Texas Instruments TL16C554AIPNR

Overview

TL16C554AIPNR from Texas Instruments is a quadruple asynchronous communications element (ACE) integrating four enhanced TL16C550C UARTs with shared steering logic. It supports 5–8-bit characters, programmable parity and stop bits, 16-MHz clock input, and 1-Mbaud serial operation at 3.3 V or 5 V. Each channel features 16-byte transmit/receive FIFOs and full modem control (CTS/RTS/DSR/DTR/RI/DCD), enabling robust RS-232/RS-422 interface in industrial PLC backplanes.

For engineers reviewing the TL16C554AIPNR datasheet, TL16C554AIPNR pinout, TL16C554AIPNR application, or TL16C554AIPNR equivalent, key selection criteria include quad-channel FIFO buffering, auto-RTS/CTS flow control timing (≤2 baudout cycles), 3.3/5-V dual-supply compatibility, and 68-pin PLCC package footprint for legacy board reuse.

Technical Context

The TL16C554AIPNR implements four independent UART channels sharing a common 8-bit bidirectional data bus, address lines A0–A2, and chip-select inputs CSA–CSD. Each channel contains a programmable baud-rate generator (divisor range 1 to 65535), line-control logic for character format configuration, and separate interrupt-enable/identification registers.

It operates in two modes: TL16C450-compatible (double-buffered hold/shift registers) and FIFO mode (16-byte buffers with threshold-triggered interrupts and autoflow control). Internal diagnostic features include loopback testing, error simulation (break/parity/framing/overrun), and false start-bit detection - all accessible via standard register reads/writes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TL16C554AIPNR is packaged in a 68-pin plastic-leaded chip-carrier (PLCC, FN package) with lead pitch 0.05 inch and body size 1.100 inch × 1.100 inch. The package supports through-hole mounting and is RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TL16C554AIPNR, XR16L788IQ-F trades speed and voltage flexibility for smaller footprint, while XR16M554IL58-F adds integrated power management and IrDA at the cost of pinout incompatibility - making TL16C554AIPNR optimal for drop-in 5-V/3.3-V legacy upgrades.

Availability

TL16C554AIPNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC backplanes, legacy PC serial expansion, medical diagnostic equipment, and point-of-sale terminal hubs requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for TL16C554AIPNR 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 global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The TL16C554AIPNR belongs to TI's legacy asynchronous communications portfolio, designed specifically to extend the service life of 5-V and mixed-voltage serial infrastructure in mission-critical industrial control systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for TL16C554AIPNR?

The TL16C554AIPNR is rated for operation from 0°C to 70°C (commercial grade). Its absolute maximum junction temperature is 150°C, and storage temperature spans −65°C to 150°C. Thermal derating is not required within the specified ambient range, and the device draws ≤50 mA typical supply current at 5 V and 25°C.

Does TL16C554AIPNR support both 3.3-V and 5-V logic levels simultaneously?

No - TL16C554AIPNR operates from a single VCC supply: either 3.0–3.6 V or 4.75–5.25 V. All I/O pins (D0–D7, A0–A2, INTx, RTSx, etc.) swing relative to that VCC rail. It does not support mixed-voltage I/O or level translation; external buffers are required for interfacing with 1.8-V or 2.5-V logic.

How does the TL16C554AIPNR handle interrupt prioritization across its four UART channels?

The TL16C554AIPNR uses a fixed priority scheme where INTA has highest priority and INTD lowest. When multiple channels assert interrupts simultaneously, the Interrupt Identification Register (IIR) reports the highest-priority pending source first. Software must service each channel before the next highest-priority interrupt becomes visible.

Can TL16C554AIPNR be used without an external crystal?

Yes - TL16C554AIPNR accepts an external clock signal applied to XTAL1 (0–16 MHz), bypassing the internal oscillator. XTAL2 then functions as a buffered clock output. This enables synchronization to system clocks or jitter-reduced reference sources, and eliminates crystal load capacitance tuning requirements.

What is the function of the INTN pin on TL16C554AIPNR?

INTN is the interrupt normal control input that globally enables or disables the four channel interrupt outputs (INTA–INTD). When pulled low or floating, interrupts follow the OUT2 bit setting in the Modem Control Register; when held high, all interrupts are forced active regardless of OUT2 state - useful for debug or forced-interrupt testing scenarios.