Texas Instruments CC2530F256RHAR

Overview

CC2530F256RHAR from Texas Instruments is a true 2.4-GHz IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee System-on-Chip (SoC) integrating an enhanced 8051 MCU, 256-KB flash, 8-KB RAM, 2.4-GHz RF transceiver, AES security coprocessor, and 12-bit ADC. It delivers –92 dBm receiver sensitivity, programmable +4.5 dBm output power, and operates from 2 V–3.6 V for battery-powered sensor nodes and smart home endpoints.

For engineers reviewing the CC2530F256RHAR datasheet, CC2530F256RHAR pinout, CC2530F256RHAR application, or CC2530F256RHAR equivalent, key selection criteria include flash size for ZigBee stack deployment, QFN40 package compatibility with RF layout constraints, low-power mode timing (e.g., 4 μs wake-up), and regulatory compliance support for ETSI EN 300 328, FCC Part 15, and ARIB STD-T-66.

Technical Context

The CC2530F256RHAR implements a fully integrated 2.4-GHz transceiver with digital RSSI/LQI, hardware CSMA/CA, and frequency synthesizer supporting 2394–2507 MHz operation at 250 kbps. Its 8051 core runs at up to 32 MHz using either a 32-MHz crystal or calibrated 16-MHz RC oscillator, with code prefetch enabling efficient execution of Z-Stack™ firmware.

Power management includes four operational modes: Active (24 mA RX), Power Mode 1 (0.2 mA with 4 μs wake-up), Power Mode 2 (1 μA with 32.768-kHz sleep timer), and Power Mode 3 (0.4 μA on external interrupt). The SoC integrates a 12-bit ADC with eight channels, AES-128 coprocessor, two USARTs, five-channel DMA, and ultralow-power comparator/op-amp.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CC2530F256RHAR uses a 6-mm × 6-mm QFN40 package with exposed thermal pad requiring solid ground plane connection per TI design guidelines. Pin functions are validated per SWRS081B Rev. FEBRUARY 2011.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 2.4-GHz wireless SoC applications.

Compared with CC2530F256RHAR, CC2652R1FVNR offers higher integration and future-proof protocol flexibility but requires new SDK adoption, while EM3581-RTR provides stack compatibility at the cost of reduced on-chip analog resources and no AES hardware acceleration.

Availability

CC2530F256RHAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ZigBee lighting control, smart home sensor nodes, and industrial remote monitoring requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle embedded programs.

Supply support for CC2530F256RHAR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions with decades of RF SoC expertise.

The CC2530 product line was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-operated IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee endpoint devices - emphasizing minimal external BOM, integrated security, and regulatory-ready RF performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum output power of the CC2530F256RHAR RF transceiver?

The CC2530F256RHAR supports programmable output power up to +4.5 dBm into a 50-Ω load. This value is achieved using the internal PA with optimal matching network per TI reference design EM. Output power is digitally adjustable in fine steps to comply with regional EIRP limits while balancing range and battery life. Measured values are specified at 2440 MHz with VDD = 3 V.

Does the CC2530F256RHAR include hardware AES encryption?

Yes, the CC2530F256RHAR includes a dedicated AES-128 security coprocessor that performs encryption and decryption in hardware. This offloads the 8051 CPU during ZigBee network key establishment and secure frame processing, reducing latency and power consumption. The coprocessor supports ECB, CCM*, and counter modes and is integral to Z-Stack™ security implementation.

What package type and pin count does the CC2530F256RHAR use?

The CC2530F256RHAR uses a 40-pin QFN package (RHA suffix) measuring 6 mm × 6 mm with an exposed thermal pad. Pinout is identical across CC2530F32/F64/F128/F256 variants. The package requires solder reflow per JEDEC J-STD-020 and mandates connection of the exposed pad to a solid ground plane for thermal and RF performance.

Can the CC2530F256RHAR operate from a single 3-V lithium coin cell?

Yes, the CC2530F256RHAR operates across 2 V–3.6 V, making it compatible with CR2032 (nominal 3 V) and other primary lithium cells. In Power Mode 3, it draws only 0.4 μA with RAM retention, enabling multi-year battery life. However, RF transmission at +4.5 dBm requires ≥2.7 V for full performance; voltage monitoring via built-in VDD sensor is recommended for runtime management.

Which development tools are officially supported for the CC2530F256RHAR?

Texas Instruments officially supports the CC2530 Development Kit, CC2530 ZigBee® Development Kit, and CC2530 RemoTI™ Development Kit for RF4CE. Software tools include SmartRF Studio for RF configuration, IAR Embedded Workbench™ for firmware development, and Packet Sniffer for over-the-air debugging. Z-Stack™ and RemoTI™ protocol stacks are provided free with full documentation and golden-unit validation.