The ST16C1550CJ28-F is a dual channel UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) with a 32-byte FIFO, manufactured by Exar Corporation. It's designed for high-speed serial communications in various applications. The dual-channel configuration allows for simultaneous operation of two independent serial ports. The 32-byte FIFO significantly reduces CPU overhead by buffering data, thus improving overall system performance.

Applications

• Multi-port serial cards
• Embedded systems requiring multiple serial interfaces
• Industrial automation
• Point-of-Sale (POS) systems
• Networking equipment (e.g., routers, switches)

Features

• Dual UART channels
• 32-byte FIFO for each channel
• Programmable baud rate generator with crystal oscillator input
• Automatic hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (Xon/Xoff) flow control
• Full modem control signals (CTS, RTS, DSR, DTR, RI, DCD)
• Interrupt generation for various events (Receiver Ready, Transmitter Empty, Line Status Change, Modem Status Change)
• Data rates up to 3 Mbps
• 8-bit parallel data bus interface
• Available in various package options, including PLCC-28

Benefits

• Reduced CPU load: Large FIFOs minimize interrupt servicing, freeing up the CPU for other tasks.
• Increased system throughput: Higher data rates enable faster communication between devices.
• Reliable data transfer: Automatic flow control mechanisms prevent data loss due to buffer overflow.
• Versatile connectivity: Supports a wide range of serial communication standards and protocols.
• Efficient design: Dual-channel configuration reduces the number of components needed for multi-port applications.

Additional Details

The ST16C1550CJ28-F operates on a 3.3V or 5V power supply. It typically utilizes a 28-pin PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) package. The internal baud rate generator allows for precise setting of communication speeds using an external crystal oscillator. The UART offers comprehensive modem control signals, allowing for implementation of dial-up modem interfaces or other serial communication protocols. It has extensive interrupt capabilities allowing for optimal interrupt handling.

This UART is compatible with industry-standard UARTs and provides a high-performance solution for applications that require reliable and efficient serial communication. Configuration registers are used to program the baud rate, data format (number of data bits, parity, stop bits), and flow control options. The part number suffix "-F" usually indicates that the part is lead-free. The 32-byte FIFO is a significant upgrade over earlier UART designs using smaller FIFOs, further improving performance.