Project 2
This figure shows the pin configuration of a UART communication IC in two package types:
1. PDIP/SOIC (18-pin package)
2. SSOP (20-pin package)
The IC is likely a UART/Serial Communication Controller (such as the MAX232 or a UART-compatible device).
PDIP/SOIC Package (18 Pins)
Left Side Pins
Pin Name Function
1 BAUD0 Baud rate selection bit 0
2 TXIR Transmit clock input
3 RXIR Receive clock input
4 RESET Resets the UART
5 VSS Ground (0V)
6 EN Enable pin
7 TX Serial data transmit output
8 RX Serial data receive input
9 RI Ring Indicator input
Right Side Pins
Pin Name Function
18 BAUD1 Baud rate selection bit 1
17 CD Carrier Detect input
16 OSC1/CLKI Oscillator/Clock input
15 OSC2 Oscillator output
14 VDD Positive power supply
13 RTS Request To Send output
12 CTS Clear To Send input
11 DTR Data Terminal Ready output
10 DSR Data Set Ready input
SSOP Package (20 Pins)
The SSOP version has two extra pins:
Additional Pins
Pin Name Function
5 VSS Ground
15 VDD Power Supply
These extra power pins improve grounding and power stability.
Important Communication Signals
TX (Transmit Data)
Sends serial data from UART to another device.
Output pin.
RX (Receive Data)
Receives serial data from another device.
Input pin.
RTS (Request To Send)
Indicates the UART wants to transmit data.
Hardware flow-control signal.
CTS (Clear To Send)
Received from the other device.
When active, transmission is allowed.
DTR (Data Terminal Ready)
Indicates the terminal/device is ready.
DSR (Data Set Ready)
Indicates the modem/peripheral is ready.
RI (Ring Indicator)
Used in modem applications.
Goes active when an incoming call is detected.
CD (Carrier Detect)
Indicates a valid carrier signal is present.
Clock Pins
OSC1/CLKI
External crystal or clock input connected here.
OSC2
Oscillator output.
Used with OSC1 when connecting a crystal.
Example:
OSC1 ----||---- Crystal ----||---- OSC2
Baud Rate Selection
BAUD0 and BAUD1
These pins select the communication speed.
Example:
BAUD1 BAUD0 Baud Rate
0 0 1200 bps
0 1 2400 bps
1 0 4800 bps
1 1 9600 bps
(Actual values depend on the specific UART IC datasheet.)
Power Connections
VDD
Positive supply voltage (typically +5V or +3.3V).
VSS
Ground reference (0V).
Typical Connection
Microcontroller
| TX
RX UART IC
TX
^
| RX
Another Device
RTS <------> CTS
DTR <------> DSR
These extra signals provide hardware flow control, ensuring that data is not lost when communicating at
higher speeds.
The image shows the two package types of a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter)
IC:
1. PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package)
Characteristics:
18 pins
Through-hole mounting
Pins are inserted into PCB holes and soldered
Easy to use on breadboards and prototyping boards
Larger size
Applications:
Laboratory experiments
Educational projects
Prototyping
2. SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit)
Characteristics:
Same 18-pin arrangement as PDIP
Surface Mount Device (SMD)
Smaller than PDIP
Soldered directly onto PCB surface
Applications:
Commercial electronic products
Compact PCB designs
3. SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package)
Characteristics:
20 pins
Surface-mount package
Smaller pin spacing than SOIC
More compact than both PDIP and SOIC
Applications:
High-density PCB layouts
Portable electronic devices
Package Comparison
Feature PDIP SOIC SSOP
Mounting Through-hole Surface Mount Surface Mount
Pins 18 18 20
Size Largest Medium Smallest
Breadboard Friendly Yes No No
Manufacturing Cost Higher Lower Lower
PCB Area More Less Least
Why SSOP Has 20 Pins While PDIP/SOIC Has 18 Pins?
The SSOP version includes:
Two VSS (Ground) pins
Two VDD (Power) pins
Extra power pins:
Improve noise immunity
Reduce power supply fluctuations
Support higher-speed operation
Pin Types in the Figure
Data Pins
TX → Transmit Data
RX → Receive Data
Flow-Control Pins
RTS → Request To Send
CTS → Clear To Send
DTR → Data Terminal Ready
DSR → Data Set Ready
Modem Status Pins
RI → Ring Indicator
CD → Carrier Detect
Clock Pins
OSC1/CLKI → Clock/Crystal Input
OSC2 → Oscillator Output
Control Pins
RESET → Resets the UART
EN → Enables the device
Baud Rate Pins
BAUD0 and BAUD1 → Select communication speed (baud rate)
In summary, PDIP, SOIC, and SSOP are different physical package types of the same UART IC, while
the internal functionality and signal pins remain essentially the same.
This is the block diagram of the MCP2150, a UART-to-Infrared (IrDA) Encoder/Decoder Controller. It
converts normal UART serial data into infrared signals and vice versa.
Overall Function
Microcontroller UART
TX/RX
MCP2150
TXIR/RXIR
Infrared Transceiver
Infrared Link
The MCP2150 sits between a microcontroller and an infrared transceiver.
Block-by-Block Explanation
1. Encode and Protocol Handler
TX ──► Encode and Protocol Handler ──► TXIR
Purpose:
Receives serial data from the microcontroller through TX.
Adds IrDA protocol information.
Converts UART data into infrared-compatible format.
Sends encoded data to TXIR.
Example:
If the microcontroller sends:
A = 01000001
The encoder:
Adds start/stop information.
Converts it into IrDA pulse format.
Outputs the signal on TXIR.
2. Logic Block
EN ──► Logic
Purpose:
Controls internal operation.
Checks whether the device is enabled or disabled.
EN Pin
EN Operation
1 MCP2150 Enabled
0 MCP2150 Disabled
3. Baud Rate Generator
BAUD1
BAUD0
Baud Rate Generator
Purpose:
Generates timing signals.
Determines communication speed.
The baud rate is selected using BAUD0 and BAUD1 pins.
Example:
BAUD1 BAUD0 Baud Rate
0 0 9600 bps
0 1 19200 bps
1 0 57600 bps
1 1 115200 bps
(Actual values depend on the datasheet.)
4. Protocol Handler and Decode
RXIR ──► Protocol Handler and Decode ──► RX
Purpose:
Receives infrared data from the transceiver.
Decodes IrDA frames.
Removes protocol information.
Converts data back into UART format.
Sends recovered data to RX.
Example:
Infrared pulse stream:
IrDA Data
Decoder
UART Data
5. UART Control Block
RTS
CTS
DSR
DTR
CD
RI
These are modem-style control signals.
RTS (Request To Send)
Indicates transmitter wants to send data.
CTS (Clear To Send)
Receiver is ready to receive.
DTR (Data Terminal Ready)
Device is operational.
DSR (Data Set Ready)
Peripheral is ready.
CD (Carrier Detect)
Indicates a valid communication link.
RI (Ring Indicator)
Indicates incoming communication request.
The UART Control block manages these handshaking signals.
6. Oscillator Section
OSC1 ──► Clock Circuit ──► OSC2
Purpose:
Provides the clock for all internal operations.
Connected to a crystal or external oscillator.
Typical crystal:
Crystal
OSC1 ───||─── OSC2
Without the clock, the MCP2150 cannot:
Generate baud rates
Encode data
Decode data
Signal Flow During Transmission
Microcontroller
TX
Encode & Protocol Handler
TXIR
IR Transceiver
Infrared Light
Signal Flow During Reception
Infrared Light
IR Transceiver
RXIR
Protocol Handler & Decode
RX
│
Microcontroller
Summary of Each Block
Block Function
Encode & Protocol Handler Converts UART data to IrDA format
Protocol Handler & Decode Converts IrDA data back to UART
Baud Rate Generator Generates timing and baud rates
Logic Controls device operation
UART Control Manages handshaking signals
OSC1/OSC2 Provides clock source
TXIR Infrared transmit output
RXIR Infrared receive input
TX/RX UART interface to microcontroller
In one sentence: The MCP2150 acts as a bridge between a microcontroller's UART and an infrared
transceiver, handling all IrDA encoding, decoding, timing, and handshaking automatically.
Let's explain this paragraph line by line.
"This document contains device specific information for the following device: MCP2150"
Meaning:
The document is a datasheet/user guide.
It provides technical information about the MCP2150 IC.
"The MCP2150 is a cost effective, low pin count (18-pin), easy to use device for implementing IrDA
standard wireless connectivity."
Meaning:
Cost effective → inexpensive solution.
Low pin count (18 pins) → requires fewer connections, making PCB design simpler.
Easy to use → most IrDA protocol handling is done internally.
IrDA wireless connectivity → enables communication using infrared light according to the
IrDA standard.
Example:
Microcontroller
| UART
MCP2150
| Infrared
Another Device
"The MCP2150 provides support for the IrDA standard protocol 'stack' plus bit
encoding/decoding."
Meaning:
The MCP2150 performs two important tasks:
1. Protocol Stack Handling
It automatically manages:
Device discovery
Connection establishment
Data transfer
Connection termination
You don't need to program these functions in your microcontroller.
2. Encoding/Decoding
Encoding:
UART Data
MCP2150
IrDA Pulse Format
Decoding:
IrDA Pulse Format
MCP2150
UART Data
"The serial interface baud rates are user selectable to one of four IrDA standard baud rates
between 9600 baud and 115.2 kbaud (9600, 19200, 57600, 115200)."
Meaning:
The UART side (between microcontroller and MCP2150) can operate at:
BAUD1 BAUD0 UART Baud Rate
0 0 9600
0 1 19200
1 0 57600
1 1 115200
These are selected using the BAUD pins.
"The IR baud rates are user selectable to one of five IrDA standard baud rates between 9600 baud
and 115.2 kbaud (9600, 19200, 37400, 57600, 115200)."
Meaning:
The infrared link itself can operate at:
IR Baud Rate
9600
19200
38400*
57600
115200
(*Many datasheets list 38400; if you see 37400 it may be a typo.)
These speeds are used for communication over infrared.
"The serial interface baud rate will be specified by the BAUD1:BAUD0 pins"
Meaning:
Two hardware pins determine the UART speed:
BAUD1
BAUD0
Example:
BAUD1 = 1
BAUD0 = 0
selects:
57600 bps
"while the IR baud rate is specified by the Primary Device (during Discover phase)."
Meaning:
The infrared communication speed is not fixed by the MCP2150 pins.
Instead:
1. Devices search for each other.
2. During discovery (Discover phase), the primary device chooses the IR speed.
3. Both devices then communicate at that speed.
Primary Device
| Select Speed
Secondary Device
"This means that the baud rates do not need to be the same."
Meaning:
UART speed and IR speed can be different.
Example:
Interface Baud Rate
UART 9600
Infrared 115200
The MCP2150 automatically buffers and converts between the two speeds.
MCU
9600 bps
MCP2150
115200 bps
Infrared Link
"The MCP2150 operates in Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) applications"
Meaning:
The MCP2150 behaves like a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) device.
Examples of DTE devices:
Computer
Laptop
Microcontroller system
Embedded controller
In RS-232 terminology:
Computer (DTE)
Modem (DCE)
The MCP2150 uses DTE-style signals such as:
TX
RX
RTS
CTS
DTR
DSR
"and sits ..."
The sentence is incomplete, but the datasheet usually continues with:
"sits between the UART and the infrared transceiver."
Meaning:
Microcontroller
| UART
MCP2150
| TXIR/RXIR
IR Transceiver
Infrared Link
The MCP2150 acts as a bridge between:
the microcontroller's UART interface, and
the infrared transceiver hardware.
Summary
The MCP2150 is an 18-pin IrDA controller that:
1. Connects to a microcontroller through UART.
2. Handles the complete IrDA protocol automatically.
3. Encodes UART data into infrared pulses.
4. Decodes infrared pulses back into UART data.
5. Supports baud rates from 9600 to 115200 bps.
6. Allows UART baud rate and IR baud rate to be different.
7. Operates as a DTE device and sits between the UART and the IR transceiver.
Line-by-Line Explanation
"The MCP2150 encodes an asynchronous serial data stream, converting each data bit to the
corresponding infrared (IR) formatted pulse."
Meaning:
The microcontroller sends normal UART serial data to the MCP2150.
MCP2150 converts each binary bit (0 or 1) into an IrDA-compliant infrared pulse.
Example:
UART data:
10110010
Inside MCP2150:
UART Data
Encoding
IrDA IR Pulses
The output is sent through the TXIR pin to an infrared LED/transceiver.
"IR pulses received are decoded and then handled by the protocol handler state machine."
Meaning:
When infrared signals arrive:
Infrared Light
IR Receiver
RXIR Pin
MCP2150 Decoder
The MCP2150:
1. Detects the incoming IR pulses.
2. Converts them back into digital bits.
3. Processes them using its internal protocol handler.
The state machine is a control circuit that manages:
Device discovery
Connection setup
Data transfer
Disconnection
automatically.
"The protocol handler sends the appropriate data bytes to the Host Controller in UART formatted
serial data."
Meaning:
After decoding:
IR Signal
MCP2150
UART Data
Microcontroller
The MCP2150 sends standard UART data through the RX pin.
The microcontroller receives ordinary serial data and does not need to understand the IrDA protocol.
Example Communication Flow
Transmission
Microcontroller
│ UART Data
MCP2150
│ Encodes
TXIR
▼
IR Transceiver
Infrared Light
Reception
Infrared Light
IR Receiver
RXIR
MCP2150
│ Decodes
RX
Microcontroller
"The MCP2150 supports 'point-to-point' applications."
Meaning:
Communication is only between two devices.
Device A ↔ Device B
Only one connection exists at a time.
"That is, one Primary device and one Secondary device."
Meaning:
IrDA defines two roles:
Primary Device
Starts communication.
Controls the connection.
Chooses the IR baud rate.
Examples:
PC
Laptop
Mobile device
Secondary Device
Responds to the primary device.
Waits for commands.
Example:
Laptop (Primary)
MCP2150 System (Secondary)
"The MCP2150 operates as a Secondary device."
Meaning:
The MCP2150 cannot initiate a connection.
It waits for another device to start communication.
PC ----> MCP2150
(Start connection)
"It does not support 'multi-point' applications."
Meaning:
It cannot communicate with multiple devices simultaneously.
Supported:
A↔B
Not Supported:
B
/
A --+
No network-style communication.
"Sending data using IR light requires some hardware and the use of specialized communication
protocols."
Meaning:
Infrared communication needs:
Hardware
IR LED (transmitter)
IR photodiode/transceiver (receiver)
MCP2150 controller
Protocol
Rules that define:
How data is transmitted
Timing
Error handling
Device discovery
"These protocol and hardware requirements are described, in detail, by the IrDA standard
specifications."
Meaning:
The IrDA organization created official standards describing:
Signal format
Timing
Baud rates
Connection procedures
Error detection
All compliant devices follow these rules.
"The encoding/decoding functionality of the MCP2150 is designed to be compatible with the
physical layer component of the IrDA standard."
Meaning:
The MCP2150 follows the IrDA physical-layer requirements.
It generates and receives infrared signals exactly as required by the standard.
UART Data
MCP2150
IrDA Standard IR Pulses
"This part of the standard is often referred to as 'IrPHY'."
Meaning:
IrPHY = Infrared Physical Layer
This layer defines:
Pulse width
Signal timing
Modulation
Receiver sensitivity
Think of it as the lowest layer responsible for the actual infrared signal.
"The complete IrDA standard specifications are available for download from the IrDA website."
Meaning:
For complete technical details, engineers can obtain the official IrDA specifications from the IrDA
organization.
These documents explain:
IrPHY
Link Access Protocol
Discovery procedures
Frame formats
Error control
Key Points Summary
Feature Description
Encoding Converts UART bits into IrDA infrared pulses
Decoding Converts received IR pulses back into UART data
Protocol Handling Automatic discovery, connection, and data transfer
Device Role Secondary Device
Communication Type Point-to-point only
Multi-point Support Not supported
Physical Layer Compatible with IrPHY
Interface UART ↔ MCP2150 ↔ IR Transceiver
Baud Rates Up to 115.2 kbps
In one sentence:
The MCP2150 acts as an IrDA controller that automatically converts UART data to infrared signals
and back, handles the IrDA protocol, and allows a microcontroller to communicate wirelessly with
a single IrDA primary device.
1.1 Applications — Line-by-Line Explanation
"The MCP2150 Infrared Communications Controller supporting the IrDA standard provides
embedded system designers the easiest way to implement IrDA standard wireless connectivity."
Meaning:
MCP2150 is an Infrared Communication Controller.
It follows the IrDA (Infrared Data Association) standard.
It helps engineers add wireless infrared communication to embedded systems without
implementing the complex IrDA protocol themselves.
Without MCP2150:
Microcontroller
Write IrDA Protocol Software
Design IR Encoding Circuit
IR Communication
With MCP2150:
Microcontroller
MCP2150
IR Transceiver
Much simpler.
"Figure 1-1 shows a typical application block diagram."
Meaning:
The datasheet provides a circuit diagram showing how the MCP2150 is connected in a real system.
Typically:
Microcontroller
TX/RX│
MCP2150
TXIR/RXIR
IR Transceiver
Infrared Link
"Table 1-2 shows the pin definitions."
Meaning:
A table in the datasheet explains every pin:
Pin Function
TX UART Transmit
RX UART Receive
TXIR Infrared Transmit
RXIR Infrared Receive
Pin Function
RTS Request To Send
CTS Clear To Send
OSC1 Crystal Input
OSC2 Crystal Output
etc.
TABLE 1-1: OVERVIEW OF FEATURES
This section summarizes the advantages of infrared communication.
"Infrared communication is a wireless two-way data connection, using infrared light generated by
low-cost transceiver signaling technology."
Meaning:
Infrared communication:
Uses invisible infrared light.
Requires no cable.
Supports sending and receiving data.
Device A
Infrared Light
Device B
A low-cost IR transceiver performs:
Light transmission
Light reception
"This provides reliable communication between two devices."
Meaning:
Advantages:
Low interference
Stable communication
Low error rate
Since infrared is directional, nearby devices usually do not interfere.
Advantages of Infrared Technology
"Universal standard for connecting portable computing devices"
Meaning:
Many devices follow the same IrDA standard:
Laptops
PDAs
Mobile phones
Printers
So they can communicate with each other.
"Easy, effortless implementation"
Meaning:
Using MCP2150:
UART + MCP2150 + IR Transceiver
No complicated protocol programming is required.
"Economical alternative to other connectivity solutions"
Meaning:
Infrared is cheaper than:
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Cellular communication
Required hardware:
MCP2150
IR Transceiver
Crystal
Very low cost.
"Reliable, high-speed connection"
Meaning:
Supports speeds up to:
115.2 kbps
which is sufficient for many embedded applications.
"Safe to use in any environment (can even be used during air travel)"
Meaning:
Infrared:
Does not emit radio waves.
Does not interfere with aircraft communication systems.
Therefore it is generally considered safe.
"Eliminates the hassle of cables"
Meaning:
Instead of:
Device A ---- Cable ---- Device B
Use:
Device A )))) IR )))) Device B
No wires required.
"Allows PCs and other electronic devices (such as PDAs, cell phones, etc.) to communicate with
each other"
Meaning:
Infrared enables data exchange between devices.
Example:
Laptop ⇄ Mobile Phone
Laptop ⇄ PDA
Laptop ⇄ Embedded Device
"Enhances mobility by allowing users to easily connect"
Meaning:
Users can connect devices quickly without:
Plugging cables
Installing connectors
Simply align the IR ports.
"The MCP2150 allows the easy addition of IrDA standard wireless connectivity to any embedded
application that uses serial data."
Meaning:
Any system with UART can add infrared communication.
Examples:
Device Possible?
Microcontroller Yes
Sensor System Yes
Data Logger Yes
Medical Equipment Yes
Industrial Controller Yes
Example Embedded System
Microcontroller
│ UART
MCP2150
IR Transceiver
Infrared Link
▼
Laptop
The microcontroller sends normal UART data; MCP2150 handles everything else.
"Figure 1-1 shows typical implementation of the MCP2150 in an embedded system."
Meaning:
The figure demonstrates:
1. UART connection to MCU.
2. MCP2150 controller.
3. IR Transceiver.
4. Wireless infrared link.
"The IrDA protocols for printer support are not included in the IrCOMM 9-wire 'cooked' service
class."
Meaning:
The MCP2150 supports:
IrDA communication
IrCOMM 9-wire serial emulation
But it does not include specialized printer protocols.
IrCOMM 9-Wire
This emulates an RS-232 serial port:
TX
RX
RTS
CTS
DTR
DSR
CD
RI
GND
The MCP2150 can replace a serial cable over infrared.
Printer Protocols
Some IrDA printers use additional protocols:
IrTran-P
Printer-specific IrDA services
These are not implemented inside the MCP2150.
Overall Summary
The MCP2150 is an 18-pin infrared communication controller that:
Implements the IrDA standard.
Converts UART data into infrared signals and back.
Enables cable-free communication.
Supports speeds up to 115.2 kbps.
Works as a point-to-point infrared communication device.
Simplifies adding wireless connectivity to any UART-based embedded system.
Supports IrCOMM serial-port emulation but does not include specialized IrDA printer
protocols.
Figure 1-1: System Block Diagram of MCP2150
This diagram shows how the Host Controller (Microcontroller), MCP2150, and Optical Transceiver
work together to provide IrDA infrared communication.
1. Host Controller (Microcontroller)
This is your microcontroller (8051, PIC, AVR, ARM, Arduino, etc.).
Host Controller
UART TX/RX
MCP2150
TX (Transmit)
Sends serial data to MCP2150.
RX (Receive)
Receives serial data from MCP2150.
The microcontroller only sees normal UART data and does not need to understand IrDA protocols.
2. MCP2150 (Main Controller)
The MCP2150 acts as a bridge between:
UART Data
MCP2150
Infrared Data
It performs:
Encoding
Decoding
Baud-rate generation
UART handshaking
IrDA protocol management
3. Encode Block
TX
Encode
TXIR
Function
Converts UART serial data into IrDA infrared format.
Example
Microcontroller sends:
01000001
(Character 'A')
The encoder converts it into:
IrDA pulse stream
and sends it through TXIR.
4. TXIR Pin
TXIR ───► Optical Transceiver TXD
Function
TXIR = Infrared Transmit Output
Carries encoded IrDA pulses.
These pulses go to the optical transceiver.
5. Optical Transceiver
This contains:
IR LED
For transmitting infrared light.
IR Receiver
For receiving infrared light.
IR Light
Optical Transceiver
Examples:
TFDU4101
TFBS4711
Other IrDA transceivers
6. TXD
TXIR → TXD
Function
The optical transceiver receives encoded pulses and drives the IR LED.
Electrical Signal
IR LED
↓
Infrared Light
7. RXD
Infrared Light
RXD
Function
The optical transceiver converts received infrared light into electrical pulses.
These pulses are sent to MCP2150 through RXIR.
8. RXIR Pin
RXD → RXIR
Function
Receives infrared pulse data from the transceiver.
9. Decode Block
RXIR
Decode
RX
Function
Converts IrDA pulses back into UART data.
Example:
IR Pulses
Decode
01000001
10. RX Pin
Decode → RX
Function
Sends recovered UART data to the microcontroller.
11. Baud Rate Generator
BAUD1
BAUD0
Baud Rate Generator
Function
Generates timing signals for:
UART communication
IR communication
Encoding
Decoding
Baud Selection
BAUD1 BAUD0 Baud Rate
0 0 9600
0 1 19200
1 0 57600
1 1 115200
12. Power Down Logic
EN
Power Down Logic
Function
Controls whether MCP2150 is active.
EN Operation
1 Enabled
0 Power Down
Example
EN = 0
MCP2150 enters low-power mode.
Useful in battery-powered devices.
13. UART Control Block
This block manages RS-232 style control signals.
RTS
CTS
DSR
DTR
CD
RI
RTS (Request To Send)
Output signal.
MCP2150 → RTS
Indicates MCP2150 wants to transmit data.
CTS (Clear To Send)
Input signal.
CTS → MCP2150
Indicates remote device is ready.
DTR (Data Terminal Ready)
Output signal.
Shows MCP2150 is operational.
DSR (Data Set Ready)
Input signal.
Remote device is ready.
CD (Carrier Detect)
Input signal.
Indicates a valid IR connection exists.
RI (Ring Indicator)
Input signal.
Used to indicate incoming connection requests.
Complete Data Flow (Transmission)
Microcontroller
│ TX
MCP2150
│ Encode
TXIR
Optical Transceiver
Infrared Light
Complete Data Flow (Reception)
Infrared Light
Optical Transceiver
RXIR
Decode
RX
Microcontroller
Overall Working
Microcontroller
│ UART
MCP2150
│ TXIR/RXIR
Optical Transceiver
▼
IR Link
Another IrDA Device
Summary
The MCP2150 sits between the microcontroller and the optical transceiver. It automatically handles
IrDA protocol processing, encoding UART data into infrared pulses, decoding received infrared
pulses, baud-rate generation, power management, and UART handshaking, allowing a normal
UART-based embedded system to communicate wirelessly using infrared.
This table (Table 1-2: Pin Descriptions) explains the function of every pin of the MCP2150 Infrared
Communication Controller. It tells you:
Pin Name – Name of the pin.
Pin Number – Pin location in PDIP, SOIC, and SSOP packages.
Pin Type – Whether it is an Input (I), Output (O), Power (P), or Ground.
Buffer Type – Type of input/output buffer (TTL, ST, etc.).
Description – Purpose of the pin.
Let's explain each pin in detail.
1. BAUD0 (Pin 1)
Property Value
Pin Type Input (I)
Function
Selects the UART communication speed together with BAUD1.
The baud rate is determined by the combination of BAUD1 and BAUD0.
Example:
BAUD1 BAUD0 Baud Rate
0 0 9600 bps
0 1 19200 bps
1 0 57600 bps
1 1 115200 bps
2. TXIR (Pin 2)
Property Value
Pin Type Output (O)
Function
Transmit Infrared Data
This pin sends encoded IrDA data to the optical transceiver.
Microcontroller
MCP2150 Encoder
TXIR
IR LED
3. RXIR (Pin 3)
Property Value
Pin Type Input (I)
Function
Receives infrared data from the optical transceiver.
IR Receiver
RXIR
MCP2150 Decoder
4. RESET (Pin 4)
Property Value
Pin Type Input (I)
Function
Resets the MCP2150.
When RESET is activated:
All internal registers return to default values.
Communication stops.
The device restarts and reinitializes.
5. VSS (Pins 5 / 5 / 5,6)
Property Value
Pin Type Power
Function
Ground connection (0 V).
Every circuit needs:
VDD → Positive supply
VSS → Ground reference
VDD = +5V
VSS = 0V
6. EN (Enable) (Pin 6)
Property Value
Pin Type Input
Function
Controls whether the MCP2150 is active.
EN Operation
1 Device Enabled
0 Device enters Low-Power Mode
When disabled, the MCP2150 consumes very little power.
7. TX (Pin 7)
Property Value
Pin Type Input
Function
UART transmit input from the Host Controller.
Microcontroller TX
MCP2150 TX
The microcontroller sends UART data to the MCP2150 through this pin.
8. RX (Pin 8)
Property Value
Pin Type Output
Function
UART receive output to the Host Controller.
Infrared Data
MCP2150 Decoder
RX
Microcontroller RX
9. RI (Ring Indicator) (Pin 9)
Function
Indicates an incoming connection request.
Normally this pin remains HIGH.
When another IrDA device attempts to connect, RI can change state to notify the host.
10. DSR (Data Set Ready) (Pin 10)
Property Value
Pin Type Output
Function
Indicates whether MCP2150 has finished initialization.
DSR Meaning
1 MCP2150 initialized and ready
0 Initialization not complete
The microcontroller can monitor this pin before starting communication.
11. DTR (Data Terminal Ready) (Pin 11)
Property Value
Pin Type Input
Function
Used during startup to select Device ID Programming Mode.
DTR Meaning
1 Normal operation
0 Used with RTS to enter Device ID Programming Mode
After initialization, this signal is ignored for normal communication.
12. CTS (Clear To Send) (Pin 12)
Property Value
Pin Type Output
Function
Indicates whether the MCP2150 is ready to receive UART data from the microcontroller.
CTS Meaning
1 MCP2150 is busy. Host should NOT send data.
0 MCP2150 is ready. Host may send data.
This is a hardware flow-control signal that prevents data loss.
13. RTS (Request To Send) (Pin 13)
Property Value
Pin Type Input
Function
Indicates whether the Host Controller is ready to receive data from the MCP2150.
RTS Meaning
1 Host is NOT ready to receive data.
0 Host is ready to receive data.
This signal is also used together with DTR during power-up to enter Device ID Programming Mode.
14. VDD (Pin 14)
Property Value
Pin Type Power
Function
Positive power supply for the MCP2150.
Typically:
VDD = +5V
Summary Table
Pin Direction Function
BAUD0 Input Selects UART baud rate with BAUD1
TXIR Output Sends encoded IrDA data to the IR transceiver
RXIR Input Receives IrDA data from the IR transceiver
RESET Input Resets the MCP2150
VSS Power Ground (0 V)
EN Input Enables or disables the device
TX Input UART data from the microcontroller
RX Output UART data to the microcontroller
Pin Direction Function
RI Output Ring indicator (incoming connection)
DSR Output Indicates initialization complete
DTR Input Used for Device ID programming mode
CTS Output Indicates MCP2150 is ready to receive data
RTS Input Indicates host is ready to receive data
VDD Power Positive power supply
Overall Pin Groups
The MCP2150 pins can be grouped into four categories:
1. Power Pins: VDD, VSS
2. UART Interface: TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, RI
3. Infrared Interface: TXIR, RXIR
4. Control Pins: RESET, EN, BAUD0, BAUD1
These groups allow the MCP2150 to interface between a microcontroller's UART and an IrDA optical
transceiver, while also providing power management, baud-rate selection, and hardware flow
control.