Texas Instruments TL16C554AIPN

Overview

TL16C554AIPN from Texas Instruments is a quadruple UART (asynchronous communications element) integrating four enhanced TL16C550C ACEs with shared steering logic. It supports 5–8-bit character framing, programmable baud rates up to 1 Mbit/s, 16-byte FIFO buffering per channel, and dual-voltage operation (3.3 V/5 V). It is used in industrial serial gateways requiring multi-port RS-232/RS-422 interface consolidation with CPU interrupt reduction.

For engineers reviewing the TL16C554AIPN datasheet, TL16C554AIPN pinout, TL16C554AIPN application, or TL16C554AIPN equivalent, key selection factors include its 80-pin TQFP (PN) package, 16-MHz clock support, auto-RTS/CTS flow control, FIFO threshold programmability, and compatibility with legacy TL16C450 register mapping.

Technical Context

The TL16C554AIPN implements four independent UART channels sharing a common 8-bit bidirectional data bus, address decoding (A0–A2), and chip-select lines (CSA–CSD). Each channel features a fully programmable baud-rate generator with 16-bit divisor (1 to 65,535), internal 16× oversampling clock, and selectable TL16C450 or FIFO operational mode.

Its interrupt architecture supports prioritized, individually maskable interrupts per channel (INTA–INTD), with INTN enabling global interrupt gating. Modem control logic handles RTS/CTS/DTR/DSR/DCD/RI signals, and autoflow control automates RTS assertion based on receiver FIFO fill level-reducing host software overhead in high-throughput serial applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TL16C554AIPN is packaged in an 80-pin thin quad flatpack (TQFP, PN package) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per channel (A–D) and include dedicated modem control, serial I/O, bus interface, and clock terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TL16C554IPN, TL16C554AIPN offers lower cost and commercial-temp qualification, while SC16C554BIA44 trades package flexibility and clock headroom for legacy socket compatibility - making TL16C554AIPN optimal for new 80-pin TQFP designs targeting 0°C–70°C environments.

Availability

TL16C554AIPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial serial gateways, medical data concentrators, POS terminal expansion cards, and rack-mounted test equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for TL16C554AIPN 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

Texas Instruments is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions with broad industrial and automotive qualification.

The TL16C554A product line delivers high-density, register-compatible UART solutions for legacy and modern serial interface consolidation - designed specifically to reduce host CPU overhead in multi-peripheral embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by TL16C554AIPN?

The TL16C554AIPN supports an input clock frequency up to 16 MHz, enabling reliable operation at baud rates up to 1 Mbit/s. This specification is validated across both 3.3-V and 5-V supply conditions and within its 0°C to +70°C operating temperature range. The internal baud-rate generator uses this clock to derive precise 16× oversampling timing for robust asynchronous communication.

Does TL16C554AIPN support hardware flow control?

Yes, TL16C554AIPN supports full hardware flow control via RTS/CTS signals on all four channels. It implements programmable auto-RTS (triggered by configurable RX FIFO thresholds) and auto-CTS (which gates transmitter output when CTS is deasserted). These features operate independently per channel and require no host CPU intervention once configured.

Is TL16C554AIPN pin-compatible with other packages of the same part number?

No - TL16C554AIPN refers specifically to the 80-pin TQFP (PN) package. The same part number is also offered in 68-pin PLCC (FN) and 64-pin PQFP (PM) variants, which have different pin counts, layouts, and signal assignments. Board design must match the exact package variant; interchanging packages requires PCB redesign.

Can TL16C554AIPN operate with a 3.3-V supply?

Yes, TL16C554AIPN is fully specified for 3.3-V nominal operation (3.0–3.6 V range), including all electrical characteristics, timing parameters, and functional modes. Its I/O pins are 5-V tolerant, allowing safe interfacing with 5-V peripherals without level shifters - a key advantage in mixed-voltage system designs.

How does the FIFO mode differ from TL16C450 mode in TL16C554AIPN?

In TL16C450 mode, TL16C554AIPN uses single-byte hold/shift registers and requires precise CPU synchronization; in FIFO mode, it enables 16-byte transmit/receive buffers with programmable trigger levels and timeout interrupts. FIFO mode reduces interrupt frequency, supports burst transfers, and adds autoflow control - all configurable per channel via the FIFO Control Register (FCR).