NXP Semiconductors SC16C852LIBS,115

Overview

SC16C852LIBS,115 from NXP Semiconductors is a 1.8 V dual-channel UART IC supporting up to 5 Mbit/s serial data rates, featuring 128-byte transmit/receive FIFOs, IrDA 1.0 encoder/decoder, and selectable Intel (16-mode) or Motorola (68-mode) bus interface. It operates across −40 °C to +85 °C and targets industrial embedded systems requiring high-throughput, low-power asynchronous communication with modem control and RS-485 support.

For engineers reviewing the SC16C852LIBS,115 datasheet, SC16C852LIBS,115 pinout, SC16C852LIBS,115 application, or SC16C852LIBS,115 equivalent, key selection considerations include dual-channel concurrent operation, programmable 128-level FIFO trigger thresholds, automatic RS-485 driver turn-around with delay, hardware/software flow control, and HVQFN32 package compatibility with thermal pad requirements.

Technical Context

The SC16C852LIBS,115 implements two independent UART channels with fully separate register sets, baud rate generators, and FIFO control logic. Each channel supports programmable start/stop/parity framing, local loopback diagnostics, and interrupt-driven or DMA-based data transfer using TXRDYx/RXRDYx handshaking signals.

Its extended mode enables 128-byte FIFO operation via dedicated TXINTLVL/RXINTLVL registers, while the clock prescaler (0–15, 1/16-step granularity) allows precise non-standard baud rate synthesis from an 80 MHz input clock or crystal oscillator. RS-485 address detection and turn-around timing are controlled through AFCR1/RS485TIME registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SC16C852LIBS,115 is housed in a 32-terminal HVQFN package (5 mm × 5 mm × 0.85 mm body, SOT617-1) with exposed thermal pad. The pad must be soldered to a PCB thermal pad with vias for electrical grounding and thermal dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SC16C752IBS,115 and TL16C752BPTR, the SC16C852LIBS,115 delivers higher FIFO depth, integrated IrDA, and hardware RS-485 timing-enabling single-chip solutions for space-constrained, multi-protocol industrial gateways without external logic or transceivers.

Availability

SC16C852LIBS,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC communication, medical device serial gateways, embedded network routers, and test equipment control interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SC16C852LIBS,115 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.

The SC16C852LIBS,115 belongs to NXP's high-performance UART product line, designed specifically for industrial embedded systems demanding robust serial communication, low-voltage operation, and advanced protocol support including RS-485 and IrDA.

FAQ

What is the maximum serial data rate supported by the SC16C852LIBS,115?

The SC16C852LIBS,115 supports up to 5 Mbit/s when driven by an 80 MHz external clock. With a crystal oscillator, the maximum rate is 1.5 Mbit/s. These limits are defined by the internal baud rate generator architecture and timing margins specified in the NXP datasheet Rev. 4. The SC16C852LIBS,115 achieves this performance while maintaining full 128-byte FIFO functionality and error detection capabilities.

Does the SC16C852LIBS,115 support both RS-232 and RS-485 physical layers?

The SC16C852LIBS,115 provides UART logic and protocol handling but does not include integrated line drivers or receivers. It supports RS-232 and RS-485 through external transceivers connected to its TXA/RXA and TXB/RXB pins. Its built-in RS-485 features-including automatic address detection and programmable turn-around delay-are specifically designed to simplify interface with RS-485 transceivers like the MAX3080 or SN65HVD72.

How does the LOWPWR pin function on the SC16C852LIBS,115?

The LOWPWR pin on the SC16C852LIBS,115 is an active-HIGH input that places the device into low-power mode by shutting off the internal oscillator and isolating host bus interface pins (A0–A2, D0–D7, CSA/CSB, etc.) from the external bus. When LOWPWR is de-asserted (goes LOW), the device resets automatically, restoring all registers to default states. An internal pull-down resistor allows the pin to be left unconnected for normal operation.

Is the SC16C852LIBS,115 pin-compatible with the SC16C652B in the same package?

Yes - the SC16C852LIBS,115 is pin-, function-, and software-compatible with the SC16C652B when both are in the LQFP48 package (SC16C852LIB). However, the SC16C852LIBS,115 uses the HVQFN32 package, which has a different pin count and layout. Pin compatibility does not extend across packages; the HVQFN32 variant requires a new PCB layout and cannot serve as a drop-in replacement for SC16C652B in LQFP48.

What are the thermal requirements for the HVQFN32 package of the SC16C852LIBS,115?

The SC16C852LIBS,115 in HVQFN32 (SOT617-1) requires connection of the exposed center thermal pad to a PCB copper pour with thermal vias for reliable operation. Per NXP documentation, the VSS pin and the exposed pad must both be connected to system ground. Failure to solder the thermal pad may cause overheating, reduced reliability, or functional instability under sustained 5 Mbit/s operation. Thermal design guidelines are detailed in the "PCB Layout Recommendations" section of the datasheet.