Texas Instruments TL16CP554APM

Overview

TL16CP554APM from Texas Instruments is a quadruple asynchronous communications element (ACE) integrating four enhanced TL16C550C UARTs with shared steering logic. It provides 16-byte FIFO buffering per channel, supports 5–8-bit characters with programmable parity and stop bits, operates at up to 16 MHz clock rate for 1-Mbaud serial throughput, and delivers full modem control (CTS/RTS/DSR/DTR/RI/DCD) in a 64-pin PQFP package for industrial embedded host interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the TL16CP554APM datasheet, TL16CP554APM pinout, TL16CP554APM application, or TL16CP554APM equivalent, this page delivers verified functional architecture, validated FIFO interrupt behavior, confirmed 3.3 V / 5 V dual-supply operation, and precise register-level interface timing - all critical for legacy RS-232/RS-422 system integration and multi-channel serial consolidation.

Technical Context

The TL16CP554APM 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 dividing input clocks by 1 to 65,535, supporting DC–1 Mbps operation with 16× oversampling for reliable start-bit detection and framing.

It operates in two mutually exclusive modes: TL16C450-compatible mode using hold/shift registers (no FIFO), and FIFO mode enabling 16-byte receive/transmit buffers with configurable trigger thresholds, autoflow control (auto-RTS/CTS), and false-start-bit rejection - all managed via dedicated control registers (LCR, FCR, MCR, IER) accessible through memory-mapped or I/O-port addressing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TL16CP554APM is packaged in a 64-pin plastic quad flatpack (PQFP), PM package, with 0.5-mm pitch and exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per channel (A–D) with shared bus signals and discrete modem/control I/O.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TL16CP554APM, TL16C754BIPM offers deeper FIFOs and extended temperature support at higher unit cost, while SC16C754BIPM provides identical functionality with superior ESD tolerance - making TL16CP554APM optimal for cost-constrained commercial deployments where 16-byte buffering and 0°C–70°C operation meet requirements.

Availability

TL16CP554APM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC gateways, legacy POS terminals, medical data loggers, and telecom management cards requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for TL16CP554APM 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 TL16C554 family was designed to replace legacy 8250/16450 UARTs in resource-constrained embedded systems, delivering enhanced FIFO buffering, dual-voltage operation, and integrated modem control for backward-compatible serial consolidation.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported baud rate for TL16CP554APM?

The TL16CP554APM supports up to 1 Mbit/s when operating with a 16-MHz input clock and 5-V or 3.3-V supply. This maximum rate is achieved using the internal 16× oversampling clock derived from the programmable baud-rate generator, which divides the reference clock by values from 1 to 65,535. The actual achievable baud rate depends on the selected divisor and tolerates ±3% error for standard RS-232 compliance.

Does TL16CP554APM support both 3.3 V and 5 V operation?

Yes, TL16CP554APM is fully specified for dual-supply operation: 3.0–3.6 V and 4.75–5.25 V. All I/Os are 5-V-tolerant when operating at 3.3 V, and the device maintains full functionality-including 16-byte FIFO operation, auto-RTS/CTS, and interrupt generation-at both voltage levels. Electrical characteristics such as VOH (≥2.4 V) and VOL (≤0.4 V) are guaranteed across both ranges.

How does the FIFO mode differ from TL16C450 mode in TL16CP554APM?

In TL16C450 mode, TL16CP554APM uses simple hold and shift registers with no FIFO buffering-requiring precise CPU synchronization and generating an interrupt per byte. In FIFO mode, each channel gains a 16-byte receive/transmit buffer with programmable trigger thresholds (1/4/8/14 bytes), automatic RTS control, and timeout interrupts-reducing interrupt overhead by up to 16× and enabling burst-mode data handling without CPU polling.

Can TL16CP554APM be used as a direct replacement for older TL16C554A parts?

Yes, TL16CP554APM is a functionally identical, pin-compatible variant of the TL16C554A in the PM (64-pin PQFP) package. It shares the same register map, timing specifications, electrical characteristics, and functional behavior-including FIFO operation, modem control, and interrupt architecture-making it a seamless drop-in replacement for existing TL16C554A-based designs.

What are the key timing requirements for reading registers from TL16CP554APM?

TL16CP554APM requires a minimum IOR pulse width of 75 ns, with address lines A2–A0 valid ≥15 ns before IOR goes low and held ≥0 ns after IOR goes high. CSx must be asserted ≥10 ns before IOR and held ≥0 ns after. In FIFO mode, the minimum delay between successive reads of receiver FIFO or status registers is 425 ns to ensure data coherency and avoid register corruption.