Texas Instruments CC2640F128RSMR

Overview

CC2640F128RSMR from Texas Instruments is a Bluetooth Low Energy 4.2 wireless microcontroller integrating an ARM Cortex-M3 CPU (48 MHz), 128KB flash, 20KB ultralow-leakage SRAM, and an autonomous sensor controller. It delivers 5.9 mA RX current, –97 dBm BLE sensitivity, and operates from 1.8–3.8 V, targeting compact battery-powered IoT endpoints like beacons and wearables.

For engineers reviewing the CC2640F128RSMR datasheet, CC2640F128RSMR pinout, CC2640F128RSMR application, or CC2640F128RSMR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4-mm × 4-mm VQFN32 package with 10 GPIOs, integrated DC-DC converter, BLE stack in ROM, and support for OTA firmware updates in resource-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The CC2640F128RSMR implements a dual-core architecture: the ARM Cortex-M3 handles application logic and BLE host stack, while a dedicated ARM Cortex-M0 executes the BLE link-layer controller in ROM. Its RF section uses a 2.4-GHz GFSK transceiver compliant with BLE 4.2, supporting programmable output power up to +5 dBm and single-ended RF interface optimized for the RSM package layout.

Power management integrates an on-chip DC-DC converter enabling 1 µA standby (RTC + RAM retention) and 100 nA shutdown modes. The ultralow-power sensor controller runs autonomously with 2KB SRAM, supporting analog/digital sensor acquisition without waking the main CPU-critical for multi-year coin-cell operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The CC2640F128RSMR is housed in a 32-pin VQFN package measuring 4.0 mm × 4.0 mm with 0.4-mm pitch and an exposed ground pad (EGP). This RoHS-compliant package supports reflow soldering and thermal dissipation critical for sustained BLE transmission.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Bluetooth Low Energy wireless MCU applications.

Compared with CC2640F128RSMR, CC2642R1FRGZR offers extended BLE 5 capabilities but demands more board space and power design effort, while nRF52833-QIAA-R provides greater processing headroom at the cost of higher system-level component count and reduced autonomous sensor efficiency.

Availability

CC2640F128RSMR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for beacon transmitters, wearable health monitors, smart lock actuators, and industrial asset trackers requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for CC2640F128RSMR 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 company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and wireless connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The CC2640F128RSMR belongs to TI's SimpleLink™ CC26xx wireless MCU product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power Bluetooth Low Energy applications where compact size, multi-year battery life, and integrated RF performance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum output power supported by the CC2640F128RSMR RF transmitter?

The CC2640F128RSMR supports programmable RF output power up to +5 dBm in BLE mode. This value is confirmed in the SWRS176B datasheet Section 5.7 and enables a 102 dB link budget with its –97 dBm receiver sensitivity. Operation at +5 dBm requires proper RF matching network design and thermal management, especially in the 4-mm × 4-mm RSM package where power dissipation is constrained. The CC2640F128RSMR maintains this output level across its full 1.8–3.8 V supply range.

Does the CC2640F128RSMR include an integrated DC-DC converter?

Yes, the CC2640F128RSMR integrates a highly efficient on-chip DC-DC converter that generates regulated 1.7–1.95 V supplies (VDDR and VDDR_RF) from the main 1.8–3.8 V VDDS input. As documented in Section 1.1 and Table 5.3 of the SWRS176B datasheet, this eliminates the need for an external buck regulator, reduces system BOM count, and improves overall power conversion efficiency - particularly beneficial in coin-cell-powered applications. The CC2640F128RSMR also supports external regulator mode by grounding DCDC_SW and VDDS_DCDC.

How many GPIOs are available on the CC2640F128RSMR, and what peripherals can they support?

The CC2640F128RSMR provides 10 GPIOs in its 4-mm × 4-mm RSM package. All digital peripheral functions-including UART, I²C, SPI, I²S, timer PWM outputs, and ADC inputs-can be routed to any of these pins via software configuration, as stated in Section 1.1 "Peripherals". Additionally, DIO_0–DIO_4 support high-drive capability and sensor controller functions, while DIO_5–DIO_9 include analog input capability for the 12-bit ADC and comparators. This flexibility simplifies PCB layout and enables rapid prototyping without fixed pin constraints.

Is the CC2640F128RSMR compatible with BLE 5.0 features such as 2 Mbps PHY or Long Range?

No, the CC2640F128RSMR implements Bluetooth Low Energy 4.2 only and does not support BLE 5.0 features including the 2 Mbps PHY or coded PHY (Long Range). Its RF section is specified for 1-Mbps GFSK modulation per Section 5.6–5.7 of SWRS176B. While it shares the same CC26xx platform foundation, BLE 5.0 capability requires the CC2642R or CC2652R devices. The CC2640F128RSMR remains fully compliant with BLE 4.2 certification requirements and is widely deployed in cost- and size-sensitive applications where 1 Mbps throughput suffices.

What debug interface does the CC2640F128RSMR support, and how many pins are required?

The CC2640F128RSMR supports 2-pin cJTAG (Compact JTAG) as its primary debug interface, requiring only JTAG_TCKC and JTAG_TMSC pins - no TDI/TDO/TMS lines needed. This is explicitly documented in Section 1.1 "Microcontroller" and Figure 4-3 (RSM pin diagram). cJTAG enables full boundary-scan, flash programming, and real-time debugging while minimizing PCB footprint and connector complexity. Standard 4-pin JTAG is not supported on the RSM variant; full JTAG capability is available only on larger-package variants like RGZ.