This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the UARTs (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) category on DigiKey.com
UARTs (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) interfaces are physical circuits that convert parallel bits from a microcontroller or CPU into serial bits for transmission or convert received serial bits to parallel bits for use by another microcontroller or CPU. UARTs may use RS232, RS422 or RS485 protocols for data transmission and are selected by number of channels, data rate and additional features such as internal oscillators, timer, counter, GPIO and printer ports.
SelectionCharacteristics
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as List 2-3 examples
Number of Channels: Indicates how many individual outputs this device provides.
FIFO’s: Indicates the size of on-chip data buffer memory.
Protocol: Enumerates the communications protocols and/or standard interfaces that a device supports or implements.
Data Rate (Max): Characterizes the maximum rate at which information can be transmitted or received by a device. Does not necessarily refer to throughput rate for user data, see device datasheets for further information.
Voltage - Supply: Typically represented by a range, this indicates the low and high voltage limits which one can expect standard operation. Voltages outside this range may damage the device and other system components.
With Auto Flow Control: Indicates if a device includes features for automatically managing data transmission to avoid loss due to buffering errors.
With IrDA Encoder/Decoder: Indicates if a device includes features for optical communications, per specification established by the Infrared Data Association.
With False Start Bit Detection: Indicates if a device includes features for discriminating between valid start bits and noise transients on its receive channel(s).
With Modem Control: Indicates if a device includes features used for interfacing with a modem.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached
Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the suppliers device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
Supplier Device Package: This is what the manufacturer calls the package of this device. They are manufacturer specific. It is typically best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheets rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | ST16C550CJ44-F |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 1016-1259-5-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | MaxLinear, Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | UART IC 1, UART Channel 16 Byte 44-PLCC (16.59x16.59) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | MAX3109ETJ+T |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | MAX3109ETJ+TTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated |
| DESCRIPTION | UART IC 2, DUART Channel RS232, RS485 128 Byte 32-TQFN (5x5) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | SC16IS741AIPWJ |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 568-10959-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | NXP USA Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | UART IC 1, UART Channel RS232, RS485 64 Byte 16-TSSOP |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | ID82C52 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | ID82C52-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Renesas Electronics America Inc |
| DESCRIPTION | UART IC 1, UART Channel RS232 28-CerDip |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Articles
Microcontrollers - Need for UARTS Grows
UARTs Provide Reliable Serial Communication
TechForum
PSoC UART Example