
- Part No.:
- SC16C2550BIN40,112
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- 40-DIP (0.600", 15.24mm)
- Datasheet:
-
SC16C2550BIN40,112.pdf
- Description:
- IC UART DUAL W/FIFO 40-DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SC16C2550BIN40 from NXP Semiconductors is a dual-channel 5 V / 3.3 V / 2.5 V UART IC for asynchronous serial communication, supporting up to 5 Mbit/s at 5 V, featuring independent 16-byte TX/RX FIFOs, programmable baud rate generators, and full modem control (CTS/RTS/DSR/DTR/RI/CD) - deployed in industrial embedded systems requiring high-throughput RS-232/RS-485 interface bridging.
For engineers reviewing the SC16C2550BIN40 datasheet, SC16C2550BIN40 pinout, SC16C2550BIN40 application, or SC16C2550BIN40 equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-channel FIFO depth, voltage-flexible operation (2.5–5 V), DIP40 package compatibility with legacy board layouts, and software compatibility with ST16C2450 and INS8250 register sets.
Technical Context
The SC16C2550BIN40 implements two independent UART channels (A and B), each with dedicated 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs, four selectable RX FIFO interrupt trigger levels (1/4/8/14 bytes), and separate TX/RX baud rate generation via DLL/DLM registers. Its internal loopback mode enables on-chip diagnostics without external cabling.
It supports DMA Mode 0 (interrupt-driven) and DMA Mode 1 (block-transfer via TXRDYA/RXRDYA signals), though those signals are not exposed on the DIP40 package. Modem control logic (MCR/MSR registers) allows full software-configurable RTS/CTS handshaking and carrier detection, with status reporting for framing, parity, overrun, and break errors.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Channels | Dual independent UART A and B, each with full register set and FIFO |
| Max Data Rate | 5 Mbit/s at 5 V or 3.3 V; 3 Mbit/s at 2.5 V - enables high-speed modem and network interface use |
| FIFO Depth | 16-byte TX and RX FIFO per channel - reduces CPU interrupt load by ~15× vs. no-FIFO UARTs at 115.2 kbit/s |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V operation - supports mixed-voltage system integration and legacy 5 V designs |
| Interface Compatibility | Pin- and software-compatible with ST16C2450; register-level compatible with INS8250/SC16C550 - simplifies migration |
| Package | DIP40 (600 mil) - direct drop-in replacement for through-hole legacy designs requiring mechanical robustness |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C industrial range - validated for factory automation and outdoor communications equipment |
Pinout & Package
SC16C2550BIN40 uses a 40-pin plastic dual in-line package (DIP40, 600 mil), designed for through-hole mounting and legacy PCB compatibility. Pin functions are fully defined in NXP's datasheet Rev. 05 (2009), with all 40 pins assigned - including dual UART I/O, address/control bus, modem signals, and power/ground.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| D0–D7 | 8-bit bidirectional data bus | 3-state TTL I/O for CPU parallel interface; D0 = LSB of transmitted/received byte |
| A0–A2 | Register address select | Selects internal register (THR/RHR/IER/FCR/LCR/MCR/etc.) during read/write cycles |
| CSA / CSB | Channel-select chip enable | Active-low enables UART A (CSA=0) or UART B (CSB=0); both high disables both channels |
| IOR / IOW | Read/write strobe | Active-low controls data transfer direction between CPU and selected UART register |
| RXA / RXB | Serial receive input | Asynchronous serial input for channel A/B; high during reset/idle, driven by external transceiver |
| TXA / TXB | Serial transmit output | Asynchronous serial output for channel A/B; high during reset/idle, drives external transceiver |
| RTSA / RTSB | Request-to-send output | Active-low handshake signal indicating channel A/B has data ready for transmission |
| CTSA / CTSB | Clear-to-send input | Active-low handshake signal indicating modem/data set is ready to accept transmit data |
| DTRA / DTRB | Data-terminal-ready output | Active-low indicates UART channel A/B is powered and ready; controlled by MCR[0] |
| DSRA / DSRB | Data-set-ready input | Active-low indicates modem/data set is powered and ready for data exchange |
| CDA / CDB | Carrier-detect input | Active-low indicates valid carrier signal detected by modem on channel A/B |
| RIA / RIB | Ring-indicator input | Active-low indicates telephone line ring signal received; rising edge triggers interrupt |
| INTA / INTB | Interrupt output | Active-low prioritized interrupt for channel A/B; covers RX/TX/line/modem events per IER settings |
| RESET | Asynchronous reset input | Active-high clears all registers, disables TX/RX outputs, and forces default register states |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Crystal oscillator interface | XTAL1 accepts crystal or external clock (up to 80 MHz); XTAL2 is buffered output |
| VCC / GND | Power supply | Single-supply operation at 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V; decoupling required per datasheet layout guidelines |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Independent TX/RX baud rate control | Separate DLL/DLM registers per channel allow asymmetric data rates (e.g., 9600 bps RX / 115.2 kbps TX) |
| Four RX FIFO trigger levels | Configurable interrupt thresholds (1/4/8/14 bytes) optimize latency vs. CPU overhead in multi-channel polling |
| Internal loopback diagnostic mode | Enables full TX/RX path validation without external hardware - critical for field-deployed firmware self-test |
| False start-bit detection | Rejects spurious noise-induced start bits before sampling, improving reliability in electrically noisy industrial environments |
| 3-state TTL drive capability | Allows direct connection to shared CPU data/address buses without external bus transceivers |
| Software-selectable character format | Runtime configuration of 5–8 bit words, 1/1.5/2 stop bits, even/odd/no parity - supports legacy and custom protocols |
Applications
| Industrial Serial Gateway | Legacy Equipment Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connecting PLCs, HMIs, and sensors over RS-232/485 in factory automation cabinets with space-constrained backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual UART bridges parallel CPU bus to two independent serial links, managing simultaneous Modbus RTU and ASCII command streams. Use Value: 16-byte FIFOs reduce interrupt frequency by >90% vs. 16C2450, freeing CPU cycles for real-time motion control tasks. |
Use Scenario: Retrofitting aging test equipment with modern microcontrollers while retaining original DIP40 socketed UART hardware. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pin- and register-compatible drop-in replacement for ST16C2450 in legacy schematics, preserving PCB layout and firmware. Use Value: DIP40 package enables zero-change mechanical integration; 2.5–5 V support allows seamless transition to lower-power MCU subsystems. |
| Multi-Port Terminal Server | Modem Communication Hub |
Use Scenario: Embedded Linux terminal server aggregating console access from 2 servers or network devices via isolated serial ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual UART provides independent full-duplex channels with hardware flow control (RTS/CTS), managed via standard Linux ttyS driver stack. Use Value: Independent baud rate generators allow concurrent 115.2 kbps console logging and 9600 bps debug shell without timing conflict. |
Use Scenario: Cellular or PSTN modem interface in remote telemetry units requiring carrier detection, ring indication, and auto-answer signaling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full modem control (CD/RI/DSR/CTS/RTS/DTR) implemented in hardware, reducing host CPU polling burden. Use Value: Hardware-based carrier detect and ring indicator interrupts enable immediate wake-from-sleep response, extending battery life. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual UART applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC16C2550BIB48 | LQFP48 package; includes RXRDYA/TXRDYA pins for DMA Mode 1; no DIP40 footprint | Suitable for new SMT designs requiring higher pin count and DMA signaling; not mechanically interchangeable | Select when migrating to surface-mount and needing hardware DMA handshaking signals. |
| ST16C2550CJ44 | PLCC44 package; identical register map and FIFO functionality; same 5 Mbit/s max rate; different manufacturer marking | Direct pin-compatible alternative for PLCC-based boards; requires verification of voltage tolerance (3.3 V only) | Choose for PLCC44 layouts where NXP SC16C2550BIA44 is unavailable; confirm 3.3 V supply compliance. |
Compared with SC16C2550BIN40, the SC16C2550BIB48 adds DMA-ready signals but sacrifices through-hole compatibility, while the ST16C2550CJ44 preserves dual UART functionality in PLCC but lacks 2.5 V operation and industrial temp validation.
Availability
SC16C2550BIN40 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial serial gateways, legacy equipment retrofits, multi-port terminal servers, and modem communication hubs requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for SC16C2550BIN40 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 company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
The SC16C2550B belongs to NXP's legacy UART product line, engineered for high-reliability serial interface bridging in industrial control, telecom infrastructure, and embedded instrumentation - emphasizing backward compatibility, wide voltage operation, and diagnostic robustness.
FAQ
What voltage levels does the SC16C2550BIN40 support?
The SC16C2550BIN40 operates at 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V single-supply logic levels, with 5 V tolerance on input-only pins (D0–D7, CSA, CSB, IOR, IOW, RESET, A0–A2, XTAL1). This enables interoperability with mixed-voltage systems and safe integration into legacy 5 V designs without level shifters.
Does the SC16C2550BIN40 support hardware flow control?
Yes, the SC16C2550BIN40 supports full hardware flow control via dedicated RTS/CTS, DTR/DSR, CD, and RI pins for both UART channels. These signals are directly controllable through the Modem Control Register (MCR) and report status in the Modem Status Register (MSR), enabling robust handshaking in modem and industrial serial links.
How does the FIFO functionality improve system performance in the SC16C2550BIN40?
The SC16C2550BIN40 features independent 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs per channel. At 115.2 kbit/s, this extends the CPU interrupt service interval from <100 µs (no-FIFO UART) to 1.53 ms - reducing interrupt overhead by >90% and freeing processor bandwidth for time-critical tasks in embedded applications.
Is the SC16C2550BIN40 pin-compatible with older UARTs?
Yes, the SC16C2550BIN40 is pin-compatible with the ST16C2550 and functionally compatible with the ST16C2450 upon power-up. It maintains identical DIP40 pinout, register mapping, and software interface - allowing direct replacement in existing ST16C2450 designs without PCB or firmware changes.
Can the SC16C2550BIN40 generate custom baud rates?
Yes, the SC16C2550BIN40 includes a programmable baud rate generator with 16× oversampling, supporting divisors from 1 to 65535. By writing values to the DLL (LSB) and DLM (MSB) registers, users can achieve precise custom rates - e.g., 460.8 kbit/s with a 7.3728 MHz crystal - matching high-speed modem and proprietary protocol requirements.
SC16C2550BIN40,112 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 40-DIP (0.600", 15.24mm)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- 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:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 40-DIP
SC16C2550BIN40,112 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SC16C2550BIN40,112 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SC16C2550BIN40,112 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 SC16C2550BIN40,112 reliable?
The price and inventory of SC16C2550BIN40,112 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SC16C2550BIN40,112 is usually 5 days.
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Once your SC16C2550BIN40,112 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 SC16C2550BIN40,112?
For technical support, including SC16C2550BIN40,112 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SC16C2550BIN40,112 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SC16C2550BIN40,112 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SC16C2550BIN40,112 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 SC16C2550BIN40,112 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SC16C2550BIN40,112?
All SC16C2550BIN40,112 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SC16C2550BIN40,112, 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 SC16C2550BIN40,112 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SC16C2550BIN40,112:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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