The D8251A is a popular integrated circuit (IC) component that serves as a Programmable Communication Interface (PCI) or Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART). It is widely used in communication systems for both serial data transmission and reception. The D8251A offers various key features that make it suitable for a range of applications.
1. Versatile Operation: The D8251A is compatible with a wide range of microprocessors and can operate in various modes such as asynchronous, synchronous, or combined asynchronous/synchronous mode. This versatility allows for seamless integration into different system architectures.
2. Baud Rate Control: It provides flexible baud rate control options, allowing the user to select the desired data transfer speed. The D8251A supports programmable baud rates ranging from 50 to 19,200 bits per second (bps) in asynchronous mode and up to 500 kbps in synchronous mode.
3. Buffered Data Transmission: The D8251A offers a transmission buffer that temporarily stores outgoing data. This buffer reduces the load on the microprocessor and enables continuous data transmission, even when the processor is occupied with other tasks.
4. Interrupt Capability: The IC features interrupt control capabilities, allowing it to generate interrupt signals to the microprocessor upon completion of data transmission or reception. This feature enables efficient utilization of the processor's time and resources
