The ST16C550 (550) is a universal asynchronous receiver and transmitter with 16 byte transmit and receive FIFO. It operates at 2.97 to 5.5 volts. A programmable baud rate generator can select transmit and receive clock rates from 50 bps to 1.5 Mbps. The ST16C550 is an improved version of the NS16C550 UART with higher operating speed and lower access time. The ST16C550 on board status registers provides the error conditions, type and status of the transfer operation being performed. Included is complete MODEM control capability, and a processor interrupt system that may be software tailored to the user's requirements. The ST16C550 provides internal loopback capability for on board diagnostic testing. The ST16C550 is available in 40 pin PDIP, 44 pin PLCC, and 48 pin TQFP packages. It is fabricated in an advanced CMOS process to achieve low drain power and high speed requirements.