Slow AMBA Peripherals
13-3
GMS30C7201 Data Sheet
13.2 UART
13.2.1 General description
The 16C550 is a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), with FIFOs,
and is functionally identical to the 16450 on power-up (CHARACTER mode). The
16550 can be put into an alternate mode (FIFO mode) to relieve the CPU of excessive
software overhead. In this mode internal FIFOs are activated, allowing 16 bytes plus 3
bit of error data per byte in the RCVR FIFO, to be stored in both receive and transmit
modes. All the logic is on the chip to minimize the system overhead and to maximize
efficiency.
The UART performs serial-to-parallel conversion on data characters received from a
peripheral device or a MODEM, and parallel-to-serial conversion on data characters
received from the CPU. The CPU can read the complete status of the UART at any time
during the functional operation. Status information reported includes the type and
condition of the transfer operations being performed by the UART, as well as any error
conditions (parity, overrun, framing, or break interrupt).
The UART includes a programmable baud rate generator capable of dividing the timing
reference clock input by divisors of 1 to 2
16
–
1, and producing a 16x clock for driving the
internal transmitter logic. Provisions are also included to use this 16x clock to drive the
receiver logic.
The UART has complete MODEM-control capability, and a processor-interrupt system.
Interrupts can be programmed to the user
’
s requirements, minimizing the computing
required to handle the communications link.
13.2.2 Features
Capable of running all existing 16450 software.
After reset, all registers are identical to the 16450 register set.
The FIFO mode transmitter and receiver are each buffered with 16 byte FIFOs
to reduce the number of interrupts presented to the CPU.
Adds or deletes standard asynchronous communication bits (start, stop and
parity) to or from the serial data.
Holding and shift registers in the 16450 mode eliminate the need for precise
synchronization between the CPU and serial data.
Independently-controlled transmit, receive, line status and data set interrupts.
Programmable baud generator divides any input clock by 1 to 65535 and
generates 16x clock
Independent receiver clock input.
MODEM control functions (CTS, RTS, DSR, DTR, RI and DCD).
Fully programmable serial-interface characteristics:
-
5-, 6-, 7- or 8-bit characters
-
Even, odd or no-parity bit generation and detection
-
1-, 1.5- or 2-stop bit generation and detection
-
Baud generation (DC to 230k baud)
False start bit detection.
Complete status reporting capabilities.
Line break generation and detection.
Internal diagnostic capabilities:
-
Loopback controls for communications link fault isolation
Full prioritized interrupt system controls.