The MD82C50A-5/B, manufactured by Intersil, is a CMOS Asynchronous Communication Element (ACE). It's a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) designed for serial communication in microprocessor-based systems. The "-5" likely refers to a specific speed or timing characteristic, while "/B" probably denotes a revision or screening level. The 'C' in the part number indicates it's a CMOS version, offering lower power consumption than earlier NMOS UARTs.

Applications

• Microprocessor Systems: Provides serial communication capabilities for systems based on Intel 8085, 8086, and similar microprocessors.
• Industrial Control Systems: Used for communication with serial peripherals such as printers, terminals, and modems in industrial automation equipment.
• Data Acquisition Systems: Employed for transmitting data serially from data acquisition systems to computers or other data logging devices.
• Embedded Systems: Found in embedded applications requiring serial communication, such as remote monitoring systems and control panels.

Features

• Asynchronous Communication: Supports asynchronous serial communication protocols.
• Programmable Baud Rate: Allows selecting the baud rate for serial communication.
• Full Duplex Operation: Enables simultaneous transmission and reception of data.
• Error Detection: Provides error detection capabilities, such as parity checking, to ensure data integrity.
• CMOS Technology: Offers low power consumption for battery-powered applications.

Benefits

• Versatile Serial Interface: Provides a flexible and reliable serial communication interface for microprocessor systems.
• Low Power Consumption: The CMOS technology reduces power consumption, making it suitable for portable and battery-powered applications.
• Easy Integration: Can be easily integrated into existing microprocessor systems.
• Improved Data Integrity: Error detection capabilities ensure the accuracy of transmitted data.

The Intersil MD82C50A-5/B is a reliable and versatile UART for implementing serial communication in microprocessor-based systems. Its low power consumption, programmable baud rate, and error detection capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of applications. The device simplifies system design by providing a complete serial communication interface on a single chip. While newer UARTs offer more advanced features such as FIFO buffers and higher baud rates, the MD82C50A-5/B remains a viable option for legacy systems and applications where its capabilities are sufficient and low power consumption is critical. It is particularly useful in applications where communication with standard serial devices is required. The CMOS design enhances its efficiency and suitability for battery-operated equipment.