TL16C550CFN Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TL16C550CFN is a UART interface IC manufactured by Texas Instruments, designed for asynchronous communication applications. This single-channel UART device features a 16-byte FIFO buffer and operates across a 3V to 5.25V supply range with integrated modem control and false start bit detection capabilities. The device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support and new design implementations where legacy compatibility is required.

Substiute Parts

TL16C550CFN

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2146TL16C550CFN Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ST16C550CJ44-F

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 1618ST16C550CJ44-F Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ST16C550IJ44-F

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 4323ST16C550IJ44-F Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the TL16C550CFN are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Package / Case: 44-LCC (J-Lead) with compatible pinout
• Number of UART Channels: 1
• FIFO Buffer Size: 16 Byte
• Modem Control: Yes
• False Start Bit Detection: Yes
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Voltage Supply Range: Compatible with 3V ~ 5.25V operation

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

• Data Rate (Max): Substitute parts may exceed the original 1 Mbps specification
• Supply Voltage Range: Substitute parts may have wider operating ranges
• Auto Flow Control: Substitute parts may differ in this feature
• Product Status: Active substitutes are acceptable for obsolete originals
• MSL Rating: Substitute parts may have improved moisture sensitivity ratings

The ST16C550CJ44-F and ST16C550IJ44-F from MaxLinear, Inc. meet all critical matching parameters while offering enhanced performance characteristics and active product status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both ST16C550CJ44-F and ST16C550IJ44-F are qualified substitutes for the obsolete TL16C550CFN based on electrical and mechanical compatibility. Selection between these two MaxLinear alternatives should be based on application-specific requirements and inventory availability.

ST16C550CJ44-F is suitable for applications requiring standard commercial-grade performance with active product status and improved moisture sensitivity characteristics.

ST16C550IJ44-F offers the same electrical and mechanical specifications as the ST16C550CJ44-F with higher inventory availability (4277 pcs vs. 1580 pcs). Both devices maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment with modern manufacturing standards.

The substitute parts provide enhanced data rate capability (1.5 Mbps vs. 1 Mbps) and wider supply voltage tolerance (2.97V ~ 5.5V vs. 3V ~ 5.25V), offering improved operational margins for legacy system replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ST16C550CJ44-F or ST16C550IJ44-F directly replace TL16C550CFN in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both substitute parts maintain identical pinout, package configuration (44-LCC J-Lead), and core functional specifications (single UART channel, 16-byte FIFO, modem control, false start bit detection). The 44-PLCC package dimensions are compatible (original 16.58x16.58 vs. substitute 16.59x16.59).

Q: What are the key differences between the substitute parts?

A: ST16C550CJ44-F and ST16C550IJ44-F are electrically and mechanically identical. The primary difference is inventory availability and packaging format (both supplied in Tube). Selection should be based on procurement requirements and lead time considerations.

Q: Are there performance improvements with the substitute parts?

A: Yes. The MaxLinear substitutes offer higher maximum data rate (1.5 Mbps vs. 1 Mbps) and wider supply voltage range (2.97V ~ 5.5V vs. 3V ~ 5.25V). MSL rating is improved to Level 1 (Unlimited) compared to the original Level 3 (168 Hours).

Q: Do the substitute parts maintain regulatory compliance?

A: Yes. Both ST16C550CJ44-F and ST16C550IJ44-F are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the compliance status of the original TL16C550CFN.

Q: What is the difference in auto flow control between the original and substitutes?

A: The original TL16C550CFN includes auto flow control capability. The MaxLinear substitutes do not list this feature in their specifications. Applications requiring auto flow control should verify functional equivalence through detailed datasheets or contact the manufacturer.