NXP Semiconductors SC16C2550IA44,512
- Part No.:
- SC16C2550IA44,512
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- 44-LCC (J-Lead)
- Datasheet:
-
SC16C2550IA44,512.pdf
- Description:
- IC DUART 5MBPS 44PLCC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SC16C2550IA44,512 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips) is a dual-channel UART IC with 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs, IrDA encoder/decoder, and independent programmable baud rate generators. It operates at 5 V, 3.3 V, or 2.5 V, supports up to 5 Mbits/s data rates, and is housed in a PLCC44 package. It serves as a high-performance serial interface controller in industrial communication gateways requiring reliable multi-channel asynchronous data handling.
For engineers reviewing the SC16C2550IA44,512 datasheet, SC16C2550IA44,512 pinout, SC16C2550IA44,512 application, or SC16C2550IA44,512 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world UART integration constraints, and confirmed alternative options for legacy system upgrades and embedded serial expansion.
Technical Context
The SC16C2550IA44,512 implements two fully independent UART channels (A and B), each with dedicated 16-byte FIFOs, separate register sets, and individual chip select (CSA/CSB) control. Its internal architecture includes a shared 16× clock divider supporting programmable baud rates up to 5 Mbits/s at 5 V, with hardware/software flow control, false start-bit detection, and line break generation/detection.
It features a prioritized interrupt system with independently controllable transmit, receive, line status, and modem interrupts; on-chip diagnostic loop-back mode; and DMA-ready TXRDY/RXRDY signals for PLCC44 package. All registers-including enhanced feature (EFR), Xon/Xoff, and divisor latch (DLL/DLM)-are accessible via 3-bit address decoding (A0–A2) and IOR/IOW strobes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Channels | Dual independent UARTs (A and B) with separate register banks and FIFOs. |
| FIFO depth | 16-byte transmit and 16-byte receive FIFO per channel - reduces CPU interrupt load by extending service intervals from ~93 µs to 1.53 ms at 115.2 kbit/s. |
| Max data rate | 5 Mbits/s at 5 V/3.3 V; 3 Mbits/s at 2.5 V - enables high-speed modem and ISDN interface support. |
| Supply voltage | 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V operation - allows direct integration into mixed-voltage industrial control systems without level-shifting. |
| Interface protocol | Standard asynchronous framing (start/stop/parity bits); software-compatible with INS8250 and SC16C550 - ensures drop-in firmware reuse. |
| Temperature range | Industrial grade (−40 °C to +85 °C) - qualified for deployment in factory automation and outdoor telecom equipment. |
| Crystal input | XTAL1/XTAL2 supports 1.8432 MHz to 80 MHz crystal or external clock - enables precise baud rate generation for custom serial protocols. |
Pinout & Package
SC16C2550IA44,512 is packaged in a 44-lead plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC44), SOT187-2, with gull-wing leads and body dimensions of 16.58 mm × 16.58 mm × 4.57 mm. Pin 1 is located at the index corner adjacent to the notch.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| D0–D7 | Bi-directional 8-bit data bus | 3-State TTL-compatible interface to host CPU; transfers register contents during IOR/IOW cycles. |
| A0–A2 | Register address select | Selects among 8 internal register addresses (THR/RHR, IER/ISR, FCR, LCR, MCR/MSR, LSR, SPR, DLL/DLM). |
| CSA / CSB | Channel-select chip enable | Active-low enables UART A or B independently - permits shared bus access without address decoding logic. |
| IOR / IOW | Read/write strobe | Active-low controls register read/write timing; synchronized with CPU bus cycle for reliable register access. |
| TXA / TXB | Serial transmit output | CMOS-level asynchronous serial output per channel; idle-high, driven low during transmission. |
| RXA / RXB | Serial receive input | CMOS-level asynchronous serial input per channel; accepts standard RS-232/RS-485 level-shifted signals. |
| INTA / INTB | Channel-specific interrupt output | Active-high, 3-State interrupt signal per UART - configurable for receive ready, transmit empty, or modem status events. |
| TXRDYA / TXRDYB | FIFO transmit ready flag | Active-low indicates ≥1 empty location in TX FIFO - used for DMA handshaking or polling-based transmit scheduling. |
| RXRDYA / RXRDYB | FIFO receive ready flag | Active-low indicates ≥1 character available in RX FIFO - triggers DMA block reads or reduces interrupt frequency. |
| RTSA / RTSB | Request-to-send output | Active-low modem control output - asserted when TX FIFO has space or auto-RTS is enabled at trigger level. |
| CTSA / CTSB | Clear-to-send input | Active-low modem control input - halts transmission when remote buffer is full (hardware flow control). |
| RESET | Global synchronous reset | Active-high resets all registers and outputs; initializes device to ST16C2450-compatible state on power-up. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Crystal oscillator interface | Supports internal 1.8432 MHz–80 MHz crystal or external clock; XTAL2 is buffered output for clock distribution. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Four selectable RX FIFO trigger levels | 1/4/8/14-character thresholds - optimize interrupt latency vs. CPU overhead in multi-channel environments. |
| Independent TX/RX baud rate control | Separate DLL/DLM registers per channel - enables asymmetric full-duplex links (e.g., 9600 bps RX / 115.2 kbps TX). |
| Automatic hardware/software flow control | Configurable via EFR bits - eliminates data loss in bursty traffic without host CPU intervention. |
| Sleep mode | Reduces current draw during idle periods - extends runtime in battery-powered serial adapters and portable test equipment. |
| Internal loop-back diagnostics | Isolates physical layer faults by routing TX output to RX input internally - validates UART core functionality without external cabling. |
| Modem control logic (CTS/RTS/DSR/DTR/RI/CD) | Full 6-wire modem interface per channel - supports legacy Hayes command set and AT-command-based devices. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Serial Gateway | Legacy POS Terminal Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Integrating Modbus RTU field devices into a modern EtherNet/IP backbone via a dual-port serial-to-Ethernet bridge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SC16C2550IA44,512 acts as the primary serial protocol engine, managing concurrent RS-485 Modbus slave communications on Channel A and RS-232 configuration/debug port on Channel B. Use Value: 16-byte FIFOs prevent overrun errors at 19.2 kbps across 12+ slave nodes; independent baud rate control allows simultaneous 9600 bps (slave polling) and 115.2 kbps (debug logging) operation. | Use Scenario: Retrofitting aging point-of-sale terminals with PCI Express Mini Card-based serial expansion for receipt printers and magnetic stripe readers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SC16C2550IA44,512 provides two isolated UART interfaces on a compact PLCC44 footprint, interfacing directly with the host's LPC bus via D0–D7, A0–A2, and IOR/IOW. Use Value: Pin compatibility with ST16C2550 allows reuse of existing PCB layout and BIOS drivers; sleep mode cuts standby power by >40% versus older 16C550 derivatives. |
| Medical Device Data Logger | Telecom Line Card Management |
Use Scenario: Capturing diagnostic telemetry from ECG and pulse oximeter sensors over RS-232 while simultaneously uploading logs to a secure USB host via UART-to-USB bridge IC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SC16C2550IA44,512 serves as the central serial concentrator, receiving sensor data on Channel A and forwarding formatted logs to the bridge IC on Channel B. Use Value: False start-bit detection prevents misframing on noisy hospital-grade power supplies; industrial temperature rating ensures reliability inside sealed medical enclosures. | Use Scenario: Providing out-of-band management ports on a carrier-grade DSLAM line card, enabling CLI access and firmware updates via console server connections. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SC16C2550IA44,512 delivers dual-console capability: one port for local technician access (Channel A), another for remote SSH-over-serial tunneling (Channel B). Use Value: Hardware flow control (CTS/RTS) prevents packet loss during large firmware uploads; TXRDY/RXRDY signals enable deterministic DMA transfers under Linux kernel serial drivers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual UART applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC16C2550IB48 | LQFP48 package (7×7 mm), adds two N.C. pins; identical electrical specs and register map. | Requires PCB redesign due to different footprint and lead pitch; better thermal dissipation in high-density layouts. | Select when board space is constrained and reflow soldering is preferred over PLCC socketing. |
| ST16C2550IPQ44 | Same PLCC44 package and pinout; functionally identical but manufactured by STMicroelectronics with minor timing spec variances (tPU = 100 µs vs. 50 µs). | No firmware or hardware changes needed; validated for same industrial temperature range and voltage rails. | Choose for supply chain diversification where NXP sourcing is limited; requires validation of reset timing in safety-critical systems. |
Compared with SC16C2550IA44,512, the SC16C2550IB48 offers superior thermal performance in fanless telecom gear, while the ST16C2550IPQ44 provides second-source assurance without altering driver stack or layout - both preserve full register-level compatibility and FIFO behavior.
Availability
SC16C2550IA44,512 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC gateways, legacy POS terminal upgrades, medical data loggers, and telecom line card management requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for SC16C2550IA44,512 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. Formerly Philips Semiconductors, it maintains deep expertise in legacy interface IP and long-lifecycle support.
The SC16C2550IA44,512 belongs to NXP's industrial UART family, designed specifically for backward-compatible serial expansion in mission-critical embedded systems where firmware stability, pin longevity, and wide-voltage operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by the SC16C2550IA44,512?
The SC16C2550IA44,512 supports up to 5 Mbits/s at 5 V or 3.3 V supply, and 3 Mbits/s at 2.5 V. This is achieved using an 80 MHz clock input divided by the programmable baud rate generator. The actual achievable rate depends on the crystal or external clock source and register configuration - for example, a 1.8432 MHz crystal yields standard rates up to 460.8 kbit/s. The SC16C2550IA44,512 datasheet specifies timing margins for all supported rates.
Does the SC16C2550IA44,512 support automatic hardware flow control?
Yes, the SC16C2550IA44,512 supports automatic hardware flow control via CTS/RTS signaling. When enabled through the Enhanced Feature Register (EFR[6:7]), it monitors CTS to suspend transmission on buffer overflow and asserts RTS when the receive FIFO reaches its programmed trigger level. This behavior is fully documented in Section 6.4 of the SC16C2550IA44,512 product data sheet and requires no host CPU polling.
How does the SC16C2550IA44,512 differ from the ST16C2550?
The SC16C2550IA44,512 is pin- and functionally compatible with the ST16C2550, sharing identical register maps, FIFO behavior, and interrupt architecture. Key differences include minor timing parameter variations (e.g., power-up reset duration) and manufacturer-specific qualification testing. Both parts operate across the same voltage and temperature ranges, and the SC16C2550IA44,512 powers up in ST16C2450-compatible mode for seamless firmware migration.
Can the SC16C2550IA44,512 be used with a 2.5 V microcontroller bus?
Yes, the SC16C2550IA44,512 supports 2.5 V operation for both I/O and core logic, making it compatible with 2.5 V microcontrollers without level shifters. Its 3-State TTL drive strength remains sufficient for driving standard CMOS loads at this voltage, and all timing parameters - including setup/hold times for IOR/IOW - are guaranteed across the full 2.5 V–5 V range per the SC16C2550IA44,512 datasheet.
What diagnostic capabilities does the SC16C2550IA44,512 provide?
The SC16C2550IA44,512 includes internal loop-back mode, false start-bit detection, complete status reporting (LSR, MSR), and prioritized interrupt handling. In loop-back mode, TX output is internally routed to RX input, allowing register-level verification of transmitter/receiver paths without external wiring. These diagnostics are accessible via standard register reads and require no additional hardware - a key capability confirmed in Section 6.10 of the SC16C2550IA44,512 product data.
SC16C2550IA44,512 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 44-LCC (J-Lead)
- 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:
- Yes
- With False Start Bit Detection:
- Yes
- With Modem Control:
- Yes
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 44-PLCC (16.59x16.59)
SC16C2550IA44,512 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SC16C2550IA44,512 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SC16C2550IA44,512 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 SC16C2550IA44,512 reliable?
The price and inventory of SC16C2550IA44,512 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SC16C2550IA44,512 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SC16C2550IA44,512?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SC16C2550IA44,512 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SC16C2550IA44,512?
SC16C2550IA44,512 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SC16C2550IA44,512 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 SC16C2550IA44,512?
For technical support, including SC16C2550IA44,512 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SC16C2550IA44,512 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SC16C2550IA44,512 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SC16C2550IA44,512 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 SC16C2550IA44,512 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SC16C2550IA44,512?
All SC16C2550IA44,512 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SC16C2550IA44,512, 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 SC16C2550IA44,512 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SC16C2550IA44,512:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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