Texas Instruments CC2540F256RHAT

Overview

CC2540F256RHAT from Texas Instruments is a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) 4.0-compliant system-on-chip integrating a 2.4-GHz RF transceiver, enhanced 8051 MCU core, 256 KB in-system programmable flash, 8 KB SRAM, USB 2.0 interface, 12-bit ADC with eight channels, AES-128 security coprocessor, and integrated op-amp/comparator - enabling standalone BLE peripheral or central node design in compact wearable and sensor applications.

For engineers reviewing the CC2540F256RHAT datasheet, CC2540F256RHAT pinout, CC2540F256RHAT application, or CC2540F256RHAT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 256 KB flash capacity for complex BLE stack + application co-location, QFN40 6×6 mm package with 21 GPIOs (including two 20-mA drive pins), ultra-low-power sleep modes (0.4 μA in Power Mode 3), and integrated 32-MHz/32.768-kHz crystal oscillators supporting certified ETSI/FCC/ARIB radio compliance.

Technical Context

The CC2540F256RHAT implements a complete single-chip BLE solution: its 8051 MCU executes both application firmware and TI's Bluetooth low energy protocol stack (GAP, GATT, SMP, L2CAP) without external host. The RF subsystem features a fully integrated transceiver with programmable output power (–23 to +4 dBm), high-gain/standard RX modes (–93 dBm / –87 dBm sensitivity), and digital RSSI with ±4 dB accuracy.

Power management includes three low-power modes: Power Mode 1 (235 μA, 3-μs wake-up), Power Mode 2 (0.9 μA, sleep timer active), and Power Mode 3 (0.4 μA, external interrupt wake-up), all retaining full RAM/register state. Peripherals include dual USARTs, five-channel DMA, IR generator, battery monitor, and temperature sensor calibrated to ±5°C accuracy.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CC2540F256RHAT uses a 40-pin QFN package (RHA suffix) with 6 mm × 6 mm footprint, 0.4 mm pitch, and exposed thermal ground pad requiring solid PCB ground plane connection per TI design guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar BLE SoC applications.

Compared with CC2540F256RHAT, CC2541F256RHAT removes USB and analog front-end to reduce cost and power, while nRF51822-QFAA replaces the 8051 with an ARM core and shifts USB functionality to external components - making CC2540F256RHAT uniquely suited for USB-integrated, analog-rich BLE endpoint designs.

Availability

CC2540F256RHAT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless health monitors, smart remote controls, industrial sensor nodes, and USB BLE dongles requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle consumer and industrial programs.

Supply support for CC2540F256RHAT 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 and low-power design expertise.

The CC2540F256RHAT belongs to TI's Bluetooth Low Energy SoC product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, single-chip BLE peripheral and central devices targeting wearable, medical, and industrial wireless sensor applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum output power supported by CC2540F256RHAT?

The CC2540F256RHAT supports programmable RF output power from –23 dBm to +4 dBm, delivering up to 4 dBm into a matched 50-Ω load through an external balun. This 27 dB range enables flexible RF link budget design while maintaining compliance with ETSI EN 300 328, FCC Part 15, and ARIB STD-T66 regulations. Measured current consumption at +4 dBm is 31.6 mA (3 V supply, no peripherals active).

Does CC2540F256RHAT include a built-in USB interface?

Yes, CC2540F256RHAT integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 interface with dedicated USB_P and USB_N pins. It supports USB device enumeration and communication without external transceivers, enabling direct PC connectivity for firmware updates, debugging via BTool, and HID-class peripheral emulation. The USB module operates independently of the BLE radio, allowing concurrent USB and BLE operation.

How much flash memory does CC2540F256RHAT provide, and how is it used?

CC2540F256RHAT provides 256 KB of in-system programmable flash memory. This capacity accommodates TI's complete Bluetooth low energy protocol stack (including GAP, GATT, SMP, and L2CAP layers) alongside customer application firmware - enabling true single-chip BLE node implementation without external memory. Flash is organized for efficient over-the-air (OTA) updates and secure boot verification.

What are the low-power operating modes of CC2540F256RHAT?

CC2540F256RHAT offers three retention-capable low-power modes: Power Mode 1 (235 μA, 3-μs wake-up), Power Mode 2 (0.9 μA, sleep timer active), and Power Mode 3 (0.4 μA, external interrupt wake-up). All modes retain full 8 KB SRAM and register contents. These modes are essential for battery-powered applications like wearables, where multi-year operation is achieved by minimizing active time and leveraging fast wake-up transitions.

Can CC2540F256RHAT operate without external crystals?

CC2540F256RHAT requires external 32-MHz and 32.768-kHz crystals for full BLE timing compliance and low-power operation. While it includes 16-MHz and 32-kHz RC oscillators for basic functionality, only the crystal-based oscillators meet Bluetooth SIG timing accuracy requirements (±40 ppm for 32-MHz, ±40 ppm for 32.768-kHz). The RC oscillators serve as backup or fast-start sources but cannot replace crystals in certified BLE implementations.