NXP Semiconductors SC16C550BIBS,157
- Part No.:
- SC16C550BIBS,157
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
SC16C550BIBS,157.pdf
- Description:
- IC UART SINGLE W/FIFO 32-HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SC16C550BIBS,157 from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-pin HVQFN UART IC that converts parallel data to serial and vice versa for embedded serial communication. It supports up to 3 Mbit/s at 5 V, features 16-byte transmit/receive FIFOs with error flags, programmable auto-RTS/CTS flow control, and operates across 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V supply rails in the industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C). It is used in industrial gateways, legacy RS-232/485 interface cards, and multi-channel modem subsystems.
For engineers reviewing the SC16C550BIBS,157 datasheet, SC16C550BIBS,157 pinout, SC16C550BIBS,157 application, or SC16C550BIBS,157 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact HVQFN32 pin mapping, FIFO-triggered interrupt behavior, voltage-specific data rate limits, and validated alternatives compatible with 16C450 software stacks.
Technical Context
The SC16C550BIBS,157 implements a dual-FIFO asynchronous serial interface with independent transmitter and receiver clock domains. Its baud rate generator accepts up to 48 MHz input and divides by programmable 16-bit divisors to achieve rates up to 3 Mbit/s (5 V), 2 Mbit/s (3.3 V), or 1 Mbit/s (2.5 V), with BAUDOUT = 16 × selected baud rate.
It provides full modem control (CTS, RTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, RI), four selectable receive FIFO trigger levels (1/4/8/14 bytes), and prioritized interrupt handling for line status, data ready, time-out, and modem events. Internal loopback enables on-board diagnostics without external hardware.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V ±10 % - supports mixed-voltage system integration without level shifters |
| Max Data Rate | 3 Mbit/s at 5 V - enables high-speed modem and ISDN interface applications |
| FIFO Depth | 16-byte TX + 16-byte RX with error flags - reduces CPU interrupt load by >75 % vs. 16C450 |
| Interrupt Priority | Fixed priority: Line Status > Transmit Empty > Receive Data Ready/Time-Out > Modem Status - ensures critical error handling first |
| Flow Control | Hardware auto-RTS/CTS with 4 trigger levels - eliminates RX FIFO overrun in burst-mode serial links |
| Operating Temp | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for industrial automation and outdoor telecom equipment |
| Crystal Support | XTAL1/XTAL2 pins accept 1.8432 MHz to 48 MHz - enables standard and custom baud rates via DLL/DLM registers |
Pinout & Package
SC16C550BIBS,157 is housed in a 5 mm × 5 mm × 0.85 mm HVQFN32 package with exposed thermal pad (SOT617-1). Pin 1 index area is marked; VSS connects to both pin 9 and pin 13, and the exposed pad must be soldered to PCB ground for thermal and electrical stability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0–A2 | Register address select | Selects internal UART register (THR/RHR, IER, FCR, LCR, etc.) during CPU read/write cycles |
| D0–D7 | Data bus I/O | 8-bit bidirectional TTL-compatible data path; 3-state outputs enable shared bus operation |
| IOR / IOW | Read/write strobes | Active-low (IOR) and active-high (IOW) control signals - only one required per transfer |
| RESET | Master reset input | Asynchronous HIGH-active signal clearing registers and initializing output states (TX HIGH, RTS/DTR LOW) |
| TX / RX | Serial data output/input | CMOS-level UART channel; TX drives marking (HIGH) after reset; RX accepts TTL/CMOS logic levels |
| RTS / CTS | Hardware flow control | RTS is output; CTS is input - auto-handshaking enabled via MCR[5:1] bits without CPU polling |
| INT | Interrupt request | Open-drain HIGH-active output signaling pending UART events (configurable priority mask) |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Crystal oscillator interface | Supports external crystal (1.8432–48 MHz) or single-ended clock input on XTAL1; XTAL2 is output in crystal mode |
| VDD / VSS | Power supply | VDD on pin 28; VSS on pins 9 and 13 - dual ground pins reduce noise coupling in high-speed FIFO operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 16-byte TX/RX FIFOs | Reduces CPU interrupt frequency by factor of 16 vs. 16C450 - critical for real-time multitasking systems |
| Auto-RTS/CTS flow control | Eliminates RX buffer overrun without software intervention - essential for unattended industrial telemetry |
| Four FIFO trigger levels | Enables fine-grained interrupt tuning (1/4/8/14 bytes) to match host CPU latency and DMA burst size |
| 5 V tolerant inputs | D0–D7, RESET, IOR, IOW, A0–A2, CS, AS accept 5 V logic while operating at 2.5 V/3.3 V - simplifies mixed-voltage board design |
| Internal loopback mode | Validates UART functionality end-to-end without external cabling - accelerates bring-up and field diagnostics |
Applications
| Industrial Serial Gateway | Legacy RS-232 Interface Card |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connecting PLCs, HMIs, and sensors over long-haul RS-232/485 links in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: UART interface IC handling protocol translation, FIFO buffering, and hardware flow control between microcontroller and line driver. Use Value: 16-byte FIFOs and auto-RTS/CTS prevent data loss during CPU interrupts or bus contention in deterministic control loops. |
Use Scenario: Retrofitting ISA/PCI serial expansion cards for legacy PC-based test equipment and lab instrumentation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in 16C450 software-compatible UART providing enhanced throughput and reduced IRQ overhead. Use Value: Pin compatibility with ST16C550/TL16C550 allows direct replacement without PCB redesign or driver updates. |
| Multi-Channel Modem Subsystem | Embedded Telemetry Module |
Use Scenario: Supporting concurrent dial-up, fax, and data channels in remote site communication hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-FIFO UART managing independent TX/RX timing with programmable baud generation for asymmetric modem protocols. Use Value: Independent 16× baud clocks and 48 MHz max input enable simultaneous 33.6 kbit/s and 115.2 kbit/s channel operation. |
Use Scenario: Low-power environmental monitoring nodes transmitting sensor data via cellular or satellite modems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial bridge IC converting MCU parallel bus data into framed asynchronous packets for modem transmission. Use Value: 2.5 V operation and industrial temp range ensure reliable operation in battery-powered 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL16C550CPTR | 32-pin TQFP package; supports TXRDY/RXRDY DMA signals (unavailable in SC16C550BIBS,157) | Preferred where multi-transfer DMA is required for high-throughput host interfaces | Select TL16C550CPTR only if DMA signaling is mandatory and HVQFN32 footprint is not constrained |
| ST16C550CQ44 | PLCC44 package; includes BAUDOUT and RCLK pins (not bonded internally like SC16C550BIBS,157) | Suitable for designs requiring external clock fanout or separate receiver clock sourcing | Choose ST16C550CQ44 when board layout accommodates PLCC44 and discrete RCLK routing is needed |
Compared with TL16C550CPTR and ST16C550CQ44, SC16C550BIBS,157 offers superior thermal performance in space-constrained industrial modules due to its HVQFN32 thermal pad, while retaining full 16C450 software compatibility and eliminating need for external clock buffers via internal BAUDOUT–RCLK bond.
Availability
SC16C550BIBS,157 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial serial gateways, legacy RS-232 interface cards, and embedded telemetry modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for SC16C550BIBS,157 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 core expertise in interface, power, and security ICs.
The SC16C550BIBS,157 belongs to NXP's legacy UART product line, designed specifically for robust, software-compatible serial interface extension in industrial control, telecom infrastructure, and embedded computing platforms.
FAQ
What voltage levels does SC16C550BIBS,157 support, and how do they affect maximum data rate?
SC16C550BIBS,157 operates at 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V ±10 %. Maximum data rate scales with supply: 3 Mbit/s at 5 V, 2 Mbit/s at 3.3 V, and 1 Mbit/s at 2.5 V. These limits are specified under industrial temperature conditions and assume proper decoupling and signal integrity. The SC16C550BIBS,157 maintains full register compatibility and FIFO functionality across all three voltages.
Does SC16C550BIBS,157 support hardware flow control, and how is it configured?
Yes, SC16C550BIBS,157 supports automatic hardware flow control via RTS and CTS pins. Auto-RTS is enabled by setting MCR[5] and MCR[1]; auto-CTS requires MCR[5]=1 and MCR[1]=0. RTS de-asserts when RX FIFO reaches programmed trigger level (1/4/8/14 bytes); CTS controls TX emission in real time. This eliminates software polling and prevents RX FIFO overrun in burst-mode traffic.
What are the key differences between SC16C550BIBS,157 and the PLCC44 variant SC16C550BIA44?
SC16C550BIBS,157 uses HVQFN32 packaging with internally bonded BAUDOUT–RCLK and no TXRDY/RXRDY pins, whereas SC16C550BIA44 in PLCC44 exposes BAUDOUT, RCLK, TXRDY, and RXRDY as discrete pins. Both share identical register sets, FIFO depth, and voltage ratings. SC16C550BIBS,157 offers better thermal dissipation and smaller footprint, while SC16C550BIA44 supports external clock fanout and DMA signaling.
Can SC16C550BIBS,157 be used with existing 16C450 software drivers?
Yes, SC16C550BIBS,157 powers up functionally identical to the 16C450 register set and is fully compatible with generic 16C450 software. All standard register addresses (THR/RHR, IER, FCR, LCR, MCR, etc.) match, and initialization sequences require no modification. Enhanced features like FIFOs and auto-flow control are accessed via extended register bits and remain transparent to legacy code unless explicitly enabled.
What is the purpose of the exposed thermal pad on SC16C550BIBS,157, and how must it be connected?
The exposed center pad on SC16C550BIBS,157 is electrically connected to VSS and serves as primary thermal conduction path. It must be soldered to a dedicated PCB thermal pad tied to system ground. Thermal vias beneath the pad are required for effective heat dissipation. Failure to connect the pad compromises both thermal performance and electrical noise immunity, especially during sustained 3 Mbit/s operation.
SC16C550BIBS,157 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tray
- 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:
- 32-HVQFN (5x5)
SC16C550BIBS,157 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SC16C550BIBS,157 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SC16C550BIBS,157 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,157 reliable?
The price and inventory of SC16C550BIBS,157 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SC16C550BIBS,157 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SC16C550BIBS,157?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SC16C550BIBS,157 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SC16C550BIBS,157?
SC16C550BIBS,157 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SC16C550BIBS,157 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,157?
For technical support, including SC16C550BIBS,157 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SC16C550BIBS,157 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SC16C550BIBS,157 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SC16C550BIBS,157 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,157 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SC16C550BIBS,157?
All SC16C550BIBS,157 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SC16C550BIBS,157, 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,157 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SC16C550BIBS,157:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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