Texas Instruments CC2530F256RHAT

Overview

CC2530F256RHAT from Texas Instruments is a 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 coprocessor, and 12-bit ADC. It delivers –92 dBm receiver sensitivity, programmable +4.5 dBm output power, and supports ultralow-power operation down to 0.2 mA in Power Mode 1 - enabling robust wireless sensor nodes for home automation and industrial monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the CC2530F256RHAT datasheet, CC2530F256RHAT pinout, CC2530F256RHAT application, or CC2530F256RHAT equivalent, key selection criteria include IEEE 802.15.4 MAC timer support, 21 GPIOs with configurable drive strength (4 mA/20 mA), integrated 32.768-kHz sleep timer, hardware CSMA/CA, and compliance with ETSI EN 300 328, FCC Part 15, and ARIB STD-T-66.

Technical Context

The CC2530F256RHAT implements a fully integrated 2.4-GHz transceiver with direct-conversion architecture, frequency synthesizer with ±150 ppm crystal tolerance support, and digital RSSI/LQI generation. Its 8051 core runs at up to 32 MHz using either the 32-MHz crystal oscillator or calibrated 16-MHz RC oscillator, with code prefetch and hardware debug interface.

Power management includes four operational modes: Active (24 mA RX), Power Mode 1 (0.2 mA, 4 μs wake-up), Power Mode 2 (1 μA, sleep timer active), and Power Mode 3 (0.4 μA, external interrupt wake-up). The on-chip voltage regulator, battery monitor, and temperature sensor enable autonomous operation in battery-powered edge devices.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CC2530F256RHAT uses a 6-mm × 6-mm QFN40 package with exposed thermal pad (RHA suffix), requiring solder connection of the ground pad to a solid PCB ground plane per TI design guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with CC2530F256RHAT, CC2652R1F offers broader protocol flexibility and lower active power but requires revised PCB layout and software migration; JN5169-001-M00 provides more flash/RAM but lacks integrated analog peripherals and demands external crystal circuitry.

Availability

CC2530F256RHAT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart lighting control, industrial wireless sensor networks, home automation hubs, and ZigBee remote control systems requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for CC2530F256RHAT 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 over 50 years of innovation in low-power wireless ICs.

The CC2530 product line was engineered as a cost-optimized, single-chip ZigBee and IEEE 802.15.4 solution targeting battery-operated sensor networks, lighting controls, and RF4CE remote systems - emphasizing integration, regulatory compliance, and development simplicity.

FAQ

What is the maximum output power of the CC2530F256RHAT RF transceiver?

The CC2530F256RHAT supports programmable output power up to +4.5 dBm into a 50-Ω load through its integrated balun. This value is measured under typical conditions (TA = 25°C, VDD = 3 V, fc = 2440 MHz) and remains within FCC/ETSI limits when paired with TI's recommended matching network. Output power is digitally adjustable in steps via register configuration, enabling optimization for range versus battery life.

Does the CC2530F256RHAT include hardware AES acceleration?

Yes, the CC2530F256RHAT integrates a dedicated AES-128 security coprocessor that performs encryption and decryption operations independently of the 8051 CPU. This hardware engine supports CCM* mode used in ZigBee security, reduces firmware attack surface, and enables sub-millisecond cryptographic throughput - essential for secure frame protection in mesh networks without compromising real-time responsiveness of the CC2530F256RHAT.

How many general-purpose I/O pins does the CC2530F256RHAT provide?

The CC2530F256RHAT provides 21 general-purpose I/O pins: P0_0–P0_7 (8 pins), P1_0–P1_7 (8 pins), and P2_0–P2_4 (5 pins). Of these, 19 support 4-mA drive strength and 2 (P1_1 and P1_2) support 20-mA drive - enabling direct LED driving or relay control. All pins support multiple functions including UART, SPI, timer capture, ADC input, and comparator output, as defined in the CC2530F256RHAT pin multiplexing table.

What power modes does the CC2530F256RHAT support, and what are their typical currents?

The CC2530F256RHAT supports four power modes: Active (24 mA RX, 29 mA TX at 1 dBm), Power Mode 1 (0.2 mA, 4-μs wake-up), Power Mode 2 (1 μA, 32.768-kHz sleep timer running), and Power Mode 3 (0.4 μA, external interrupt wake-up). These modes are managed by the on-chip power controller and enable multi-year battery life in intermittently active sensor nodes - a core design objective of the CC2530F256RHAT architecture.

Is the CC2530F256RHAT pin-compatible with other CC2530 flash variants like CC2530F128RHAT?

Yes, the CC2530F256RHAT is pin-compatible with CC2530F32RHAT, CC2530F64RHAT, and CC2530F128RHAT - all share identical QFN40 (RHA) packaging, pinout, and electrical characteristics. Differences are limited to flash size (32/64/128/256 KB) and associated firmware memory mapping. This allows hardware reuse across product tiers while scaling application complexity and stack requirements - a key advantage of the CC2530F256RHAT family design.