NXP Semiconductors SC26C92C1A,518

Overview

SC26C92C1A,518 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips) is a dual-channel CMOS universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (DUART) with independent 8-character FIFOs per channel, programmable baud rates up to 230.4 kbaud, and integrated 16-bit counter/timer. It operates from a single +5 V supply, supports crystal or external clock inputs, and interfaces directly with microprocessors via an 8-bit bidirectional data bus for polled or interrupt-driven serial communication in industrial control and legacy terminal systems.

For engineers reviewing the SC26C92C1A,518 datasheet, SC26C92C1A,518 pinout, SC26C92C1A,518 application, or SC26C92C1A,518 equivalent, key selection criteria include dual UART channel independence, FIFO depth for interrupt reduction, RTS/CTS flow control support, programmable receiver watchdog timers, and compatibility with SCC2692-based legacy designs requiring enhanced timing and buffering.

Technical Context

The SC26C92C1A,518 implements two fully independent UART channels (A and B), each with dedicated 8-byte transmit and receive FIFOs, separate baud rate generators, and configurable mode registers (MR0/MR1). Its timing architecture integrates an on-chip crystal oscillator, 27 fixed baud rates (50–230.4 kbaud), and a 16-bit programmable counter/timer that can generate custom 16X clocks for non-standard data rates.

Interrupt handling uses a single active-low open-drain INTRN output with eight maskable sources, plus optional discrete interrupt outputs on OP3–OP7. The device supports multidrop (9-bit/wake-up) mode, automatic echo, local/remote loopback, and receiver timeout - all controlled via command and status registers accessible over the 8-bit parallel bus using A0–A3 address lines and WRN/RDN strobes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SC26C92C1A,518 is housed in a 44-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC, SOT187-2) with gull-wing leads, designed for surface-mount assembly and thermal reliability in industrial applications. Pin 1 is located at the index corner; pins are numbered counterclockwise.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SC26C92C1A,518, SC26C92A1A offers identical functionality with guaranteed operation across –40 °C to +85 °C, while SCC2692C1A provides basic dual UART capability without FIFO buffering or advanced timing - making SC26C92C1A,518 the optimal balance of legacy compatibility and modern serial interface robustness.

Availability

SC26C92C1A,518 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial terminal controllers, legacy POS system upgrades, RS-485 multidrop networks, and modem/data-fax controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for SC26C92C1A,518 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 heritage in legacy logic and interface ICs acquired from Philips.

The SC26C92C1A,518 belongs to NXP's industrial communications interface product line, designed specifically for reliable, long-lifecycle serial communication in mission-critical embedded systems where backward compatibility and deterministic timing are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum baud rate supported by SC26C92C1A,518?

The SC26C92C1A,518 supports a maximum baud rate of 230.4 kbaud using its 27 fixed-rate table or programmable 16X clock derived from the internal counter/timer. This requires a 3.6864 MHz crystal or external clock source. At 16X oversampling, the effective serial data rate remains 230.4 kbaud, with timing validated across the full –40 °C to +85 °C operating range.

Does SC26C92C1A,518 require an external crystal to operate?

No - SC26C92C1A,518 can operate with either a 3.6864 MHz crystal connected between X1/CLK and X2, or an external 1X/16X clock applied to X1/CLK. If using an external clock, X2 must be left unconnected. The on-chip crystal oscillator is integral to baud rate accuracy; omitting timing input will halt UART operation.

How does the receiver watchdog timer function in SC26C92C92C1A,518?

The SC26C92C1A,518 implements a per-channel receiver watchdog timer that triggers a timeout interrupt if no valid start bit is detected within a programmable interval after the previous character. This prevents system lockup during broken connections or noisy lines and is enabled via Mode Register 1 (MR1) bit 4. Timeout duration is tied to the receiver's selected baud rate.

Can SC26C92C1A,518 be used as a direct replacement for SCC2692 in existing designs?

Yes - SC26C92C1A,518 is explicitly designed as a pin-and-function replacement for SCC2692, powering up in SCC2692 emulation mode. All register maps, control sequences, and timing are backward-compatible. Enhanced features (FIFOs, watchdog, counter/timer) remain inactive until explicitly enabled, ensuring seamless integration into legacy SCC2692-based systems.

What are the power supply requirements for SC26C92C1A,518?

SC26C92C1A,518 operates from a single +5 V supply with ±10% tolerance (4.5 V to 5.5 V) across the full industrial temperature range (–40 °C to +85 °C). Typical supply current is 5 mA in active mode and drops to ≤15 µA in power-down mode. Decoupling capacitors (0.1 µF ceramic near VCC pin) are required for stable operation.