NXP SC28L92A1B: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the Dual UART with 16-Byte FIFOs
The NXP SC28L92A1B stands as a robust and highly integrated solution for sophisticated serial communication requirements. As a dual universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (DUART), this IC is engineered to manage two full-duplex serial channels independently, making it an ideal choice for a wide array of applications, from industrial control systems and point-of-sale terminals to data communication equipment.
A cornerstone of its design is the integration of deep 16-byte FIFO (First-In, First-Out) buffers on both the receive and transmit paths for each channel. This feature is critical for enhancing system performance and efficiency. By buffering data, the FIFOs significantly reduce the number of interrupts the host processor must handle, thereby lowering CPU overhead. This allows the microprocessor to attend to other tasks instead of being constantly occupied with servicing individual characters, which is paramount in real-time embedded systems.
The device supports a wide range of programmable data rates, with a maximum baud rate of up to 1 Mbit/s per channel, ensuring compatibility with both standard and high-speed communication protocols. The baud rate generator can be derived from an external clock or a crystal connected directly to the chip, offering design flexibility.
Beyond its core UART functionality, the SC28L92A1B is equipped with a versatile set of modem control interfaces (including RTS, CTS, DSR, DCD, and DTR signals) for each channel, facilitating easy connection to modems and other peripheral devices. It also features multi-protocol capability, supporting not only standard asynchronous formats but also isosynchronous protocols, which is a significant advantage for specialized industrial applications.
Further enhancing its utility are the programmable interrupt sources and a versatile interrupt prioritization system. This allows designers to configure the device to signal the host based on specific events, such as receiver ready, transmitter empty, or a change in modem status, ensuring a responsive and efficient communication flow.
The IC is designed for low-power operation, making it suitable for power-sensitive applications. Housed in a compact package, it exemplifies a blend of high performance and integration. Its register set is compatible with the industry-standard SC26C92, ensuring ease of adoption and software reuse in existing designs.
ICGOODFIND: The NXP SC28L92A1B is a powerful and flexible dual UART that excels in offloading communication processing from the main CPU. Its deep FIFOs, high-speed capability, and extensive modem controls make it a superior choice for developers seeking reliability and performance in data-intensive serial applications.
Keywords: Dual UART, 16-Byte FIFO, Baud Rate, Modem Control, Interrupt System.
