NXP Semiconductors SC16C850VIBS,157

Overview

SC16C850VIBS,157 from NXP Semiconductors is a 1.8 V single-channel Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter (UART) with 128-byte transmit/receive FIFOs, IrDA 1.0 encoder/decoder, and XScale VLIO bus interface. It supports up to 5 Mbit/s data rate at 1.8 V, operates across −40 °C to +85 °C, and delivers programmable baud rate generation with 1/16-step prescaler granularity for non-standard clock sources.

For engineers reviewing the SC16C850VIBS,157 datasheet, SC16C850VIBS,157 pinout, SC16C850VIBS,157 application, or SC16C850VIBS,157 equivalent, key selection considerations include its HVQFN32 package compatibility with high-density embedded designs, 128-level programmable FIFO interrupt triggers, automatic RS-485 driver turn-around with configurable delay, and software compatibility with SC16C650B in legacy systems.

Technical Context

The SC16C850VIBS,157 implements a dual-mode UART architecture supporting both standard 32-byte FIFO operation (backward-compatible with SC16C650B) and extended 128-byte FIFO mode activated via FLWCNTH/RXINTLVL register writes. Its VLIO interface uses AD0–AD7 multiplexed address/data lines with LLA strobe control, enabling efficient register access in Intel XScale-based systems.

It integrates independent hardware flow control (RTS/CTS or DTR/DSR mapping), software flow control (Xon/Xoff with dual-character detection), and IrDA 1.0 physical layer support up to 115.2 kbit/s. The device features a rational baud rate generator accepting up to 80 MHz input clocks, with integer (DLL/DLM) and fractional (CLKPRES) divisor components for precise rate synthesis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

HVQFN32 package (SOT617-1), 5 × 5 × 0.85 mm body, thermally enhanced with exposed center pad requiring PCB thermal vias per NXP guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SC16C750BIBS,157, the SC16C850VIBS,157 provides 4× deeper FIFOs and critical industrial features like RS-485 turn-around and IrDA; versus TUSB3410IRHBR, it offers native SoC bus integration without USB protocol overhead or host driver dependencies.

Availability

SC16C850VIBS,157 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC gateways, embedded Linux terminal interfaces, medical data loggers, automated test equipment controllers, and RS-485 sensor networks requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SC16C850VIBS,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 deep expertise in mixed-signal and interface IP.

The SC16C850VIBS,157 belongs to NXP's high-performance UART product line designed specifically for resource-constrained, low-voltage embedded systems requiring robust serial communication, industrial bus compatibility, and minimal external component count.

FAQ

What is the maximum serial data rate supported by the SC16C850VIBS,157?

The SC16C850VIBS,157 supports up to 5 Mbit/s - but only when driven by an 80 MHz external clock applied to the XTAL1 pin. With a crystal oscillator (e.g., 1.8432 MHz), the maximum achievable rate is 1.5 Mbit/s. The actual rate depends on programmed divisor values in DLL, DLM, and CLKPRES registers, and must account for stop bit, parity, and word length configuration in the Line Control Register.

Does the SC16C850VIBS,157 support RS-485 half-duplex operation?

Yes, the SC16C850VIBS,157 includes dedicated hardware for automatic RS-485 driver turn-around. When enabled via the Enhanced Feature Register, it asserts DE (driver enable) automatically before transmission and de-asserts it after the final stop bit, with programmable delay controlled by the RS485TIME register - eliminating need for external timing circuitry or GPIO toggling.

How does the SC16C850VIBS,157 handle low-power operation?

The SC16C850VIBS,157 implements low-power mode via the LOWPWR pin (active HIGH). When asserted, it shuts down the internal oscillator and isolates host interface pins (AD0–AD7, IOR, IOW, etc.) from the bus to minimize leakage. Upon de-assertion, the device performs an automatic hardware reset - restoring all registers to default states and re-enabling normal operation without external reset sequencing.

Is the SC16C850VIBS,157 software-compatible with older UARTs?

Yes, the SC16C850VIBS,157 is fully software-compatible with the SC16C650B after power-on reset or software reset. Its register map, bit definitions, and interrupt behavior match the SC16C650B in standard 32-byte FIFO mode. Extended features (128-byte FIFO, IrDA, RS-485 control) are accessed only when specific extended-mode registers are written, preserving legacy firmware compatibility.

What package type and thermal requirements apply to the SC16C850VIBS,157?

The SC16C850VIBS,157 is supplied in the HVQFN32 (SOT617-1) package - 5 × 5 × 0.85 mm with an exposed thermal pad. Per NXP documentation, the VSS pin and exposed pad must both be soldered to a PCB ground plane, and thermal vias are required beneath the pad to ensure proper heat conduction and long-term reliability under continuous 5 Mbit/s operation.