NXP Semiconductors SC16C550IB48,151
- Part No.:
- SC16C550IB48,151
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- 48-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
SC16C550IB48,151.pdf
- Description:
- IC UART SINGLE W/FIFO 48-LQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,339
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Product details
Overview
SC16C550IB48,151 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, operating across −40 °C to +85 °C for industrial serial communication in embedded control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SC16C550IB48,151 datasheet, SC16C550IB48,151 pinout, SC16C550IB48,151 application, or SC16C550IB48,151 equivalent, key selection considerations include FIFO-triggered interrupt levels, auto-RTS/CTS hardware flow control, IrDA interface capability, 3-state TTL bus drive, and LQFP48 package compatibility with legacy 16C450 software stacks.
Technical Context
The SC16C550IB48,151 implements a dual-FIFO architecture with independent 16-byte transmit and receive buffers, enabling DMA-ready signaling via TXRDY/RXRDY outputs and four programmable receive FIFO interrupt trigger levels (1/4/8/14 bytes). Its register set extends the 16C450 baseline with an Enhanced Feature Register (EFR) to enable auto-flow control and Xon/Xoff software flow management.
It integrates a fully programmable baud rate generator with divisor latches (DLL/DLM), supports asynchronous framing with 5–8-bit words, 1/1.5/2 stop bits, and even/odd/no parity, and provides full modem control (DTR/RTS/CTS/DSR/DCD/RI) alongside infrared encoding/decoding per IrDA 1.0 physical layer specifications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Max Data Rate | 3 Mbit/s at 5 V - enables high-speed modem and ISDN interface support without external clock multiplication |
| FIFO Depth | 16-byte TX + 16-byte RX - reduces CPU interrupt load by ~8× vs. 1-byte 16C450, improving real-time response in multi-channel systems |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V ±10% - supports mixed-voltage system integration and legacy board upgrades |
| Operating Temp | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for industrial automation, transportation, and outdoor embedded applications |
| IrDA Support | Integrated encoder/decoder per IrDA 1.0 - eliminates need for external SIR PHY, simplifying IR peripheral design |
| Interrupt Priority | Programmable priority hierarchy with line status, data ready, time-out, and modem status - allows deterministic interrupt servicing in RTOS environments |
| Flow Control | Hardware auto-RTS/CTS + software Xon/Xoff - prevents FIFO overrun without host CPU polling, critical for bursty serial traffic |
Pinout & Package
LQFP48 package: plastic low-profile quad flat package, 48 leads, body size 7 × 7 × 1.4 mm, lead pitch 0.5 mm, RoHS-compliant, surface-mount compatible.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| D0–D7 | Data Bus I/O | Bi-directional 8-bit parallel interface with 3-state TTL drive - connects directly to microcontroller data bus without level-shifting |
| A0–A2 | Register Address | Selects among 15 internal registers (THR/RHR, IER, FCR, LCR, MCR, etc.) using standard 16C450 addressing map |
| IOR / IOW | Read/Write Strobe | Asymmetric active-HIGH/active-LOW strobes - compatible with Intel- and Motorola-style bus timing without glue logic |
| TX / RX | Serial I/O | CMOS-level UART signals - require external line driver (e.g., MAX232) for RS-232 or direct connection to IrDA transceiver |
| RTS / CTS | Flow Control | Hardware handshaking pins - auto-controlled via FCR/EFR to pause/resume transmission based on RX FIFO fill level |
| INT | Interrupt Output | Open-drain or push-pull (configurable) - asserts HIGH on FIFO trigger, error, or modem status change per programmed IER mask |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Crystal Interface | Supports 1–48 MHz crystal or external clock - enables precise baud generation up to 3 Mbit/s with <±0.5% error |
| RCLK | Receiver Clock Input | Optional 16× oversampling clock - allows independent receiver timing for asynchronous clock domains or external clock recovery |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Auto-RTS/CTS Flow Control | Eliminates CPU polling by dynamically asserting RTS when RX FIFO reaches 1/4/8/14-byte threshold, preventing data loss in high-throughput links |
| Four FIFO Trigger Levels | Enables fine-grained interrupt tuning - e.g., level=1 for low-latency real-time control, level=14 for bulk data transfer efficiency |
| IrDA 1.0 Encoder/Decoder | On-die SIR (Serial Infrared) logic - converts UART frames to 3/16 carrier-modulated pulses, reducing BOM count and PCB area |
| Sleep Mode | Reduces quiescent current to <10 µA while preserving register state - extends battery life in portable diagnostic tools and handheld terminals |
| Backward Compatibility | Power-up defaults to 16C450 register map and behavior - allows drop-in replacement in existing designs with no firmware changes required |
| False Start-Bit Detection | Rejects spurious noise-induced start bits before sampling - improves reliability in electrically noisy industrial environments (e.g., PLC backplanes) |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Serial Gateway | Medical Device Data Logger |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connects legacy RS-232 sensors (temperature, pressure) to a Cortex-M4-based controller via isolated level shifters and ESD protection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: UART interface IC handling protocol translation, FIFO buffering, and hardware flow control between sensor network and main MCU. Use Value: 16-byte FIFO absorbs burst reads from multiple sensors; auto-CTS prevents overrun during simultaneous acquisition; IrDA option enables wireless configuration via tablet. | Use Scenario: Captures ECG waveform data from analog front-end and streams it over USB-to-serial bridge to PC-based analysis software. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability serial bridge IC managing variable-rate data bursts, error detection, and interrupt-driven buffer management. Use Value: 3 Mbit/s capability supports >250 kSPS sampled data; sleep mode cuts power during idle periods; false start-bit rejection ensures clean data capture in hospital EMF environments. |
| Point-of-Sale Terminal Modem Interface | Smart Energy Meter Communication Module |
Use Scenario: Interfaces GPRS modem (via RS-232) to ARM9 application processor for remote transaction upload and firmware updates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust UART with hardware flow control ensuring reliable packet delivery over noisy cellular links. Use Value: Auto-RTS throttles modem TX when meter's CPU is busy processing transactions; 2.5 V operation matches modem's low-voltage rail; industrial temp range ensures outdoor kiosk reliability. | Use Scenario: Enables DLMS/COSEM protocol exchange over PLC (power-line communication) or RF mesh via external transceiver. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Protocol-agnostic serial interface IC providing framing, buffering, and interrupt signaling for secure metering stack. Use Value: Programmable Xon/Xoff characters implement application-layer flow control; 8-bit word length + parity support meets IEC 62056 requirements; −40 °C to +85 °C rating validates outdoor transformer cabinet deployment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL16C550CPTR | TI variant; identical 16-byte FIFO, same pinout, but lacks IrDA encoder/decoder and sleep mode | Requires external IR PHY for infrared use; higher static current in idle state | Prefer when IrDA is unused and TI supply chain preference applies |
| ST16C550CZ1 | STMicroelectronics version; supports same voltage ranges and FIFO features, but uses different EFR bit mapping for auto-flow enable | Firmware requires minor register initialization update; no functional impact on flow control behavior | Choose for ST ecosystem alignment or dual-sourcing strategy with validated register compatibility |
Compared with TL16C550CPTR and ST16C550CZ1, the SC16C550IB48,151 uniquely integrates IrDA 1.0 PHY logic and ultra-low-power sleep mode - delivering reduced component count and extended battery life where infrared configuration or energy-constrained operation is required.
Availability
SC16C550IB48,151 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC gateways, medical data loggers, point-of-sale terminal modems, smart energy meters, and embedded diagnostics requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle programs.
Supply support for SC16C550IB48,151 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 roots in Philips' semiconductor division.
The SC16C550IB48,151 belongs to NXP's legacy industrial UART product line, designed specifically to extend the life of 16C450-based systems with enhanced FIFO, flow control, and IrDA capabilities while maintaining full software and pin compatibility.
FAQ
What is the maximum serial data rate supported by the SC16C550IB48,151?
The SC16C550IB48,151 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 performance is achieved with a 48 MHz external clock input and depends on supply voltage and temperature conditions. The SC16C550IB48,151 maintains stable operation across its full industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C) at these rates when properly decoupled and laid out.
Does the SC16C550IB48,151 support automatic hardware flow control?
Yes, the SC16C550IB48,151 supports programmable auto-RTS and auto-CTS via its Enhanced Feature Register (EFR). When enabled, RTS de-asserts automatically when the receive FIFO reaches a user-selected trigger level (1/4/8/14 bytes), and CTS is monitored to gate transmitter output - eliminating software overhead. The SC16C550IB48,151 implements this without external logic or CPU intervention.
Is the SC16C550IB48,151 pin-compatible with older 16C450-based designs?
Yes, the SC16C550IB48,151 powers up in 16C450-compatible mode and is pin-for-pin compatible with ST16C550, TL16C550, and PC16C550 in the LQFP48 package. All control, data, and timing signals match the industry-standard footprint, allowing direct replacement in existing PCB layouts without redesign. The SC16C550IB48,151 retains full register-level backward compatibility for legacy drivers.
What IrDA specification does the SC16C550IB48,151 support?
The SC16C550IB48,151 integrates an IrDA 1.0-compliant encoder/decoder for Serial Infrared (SIR) physical layer operation at up to 115.2 kbit/s. It generates and decodes 3/16 carrier-modulated pulses directly from UART frames, requiring only an external IR LED and photodiode or integrated transceiver. The SC16C550IB48,151 does not support faster FIR or VFIR modes.
How does the SC16C550IB48,151 handle false start-bit detection?
The SC16C550IB48,151 includes dedicated false start-bit detection circuitry that validates incoming signal transitions against expected timing windows before committing to a character receive. This rejects electrical noise spikes or crosstalk that mimic valid start bits - a critical feature in industrial settings with motor drives or switching power supplies. The SC16C550IB48,151 reports false start events via the Line Status Register (LSR[3]) without corrupting FIFO contents.
SC16C550IB48,151 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 48-LQFP
- 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:
- Yes
- With False Start Bit Detection:
- Yes
- With Modem Control:
- Yes
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 48-LQFP (7x7)
SC16C550IB48,151 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SC16C550IB48,151 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SC16C550IB48,151 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 SC16C550IB48,151 reliable?
The price and inventory of SC16C550IB48,151 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SC16C550IB48,151 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SC16C550IB48,151?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SC16C550IB48,151 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SC16C550IB48,151?
SC16C550IB48,151 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SC16C550IB48,151 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 SC16C550IB48,151?
For technical support, including SC16C550IB48,151 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SC16C550IB48,151 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SC16C550IB48,151 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SC16C550IB48,151 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 SC16C550IB48,151 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SC16C550IB48,151?
All SC16C550IB48,151 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SC16C550IB48,151, 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 SC16C550IB48,151 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SC16C550IB48,151:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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