General Description
The a16450 MegaCore function implements a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), which provides an interface between a microprocessor and a serial communications channel. The a16450 receives and transmits data in a variety of configurations, including 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-bit data words; odd, even, or no parity; and 1, 1.5, or 2 stop bits. The a16450 includes an internal baud rate generator and interrupt control. See Figure 1.

Features
■ a16450 MegaCore function implementing a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART)
■ Optimized for FLEX® and MAX® architectures
■ Programmable word length, stop bits, and parity
■ Full duplex operation
■ Programmable baud rate generator
■ Prioritized interrupt control
■ Internal diagnostic/loopback capabilities
■ Uses approximately 372 FLEX logic elements (LEs)
■ Functionally based on the National Semiconductor Corporation NS16450 device, except as noted in “Variations & Clarifications” on page 79