NXP Semiconductors SC16C550IB48,128
- Part No.:
- SC16C550IB48,128
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- 48-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
SC16C550IB48,128.pdf
- Description:
- IC UART 48LQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SC16C550IB48,128 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips) is a 16-byte FIFO Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) IC with integrated IrDA encoder/decoder, supporting up to 3 Mbit/s at 5 V, 2 Mbit/s at 3.3 V, and 1 Mbit/s at 2.5 V, used for high-reliability serial communication in industrial embedded systems requiring hardware flow control and low-latency DMA signaling.
For engineers reviewing the SC16C550IB48,128 datasheet, SC16C550IB48,128 pinout, SC16C550IB48,128 application, or SC16C550IB48,128 equivalent, key selection criteria include FIFO trigger level programmability (1/4/8/14 bytes), auto-RTS/CTS hardware flow control, IrDA interface capability, 3-state TTL bus drive, and LQFP48 package compatibility with industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C).
Technical Context
The SC16C550IB48,128 implements dual 16-byte FIFOs for transmit and receive paths, with independent interrupt control per FIFO trigger level and time-out detection. Its baud rate generator supports divisor-based clock division from an external crystal (XTAL1/XTAL2) or oscillator, enabling precise DC–3 Mbit/s rates via DLL/DLM registers.
Hardware flow control is implemented through dedicated CTS input and RTS output pins, with auto-RTS logic tied directly to receiver FIFO fill level and auto-CTS gating transmitter output based on CTS state-both enabled via Enhanced Feature Register (EFR) bits 6–7. The device also integrates IrDA physical layer encoding/decoding and supports sleep mode with XTAL2 floating.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Max Data Rate | 3 Mbit/s at 5 V (48 MHz clock); enables compatibility with high-speed modems and ISDN interfaces. |
| FIFO Depth | 16-byte TX and RX FIFOs reduce CPU interrupt load by ~8× vs. legacy 1-byte 16C450 UARTs. |
| FIFO Trigger Levels | Programmable at 1, 4, 8, or 14 bytes; allows tuning of interrupt latency vs. buffer utilization trade-off. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V ±10%; supports mixed-voltage system integration without level shifters. |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C; qualified for industrial automation, transportation, and factory control environments. |
| IrDA Support | Integrated encoder/decoder compliant with IrDA 1.0 physical layer; eliminates need for external transceiver. |
| Interrupt Priority | Prioritized interrupt system with independent enable/disable per source (RX/TX/line/modem); avoids missed events in multi-channel designs. |
Pinout & Package
LQFP48 package (7 × 7 × 1.4 mm body, SOT313-2), industrial-grade plastic low-profile quad flat package with 48 leads and exposed thermal pad (per standard NXP LQFP48 mechanical drawing).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| D0–D7 | Data Bus I/O | 8-bit bidirectional parallel interface with 3-state TTL outputs; compatible with 8080/8051-style bus timing. |
| TX / RX | Serial I/O | Asynchronous serial data output (TX) and input (RX); support RS-232/RS-485 with external level shifter. |
| RTS / CTS | Flow Control I/O | Hardware handshaking signals; auto-RTS deasserts when RX FIFO reaches programmed threshold; auto-CTS gates TX output. |
| TXRDY / RXRDY | DMA Ready Outputs | Active-low DMA handshake signals; support single- or multi-transfer DMA modes per FIFO control register bit FCR[3]. |
| A0–A2 / AS / CS0–CS2 | Address & Chip Select | Register addressing and chip selection logic; AS enables direct address strobing for reliable register access timing. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Crystal Interface | External 1–48 MHz crystal or clock input; XTAL2 floats in sleep mode to minimize power consumption. |
| IOR / IOW | Bus Control Inputs | Dual-polarity read/write strobes (IOR active-low/IOW active-high or vice versa); simplifies interface to diverse microcontroller buses. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Auto-RTS/CTS Flow Control | Eliminates software polling overhead by automatically managing RTS assertion/deassertion based on RX FIFO fill level (1/4/8/14 byte thresholds). |
| Programmable Xon/Xoff Characters | Supports single- or dual-byte software flow control with configurable Xon1/Xon2/Xoff1/Xoff2 registers; prevents buffer overrun without hardware signal lines. |
| IrDA Encoder/Decoder | On-die infrared physical layer compliant with IrDA 1.0; enables wireless serial links up to 115.2 kbit/s without external IR transceiver IC. |
| Sleep Mode | Reduces quiescent current by disabling internal clocks while retaining register state; triggered via MCR[4] and releases XTAL2. |
| False Start-Bit Detection | Rejects spurious noise-induced start bits before sampling; improves robustness in electrically noisy industrial environments. |
| Line Break Generation/Detection | Generates or detects extended low-level TX/RX conditions (>1.5 character times); used for system reset signaling or remote diagnostics. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Serial Gateway | Medical Device RS-232 Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Connecting legacy RS-232 medical instruments (e.g., ECG monitors, infusion pumps) to modern ARM-based host controllers via isolated UART bridges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: UART interface IC handling protocol translation, FIFO buffering, and hardware flow control between instrument and host. Use Value: 16-byte FIFO and auto-CTS prevent data loss during burst transfers; IrDA option enables wireless configuration updates without opening sealed enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Adding isolated serial connectivity to portable diagnostic devices requiring FDA-compliant low-power operation and electromagnetic immunity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary asynchronous serial controller managing bidirectional command/response traffic with strict timing constraints. Use Value: Sleep mode reduces standby current to <10 µA; false start-bit detection ensures reliable communication in high-noise clinical environments. |
| Automotive Telematics Module | POS Terminal Modem Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Enabling CAN-to-serial bridging in vehicle infotainment systems where GPS/GLONASS modules communicate over UART with 3.3 V logic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability UART with voltage-flexible I/O driving modem and sensor telemetry streams. Use Value: 3.3 V operation matches automotive MCU voltage rails; programmable baud generator supports 460.8 kbit/s ISDN modem rates. |
Use Scenario: Integrating dial-up or GPRS modems into point-of-sale terminals where space-constrained LQFP48 footprint is critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial interface controller managing AT command exchange, data transfer, and modem status monitoring. Use Value: LQFP48 package fits compact PCB layouts; auto-RTS/CTS prevents modem buffer overflow during credit card transaction bursts. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL16C550CPTR | Same 16-byte FIFO, pin-compatible, but lacks IrDA encoder/decoder and sleep mode; max 1.5 Mbit/s at 3.3 V. | No infrared capability; requires external transceiver for IrDA use cases. | Select when IrDA is unused and cost sensitivity outweighs feature set. |
| ST16C550CQ44 | PLCC44 package only; identical FIFO, flow control, and register set; supports same 2.5/3.3/5 V operation. | Requires PCB redesign due to different footprint (PLCC44 vs. LQFP48); no change in firmware or logic design. | Select when PLCC44 is already standardized in production and LQFP48 layout revision is impractical. |
Compared with TL16C550CPTR and ST16C550CQ44, the SC16C550IB48,128 uniquely delivers IrDA PHY integration and sleep-mode power savings in LQFP48 - making it optimal for space-constrained, battery-aware, or wireless-configurable industrial designs where those features are required.
Availability
SC16C550IB48,128 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC gateways, medical device interfaces, automotive telematics modules, POS terminal modems, and embedded serial bridge applications requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.
Supply support for SC16C550IB48,128 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 focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep heritage in legacy Philips logic and interface ICs.
The SC16C550IB48,128 belongs to NXP's industrial UART product line, designed specifically for robust serial communication in harsh environments where reliability, FIFO efficiency, and flexible voltage operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum serial data rate supported by the SC16C550IB48,128?
The SC16C550IB48,128 supports up to 3 Mbit/s at 5 V with a 48 MHz crystal input, 2 Mbit/s at 3.3 V, and 1 Mbit/s at 2.5 V. These rates are achievable using the internal programmable baud rate generator with divisor latches (DLL/DLM), and are validated across the full industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C). The SC16C550IB48,128 does not support higher rates without external clock scaling.
Does the SC16C550IB48,128 support hardware flow control, and how is it configured?
Yes, the SC16C550IB48,128 supports automatic hardware flow control via RTS and CTS pins. Auto-RTS is enabled by setting EFR[7]=1 and configuring the receiver FIFO trigger level; auto-CTS is enabled by setting EFR[6]=1. Both features require prior initialization of the Enhanced Feature Register (EFR) with LCR=0xBF. The SC16C550IB48,128 implements this entirely in hardware without CPU intervention.
Can the SC16C550IB48,128 operate in low-power sleep mode, and what pins are affected?
Yes, the SC16C550IB48,128 supports sleep mode activated by setting bit 4 (SLEEP) of the Modem Control Register (MCR). In sleep mode, the internal oscillator halts, XTAL2 is left floating, and current draw drops significantly. All register contents and pin states (except XTAL2) are retained. Wake-up occurs on MR assertion or any enabled interrupt condition. The SC16C550IB48,128 maintains full register accessibility after wake-up.
Is the SC16C550IB48,128 pin-compatible with older 16C450 or 16C550 UARTs?
The SC16C550IB48,128 is pin-compatible with ST16C550, TL16C550, and PC16C550 in the same LQFP48 package, and powers up functionally equivalent to the 16C450 for backward software compatibility. However, it is not pin-compatible with DIP40 or PLCC44 variants of those parts due to differing pin counts and layouts. The SC16C550IB48,128 retains identical signal names and placement for all core UART functions in LQFP48.
What IrDA specifications does the SC16C550IB48,128 support, and how is it interfaced?
The SC16C550IB48,128 integrates an IrDA 1.0-compliant physical layer encoder/decoder supporting SIR (Serial Infrared) at up to 115.2 kbit/s. It requires only an external IR LED and photodiode (or transceiver) connected to TX/RX pins - no additional protocol IC is needed. The SC16C550IB48,128 handles pulse shaping, RZI encoding, and demodulation internally, with configuration managed via standard UART registers.
SC16C550IB48,128 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 48-LQFP
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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:
- 48-LQFP (7x7)
SC16C550IB48,128 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SC16C550IB48,128 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SC16C550IB48,128 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 SC16C550IB48,128 reliable?
The price and inventory of SC16C550IB48,128 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SC16C550IB48,128 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SC16C550IB48,128?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SC16C550IB48,128 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SC16C550IB48,128?
SC16C550IB48,128 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SC16C550IB48,128 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 SC16C550IB48,128?
For technical support, including SC16C550IB48,128 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SC16C550IB48,128 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SC16C550IB48,128 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SC16C550IB48,128 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 SC16C550IB48,128 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SC16C550IB48,128?
All SC16C550IB48,128 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SC16C550IB48,128, 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 SC16C550IB48,128 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SC16C550IB48,128:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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