The ST16C1450CP is a single channel UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) manufactured by Exar Corporation. It is designed to interface to a microprocessor or microcontroller via an 8-bit parallel data bus and provides asynchronous serial communication with external devices. This UART integrates a 16-byte FIFO (First-In, First-Out) buffer for both the transmitter and receiver, which significantly reduces the CPU overhead required for data transfer.

Applications

• Serial ports in embedded systems
• Industrial control systems
• Data acquisition systems
• Modems and other communication devices
• Point-of-sale (POS) terminals

Features

• Single channel UART
• 16-byte FIFO for transmitter and receiver
• Programmable baud rate generator
• Automatic hardware/software flow control
• Modem control signals (CTS, RTS, DSR, DTR, RI, DCD)
• Interrupt generation for various events (receiver data available, transmitter holding register empty, etc.)
• 8-bit parallel data bus interface
• Supports data rates up to 1.5 Mbps

Benefits

• Reduced CPU overhead: The 16-byte FIFO minimizes interrupt handling, freeing up the CPU for other tasks.
• Increased system throughput: Faster data transfer rates improve overall system performance.
• Reliable data communication: Hardware and software flow control mechanisms ensure data integrity.
• Easy integration: The parallel data bus interface simplifies connection to microprocessors and microcontrollers.
• Versatile communication: Supports a wide range of baud rates and communication protocols.

Additional Details

The ST16C1450CP operates from a 3.3V or 5V power supply. It is typically available in a 48-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) or other similar packages. The device includes a built-in baud rate generator that can be programmed to generate various baud rates using an external crystal or clock input. The UART also supports various modem control signals, enabling it to be used in modem applications and other communication devices.

The device is designed to be compatible with industry-standard UARTs and provides a cost-effective solution for asynchronous serial communication. Proper configuration of the device is required using the control registers to set the baud rate, data format (number of data bits, parity, stop bits), and flow control options. The interrupt enable registers allow specific interrupt sources to be enabled or disabled, allowing the programmer to tailor the UART's interrupt behavior to the application's requirements.