Inside

Programmable dual DACs let designers trade power for speed

New evaluation modules provide low cost, easy-to-use design platforms

PCI2031: ACPI/PCI power management compliant PCI-to PCI bridge

New options available on several UART devices

TUSB2140: 4-port USB with I²C

TI, the USB "system solution" provider

Fully compliant IrDA 1.1 solution

2.5-V Power managment for DSP systems

A Cardbus system solution ideal for multimedia applications

Wide input bandwidth 8-bit, 40-MSPS ADC

CD now stands for changing DATA

EVM Kits

New options available on several UART devices

Product Features

• Wide device portfolio
• Integrated, deep FIFOs
• Plug-n-Play support
• PCMCIA functionality
• Integrated IR and IEEE 1284 technology

Texas Instruments has introduced several new operating voltage, packaging and temperature options to further extend the wide portfolio of universal asynchronous receiver/transmitters (UART) products. The TL16C550B and ‘C550C are now offered in a 48-pin TQFP package in commercial and industrial temperature ranges. Also, the TL16PC564B is now available with a lower operating voltage, named the TL16PC564BLV.

Historically, UARTs have provided serial-to-parallel and parallel-to-serial data conversion in PCs. Since PC microprocessors use parallel data, a UART is needed to convert the processor's parallel data serial formats used by the system's various I/O ports. TI’s UARTs have kept pace with the increasing speeds of microprocessors by offering new functionality such as deep FIFO memory, interface logic and Plug-n-Play support. This makes these UART devices ideal for high-speed PCs, fax/modems, data concentrators, serial I/O expansion boards or any application requiring an enhanced serial port.

The family includes devices for PCMCIA boards for portable computers, PCs with Plug-n-Play I/O subsystems, PCI bus-based PCs as well as UARTs that interface the PC to an infrared controller for remote data transmission.

Other key UART devices include the TL16C750, the first UART with a 64-byte FIFO to reduce CPU interrupt overhead. It provides programmable 16- or 64-byte FIFOs, autoflow control, 3- and 5-volt operation, and low power modes. It is also pin-to-pin compatible with the TL16C550B/C. This device is now available in TQFP packaging in commercial and industrial temperature range.

Another feature is TI’s ability to add functionality and offer improved price/performance like the recently introduced TL16PIR552 dual UART. This device can output data through two RS-232 or two infrared communication ports, or one of each. Additionally, the device features a high-performance IEEE 1284 parallel port. This high level of integration provides a parallel and two serial ports in one device for PC applications.