Texas Instruments CC2543RHBT

Overview

CC2543RHBT from Texas Instruments is a 2.4-GHz system-on-chip (SoC) integrating an RF transceiver, single-cycle 8051 MCU core, 32-KB flash, 1-KB SRAM, and AES coprocessor - delivering up to 5 dBm output power, –98 dBm receiver sensitivity at 250 kbps, and ultra-low-power modes down to 0.4 µA. It targets wireless human interface devices such as mice and keyboards operating under FCC/ETSI/ARIB regulatory compliance.

For engineers reviewing the CC2543RHBT datasheet, CC2543RHBT pinout, CC2543RHBT application, or CC2543RHBT equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world low-power timing behavior, and confirmed alternative SoCs for proprietary 2.4-GHz HID designs requiring minimal external components and QFN32 footprint compatibility.

Technical Context

The CC2543RHBT implements a fully integrated 2.4-GHz GFSK/MSK transceiver with programmable data rates (250 kbps–2 Mbps), on-chip frequency synthesizer, and 40-bit radio timer synchronized to the 32-MHz crystal oscillator. Its 8051 CPU executes instructions in one cycle and supports hardware debug via two-wire interface using P2_1/DD and P2_2/DC pins.

Power management includes five operational modes: Active (21.2 mA RX / 26 mA TX @ 0 dBm), Power Mode 1 (235 µA, 5 µs wake-up), Power Mode 2 (0.9 µA, sleep timer active), and Power Mode 3 (0.4 µA, external interrupt only), all retaining full RAM and register state. The device uses three internal oscillators - 32-MHz XOSC, 16-MHz RCOSC, and 32.753-kHz RCOSC - with calibrated accuracy and defined start-up times.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CC2543RHBT is housed in a 32-pin, 5-mm × 5-mm QFN package (RHB suffix) with exposed thermal pad requiring solid ground connection. All VDD pins (12, 15, 18, 23, 24, 29) supply analog circuitry; DCPL1 (pin 30) is dedicated 1.8-V digital decoupling; RF_P/RF_N (pins 20/21) form differential RF I/O; RESET_N (pin 13) is active-low reset input.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with CC2543RHBT, CC2541RHAT offers identical RF performance and footprint but omits IR generation, while nRF52832-QFAA-R delivers superior processing and BLE readiness at the cost of added external components and loss of on-chip IR capability - making CC2543RHBT optimal for cost-sensitive, IR-enabled proprietary 2.4-GHz HID designs.

Availability

CC2543RHBT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless human interface devices, proprietary 2.4-GHz sensor networks, and industrial remote controls requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and QFN32 footprint consistency.

Supply support for CC2543RHBT 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.

The CC2543RHBT belongs to TI's CC25xx family of 2.4-GHz SoCs engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, cost-optimized proprietary wireless applications - emphasizing minimal external components, regulatory-ready RF performance, and seamless HID integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum output power of the CC2543RHBT and how is it configured?

The CC2543RHBT supports programmable output power from –20 dBm to +5 dBm, delivered to a 50-Ω load through an external balun. Configuration is performed via register writes to the RF control registers - no external PA biasing or matching network adjustment is needed across the full range. This flexibility allows designers to meet regional regulatory limits (e.g., ETSI EN 300 328) while optimizing link margin for specific antenna layouts. The +5 dBm setting is validated on TI's CC2543EM reference design.

Does the CC2543RHBT support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol stacks?

The CC2543RHBT does not include a certified BLE protocol stack or Bluetooth SIG qualification - it is designed for proprietary 2.4-GHz protocols only. While its RF transceiver and 8051 core can implement custom GFSK/MSK-based communication, TI explicitly positions the CC2543RHBT for non-BLE applications such as HID remotes and sensor links. For BLE-compliant designs, TI recommends the CC2540/CC2541 series or newer SimpleLink™ devices.

How many general-purpose I/O pins does the CC2543RHBT provide, and what are their drive capabilities?

The CC2543RHBT provides 16 general-purpose I/O pins: P0_0–P0_7 (8 pins), P1_0–P1_4 (5 pins), P2_0–P2_2 (3 pins). Among these, P1_0, P1_1, and P1_2 support 20-mA sink/source drive strength for direct LED or buzzer control; all others support 4-mA drive. Internal weak pullup/pulldown resistors (~20 kΩ) are software-configurable, eliminating need for external biasing in most digital interface scenarios.

What crystal specifications are required for stable 2 Mbps operation on the CC2543RHBT?

For reliable 2 Mbps operation, the CC2543RHBT requires a 32-MHz fundamental-mode crystal with ±60 ppm frequency accuracy, 6–60 Ω equivalent series resistance (ESR), and 10–16 pF load capacitance. TI validates performance using crystals meeting these specs on the CC2543EM reference design. Deviations beyond ±60 ppm may cause symbol timing errors exceeding the –120 ppm tolerance limit specified for 2 Mbps GFSK, leading to increased packet error rate.

Can the CC2543RHBT operate without an external crystal oscillator?

Yes - the CC2543RHBT includes three internal oscillators: a 32.753-kHz RCOSC for sleep timer, a 16-MHz RCOSC for active-mode MCU clocking, and a 32-MHz XOSC requiring external crystal. When the 32-MHz crystal is omitted, the device operates using the calibrated 16-MHz RCOSC, enabling full functionality at reduced RF data rates (e.g., 250/500 kbps) and relaxed timing requirements. However, 1/2 Mbps operation mandates the 32-MHz crystal for symbol clock accuracy.