NXP Semiconductors SC16C850SVIBS,151

Overview

SC16C850SVIBS,151 from NXP Semiconductors is a 1.8 V single-channel UART IC designed for high-speed serial data conversion in embedded communication interfaces. It performs parallel-to-serial and serial-to-parallel conversion, supports up to 20 Mbit/s data rate with 4× sampling, integrates 128-byte TX/RX FIFOs, and features IrDA 1.0 encoding/decoding and XScale VLIO bus interface for low-latency CPU interaction in industrial networking systems.

For engineers reviewing the SC16C850SVIBS,151 datasheet, SC16C850SVIBS,151 pinout, SC16C850SVIBS,151 application, or SC16C850SVIBS,151 equivalent, key selection considerations include its HVQFN32 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts, programmable 128-level FIFO interrupt triggers, automatic RS-485 driver turn-around with configurable delay, and software compatibility with SC16C650B for legacy migration paths.

Technical Context

The SC16C850SVIBS,151 implements a rational baud rate generator with integer (DLL/DLM) and fractional (CLKPRES) divisor control, enabling precise non-standard baud rates up to 20 Mbit/s using an 80 MHz clock input. Its extended mode activates when TXINTLVL, RXINTLVL, FLWCNTH, or FLWCNTL registers contain non-zero values-enabling full 128-byte FIFO operation and 128 programmable trigger levels.

It integrates dual flow control logic: hardware (RTS/CTS or DTR/DSR) with configurable threshold mapping via FLWCNTH/FLWCNTL, and software (Xon/Xoff) with dual-character detection. The VLIO interface uses AD0–AD7 multiplexed address/data lines with LLA strobe and IOR/IOW control, supporting Intel XScale processor integration at 1.8 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

HVQFN32 package (5 mm × 5 mm × 0.85 mm), thermally enhanced with exposed center pad requiring PCB thermal vias and solder connection to ground for optimal power dissipation and signal integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART applications.

Compared with SC16C750BIBS,151, the SC16C850SVIBS,151 delivers 4× FIFO depth and integrated RS-485/IrDA, while TL16C752BPFG offers channel count at the expense of voltage compatibility and feature set - making SC16C850SVIBS,151 optimal for new 1.8 V embedded designs requiring single-channel performance and protocol flexibility.

Availability

SC16C850SVIBS,151 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial serial gateways, embedded modem interfaces, IrDA remote control hubs, and XScale-based handheld terminals requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for SC16C850SVIBS,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 deep expertise in mixed-signal and interface ICs.

The SC16C850SVIBS,151 belongs to NXP's high-performance UART product line, engineered specifically for low-voltage embedded systems requiring robust serial communication, advanced flow control, and protocol acceleration in space- and power-constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum data rate supported by the SC16C850SVIBS,151 and under what conditions?

The SC16C850SVIBS,151 supports up to 20 Mbit/s when operated with an 80 MHz clock input and 4× sampling mode. This maximum rate requires full-rail swing on the XTAL1 clock input and is validated for the HVQFN32 package at 1.8 V and −40 °C to +85 °C. At lower clock frequencies - such as 24 MHz - the SC16C850SVIBS,151 achieves up to 6 Mbit/s, maintaining full functionality including 128-byte FIFO operation and IrDA encoding.

Does the SC16C850SVIBS,151 support automatic RS-485 driver turn-around, and how is it configured?

Yes, the SC16C850SVIBS,151 supports automatic RS-485 driver turn-around via dedicated control logic. It is enabled by setting EFR[4] = 1 and configuring the RS-485 turn-around timer register (RS485TIME). The delay is programmable in steps of 1024 clock cycles, allowing precise synchronization with bus propagation delays. This feature eliminates external GPIO timing and discrete logic, and is fully functional in both standard and extended (128-byte FIFO) modes of the SC16C850SVIBS,151.

How does the SC16C850SVIBS,151 handle power management in low-power applications?

The SC16C850SVIBS,151 implements hardware-assisted low-power operation via the LOWPWR pin. When asserted high, it shuts down the internal oscillator and isolates host interface pins (AD0–AD7, IOR, IOW, CS, LLA) from the bus, reducing quiescent current significantly. Upon de-assertion, the device performs an automatic hardware reset - restoring all registers to default states. This behavior ensures deterministic wake-up and eliminates need for external reset sequencing in battery-powered SC16C850SVIBS,151 deployments.

Is the SC16C850SVIBS,151 software-compatible with older UARTs, and which registers require special access?

Yes, the SC16C850SVIBS,151 is software-compatible with the SC16C650B after power-on or hardware reset. Standard registers (THR/RHR, IER, FCR, LSR, MCR, MSR) are accessible using conventional address decoding. Extended features - including 128-byte FIFO control, clock prescaling, and RS-485 timing - require accessing enhanced register sets via EFCR and EFR with specific LCR bit patterns (e.g., LCR = 0xBF for enhanced features), preserving backward compatibility while enabling new functionality in the SC16C850SVIBS,151.

What are the thermal requirements for the HVQFN32 package of the SC16C850SVIBS,151?

The SC16C850SVIBS,151 in HVQFN32 (SOT617-1) requires connection of the exposed center pad to a PCB thermal pad with ≥4 thermal vias to internal ground planes. Per datasheet Section 5.2, VSS pin and the exposed pad must both be soldered to system ground for proper operation and thermal dissipation. Failure to implement this results in degraded performance and potential thermal shutdown. The package is rated for 1.8 V operation and supports junction temperatures up to +125 °C, but sustained 20 Mbit/s operation requires adherence to this thermal layout for the SC16C850SVIBS,151.