ST16C554DIJ68-F

Overview

The MaxLinear ST16C554DIJ68-F is a highly integrated, low-power UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) interface designed to provide reliable and efficient serial communication in embedded systems, industrial applications, and computer peripherals. It offers up to four full-duplex UART channels, making it an ideal choice for multi-channel communication systems. The device is particularly useful in systems requiring serial data communication with peripherals such as modems, GPS modules, and sensors, as well as in industrial control applications.

Key Specifications

* Device Type: UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter)
* Channels: 4 Full-duplex UART channels
* Data Rate: Up to 115.2 kbps per channel
* Operating Voltage: 3.3 V to 5.5 V
* Package Type: 68-pin QFP (Quad Flat Package)
* Data Bus Width: 8 bits (parallel interface)
* Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
* Power Consumption: Typically 80 mW
* Receiver Sensitivity: Supports standard voltage levels for TTL, CMOS
* Maximum Baud Rate: Up to 1 Mbps per channel
* I/O Compatibility: 5V tolerant on all logic pins
* Interrupt Support: Hardware interrupt generation
* Operating Mode: Asynchronous, with support for baud rate generation and data format control
* Features: FIFO buffer, automatic flow control, 9-bit data transmission, parity error checking, etc.

Functional Description

The ST16C554DIJ68-F is designed to provide reliable communication in systems that require multiple UART interfaces. It supports full-duplex operation for each of the four channels, allowing simultaneous bidirectional communication. The chip is equipped with extensive error-checking and flow control features to enhance the robustness of serial communication, especially in noise-prone environments.

* Four Full-Duplex UART Channels: Each of the four UART channels operates independently, allowing multiple devices or peripherals to be connected to a single controller. This provides flexibility in applications such as multi-sensor systems or multi-port communication setups.
* Error Detection: The device supports automatic parity error checking, framing error detection, and buffer overflow prevention to ensure that the data integrity remains intact during transmission.
* Flow Control: Automatic hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) is available for managing data transfer between the device and connected peripherals. This prevents data loss in high-speed or buffer-intensive operations.
* FIFO Buffer: Each channel has a 16-byte FIFO (First In First Out) buffer, which helps manage data flow, reduce interrupt overhead, and improve system efficiency by allowing the host processor to manage data more effectively.
* 9-bit Data Transmission: The device supports 9-bit data frames for specialized communication protocols or to accommodate systems that use extended data width for communication.

Electrical Characteristics

The ST16C554DIJ68-F is designed for flexibility and efficiency in both power and voltage handling, supporting a wide range of system requirements.

* Operating Voltage: The device can operate from a supply voltage as low as 3.3 V, which makes it suitable for modern low-voltage logic systems. It is also compatible with 5V logic systems, providing versatility for integration in various electronic systems.
* Power Consumption: Typically consumes around 80 mW, making it suitable for portable and embedded applications where energy efficiency is important.
* I/O Compatibility: All logic pins are 5V-tolerant, which means that the device can interface seamlessly with other components that operate at 5V logic levels, while still being able to operate from a 3.3 V power supply.

Physical Characteristics

The MaxLinear ST16C554DIJ68-F is housed in a 68-pin QFP package, making it a compact solution for space-constrained applications. This package type is commonly used in systems that require high pin-count devices but with limited board space.

* Package Type: 68-pin QFP, allowing for efficient space utilization and ease of mounting on PCBs.
* Pin Configuration: The pins are logically arranged to support the four UART channels, with each channel having dedicated transmit (TX) and receive (RX) pins, as well as control pins for flow control and interrupt handling.
* Pin Pitch: Typically 0.8 mm, ensuring compatibility with standard PCB manufacturing processes and ease of soldering.

Features and Functional Blocks

* FIFO Buffering: Each channel features a 16-byte FIFO buffer to optimize communication throughput and reduce system interrupts, which is crucial for systems requiring high-speed data transfer or managing multiple communication streams simultaneously.
* Interrupt Generation: Hardware support for interrupts is integrated, allowing the host system to be notified of important events such as data received, data transmitted, or error conditions, facilitating real-time communication management.
* Baud Rate Control: The ST16C554DIJ68-F provides flexible baud rate generation, making it capable of supporting a wide range of communication speeds. Baud rates can be easily configured through software control.

Applications

The MaxLinear ST16C554DIJ68-F is versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications, particularly in environments where multiple serial communication channels are required. Some of the key applications include:

* Embedded Systems: Used in embedded designs where multiple peripherals, sensors, or devices need to communicate with a microcontroller or processor via serial interfaces.
* Industrial Automation: Ideal for industrial control systems where multiple devices like sensors, actuators, or controllers communicate over UART interfaces.
* Communication Systems: Used in modems, routers, and other communication devices requiring high-reliability serial communication.
* Computer Peripherals: Common in peripheral devices such as serial ports, USB-to-serial adapters, and printer interfaces.
* Automotive Electronics: Employed in automotive control systems for diagnostics, sensor data collection, and communication between in-vehicle devices.
* Consumer Electronics: In devices such as GPS modules, serial communication interfaces, and other low-power embedded systems that require UART communication.

Performance Characteristics

The ST16C554DIJ68-F excels in providing reliable, high-performance serial communication for a variety of applications:

* High Data Throughput: With a maximum baud rate of 1 Mbps per channel, the device is capable of handling high-speed serial communication for a wide range of peripherals and applications.
* Low Latency: The FIFO buffers and interrupt support ensure that data transmission is efficient and low-latency, even when operating under heavy loads or high-speed conditions.
* Error-Free Communication: Built-in error detection (parity and framing errors) and flow control ensure that data is transmitted reliably with minimal risk of corruption, even in noisy environments.

Summary

The MaxLinear ST16C554DIJ68-F is a highly flexible, low-power, and reliable UART interface solution designed for applications that require multiple serial communication channels. With four full-duplex UART channels, it offers a highly effective solution for multi-port communication systems, supporting data rates up to 1 Mbps and flexible baud rate control. The device's robust error-checking features, automatic flow control, and efficient power consumption make it suitable for embedded systems, industrial automation, automotive electronics, and more. Its wide operating voltage range and 5V tolerance on I/O pins ensure compatibility with modern electronic systems, making it an ideal choice for engineers looking for efficient and reliable UART communication solutions.