XR21B1421

Enhanced 1-Ch Full-Speed USB HID to UART Bridge
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Overview

Information Enhanced 1-Ch Full-Speed USB HID to UART Bridge
Data Bus Interface USB 2.0
# of Channels 1
Max Data Rate 5V (Mbps) 12
Max Data Rate 3.3V (Mbps) 12
Tx FIFO (Bytes) 512
Rx FIFO (Bytes) 512
Auto RS-485 ✔
Auto Flow Control ✔
Auto Half-Duplex Control ✔
Multidrop (9-bit) Mode ✔
Fractional Baud Rate Generator ✔
Power Down Mode ✔
5V Tolerant Inputs ✔
IrDA Sup ✔
Supply Voltage Range VCC (V) 3.0 to 3.6, 4.4 to 5.25
Max UART/GPIO Input Voltage (V) 5.5
Max UART/GPIO Output Voltage (V) 1.8-3.6
Temperature Range (°C) -40 to 85
Package QFN-24, QFN-28
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The XR21B1421 is an enhanced Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter (UART) bridge to HID class USB interface. The USB interface is fully compliant to the USB 2.0 (Full-Speed) specification with 12 Mbps USB data transfer rate. The USB interface also supports USB suspend, resume and remote wakeup operations. The USB Vendor ID, Product ID, power mode, remote wakeup support, maximum power, and numerous other settings may be programmed in the on-chip OTP memory via the USB interface using either HID reports or MaxLinear-supplied OTP programming tools.

The XR21B1421 includes an internal oscillator and does not require an external crystal/oscillator. Any UART baud rate up to 12 Mbps may be generated with this internal clock and the fractional baud rate generator. The UART pins for each port may also be configured as GPIO; direction, state, output driver type and input pull-up or pull-down resistors are programmed either through on chip OTP, or on the fly via memory mapped registers.

Large 512-byte TX and RX FIFOs prevent buffer overflow errors and optimize data throughput. Automatic half-duplex direction control and optional multi drop (9-bit) mode simplify both hardware and software in half-duplex RS-485 applications.

The XR21B1421 uses the native OS HID driver using HID reports. The HID reports perform a variety of functions, including device configuration, transmitting and receiving UART data, and programming of the on-chip OTP. Exar provides a .dll as an easy to use programming interface to the HID reports.

The XR21B1421 operates from a single 5V or 3.3V power supply and is available in a 24 or 28 pin QFN package. When powered with 5V input, the XR21B1421 supplies a regulated 3.3V output. The 24 pin packagehas a separate VIO supply voltage input for the Modem / GPIO pins. The 28 pin package has VIO internally tied to 3.3V.

 

  • ±15kV ESD on USBD+/USBD-
  • USB 2.0 Compliant, Full-Speed (12Mbps)
  • Unique pre-programmed USB serial number
  • Internally generated 48MHz core clock
  • Enhanced UART features
    • Baud rates up to 12 Mbps
    • Fractional Baud Rate Generator
    • 512-byte TX and 512-byte RX FIFOs
    • Auto Hardware / Software Flow Control
    • Multidrop and Half-Duplex Modes
    • Auto RS-485 Half-Duplex Control
    • Selectable GPIO or Modem I/O
  • Up to 10 GPIOs per channel
  • 5V tolerant GPIO inputs
  • Suspend state GPIO configuration
  • Configurable clock output
  • 24-pin or 28-pin QFN package
  • Industrial -40°C to +85°C Temperature Range
  • Download Software Drivers

  • Portable Medical Diagnostics
  • Blood Glucose Meters
  • Health and Fitness Wellness Monitors
  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies
  • Energy Management Consoles

Documentation & Design Tools

All Types Data Sheets Application Notes Schematics & Design Files Product Briefs & Brochures Software & Utilities User Guides & Manuals
Type Title Version Date File Size
Data Sheets XR21B1421 Enhanced 1-Ch Full-Speed USB HID to UART Bridge 1E September 2022 869.7 KB
Application Notes DAN-190, MaxLinear UARTs in RS-485 Applications R01 July 2023 2.4 MB
Application Notes AN202, USB UART Board Design Considerations for USB Compliance R02 June 2023 2.4 MB
User Guides & Manuals XR21B14xx_XR21V14xx USB UART Design Guide 01 May 2020 2.3 MB
User Guides & Manuals XR21B1421 Evaluation Board User’s Manual 1B January 2020 1.8 MB
Software: GUIs & Utilities HID GUI Test Application 1.35 August 2019 59 KB
Product Flyers Full-Speed USB UART Family 1.1 November 2020 605.3 KB
Schematics & Design Files XR21B1420/1421 Evaluation Board Design Files REV 10 June 2016 386.5 KB
Schematics & Design Files Evaluation Board Schematic 1.0 September 2014 88.9 KB
Product Brochures Interface Brochure R02 November 2024 3.6 MB
Register for a myMxL account or Login to myMxL to view all Technical Documentation & Design Tools.

Quality & RoHS

Part Number RoHS | Exempt RoHS Halogen Free REACH TSCA MSL Rating / Peak Reflow Package
XR21B1421IL24-F N Y Y Y Y L2 / 260ᵒC QFN24 4x4 OPT1
XR21B1421IL28-F N Y Y Y Y L2 / 260ᵒC QFN28 5x5

Click on the links above to download the Certificate of Non-Use of Hazardous Substances.

Additional Quality Documentation may be available, please Contact Support.

Parts & Purchasing

Part Number Pkg Code Min Temp Max Temp Status Suggested Replacement Buy Now Order Samples PDN
XR21B1421IL24-F QFN24 4x4 OPT1 -40 85 Active Order
XR21B1421IL24TR-F QFN24 4x4 OPT1 -40 85 OBS XR21B1421IL24-F
XR21B1421IL28-F QFN28 5x5 -40 85 Active Order
XR21B1421IL28TR-F QFN28 5x5 -40 85 OBS XR21B1421IL28-F
XR21B1421IL24-0A-EVB Board Active
XR21B1421IL28-0A-EVB Board Active
Show obsolete parts
Part Status Legend
Active - the part is released for sale, standard product.
EOL (End of Life) - the part is no longer being manufactured, there may or may not be inventory still in stock.
CF (Contact Factory) - the part is still active but customers should check with the factory for availability. Longer lead-times may apply.
PRE (Pre-introduction) - the part has not been introduced or the part number is an early version available for sample only.
OBS (Obsolete) - the part is no longer being manufactured and may not be ordered.
NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) - the part is not recommended for new designs.

Packaging

Pkg Code Details Quantities Dimensions
QFN28 5x5
  • JEDEC Reference: MO-220
  • MSL Pb-Free: L2 @ 260ºC
  • MSL SnPb Eutectic: n/a
  • ThetaJA: 33.0ºC/W
  • Bulk Pack Style: Tray
  • Quantity per Bulk Pack: 490
  • Quantity per Reel: 3000
  • Quantity per Tube: n/a
  • Quantity per Tray: 490
  • Reel Size (Dia. x Width x Pitch): 330 x 12 x 8
  • Tape & Reel Unit Orientation: Quadrant 1
  • Dimensions: mm
  • Length: 5.00
  • Width: 5.00
  • Thickness: 1.00
  • Lead Pitch: 0.50
QFN24 4x4 OPT1
  • JEDEC Reference: MO-220
  • MSL Pb-Free: L2 @ 260
  • MSL SnPb Eutectic: n/a
  • ThetaJA: 39.2
  • Bulk Pack Style: Tray
  • Quantity per Bulk Pack: 490
  • Quantity per Reel: 3000
  • Quantity per Tube: n/a
  • Quantity per Tray: 490
  • Reel Size (Dia. x Width x Pitch): 330 x 12 x 8
  • Tape & Reel Unit Orientation: Quadrant 1
  • Dimensions: mm
  • Length: 4.0
  • Width: 4.0
  • Thickness: 1.00
  • Lead Pitch: 0.5

Notifications

Distribution Date Description File
07/17/2023 In 2023, MaxLinear will be converting all shipping labels for the parts noted from an EXAR format to MaxLinear’s label. During this transition customers may receive either label. This change affects only shipping and packing labels. This change will not affect the part number, part marking, manufacturing process or manufacturing sites. Only work in progress material will be converted. Existing inventory from MaxLinear’s warehouse, channel sales, distributor, and such, will not be converted. Hence, customers may experience receiving mixed shipments with both Exar and MaxLinear labels for some period until existing inventory of old labels is eventually cleared out. Situation is product to product with no predictable way to determine when all old labels will be exhausted. No change to product form, fit, function and reliability. ADDENDUM A: Fixed MBB label logo for DX204001 to MaxLinear logo. ADDENDUM B: Replaced ‘All other affected products outer box label’ with clearer pictures. Corrected Date Issued (from original PCN) issue date +90 days to August 30, 2023.
06/01/2023 In 2023, MaxLinear will be converting all shipping labels for the parts noted from an EXAR format to MaxLinear’s label. During this transition customers may receive either label. This change affects only shipping and packing labels. This change will not affect the part number, part marking, manufacturing process or manufacturing sites. Only work in progress material will be converted. Existing inventory from MaxLinear’s warehouse, channel sales, distributor, and such, will not be converted. Hence, customers may experience receiving mixed shipments with both Exar and MaxLinear labels for some period until existing inventory of old labels is eventually cleared out. Situation is product to product with no predictable way to determine when all old labels will be exhausted. No change to product form, fit, function and reliability.
06/01/2023 In 2023, MaxLinear will be converting all shipping labels for the parts noted from an EXAR format to MaxLinear’s label. During this transition customers may receive either label. This change affects only shipping and packing labels. This change will not affect the part number, part marking, manufacturing process or manufacturing sites. Only work in progress material will be converted. Existing inventory from MaxLinear’s warehouse, channel sales, distributor, and such, will not be converted. Hence, customers may experience receiving mixed shipments with both Exar and MaxLinear labels for some period until existing inventory of old labels is eventually cleared out. Situation is product to product with no predictable way to determine when all old labels will be exhausted. No change to product form, fit, function and reliability. ADDENDUM: Fixed MBB label logo for DX204001 to MaxLinear logo.
07/11/2017 Product Discontinuation Notification
03/28/2017 Change QFN E-pad dimension range from 3.15~3.35mm to 2.60~3.60mm, assembly in ANST.
01/31/2017 Addition of qualified 12 inch wafer processing line in Global Foundries, in addition to the currently qualified 8 inch wafer processing. Note: Reliability report will be available February 17, 2017.
01/27/2017 Qualification of alternate assembly subcon, ANST, China.

FAQs & Support

Search our list of FAQs for answers to common technical questions.
For material content, environmental, quality and reliability questions review the Quality tab or visit our Quality page.
For ordering information and general customer service visit our Contact Us page.

Submit a Technical Support Question As a New Question

For some UARTs, Microsoft certified drivers are available for Windows Operating System and can be downloaded via Windows Update. These drivers and others, including for Linux and other Operating Systems can be found by visiting https://www.exar.com/design-tools/software-drivers Please note Software Driver Use Terms.

 

 
You can also get to this link by going to the exar.com website, clicking on Support (in black bar near top of page), then click on Design Tools, then under Evaluation Hardware and Software (towards right of page) click on Software Drivers.
 
 

Click on the version link under Driver Version of the desired type of UART, part number and operating system. A zip file is downloaded which contains a ReadMe file with instructions.

Links to datasheets and product family pages are in the software driver table for easy reference. 

No, Auto RTS and Auto CTS are independent. Auto RTS is toggled by the UART receiver. Auto CTS is monitored by the UART Transmitter.

No, Auto RTS and Auto CTS will work normally without the interrupts enabled.

No, software flow control characters are not loaded into the RX FIFO.

Auto RS485 Half-Duplex Control feature overrides the Auto RTS flow control feature if both features use the RTS# output pin. Both features can only be used simultaneously if the Auto RS485 control output is not the RTS# output. For some UARTs, the Auto RS485 control output is not the RTS# output.

The polarity of the RS485 control output varies from one UART to another. For some UARTs, an inverter may be required. Some of the newer UARTs have register bits that can change that polarity of the RS485 control output.

All of the UARTs that have the IR mode supports up to 115.2Kbps as specified in IrDA 1.0. The newer I2C/SPI UARTs can support up to 1.152Mbps as specified in IrDA 1.1.

Find the product page of the part that you want to get an evaluation board for and click on Parts & Purchasing. Example:

 

Find the icons under Buy Now or Order Samples:

 
 

Click on the Buy Now icon and see who has stock and click on the Buy button:

 
 
 

Alternatively, you can click on the Order Samples

 
 

If the icons are missing, then contact Customer Support.

The -F suffix indicates ROHS / Green compliance:
https://www.exar.com/quality-assurance-and-reliability/lead-free-program

Visit the product page for the part you are interested in.  The part's status is listed in the Parts & Purchasing section.  You can also view Product Lifecycle and Obsolescence Information including PDNs (Product Discontinuation Notifications).
 
To visit a product page, type the part into the search window on the top of the MaxLinear website.
 
In this example, we searched for XRA1201.  Visit the product page by clicking the part number or visit the orderable parts list by clicking "Orderable Parts". 
 
 
 

 

  

The Parts & Purchasing section of the product page shows the Status of all orderable part numbers for that product.  Click Show obsolete parts, to see all EOL or OBS products.

 
 
 

 

USB peripheral devices may operate in bus or self-powered modes. In bus powered mode, the peripheral device is powered by the USB host 5V VBUS power either directly, or for example through a voltage regulator that might provide a regulated 3.3V to the device from the 5V VBUS input. In self-powered mode, power to the peripheral device comes from another source other than the USB host VBUS. For example, power might come from an AC to DC converter.

 

MaxLinear USB to serial / UART(s), USB hubs and USB to Ethernet devices all comply fully to USB standards and are fully USB compliance tested. One USB compliance test ensures that self-powered peripheral devices do not have “back voltage” when disconnected from the USB host, on either the USB data signals (USBD+ / USBD-) or the VBUS power itself.

 

All MaxLinear USB UARTs, hubs and USB to Ethernet devices are USB full speed or high-speed devices. As such, they have an internal pull-up on the USBD+ signal to “advertise” their speed rating. The VBUS_SENSE pin on these devices must be connected to VBUS from the host, or upstream device if that is not the host, such that the device “senses” the disconnection from the host or upstream device. The default power mode advertised to the USB host for all USB UARTs and USB to Ethernet devices is bus powered mode. Self-powered mode can be programmed in either the internal OTP memory or external EEPROM for self-powered mode. For MaxLinear hubs, an external pin controls the power mode advertised to the USB host, except the XR22417 which must always be operated in self-powered USB mode.

Connect the USB data pins directly to the host or upstream hub. Connections should be impedance controlled to 90 ohms differential with short traces and no stubs. Connecting any other components that are not high impedance (series or shunt resistance, capacitance or inductance) will corrupt the USB data signaling and can prevent communication between the host and device. ESD protection diodes may be used and some EMI filters may also have only a slight impact on impedance but should be demonstrated for compliance with USB 2.0 devices. See Application Notes AN202 (USB UART Board Design Recommendations and Considerations for USB Compliance), section 2.0 Design Considerations  for more. 

1. Native drivers: Native drivers may be found in all major OS such as Windows, Linux, and Max OSX. Typically these drivers will be automatically loaded. In some cases, these are basic drivers and may have limitations on advanced device functionality, however. USB HID, Hub and CDC-ACM drivers are examples of native drivers. The CDC-ACM driver be used with our CDC-ACM class USB UARTs, but has limited functionality.

 

2. MaxLinear custom drivers: MaxLinear custom drivers may be used to support additional functionality in MaxLinear devices. For example, the MaxLinear custom driver for USB UARTs overcomes the limitations of the native CDC-ACM driver. See https://www.exar.com/design-tools/software-drivers for a list of and access to the drivers that we currently have. In some cases, the MaxLinear driver can also be customized, or source code can be provided after executing a Software License Agreement.

Yes: Go to the product page (XR22804 example below), click on the documentation tab on left, click on “Sample USB UART GUI” under Software:

 

It depends on the baud rate. For example, for a start bit, 8 data bits, no stop bit and 1 stop bit, the maximum baud rate deviation is 4.76%. For more information, see https://www.exar.com/appnote/dan108.pdf

Most UARTs use RTS#, however in addition to using the RTS# output as the Auto RS485 control output, the XR21B1420/1421/1422/1424 can use the DTR# output as the Auto RS485 control output.

1.  Enter root privileges: sudo -i
2.  Enter admin password.
3.  Edit /etc/modules file.  Append xr_usb_serial_common to the end of the file.
4.  Build the Exar/MxL driver from the folder using "make", confirm that the xr_usb_serial_common.ko file is successfully created.
5.  Run command: uname -r
This will return the kernal version currently in use. 
6.  Copy the resulting xr_usb_serial_common.ko to /lib/modules/2.6.38.8-generic in the above path with the kernal version that was returned in step 5.
7.  Run depmod.
8.  Reboot. 
9.  Connect the Exar/MxL USB UART.  Using ls/dev/tty* confirm /dev/ttyUSBn ports (Exar driver loaded) for Exar/MxL USB UART.
10. Connect another CDC device (not Exar/MxL), and confirm both /dev/ttyUSBn and /dev/ACMn ports. 

The maximum allowed bus-powered suspend current is 2.5mA per device function. The device function may not be the same as the IC, as there may be multiple device functions per IC. See the individual datasheet for a list of device functions. For example, the XR22804 has 8 device functions: an embedded hub, the Ethernet MAC and Phy, 4 UARTs, I2C controller and EDGE controller. Therefore, the XR22804 maximum allowed bus-powered suspend current is 8 x 2.5mA or 20mA. However, power used by all supporting XR22804 external components that use power from the USB host VBUS power must be included in the suspend current.

It is recommended, especially when connecting a USB cable to the VBUS 5V source.  See Application Note AN202 (USB UART Board Design Recommendations and Considerations for USB Compliance), section 2.2.2 In-rush Current for more.

The OTP can be programmed to modify various USB configuration descriptors such as Vendor ID, Product ID, Device Attributes and maximum power consumption. See Application Note AN202 (USB UART board Design Considerations for USB Compliance), section 2.3 External EEPROM or on-chip OTP for more. The OTP can also be programmed to change default register values, which can be found in the individual datasheets.

Videos

English Chinese

MxL UARTs Auto RS-485 Direction Control

This video describes how the automatic RS-485 half-duplex direction control feature in MaxLinear UARTs reduces driver development and frees up CPU/MCU loading. This feature eliminates the need to monitor the status of the UART’s transmit shift register and automatically switches MaxLinear RS-485 transceivers from the transmit mode to the receive mode. This video summarizes the content in application note DAN-190. 

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