Texas Instruments CC2541F256RHAT

Overview

CC2541F256RHAT from Texas Instruments is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 4.0–compliant system-on-chip (SoC) integrating an enhanced 8051 MCU, 256-KB in-system-programmable flash, 8-KB RAM with retention in all power modes, and a 2.4-GHz RF transceiver with –94 dBm sensitivity at 1 Mbps. It supports programmable output power up to 0 dBm and operates across 2–3.6 V for battery-powered wearable sensors and proximity beacons.

For engineers reviewing the CC2541F256RHAT datasheet, CC2541F256RHAT pinout, CC2541F256RHAT application, or CC2541F256RHAT equivalent, key selection criteria include BLE protocol stack compatibility, ultra-low-power active/sleep current (17.9 mA RX / 0.5 µA Power Mode 3), QFN-40 package footprint, and hardware AES-128 coprocessing for secure GATT service implementation.

Technical Context

The CC2541F256RHAT implements a dual-oscillator architecture with a 32-MHz crystal oscillator for RF timing and a 32.768-kHz crystal or RC oscillator for low-power sleep timer operation. Its RF front-end uses direct-conversion GFSK/MSK modulation with programmable gain control and auto-acknowledgment logic fully handled by dedicated link-layer hardware.

Baseband processing includes a hardware-accelerated BLE Link Layer engine, integrated DMA controller supporting five channels, and a unified memory map where flash, SRAM, and peripheral registers are accessible via the 8051 SFR/XDATA buses. The I²C interface enables external sensor interfacing without consuming GPIO resources.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CC2541F256RHAT is housed in a 6-mm × 6-mm QFN-40 package with exposed thermal pad (RHA suffix), compatible with standard reflow profiles and automated optical inspection. Pin functions are validated per TI SWRS110D Rev D schematic and reference design CC2541EMK.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with nRF52832-QFAA and CC2640R2F, the CC2541F256RHAT offers proven BLE 4.0 stack maturity and minimal BOM cost for simple peripheral roles, but lacks ARM ecosystem tooling and advanced power management features found in newer generations.

Availability

CC2541F256RHAT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless proximity beacons, BLE-enabled wearables, smart home remotes, and industrial sensor nodes requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for CC2541F256RHAT 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 design expertise and broad automotive/industrial qualification.

The CC2541F256RHAT belongs to TI's Bluetooth Low Energy SoC product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, cost-sensitive IoT endpoints where BLE 4.0 interoperability and rapid time-to-market are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum data rate supported by CC2541F256RHAT?

The CC2541F256RHAT supports data rates of 250 kbps, 500 kbps, 1 Mbps, and 2 Mbps using GFSK or MSK modulation. At 1 Mbps in Bluetooth Low Energy mode, it achieves –94 dBm receiver sensitivity, making it suitable for reliable short-range communication in noisy environments. The CC2541F256RHAT's baseband hardware handles packet assembly and CRC verification autonomously.

Does CC2541F256RHAT include an integrated USB interface?

No, the CC2541F256RHAT does not include a USB interface. Unlike the pin-compatible CC2540, this device omits USB functionality to reduce die area and power consumption. Communication with host systems must use UART, SPI, or I²C interfaces. The CC2541F256RHAT retains full BLE protocol stack compatibility and adds hardware I²C support absent in earlier variants.

What crystal oscillator requirements apply to CC2541F256RHAT?

The CC2541F256RHAT requires a 32-MHz fundamental-mode crystal with 10–16 pF load capacitance, ≤60 Ω ESR, and ±40 ppm frequency tolerance for BLE timing compliance. A separate 32.768-kHz crystal (12–16 pF CL, 40–130 kΩ ESR) is needed for the sleep timer. Both crystals must be placed close to their respective oscillator pins with tight ground shielding to meet RF emission standards.

How does CC2541F256RHAT manage power in deep-sleep modes?

The CC2541F256RHAT offers three low-power modes: Power Mode 1 (270 µA, 4-µs wake-up), Power Mode 2 (1 µA, sleep timer active), and Power Mode 3 (0.5 µA, external interrupt wake-up only). In Power Mode 3, the digital regulator and all clocks are disabled while retaining RAM and register contents-enabling multi-year operation on coin-cell batteries. The CC2541F256RHAT's hardware sleep timer ensures deterministic wake-up timing without CPU intervention.

Can CC2541F256RHAT be used with the TPS62730 DC-DC converter?

Yes, the CC2541F256RHAT is explicitly designed to interface with the TPS62730 step-down converter. When paired, the combined solution reduces active-mode current to 14.7 mA (RX) and 14.3 mA (TX at 0 dBm), extending battery life by up to 20% versus linear regulation. The CC2541F256RHAT's VDD_IO pin accepts regulated 3-V input from the TPS62730, and its control logic supports bypass mode activation during ultra-low-power states.