Overview
The TL16C550CPFBR, produced by Texas Instruments, is a functional upgrade of the TL16C450 asynchronous communications element (ACE). This component is designed to enhance serial communication capabilities in various systems. It operates in both TL16C450 mode and an alternate FIFO mode, which significantly reduces software overhead by buffering received and transmitted characters. The TL16C550CPFBR performs serial-to-parallel and parallel-to-serial conversions, making it a versatile component for integrating with CPUs and modems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | –0.5 to 7 | V |
| Operating Free-Air Temperature Range | 0 to 70 (TL16C550C), –40 to 85 (TL16C550CI) | °C |
| Storage Temperature Range | –65 to 150 | °C |
| Clock Rate | Up to 16 MHz | |
| Baud Rate | Up to 1 Mbaud | |
| Character Length | 5, 6, 7, or 8 bits | |
| Parity Bit Generation and Detection | Even, Odd, or No Parity | |
| Stop Bit Generation | 1, 1 1/2, or 2 stop bits | |
| FIFO Size | Up to 16 bytes (including 3 error status bits per byte) | |
| Modem Control Functions | CTS, RTS, DSR, DTR, RI, and DCD |
Key Features
- Programmable Auto-RTS and Auto-CTS: Enhances data flow control by automatically managing the RTS and CTS signals based on the receiver FIFO level.
- FIFO Mode: Reduces software overhead by buffering up to 16 bytes of received and transmitted characters, including error status bits.
- Programmable Baud Rate Generator: Allows division of the input reference clock by divisors from 1 to 65535 and generates an internal 16× clock.
- Modem Control Capability: Includes functions such as CTS, RTS, DSR, DTR, RI, and DCD.
- Interrupt System: Fully prioritized interrupt system controls, including transmit, receive, line status, and data set interrupts.
- Diagnostic Capabilities: Includes loopback controls for communications link fault isolation and simulation of break, parity, overrun, and framing errors.
- 5-V and 3.3-V Operation: Supports both voltage levels for flexibility in different system designs.
Applications
The TL16C550CPFBR is suitable for a wide range of applications requiring advanced serial communication capabilities, including:
- Embedded Systems: Ideal for use in microcontrollers and other embedded systems where efficient serial communication is crucial.
- Industrial Automation: Used in industrial control systems, automation equipment, and other industrial applications.
- Telecommunications: Applicable in telecommunications equipment, modems, and other communication devices.
- Medical Devices: Can be integrated into medical devices that require reliable and efficient serial communication.
Q & A
- What is the maximum baud rate supported by the TL16C550CPFBR?
The TL16C550CPFBR supports up to 1 Mbaud with a 16-MHz input clock.
- What are the key differences between the TL16C550CPFBR and the TL16C450?
The TL16C550CPFBR includes additional features such as programmable auto-RTS and auto-CTS, FIFO mode, and enhanced modem control functions compared to the TL16C450.
- How does the autoflow control feature work in the TL16C550CPFBR?
The autoflow control feature uses auto-RTS and auto-CTS to manage data flow automatically, preventing overrun errors by ensuring the receiver FIFO has space before transmitting data.
- What is the purpose of the FIFO in the TL16C550CPFBR?
The FIFO buffers up to 16 bytes of received and transmitted characters, reducing software overhead and increasing system efficiency.
- Can the TL16C550CPFBR operate at both 5-V and 3.3-V levels?
Yes, the TL16C550CPFBR supports both 5-V and 3.3-V operation.
- What types of interrupts are supported by the TL16C550CPFBR?
The TL16C550CPFBR supports transmit, receive, line status, and data set interrupts, all of which are independently controlled.
- How does the programmable baud rate generator work?
The baud rate generator can divide the input reference clock by divisors from 1 to 65535 and generates an internal 16× clock for the transmitter logic.
- What are the thermal specifications for the TL16C550CPFBR?
The component has specified thermal metrics including junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and junction-to-case thermal resistance, which vary depending on the package type.
- Can the TL16C550CPFBR be used in safety-critical applications?
Users must carefully evaluate the component's suitability for safety-critical applications, considering factors such as reliability and performance under extreme conditions.
- What is the significance of the modem control functions in the TL16C550CPFBR?
The modem control functions (CTS, RTS, DSR, DTR, RI, and DCD) enable comprehensive control over modem operations, enhancing the component's versatility in communication systems.
