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NXP Semiconductors SC16C550IA44,512
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- Part No.:
- SC16C550IA44,512
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- 44-LCC (J-Lead)
- Datasheet:
-
SC16C550IA44,512.pdf
- Description:
- IC UART 44PLCC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,486
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Product details
Overview
SC16C550IA44,512 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips) is a 16-byte FIFO UART IC with IrDA encoder/decoder, operating at 5 V / 3.3 V / 2.5 V, supporting up to 3 Mbit/s data rate at 5 V, and featuring auto-RTS/CTS hardware flow control and four programmable receive FIFO interrupt trigger levels. It serves as a serial interface bridge in embedded industrial controllers requiring reliable asynchronous communication with modem or infrared peripherals.
For engineers reviewing the SC16C550IA44,512 datasheet, SC16C550IA44,512 pinout, SC16C550IA44,512 application, or SC16C550IA44,512 equivalent, key selection considerations include its PLCC44 package compatibility with legacy 16C550 designs, IrDA interface support, sleep mode capability, 16-byte bidirectional FIFO depth, and industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C).
Technical Context
The SC16C550IA44,512 implements a full-duplex asynchronous serial transceiver with independent transmitter and receiver clock paths (RCLK input, BAUDOUT output), integrated 16× baud rate generator, and register-mapped control logic compatible with 16C450 software initialization. Its internal architecture includes dual 16-byte FIFOs, enhanced feature register (EFR)-enabled auto-flow control, and selectable Xon/Xoff software flow control with dual-character detection.
It supports standard modem signaling (DTR/RTS/CTS/DSR/DCD/RI), provides prioritized interrupt handling (TXRDY/RXRDY/line status/modem status), and enables DMA coordination via dedicated TXRDY and RXRDY outputs with two configurable DMA modes. The device operates across three supply voltages and enters low-power sleep mode when idle, with XTAL2 floating per specification.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Max Data Rate | 3 Mbit/s at 5 V (requires 48 MHz crystal); 2 Mbit/s at 3.3 V; 1 Mbit/s at 2.5 V - defines maximum serial throughput under respective supply conditions. |
| FIFO Depth | 16-byte transmit + 16-byte receive FIFO - reduces CPU interrupt load by buffering bursts and enabling batch transfers. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V ±10% - supports mixed-voltage system integration without level-shifting. |
| Operating Temp | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for industrial environments including factory automation and transportation systems. |
| Interrupt Sources | Transmit empty, receive ready/time-out, line status error, modem status change - enables fine-grained event-driven firmware design. |
| IrDA Support | Integrated encoder/decoder - eliminates external IrDA PHY for infrared serial links (e.g., remote diagnostics). |
| Flow Control | Hardware auto-RTS/CTS + software Xon/Xoff (1- or 2-byte) - prevents FIFO overrun without host CPU polling. |
Pinout & Package
SC16C550IA44,512 is housed in a 44-pin plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC44, SOT187-2) with gull-wing leads, 1.27 mm pitch, and body size 16.6 × 16.6 × 4.0 mm. It features 3-State TTL-compatible I/O drivers and supports both memory-mapped and I/O-mapped bus interfacing via CS0–CS2 and AS address strobe.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| D0–D7 | Bi-directional data bus | 8-bit parallel interface to CPU or microcontroller; 3-State outputs enable shared bus operation. |
| A0–A2 | Register address select | Selects among 8 internal register sets (THR/RHR, IER/ISR, LCR, MCR, etc.) during read/write cycles. |
| IOR / IOW | Read/write strobes | Asymmetric active-low/high inputs allow flexible timing with 8080- or Z80-style buses; only one required per cycle. |
| CS0–CS2 | Chip select inputs | 3-input decode enables device selection in multi-peripheral systems; CS0=HIGH, CS1=HIGH, CS2=LOW activates UART. |
| AS | Address strobe | Latches A0–A2 and CS0–CS2 levels on falling edge, decoupling address setup from strobe timing. |
| TX / RX | Serial data I/O | Full-duplex asynchronous serial interface; TX output drives external line driver or IrDA PHY; RX accepts TTL-level input. |
| RTS / CTS | Hardware flow control | RTS output signals readiness to receive; CTS input controls transmit enable - used together for automatic FIFO-level handshaking. |
| TXRDY / RXRDY | DMA handshake outputs | Active-low signals indicate transmit buffer empty or receive FIFO ≥ trigger level - synchronize DMA transfers without CPU intervention. |
| INT | Interrupt request | Open-drain output asserts HIGH on any enabled interrupt condition; supports wired-OR interrupt sharing. |
| MR | Master reset | Asynchronous active-HIGH reset clears registers, disables outputs, and forces default 16C450-compatible state. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Crystal oscillator interface | XTAL1 accepts external clock (up to 48 MHz) or crystal; XTAL2 outputs inverted clock - supports precise baud rate generation. |
| RCLK | Receiver clock input | Optional 16× oversampling clock for receiver section - allows independent receiver timing (e.g., for different link speeds). |
| BAUDOUT | Baud rate clock output | 16× transmitter clock derived from internal divisor; can drive RCLK of another UART or external line driver. |
| DDIS | Driver disable | Active-LOW signal disables D0–D7 outputs - isolates bus during reset or power-down sequences. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 16-byte dual FIFO | Reduces interrupt frequency by ~16× vs. 16C450, enabling higher serial throughput with lower CPU overhead in real-time systems. |
| Auto-RTS/CTS flow control | Eliminates software polling by automatically asserting RTS when RX FIFO reaches 1/4/8/14-byte threshold and deasserting CTS to halt TX - prevents data loss in bursty traffic. |
| IrDA encoder/decoder | On-chip infrared modulation/demodulation compliant with IrDA 1.0 physical layer - removes need for discrete IrDA transceiver in portable diagnostic tools. |
| Sleep mode | Reduces quiescent current to microamp range while retaining register state - extends battery life in handheld industrial testers. |
| Multi-voltage operation | Single part supports 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V logic domains - simplifies BOM management across legacy and modern controller platforms. |
| Pin compatibility | Direct replacement for ST16C550, TL16C550, and PC16C550 in PLCC44 footprint - enables drop-in upgrade of existing 16C550-based designs. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Serial Gateway | Medical Device Diagnostic Port |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Connects PLC CPU to legacy RS-232 field devices (HMI, sensors, actuators) over long cables in electrically noisy factory floors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: UART interface IC handling protocol translation, FIFO buffering, and hardware flow control to prevent data corruption from EMI-induced framing errors. Use Value: 16-byte FIFO absorbs noise-induced glitches; auto-RTS/CTS ensures reliable handshaking despite variable cable capacitance and ground shifts. |
Use Scenario: Enables infrared-based configuration and firmware update for portable patient monitors and infusion pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Integrated IrDA encoder/decoder performs baseband modulation/demodulation; UART handles packet framing and error checking. Use Value: Eliminates external IrDA PHY, reducing component count and PCB area; sleep mode extends battery runtime between clinical updates. |
| POS Terminal Modem Interface | Network Equipment Console Port |
|
Use Scenario: Interfaces point-of-sale terminal mainboard to dial-up credit card authorization modems using AT command sets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full modem control (DTR/RTS/CTS/DSR/DCD/RI) with status reporting and interrupt-driven command/response handling. Use Value: Hardware flow control prevents modem buffer overflow during high-speed credit card data transmission; 3.3 V operation matches modern SoC I/O voltage. |
Use Scenario: Provides out-of-band management console port on Ethernet switches and routers for CLI access during boot or failure recovery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust UART with false start-bit detection and complete line status reporting ensures reliable command entry even under unstable power or thermal stress. Use Value: Industrial temp rating guarantees operation during chassis overheating; 16-byte FIFO tolerates brief CPU lockups without losing debug commands. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART interface applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL16C550CP | Same 16-byte FIFO, identical PLCC44 pinout, but no IrDA encoder/decoder; operates only at 5 V. | Lacks infrared capability; suitable only for RS-232/RS-485 wired interfaces without IR requirements. | Choose TL16C550CP if IrDA is unnecessary and 5 V-only operation is acceptable; verify 5 V logic compatibility with host MCU. |
| ST16C550CQ44 | Pin-compatible PLCC44 UART with 16-byte FIFO and same 2.5/3.3/5 V support, but no integrated IrDA function. | Requires external IrDA transceiver for infrared use; otherwise matches SC16C550IA44,512 in FIFO depth, flow control, and voltage range. | Select ST16C550CQ44 when sourcing flexibility is critical and IrDA is handled externally; confirm identical register mapping and sleep mode behavior. |
Compared with TL16C550CP and ST16C550CQ44, the SC16C550IA44,512 uniquely integrates IrDA encoding/decoding while maintaining full 16C550 software compatibility and multi-voltage operation - making it the only option for space-constrained infrared-enabled industrial terminals without adding discrete PHY components.
Availability
SC16C550IA44,512 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC gateways, medical diagnostic ports, POS terminal modems, network equipment console interfaces, and embedded infrared communication systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for SC16C550IA44,512 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, formerly Philips Semiconductors, is a global leader in high-performance mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in connectivity, security, and power management.
The SC16C550IA44,512 belongs to NXP's legacy industrial UART product line, designed specifically for robust serial communication in harsh environments where reliability, long-term availability, and backward compatibility with 16C450 software are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum serial data rate supported by the SC16C550IA44,512?
The SC16C550IA44,512 supports up to 3 Mbit/s at 5 V (with 48 MHz crystal), 2 Mbit/s at 3.3 V, and 1 Mbit/s at 2.5 V. These rates assume proper signal integrity, correct baud divisor programming, and use of the 16-byte FIFO to avoid overrun. The actual achievable rate depends on external clock stability, PCB layout, and receiver-side timing margins - always validate with oscilloscope capture of TX/RX waveforms in final hardware.
Does the SC16C550IA44,512 require external components to operate as a UART?
Yes, the SC16C550IA44,512 requires an external crystal or clock source (connected to XTAL1/XTAL2), pull-up resistors on control lines (e.g., RTS, DTR) if driving RS-232 transceivers, and appropriate decoupling capacitors (0.1 µF ceramic near VCC/VSS). It does not require external FIFO memory or flow control logic - those functions are fully integrated. For RS-232 level shifting, a MAX232-type transceiver remains necessary.
How does the auto-RTS function work in the SC16C550IA44,512?
In auto-RTS mode, the SC16C550IA44,512 asserts RTS when the receive FIFO has space below a programmed threshold (1, 4, 8, or 14 bytes) and deasserts RTS when that level is reached. This directly controls the remote transmitter's data flow - for example, connecting RTS to the remote CTS halts transmission before FIFO overflow. The function is enabled via Enhanced Feature Register (EFR) bits 6–7 and requires proper initialization after reset.
Can the SC16C550IA44,512 be used with modern 3.3 V microcontrollers without level shifters?
Yes, the SC16C550IA44,512 operates natively at 3.3 V with full 3-State TTL-compatible I/O drive strength, matching standard 3.3 V logic thresholds. Its D0–D7, control, and interrupt pins are fully compatible with ARM Cortex-M, PIC32, and other 3.3 V MCUs. No level shifters are needed for direct connection - however, RS-232 line drivers (e.g., MAX3232) remain required for standard serial port voltage levels.
Is the SC16C550IA44,512 still in active production and supported by NXP?
The SC16C550IA44,512 is a mature industrial-grade part with documented long-term availability through NXP's Product Longevity Program. While not actively promoted in new designs, it remains available from authorized distributors and Aetrix Electronics with full datasheet, application notes, and technical support. NXP continues to guarantee supply for industrial customers through at least 2028 per published longevity roadmap.
SC16C550IA44,512 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:
- 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)
SC16C550IA44,512 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SC16C550IA44,512 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SC16C550IA44,512 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 SC16C550IA44,512 reliable?
The price and inventory of SC16C550IA44,512 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SC16C550IA44,512 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SC16C550IA44,512?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SC16C550IA44,512 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SC16C550IA44,512?
SC16C550IA44,512 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SC16C550IA44,512 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 SC16C550IA44,512?
For technical support, including SC16C550IA44,512 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SC16C550IA44,512 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SC16C550IA44,512 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SC16C550IA44,512 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 SC16C550IA44,512 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SC16C550IA44,512?
All SC16C550IA44,512 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SC16C550IA44,512, 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 SC16C550IA44,512 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SC16C550IA44,512:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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