NXP Semiconductors SC16C550BIA44,529
- Part No.:
- SC16C550BIA44,529
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- 44-LCC (J-Lead)
- Datasheet:
-
SC16C550BIA44,529.pdf
- Description:
- IC UART SOT187-2
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SC16C550BIA44,529 from NXP Semiconductors is a 5 V/3.3 V/2.5 V industrial-grade UART IC with 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs, supporting up to 3 Mbit/s serial data rates at 5 V, pin-compatible with ST16C550/TL16C550/PC16C550, and housed in a PLCC44 package for embedded communication interfaces in industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SC16C550BIA44,529 datasheet, SC16C550BIA44,529 pinout, SC16C550BIA44,529 application, or SC16C550BIA44,529 equivalent, this device delivers programmable baud generation, auto-RTS/CTS hardware flow control, false start-bit detection, and full modem interface support - critical for legacy bus integration, multi-channel serial gateways, and RS-232/RS-485 bridge designs requiring deterministic interrupt latency and FIFO-triggered DMA signaling.
Technical Context
The SC16C550BIA44,529 implements a dual-FIFO asynchronous serial transceiver architecture with independent transmitter and receiver clock domains, supporting both internal crystal (XTAL1/XTAL2) and external clock (RCLK) operation. Its register set is backward-compatible with the 16C450 upon reset, enabling drop-in software reuse while adding FIFO control, programmable trigger levels (1/4/8/14 bytes), and time-out interrupt logic.
Hardware flow control is implemented via dedicated RTS/CTS pins with configurable auto-RTS (FIFO-level-driven) and auto-CTS (transmit-gating) modes, eliminating overrun errors in high-throughput serial links. The device supports four interrupt priority levels, including line status, receive data ready, transmit holding register empty, and modem status - all independently maskable via the Interrupt Enable Register (IER).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V ±10 % - enables direct interfacing with mixed-voltage microcontrollers without level shifters. |
| Max Data Rate | 3 Mbit/s at 5 V (48 MHz input clock) - supports high-speed modem and industrial protocol stacks like Modbus RTU over RS-485. |
| FIFO Depth | 16-byte TX + 16-byte RX with error flags - reduces CPU interrupt load by >75 % vs. 1-byte 16C450 in burst-mode transfers. |
| Receiver Trigger Levels | 1 / 4 / 8 / 14 bytes - allows precise tuning of interrupt latency vs. buffer utilization in real-time serial applications. |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for industrial automation, transportation, and outdoor telemetry equipment. |
| Modem Interface Pins | CTS, RTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, RI - provides full RS-232 handshake capability without external logic. |
| Baud Rate Generator | Programmable 16× divisor (1–65535) - achieves standard (e.g., 115.2 kbit/s) and custom rates (e.g., 460.8 kbit/s) from 1.8432 MHz or 3.072 MHz crystals. |
Pinout & Package
SC16C550BIA44,529 is packaged in plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC44), SOT187-2, with 44 leads and surface-mount compatibility. The package includes an exposed thermal pad on bottom side for enhanced heat dissipation in continuous high-speed operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| D0–D7 | Data Bus I/O | 8-bit bidirectional parallel interface to CPU/microcontroller; 3-state TTL drive enables shared bus operation. |
| A0–A2 | Register Address Select | Selects among 8 internal registers (THR/RHR, IER/ISR, LCR/LSR, MCR/MSR, FCR, SPR, DLL/DLM) during read/write cycles. |
| IOR / IOW | Read/Write Control Inputs | Active-low strobes for asynchronous memory-mapped or I/O-mapped access; supports Intel- and Motorola-style timing. |
| CS0–CS2 | Chip Select Inputs | 3-input decode enables selective activation in multi-device bus systems; AS pin allows address-strobe mode for reduced setup timing. |
| TX / RX | Serial Data Output/Input | Asynchronous TTL-level serial interface; requires external line driver (e.g., MAX232) for RS-232 voltage compliance. |
| RTS / CTS | Hardware Flow Control | Auto-RTS asserts when RX FIFO reaches programmed threshold; auto-CTS gates TX output to prevent overrun - no host CPU intervention required. |
| INT | Interrupt Output | Open-drain or push-pull (configurable) active-high interrupt signal with prioritized vectoring for efficient CPU servicing. |
| RESET | Master Reset Input | Asynchronous active-high reset initializes all registers to 16C450-compatible state and deasserts outputs (TX, RTS, DTR). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 16-byte TX/RX FIFOs | Reduces CPU polling overhead and interrupt frequency by up to 16× compared to 16C450, enabling deterministic response in real-time OS environments. |
| Auto-RTS/CTS flow control | Eliminates receiver overrun errors in multi-UART systems (e.g., serial concentrators) without firmware intervention or additional logic. |
| Four FIFO trigger levels | Enables fine-grained trade-off between interrupt latency (1-byte trigger) and throughput efficiency (14-byte trigger) per channel. |
| False start-bit detection | Prevents spurious character reception due to noise on RX line, improving reliability in electrically noisy industrial settings. |
| Internal loopback mode | Allows full self-test of transmitter/receiver path and register functionality without external cabling - essential for field diagnostics and production test. |
Applications
| Industrial Serial Gateway | Legacy Bus Adapter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Aggregating data from multiple RS-485 field devices (PLCs, sensors) into a single Ethernet or CAN backbone using an ARM-based controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: UART interface bridging parallel bus (e.g., LPC or AHB) to serial physical layer; manages framing, parity, and flow control autonomously. Use Value: 16-byte FIFOs absorb burst traffic from 8+ field devices; auto-RTS prevents buffer overflow during transient network congestion. |
Use Scenario: Retrofitting ISA or PCI-based industrial PCs with modern low-power microcontrollers lacking native UART peripherals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in replacement for obsolete 16C450/16C550 chips; maintains identical register map and pinout for zero-software-change migration. Use Value: Pin and software compatibility eliminates PCB redesign; 3.3 V/2.5 V support enables direct integration with newer SoCs. |
| Multi-Channel Modem Interface | Embedded Telemetry Terminal |
Use Scenario: Supporting simultaneous dial-up connections for remote SCADA site backup via dual PSTN modems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual UART core managing independent TX/RX paths with separate baud rate generators and modem control lines (DCD, RI, DSR). Use Value: Independent RCLK inputs allow different modem speeds (e.g., 33.6 kbit/s + 56 kbit/s); hardware flow control ensures error-free handshaking under variable line conditions. |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor node transmitting GPS, temperature, and humidity data over cellular or satellite link. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power serial interface handling AT command parsing, packet framing, and line break detection for robust link recovery. Use Value: 2.5 V operation extends battery life; false start-bit detection rejects EMI-induced false characters in unshielded outdoor enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART interface applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL16C550CPM | Same 16-byte FIFO, 3 Mbit/s max, but only 5 V operation; no 3.3 V/2.5 V support; PLCC44 package identical. | Limited to legacy 5 V-only systems; unsuitable for mixed-voltage or low-power designs. | Select TL16C550CPM only if board already uses 5 V rail and no voltage scaling is planned. |
| ST16C550CQ44 | Identical pinout and register set; supports 5 V/3.3 V but not 2.5 V; industrial temp range same; FIFO behavior and flow control fully matched. | Compatible in most 3.3 V industrial designs, but cannot replace SC16C550BIA44,529 in 2.5 V applications. | Choose ST16C550CQ44 for cost-sensitive 3.3 V systems where 2.5 V headroom is unnecessary. |
Compared with TL16C550CPM and ST16C550CQ44, the SC16C550BIA44,529 uniquely supports triple-voltage operation (2.5 V/3.3 V/5 V), enabling single-BOM flexibility across product generations and reducing qualification effort for voltage-scalable platforms.
Availability
SC16C550BIA44,529 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial serial gateways, legacy bus adapters, multi-channel modem interfaces, and embedded telemetry terminals requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for SC16C550BIA44,529 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 SC16C550BIA44,529 belongs to NXP's legacy UART product line, designed specifically for industrial and embedded systems requiring robust, software-compatible serial communication with enhanced FIFO performance and wide-voltage operation.
FAQ
What voltage levels does the SC16C550BIA44,529 support?
The SC16C550BIA44,529 operates at 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V ±10 %, making it compatible with mixed-voltage system designs. This triple-voltage capability allows direct integration with modern low-power microcontrollers (2.5 V/3.3 V) and legacy 5 V industrial controllers without level-shifting circuitry. All I/O pins are 5 V tolerant on inputs only, per datasheet Table 24 limiting values.
Is the SC16C550BIA44,529 pin-compatible with older 16C550 variants?
Yes, the SC16C550BIA44,529 is pin-compatible with ST16C550, TL16C550, and PC16C550, and powers up functionally equivalent to the 16C450. Its PLCC44 footprint matches these predecessors exactly, enabling drop-in replacement in existing PCB layouts. Register mapping and control logic remain identical post-reset, ensuring full software compatibility with legacy 16C450 drivers.
Does the SC16C550BIA44,529 support hardware flow control?
Yes, the SC16C550BIA44,529 supports full hardware flow control via RTS and CTS pins with programmable auto-RTS and auto-CTS modes. Auto-RTS deasserts when the receive FIFO reaches a user-defined trigger level (1/4/8/14 bytes); auto-CTS gates transmission until CTS is asserted - both functions operate autonomously without CPU involvement, preventing data overrun in high-throughput links.
What is the maximum serial data rate achievable with the SC16C550BIA44,529?
The SC16C550BIA44,529 supports up to 3 Mbit/s at 5 V (with 48 MHz input clock), 2 Mbit/s at 3.3 V, and 1 Mbit/s at 2.5 V. These rates are achieved using the internal 16× baud rate generator with programmable divisors (1–65535). The BAUDOUT pin provides a 16× clock output for synchronizing external receivers or clocking adjacent logic.
How does the SC16C550BIA44,529 handle false start-bit detection?
The SC16C550BIA44,529 includes built-in false start-bit detection logic that validates the integrity of incoming serial frames before loading data into the receive FIFO. This feature suppresses spurious characters caused by electrical noise on the RX line - a critical reliability enhancement in industrial environments with high EMI, such as factory floors or motor-drive proximity.
SC16C550BIA44,529 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)
SC16C550BIA44,529 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SC16C550BIA44,529 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SC16C550BIA44,529 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 SC16C550BIA44,529 reliable?
The price and inventory of SC16C550BIA44,529 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SC16C550BIA44,529 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SC16C550BIA44,529?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SC16C550BIA44,529 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SC16C550BIA44,529?
SC16C550BIA44,529 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SC16C550BIA44,529 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 SC16C550BIA44,529?
For technical support, including SC16C550BIA44,529 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SC16C550BIA44,529 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SC16C550BIA44,529 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SC16C550BIA44,529 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 SC16C550BIA44,529 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SC16C550BIA44,529?
All SC16C550BIA44,529 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SC16C550BIA44,529, 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 SC16C550BIA44,529 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SC16C550BIA44,529:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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