NXP Semiconductors SC16IS850LIBS,157
- Part No.:
- SC16IS850LIBS,157
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Controllers
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
SC16IS850LIBS,157.pdf
- Description:
- IC CONTROLLER 24HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SC16IS850LIBS,157 from NXP Semiconductors is a single-channel UART IC with dual I²C-bus or SPI slave interface, 128-byte TX/RX FIFOs, IrDA SIR support up to 115.2 kbit/s, and RS-485 automatic direction control via RTS. It operates at 1.8 V, supports 5 Mbit/s UART data rates in 16× mode, and targets low-power industrial serial bridging in handheld and battery-operated systems.
For engineers reviewing the SC16IS850LIBS,157 datasheet, SC16IS850LIBS,157 pinout, SC16IS850LIBS,157 application, or SC16IS850LIBS,157 equivalent, key selection criteria include its HVQFN24 package footprint, 128-byte FIFO programmability, auto hardware/software flow control implementation, and compatibility with legacy 16C850 register sets for software porting.
Technical Context
The SC16IS850LIBS,157 integrates a fully programmable UART core with dual-mode serial host interface (I²C Fast-mode up to 400 kbit/s or SPI Mode 0 up to 12 Mbit/s), selectable 1.8 V operation, and industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C). Its internal architecture includes backward-compatible 16C850 register mapping, extended mode enabling 128-level FIFO trigger programming, and dedicated hardware for RS-485 driver direction control.
It implements rational baud rate generation using CLKPRES, DLL, and DLM registers to achieve precise rates up to 5 Mbit/s with an 80 MHz clock input, while supporting crystal (up to 1.5 Mbit/s) or external clock sources. Sleep current is <5 µA at 1.8 V when RX is idle and no interrupt is pending.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| UART Channels | Single full-duplex channel with independent TX/RX enable control |
| Max UART Data Rate | 5 Mbit/s in 16× clock mode; requires 80 MHz timing reference |
| FIFO Depth | 128 bytes each for transmit and receive buffers; enables high-throughput burst handling |
| Interface Options | I²C-bus slave (Fast-mode, 400 kbit/s) or SPI slave (Mode 0, 12 Mbit/s); selected by I2C/SPI pin |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V nominal; supports ultra-low-power portable designs |
| Sleep Current | <5 µA at 1.8 V; triggered automatically on RX idle, empty TX FIFO, and no pending interrupts |
| IrDA Support | Built-in encoder/decoder for SIR physical layer at up to 115.2 kbit/s |
Pinout & Package
HVQFN24 package (SOT616-3), 4 × 4 × 0.85 mm body, thermally enhanced with exposed center pad requiring PCB thermal vias and solder connection to ground.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| TX (Pin 5) | UART transmitter output | Drives serial data; disabled during local loopback mode |
| RX (Pin 4) | UART receiver input | Accepts serial data; disabled during local loopback mode |
| RTS (Pin 16) | Request-to-send output | Active-low signal for hardware flow control; controls RS-485 driver direction |
| CTS (Pin 18) | Clear-to-send input | Active-low modem status input; enables auto-CTS when EFR[7] = 1 |
| IRQ (Pin 15) | Interrupt output | Open-drain, active-low; signals RX/TX FIFO events, modem status changes, or errors |
| I2C/SPI (Pin 2) | Interface select | Logic HIGH = I²C mode; LOW = SPI mode; internal pull-up allows unconnected for I²C default |
| CS/A0 (Pin 14) | SPI chip select / I²C address bit A0 | Active-low SPI CS; or LSB of I²C slave address when I2C/SPI = HIGH |
| SI/A1 (Pin 13) | SPI data input / I²C address bit A1 | SPI serial input; or MSB of I²C slave address when I2C/SPI = HIGH |
| SCL/SCLK (Pin 3) | I²C clock / SPI clock input | Shared clock line; accepts I²C SCL or SPI SCLK signals |
| SDA (Pin 24) | I²C data I/O | Open-drain bidirectional I²C data; must be tied to VSS if SPI mode selected |
| SO (Pin 1) | SPI data output | 3-stateable SPI MISO; undefined in I²C mode (must be NC) |
| RESET (Pin 17) | Hardware reset input | Active-low asynchronous reset; initializes registers and clears FIFOs |
| XTAL1 (Pin 7) | Clock input | Crystal or external clock source; forms oscillator with XTAL2 or drives internal baud generator |
| VDD (Pin 22) | Power supply | 1.8 V supply; decoupling capacitor required near pin |
| VSS (Pin 9) | Ground | Power ground; die ground also connected to exposed thermal pad |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Auto RS-485 direction control | RTS-driven driver enable with configurable inversion; eliminates external direction logic |
| Programmable 128-level FIFO triggers | Independent TXINTLVL/RXINTLVL registers allow granular interrupt threshold tuning from 1–128 bytes |
| Backward-compatible register set | Fully matches 16C850 layout; enables drop-in software reuse from legacy platforms |
| Integrated IrDA SIR PHY | On-chip encoder/decoder supports standard 115.2 kbit/s infrared communication without external components |
| Software reset capability | Register-based reset independent of hardware RESET pin; enables runtime recovery without board-level intervention |
| Flexible flow control | Simultaneous auto hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (Xon/Xoff) modes; configurable single/dual character detection |
Applications
| Industrial Serial Gateway | Portable Diagnostic Tool |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connecting PLCs or sensors with RS-485 interfaces to I²C-based microcontrollers in factory automation panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: UART bridge translating I²C commands into RS-485 frames with automatic driver direction control and hardware flow control. Use Value: Eliminates discrete level shifters and direction logic; reduces BOM count and PCB area while maintaining deterministic latency via 128-byte FIFO buffering. | Use Scenario: Enabling Bluetooth or Wi-Fi MCU modules to communicate with legacy medical or test equipment via RS-232/RS-485 ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-voltage (1.8 V), low-power UART interface with IrDA SIR support for short-range wireless diagnostics. Use Value: Extends battery life with <5 µA sleep current and enables direct infrared pairing without additional transceivers. |
| Cellular Data Terminal | Smart Energy Meter Interface |
Use Scenario: Integrating GSM/LTE modems with embedded ARM processors in mobile asset trackers or telematics units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed (5 Mbit/s) UART link between modem and host, using SPI for minimal pin count and deterministic timing. Use Value: Supports fast firmware updates and real-time AT command response via 128-byte TX/RX FIFOs and programmable baud rate generator. | Use Scenario: Providing secure, isolated serial communication between metrology ASICs and secure MCU subsystems in AMI meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolated UART interface with software reset and special character detection for secure command framing. Use Value: Enables robust command validation using programmable Xon/Xoff and special character detection without CPU overhead. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART interface applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC16IS750IPW | 64-byte FIFO (vs. 128-byte), no IrDA SIR, same I²C/SPI interface and 16C850 register compatibility | Lower throughput requirement; no infrared diagnostics needed | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs FIFO depth and IrDA needs |
| MAX3107ETE+ | 3.3 V only, SPI-only interface, 128-byte FIFO, no RS-485 auto-direction or IrDA | Higher voltage system; SPI-only host architecture; no RS-485 bus control required | Choose for 3.3 V designs prioritizing SPI simplicity over multi-protocol flexibility |
Compared with SC16IS750IPW, the SC16IS850LIBS,157 delivers double FIFO depth and integrated IrDA for portable diagnostics; versus MAX3107ETE+, it adds 1.8 V operation, I²C option, and RS-485 direction control - making it optimal for compact, multi-standard industrial bridges.
Availability
SC16IS850LIBS,157 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for factory automation, portable diagnostics, and cellular data terminal applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for SC16IS850LIBS,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.
The SC16IS850LIBS,157 belongs to NXP's SC16IS family of intelligent UARTs designed specifically for protocol bridging between modern embedded buses (I²C/SPI) and legacy serial standards (RS-232/RS-485/IrDA).
FAQ
What is the maximum UART data rate supported by the SC16IS850LIBS,157?
The SC16IS850LIBS,157 supports UART data rates up to 5 Mbit/s in 16× clock mode, which requires an 80 MHz timing reference applied to XTAL1. With a crystal oscillator, the maximum achievable rate is 1.5 Mbit/s. The baud rate generator uses CLKPRES, DLL, and DLM registers to configure integer and fractional divisors for precise rate synthesis.
Does the SC16IS850LIBS,157 support both I²C and SPI interfaces simultaneously?
No, the SC16IS850LIBS,157 supports either I²C-bus or SPI interface, selected at power-on via the I2C/SPI pin (Pin 2). When this pin is HIGH, I²C mode is enabled; when LOW, SPI mode is active. Both interfaces operate in slave mode only, and the pin has an internal pull-up resistor - allowing it to be left unconnected for default I²C operation.
How does RS-485 automatic direction control work on the SC16IS850LIBS,157?
The SC16IS850LIBS,157 implements RS-485 automatic direction control using the RTS output (Pin 16) to drive the DE/RE signal of an external RS-485 transceiver. Direction control inversion is configurable via AFCR1[2], and the feature is enabled through the Enhanced Feature Register (EFR). This eliminates need for external logic or GPIO toggling, ensuring glitch-free bus turnaround.
What is the purpose of the 128-byte FIFO in the SC16IS850LIBS,157?
The 128-byte transmit and receive FIFOs in the SC16IS850LIBS,157 reduce host processor interrupt load and improve data throughput in burst-oriented communications. Trigger levels are programmable from 1–128 bytes via TXINTLVL/RXINTLVL registers, enabling fine-grained latency vs. bandwidth trade-offs - especially valuable in multi-channel or high-speed modem applications.
Is the SC16IS850LIBS,157 compatible with legacy 16C850 software drivers?
Yes, the SC16IS850LIBS,157 maintains full register-level compatibility with the industry-standard 16C850 UART. Its internal register map matches the 16C850 layout, including THR/RHR, IER/ISR, FCR, LCR/LSR, and MCR/MSR - allowing existing drivers to be ported with minimal or no modification, accelerating development for legacy system upgrades.
SC16IS850LIBS,157 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Protocol:
- RS232, RS485
- Function:
- Controller
- Interface:
- I2C, SPI, UART
- Standards:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V, 3.3V
- Current - Supply:
- 2mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-HVQFN (4x4)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
SC16IS850LIBS,157 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SC16IS850LIBS,157 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SC16IS850LIBS,157 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 SC16IS850LIBS,157 reliable?
The price and inventory of SC16IS850LIBS,157 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SC16IS850LIBS,157 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SC16IS850LIBS,157?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SC16IS850LIBS,157 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SC16IS850LIBS,157?
SC16IS850LIBS,157 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SC16IS850LIBS,157 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 SC16IS850LIBS,157?
For technical support, including SC16IS850LIBS,157 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SC16IS850LIBS,157 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SC16IS850LIBS,157 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SC16IS850LIBS,157 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 SC16IS850LIBS,157 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SC16IS850LIBS,157?
All SC16IS850LIBS,157 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SC16IS850LIBS,157, 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 SC16IS850LIBS,157 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SC16IS850LIBS,157:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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