The SC16C550 is a Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter (UART) used

for serial data communications. Its principal function is to convert parallel data into

serial data, and vice versa. The UART can handle serial data rates up to 3 Mbits/s.

The SC16C550 is pin compatible with the ST16C550, TL16C550 and PC16C550,

and it will power-up to be functionally equivalent to the 16C450. Programming of

control registers enables the added features of the SC16C550. Some of these added

features are the 16-byte receive and transmit FIFOs, automatic hardware or software

flow control and Infrared encoding/decoding. The selectable auto-flow control feature

significantly reduces software overload and increases system efficiency while in FIFO

mode by automatically controlling serial data flow using

R

TS output and

CTS input

signals. The SC16C550 also provides DMA mode data transfers through FIFO trigger

levels and the

TXRD

Y and

RXRD

Y signals. On-board status registers provide the

user with error indications, operational status, and modem interface control. System

interrupts may be tailored to meet user requirements. An internal loop-back capability

allows on-board diagnostics.

The SC16C550 operates at 5 V, 3.3 V and 2.5 V, and the Industrial temperature