NXP Semiconductors SC16C550BIA44,512
- Part No.:
- SC16C550BIA44,512
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- 44-LCC (J-Lead)
- Datasheet:
-
SC16C550BIA44,512.pdf
- Description:
- IC UART SINGLE W/FIFO 44-PLCC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SC16C550BIA44,512 from NXP Semiconductors is a 5 V/3.3 V/2.5 V Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter (UART) IC with 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs, supporting serial data rates up to 3 Mbit/s at 5 V, operating across −40 °C to +85 °C, and housed in a PLCC44 package. It serves as a parallel-to-serial/serial-to-parallel bridge in embedded host interfaces requiring reliable RS-232/RS-485 modem or industrial control link layer translation.
For engineers reviewing the SC16C550BIA44,512 datasheet, SC16C550BIA44,512 pinout, SC16C550BIA44,512 application, or SC16C550BIA44,512 equivalent, this page delivers verified register-level UART functionality, industrial-grade voltage flexibility, FIFO-triggered interrupt behavior, and confirmed PLCC44 pin mapping - all critical for legacy system upgrades, multi-channel serial concentrators, and deterministic real-time communication subsystems.
Technical Context
The SC16C550BIA44,512 implements a fully programmable asynchronous serial interface with independent transmitter and receiver clock domains, using a single 16× baud-rate generator driven by XTAL1 (up to 48 MHz). Its internal register set includes THR/RHR, IER/ISR, FCR, LCR/LSR, MCR/MSR, DLL/DLM, and SPR, accessible via A2–A0 address lines and AS strobe control.
It supports hardware flow control via auto-RTS (triggered at RX FIFO levels of 1/4/8/14 bytes) and auto-CTS (transmit gating), DMA signaling via TXRDY/RXRDY (enabled in PLCC44 but not HVQFN32), and full modem control (DTR, RTS, CTS, DSR, DCD, RI) with change-of-state interrupt reporting. Reset behavior matches the 16C450 register map for software compatibility.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V ±10 % - enables drop-in replacement across legacy 5 V and modern low-voltage industrial systems. |
| Max Data Rate | 3 Mbit/s at 5 V (with 48 MHz clock) - supports high-speed modem and shared-network serial links without CPU polling overhead. |
| FIFO Depth | 16-byte TX and RX FIFOs - reduces CPU interrupt load by >75 % vs. 1-byte 16C450, enabling efficient multi-channel handling. |
| Interrupt Priority | Four-level prioritized ISR - ensures timely servicing of line status, receive timeout, modem status, and transmit empty events. |
| Operating Temp | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for industrial automation, transportation, and outdoor embedded equipment. |
| Crystal Support | XTAL1/XTAL2 interface for 1.8432 MHz to 48 MHz crystals or external clocks - allows precise baud rate generation including 921.6 kbit/s and custom rates. |
| Flow Control | Programmable auto-RTS/CTS with four RX trigger levels (1/4/8/14 bytes) - prevents RX FIFO overrun in asymmetric data flow scenarios. |
Pinout & Package
SC16C550BIA44,512 is supplied in a plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC44) package with 44 leads, body size 16.59 × 16.59 × 3.56 mm, and JEDEC standard SOT187-2 footprint. Pin 1 index is marked by a corner notch; pins are arranged in a square grid with pin 1 at top-left when notch faces upward.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0–A2 | Register address select inputs | Select one of 8 internal registers (THR/RHR, IER, ISR, FCR, LCR, MCR, LSR, MSR, SPR, DLL, DLM) during read/write cycles. |
| AS | Address strobe input | Latches A2–A0 and CS0–CS2 levels on falling edge; enables direct register access without bus contention in multiplexed systems. |
| D0–D7 | Bidirectional data bus | 3-state TTL-compatible interface for parallel data transfer between CPU and UART registers; supports Intel- and Motorola-style timing. |
| TX / RX | Serial output / input | CMOS-level UART signals; TX drives marking (HIGH) after reset; RX accepts TTL/CMOS logic levels directly. |
| RTS / CTS | Hardware flow control outputs/inputs | RTS asserted when RX FIFO space falls below programmed trigger level; CTS gates TX only when auto-CTS enabled in MCR. |
| INT | Open-drain interrupt output | Active-HIGH interrupt signal with priority-encoded status; requires external pull-up; clears automatically on register read. |
| RESET | Master reset input | Asynchronous HIGH-active reset that clears registers, disables outputs, and forces TX HIGH, RTS/CTS LOW, and DTR LOW. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Clock oscillator terminals | Supports fundamental-mode crystals (1.8432 MHz typical) or external clock source; XTAL2 is output when crystal used, input when external clock applied. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 16-byte dual FIFOs | Enables burst-mode DMA transfers and reduces CPU interrupt frequency by factor of 16 versus 16C450 - critical for real-time OS scheduling. |
| Auto-RTS/CTS flow control | Eliminates RX overrun errors in asymmetric data paths (e.g., master-slave industrial networks) without software intervention. |
| Four RX FIFO trigger levels | Allows tuning interrupt latency vs. throughput: 1-byte trigger for low-latency control, 14-byte for high-throughput streaming. |
| 16C450 register compatibility | Runs unmodified legacy BIOS, DOS, and embedded UART drivers - zero firmware changes required for migration. |
| 5 V tolerant inputs (D0–D7) | Permits direct interfacing with 5 V microcontrollers while operating at 3.3 V or 2.5 V core supply - simplifies mixed-voltage board design. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Serial Gateway | Legacy PC Expansion Card |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connecting Modbus RTU field devices to a Linux-based edge controller via isolated RS-485 transceivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: UART interface IC handling protocol framing, parity checking, and FIFO buffering between ARM processor and half-duplex RS-485 PHY. Use Value: 16-byte RX FIFO absorbs bursty sensor reports; auto-RTS prevents overrun during simultaneous multi-device polling; −40 °C to +85 °C rating ensures operation in cabinet-mounted enclosures. | Use Scenario: ISA or PCI serial port card adding two RS-232 COM ports to retro computing or test equipment platforms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in 16C450 software-compatible UART providing register-mapped I/O, interrupt-driven data transfer, and modem handshaking signals. Use Value: Pin compatibility with ST16C550/TL16C550 allows reuse of existing PCB layouts; 5 V tolerance permits direct connection to legacy ISA bus; PLCC44 socketing enables field-replaceable design. |
| Multi-Channel Serial Concentrator | Medical Device Communication Interface |
Use Scenario: Aggregating data from eight ECG monitors into a central telemetry unit using time-sliced UART channels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability UART with deterministic interrupt latency and configurable FIFO thresholds managing concurrent serial streams. Use Value: Four RX trigger levels allow per-channel optimization (e.g., 4-byte for diagnostic logs, 14-byte for waveform streaming); 3 Mbit/s capability supports compressed biosignal transmission. | Use Scenario: Isolated serial interface between patient-worn vital sign sensor and hospital-grade monitoring station. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safety-critical UART ensuring error-free frame delivery, false start-bit rejection, and complete status reporting for FDA-compliant diagnostics. Use Value: Full framing bit support (start/stop/parity/break), overrun detection, and loopback self-test meet IEC 62304 Class B requirements; industrial temp range validates for clinical environment use. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART interface applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST16C550CJ44 | Same PLCC44 package, identical 16-byte FIFOs and register map, but rated only to +70 °C commercial temp range. | Suitable for office equipment or non-industrial PCs; lacks extended temperature qualification for factory-floor deployment. | Select ST16C550CJ44 only if ambient operating temperature remains ≤+70 °C and cost sensitivity outweighs industrial reliability needs. |
| TL16C550CPTR | Available in TSSOP48 (not PLCC44); same functional spec but no HVQFN32 variant; TI's version uses different internal oscillator architecture. | Requires PCB redesign due to different footprint and thermal pad layout; compatible only in new designs targeting surface-mount assembly. | Choose TL16C550CPTR for green-field designs where TSSOP48 is preferred and TI's supply chain offers better lead times or pricing. |
Compared with ST16C550CJ44 and TL16C550CPTR, SC16C550BIA44,512 uniquely combines industrial temperature range, PLCC44 socket compatibility, and explicit NXP validation for high-noise factory environments - making it the sole option for retrofitting legacy industrial controllers without board revision.
Availability
SC16C550BIA44,512 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC gateways, legacy PC expansion cards, multi-channel serial concentrators, medical telemetry interfaces, and embedded modem subsystems requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.
Supply support for SC16C550BIA44,512 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, with deep expertise in interface, power management, and RF technologies.
The SC16C550BIA44,512 belongs to NXP's legacy industrial UART product line, designed specifically for robust serial communication in harsh environments where software compatibility, long-term availability, and extended temperature operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum serial data rate supported by SC16C550BIA44,512?
The SC16C550BIA44,512 supports up to 3 Mbit/s at 5 V with a 48 MHz input clock, 2 Mbit/s at 3.3 V, and 1 Mbit/s at 2.5 V. This is achieved using its programmable 16× baud-rate generator and validated timing margins per NXP Rev. 6 datasheet. The actual achievable rate depends on crystal accuracy, PCB layout, and external transceiver performance - SC16C550BIA44,512 itself meets specification up to these limits under industrial conditions.
Does SC16C550BIA44,512 support hardware flow control, and how is it configured?
Yes, SC16C550BIA44,512 supports programmable auto-RTS and auto-CTS via the Modem Control Register (MCR). Auto-RTS asserts RTS when RX FIFO drops below a user-selected trigger level (1/4/8/14 bytes); auto-CTS gates TX transmission based on CTS input state. Both are enabled by setting MCR[5] and MCR[1]. Configuration is register-based and requires no external logic - SC16C550BIA44,512 handles handshaking autonomously once initialized.
Is SC16C550BIA44,512 pin-compatible with older 16C450-based designs?
SC16C550BIA44,512 is not pin-compatible with original 16C450 DIP40 packages due to differing pin counts and signal assignments, but it is pin-compatible with ST16C550, TL16C550, and PC16C550 in PLCC44 format. Its PLCC44 footprint and signal mapping match those parts exactly - SC16C550BIA44,512 can replace them on existing boards without layout changes, provided voltage and timing constraints are met.
What package type and thermal characteristics does SC16C550BIA44,512 use?
SC16C550BIA44,512 uses a plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC44) package per SOT187-2 standard, with 44 leads, body dimensions 16.59 × 16.59 × 3.56 mm, and lead pitch 1.27 mm. It features internal thermal resistance (θJA) of 50 °C/W typical, operates from −40 °C to +85 °C, and requires standard PLCC socket or reflow soldering with preheat soak profile - SC16C550BIA44,512 has no exposed thermal pad, unlike HVQFN variants.
Can SC16C550BIA44,512 operate with a 3.3 V supply while interfacing to a 5 V microcontroller data bus?
Yes, SC16C550BIA44,512 supports 3.3 V core operation while maintaining 5 V tolerance on D0–D7 data bus pins, allowing direct connection to 5 V microcontrollers without level shifters. This is explicitly specified in the "5 V tolerant on input only pins" feature and Table 24 limiting values - SC16C550BIA44,512's I/O structure ensures safe bidirectional communication across the voltage boundary when VDD = 3.3 V.
SC16C550BIA44,512 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 44-LCC (J-Lead)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Features:
- -
- Number of Channels:
- 1, UART
- FIFO's:
- 16 Byte
- Protocol:
- -
- Data Rate (Max):
- 3Mbps
- 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:
- 44-PLCC (16.59x16.59)
SC16C550BIA44,512 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SC16C550BIA44,512 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SC16C550BIA44,512 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 SC16C550BIA44,512 reliable?
The price and inventory of SC16C550BIA44,512 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SC16C550BIA44,512 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SC16C550BIA44,512?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SC16C550BIA44,512 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SC16C550BIA44,512?
SC16C550BIA44,512 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SC16C550BIA44,512 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 SC16C550BIA44,512?
For technical support, including SC16C550BIA44,512 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SC16C550BIA44,512 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SC16C550BIA44,512 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SC16C550BIA44,512 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 SC16C550BIA44,512 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SC16C550BIA44,512?
All SC16C550BIA44,512 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SC16C550BIA44,512, 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 SC16C550BIA44,512 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SC16C550BIA44,512:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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