NXP Semiconductors SC16C550BIBS,128
- Part No.:
- SC16C550BIBS,128
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
SC16C550BIBS,128.pdf
- Description:
- IC UART SINGLE W/FIFO 32-HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SC16C550BIBS,128 from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-pin HVQFN UART IC that converts parallel CPU data to asynchronous serial streams and vice versa, supporting up to 3 Mbit/s at 5 V, 2 Mbit/s at 3.3 V, and 1 Mbit/s at 2.5 V. It integrates 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs with programmable trigger levels, auto-RTS/CTS hardware flow control, and full modem interface (CTS, RTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, RI) for industrial embedded serial communication.
For engineers reviewing the SC16C550BIBS,128 datasheet, SC16C550BIBS,128 pinout, SC16C550BIBS,128 application, or SC16C550BIBS,128 equivalent, this device delivers deterministic interrupt prioritization, false start-bit detection, line break generation/detection, and register compatibility with legacy 16C450 software - critical for drop-in upgrades in legacy industrial controllers, POS terminals, and medical instrumentation.
Technical Context
The SC16C550BIBS,128 implements a dual-FIFO architecture with independent 16-byte transmit and receive buffers, enabling high-throughput serial data handling without CPU polling overhead. Its programmable baud rate generator accepts up to 48 MHz input clock and divides by any 16-bit divisor to achieve precise rates from 50 bps to 3 Mbit/s.
Hardware flow control is implemented via auto-RTS (triggered at RX FIFO levels of 1/4/8/14 bytes) and auto-CTS (transmitter halts mid-frame if CTS deasserts before stop-bit midpoint), eliminating overrun errors in multi-device RS-232/RS-485 networks. Internal loopback mode supports on-board diagnostics without external cabling.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V ±10 % - enables direct integration into mixed-voltage industrial systems without level-shifting. |
| Max Data Rate | 3 Mbit/s at 5 V - supports high-speed modem and ISDN interfaces requiring >1 Mbps sustained throughput. |
| FIFO Depth | 16-byte TX + 16-byte RX - reduces CPU interrupt frequency by >8× vs. 1-byte 16C450, lowering host processing load. |
| Interrupt Priority | Fixed priority hierarchy (RX timeout > RX data > TX empty > modem status) - ensures time-critical serial events are serviced first. |
| Operating Temp | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for industrial automation, factory HMI, and outdoor telecom equipment. |
| Crystal Input | XTAL1/XTAL2 supports 1.8432 MHz to 48 MHz - allows standard crystal use or high-frequency clock for max baud rates. |
| Modem Signals | Full 6-signal set (CTS, RTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, RI) with change-detection interrupts - enables robust dial-up, fax, and legacy protocol support. |
Pinout & Package
HVQFN32 package: 5 mm × 5 mm × 0.85 mm body, thermally enhanced exposed pad, 32 terminals, leadless construction - optimized for compact industrial PCBs with high thermal dissipation requirements.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0–A2 | Register address select | Selects among 8 internal registers (THR/RHR, IER, FCR, LCR, MCR, LSR, MSR, SPR) during CPU read/write cycles. |
| D0–D7 | Bidirectional data bus | 8-bit parallel interface with 3-state TTL drive - connects directly to 8-bit microcontrollers or bus transceivers. |
| IOR / IOW | Read/write strobes | Active-HIGH IOR and active-LOW IOW enable register access; only one required per cycle. |
| TX / RX | Serial data I/O | Asynchronous TTL-level transmit output and receive input - requires external line driver (e.g., MAX232) for RS-232. |
| RTS / CTS | Hardware flow control | RTS output asserts when RX FIFO space falls below trigger level; CTS input gates TX transmission in auto-CTS mode. |
| INT | Interrupt request | Open-drain HIGH-active signal - asserts on RX data ready, TX empty, error, or modem status change. |
| RESET | Master reset | Active-HIGH signal clears all registers and resets outputs to default states (e.g., TX HIGH, RTS HIGH). |
| VDD / VSS | Power supply | VDD accepts 2.5/3.3/5 V; VSS pins (9,13) and exposed thermal pad must be connected to ground for operation. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Crystal oscillator | Drives internal 16× baud clock generator; supports crystals up to 48 MHz or external clock source. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 16-byte dual FIFOs | Reduces CPU interrupt load by buffering bursts; supports four RX trigger levels (1/4/8/14 bytes) for latency optimization. |
| Auto-RTS/CTS flow control | Eliminates RX FIFO overruns without software intervention - critical for real-time industrial protocols like Modbus RTU. |
| 16C450 register compatibility | Runs unmodified legacy BIOS and DOS UART drivers; simplifies migration from obsolete 16C450/16C550 designs. |
| False start-bit detection | Rejects spurious noise-induced framing errors - improves reliability in electrically noisy factory environments. |
| Internal loopback mode | Enables self-test of TX/RX paths and register logic without external hardware - accelerates board-level validation. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Serial Interface | Medical Device Data Logging |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connecting PLC CPU to legacy RS-232 field devices (sensors, HMIs, drives) in harsh factory settings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: UART bridge converting parallel bus data to isolated RS-232 streams with hardware flow control. Use Value: 16-byte FIFOs absorb bursty sensor data; −40 °C to +85 °C rating ensures uptime in uncontrolled cabinets; auto-RTS prevents buffer overflows during network congestion. |
Use Scenario: Transmitting patient vitals from ECG/SpO₂ modules to central nursing station via RS-232. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reliable serial interface with line break detection and parity checking for clinical data integrity. Use Value: False start-bit rejection avoids misframing of critical biometric data; 3.3 V operation matches low-power MCU domains; full modem signals support printer/PC connectivity. |
| Retail POS Terminal Backchannel | Telecom Equipment Management Port |
Use Scenario: Enabling barcode scanner, receipt printer, and cash drawer control via shared serial bus in point-of-sale systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Multi-peripheral UART hub with prioritized interrupts for concurrent device servicing. Use Value: Independent TX/RX interrupt enables simultaneous print command queuing and scan data ingestion; 5 V tolerance on D0–D7 eases integration with legacy peripherals. |
Use Scenario: Providing CLI access and firmware updates via RS-232 console port on cellular baseband units and DSLAMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability management interface with baud rate flexibility for diverse host terminal speeds. Use Value: Programmable 16-bit divisor supports custom rates (e.g., 115.2 kbps for ISDN modems); internal loopback validates port functionality pre-deployment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL16C550CPM | 44-pin PLCC package; supports TXRDY/RXRDY DMA signaling (unavailable in SC16C550BIBS,128's HVQFN32) | Preferred where board space allows larger footprint and DMA handshaking is required for high-bandwidth data acquisition | Select TL16C550CPM only if DMA signaling and PLCC packaging are mandatory; otherwise SC16C550BIBS,128 offers superior thermal performance in dense layouts. |
| ST16C550CQ44 | 44-pin QFP; identical register map and 16-byte FIFOs but lacks 2.5 V operation (min 3.0 V) | Suitable for 3.3 V-only systems where voltage headroom is sufficient and QFP soldering is preferred | Choose ST16C550CQ44 only for 3.3 V designs needing QFP; SC16C550BIBS,128 provides broader voltage range and smaller footprint. |
Compared with TL16C550CPM and ST16C550CQ44, the SC16C550BIBS,128 uniquely combines 2.5/3.3/5 V operation, HVQFN32 thermal efficiency, and full 16C450 software compatibility - making it optimal for space-constrained, multi-voltage industrial controllers where legacy driver reuse is essential.
Availability
SC16C550BIBS,128 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC serial interfaces, medical device data logging, retail POS terminal backchannels, and telecom equipment management ports requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for SC16C550BIBS,128 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in interface, power, and security ICs.
The SC16C550BIBS,128 belongs to NXP's legacy UART product line, designed specifically for industrial and medical systems requiring pin-compatible 16C450 upgrades with enhanced FIFO depth, multi-voltage support, and robust modem signaling.
FAQ
What voltage levels does the SC16C550BIBS,128 support?
The SC16C550BIBS,128 operates at 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V ±10 %, allowing direct integration into mixed-voltage industrial systems. Its I/O pins are 5 V tolerant only on D0–D7 data lines - all other inputs require VDD-referenced logic levels. This triple-voltage capability eliminates level-shifters in many legacy upgrade scenarios involving SC16C550BIBS,128.
Does the SC16C550BIBS,128 support hardware flow control?
Yes, the SC16C550BIBS,128 supports full auto-RTS and auto-CTS hardware flow control. Auto-RTS deasserts when the RX FIFO reaches user-programmed trigger levels (1/4/8/14 bytes); auto-CTS gates TX transmission based on CTS input state. These features are enabled via MCR[5] and MCR[1] bits and eliminate overrun errors without CPU intervention - a key capability of SC16C550BIBS,128.
Is the SC16C550BIBS,128 pin-compatible with older 16C450 UARTs?
The SC16C550BIBS,128 powers up functionally equivalent to the 16C450 and maintains identical register mapping for THR/RHR, IER, FCR, LCR, MCR, LSR, MSR, and SPR. After reset, all registers match the 16C450 specification, enabling execution of unmodified legacy 16C450 software - a core design goal confirmed in the SC16C550BIBS,128 datasheet.
What is the maximum serial data rate supported by the SC16C550BIBS,128?
The SC16C550BIBS,128 supports up to 3 Mbit/s at 5 V, 2 Mbit/s at 3.3 V, and 1 Mbit/s at 2.5 V. This is achieved using a 48 MHz maximum input clock to the internal 16× baud rate generator. The actual achievable rate depends on VDD and external clock frequency - verified in the SC16C550BIBS,128 electrical characteristics table.
Does the SC16C550BIBS,128 include FIFO buffers, and how are they configured?
Yes, the SC16C550BIBS,128 includes independent 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs. FIFO operation is enabled via bit 0 of the FIFO Control Register (FCR). The receive FIFO trigger level is programmable to 1, 4, 8, or 14 bytes using FCR[7:6], directly controlling interrupt timing and CPU servicing frequency - a defining feature of SC16C550BIBS,128.
SC16C550BIBS,128 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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:
- 32-HVQFN (5x5)
SC16C550BIBS,128 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SC16C550BIBS,128 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SC16C550BIBS,128 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 SC16C550BIBS,128 reliable?
The price and inventory of SC16C550BIBS,128 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SC16C550BIBS,128 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SC16C550BIBS,128?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SC16C550BIBS,128 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SC16C550BIBS,128?
SC16C550BIBS,128 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SC16C550BIBS,128 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 SC16C550BIBS,128?
For technical support, including SC16C550BIBS,128 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SC16C550BIBS,128 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SC16C550BIBS,128 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SC16C550BIBS,128 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 SC16C550BIBS,128 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SC16C550BIBS,128?
All SC16C550BIBS,128 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SC16C550BIBS,128, 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 SC16C550BIBS,128 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SC16C550BIBS,128:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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