Texas Instruments CC3200R1M2RGC

Overview

CC3200R1M2RGC from Texas Instruments is a Wi-Fi CERTIFIED single-chip wireless MCU integrating an ARM Cortex-M4 core (80 MHz), 256KB RAM, dedicated Wi-Fi network processor subsystem, hardware crypto engine (AES-256, SHA2, TLS/SSL), and support for Station/AP/Wi-Fi Direct modes. It delivers 13 Mbps TCP and 16 Mbps UDP throughput with –74.0 dBm RX sensitivity at 54 OFDM and operates across –40°C to 85°C in industrial IoT gateways.

For engineers reviewing the CC3200R1M2RGC datasheet, CC3200R1M2RGC pinout, CC3200R1M2RGC application, or CC3200R1M2RGC equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed low-power operating modes (hibernate: 4 µA), real-world application mappings, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts for cloud-connected embedded designs.

Technical Context

The CC3200R1M2RGC implements a dual-subsystem architecture: an applications MCU (ARM Cortex-M4 @ 80 MHz) handles user code and peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, McASP, SD/MMC), while a fully autonomous Wi-Fi network processor subsystem-featuring its own ARM MCU, 802.11 b/g/n radio, MAC, baseband, and embedded TCP/IP/TLS/SSL stacks-offloads all Wi-Fi and internet protocol processing. This separation eliminates host MCU intervention during Wi-Fi operations.

Power management includes integrated DC-DC converters supporting VBAT 2.1–3.6 V, with hibernate mode consuming ≤4 µA and LPDS drawing 250 µA; the device uses a fixed 40-MHz crystal for WLAN timing and optional 32.768-kHz RTC crystal. All 27 GPIOs are individually configurable for drive strength (2/4/6 mA) and pull-up/down (10 µA).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CC3200R1M2RGC is housed in a 64-pin QFN package (9.0 mm × 9.0 mm, 0.5-mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are multiplexed and configured via register settings; all digital I/Os support 2/4/6 mA drive strength and 10-µA pull-up/down.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with CC3220SF12M2RGL and ESP32-WROVER-B, the CC3200R1M2RGC offers proven single-band Wi-Fi reliability, hardware TLS acceleration, and minimal external component count for cost-constrained industrial gateways - making it optimal where deterministic low-power operation and simplified security are prioritized over multi-protocol flexibility or raw compute headroom.

Availability

CC3200R1M2RGC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial wireless sensor nodes, home automation gateways, smart plug controllers, and cloud-connected audio streamers requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for CC3200R1M2RGC 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 for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The CC3200 family was designed as the industry's first Wi-Fi CERTIFIED single-chip MCU to accelerate IoT development by integrating full Wi-Fi stack, security, and application processing - eliminating external modules and reducing system-level design effort.

FAQ

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported by the CC3200R1M2RGC?

The CC3200R1M2RGC integrates 256KB of on-chip SRAM, which is used for both application code execution and data storage. This eliminates the need for external RAM in most IoT applications and supports concurrent Wi-Fi stack operation and user firmware. The CC3200R1M2RGC part number explicitly denotes the 256KB RAM variant ('M2' = 256KB), distinguishing it from the 128KB 'M1' version.

Does the CC3200R1M2RGC require an external serial flash memory?

Yes, the CC3200R1M2RGC requires an external SPI serial flash for storing the Wi-Fi firmware, application image, and file system. Its ROM contains only the bootloader and peripheral drivers; full Wi-Fi stack and application code reside in external flash. The device provides dedicated FLASH_SPI_CLK/DIN/DOUT/CS pins with fixed timing - no software reconfiguration is possible.

What are the supported Wi-Fi security protocols on the CC3200R1M2RGC?

The CC3200R1M2RGC supports WPA2 Personal and WPA2 Enterprise security, including EAP-TLS and PEAP-MSCHAPv2 authentication methods. Its hardware crypto engine accelerates AES-256 encryption, SHA2 hashing, and TLS/SSL handshakes, enabling secure cloud connectivity without compromising MCU performance. These capabilities are implemented in ROM-based Wi-Fi firmware and do not require additional software licensing.

Can the CC3200R1M2RGC operate in access point mode independently?

Yes, the CC3200R1M2RGC supports standalone access point (AP) mode without requiring a host MCU or external controller. In AP mode, it hosts a configurable SSID and password, manages client associations, and routes traffic between connected stations and upstream networks. This capability is handled entirely by the dedicated Wi-Fi network processor subsystem, freeing the ARM Cortex-M4 for application tasks.

What is the minimum supply voltage for the CC3200R1M2RGC in hibernate mode?

The CC3200R1M2RGC maintains hibernate mode functionality down to 2.1 V on the VBAT rail, with typical current draw ≤4 µA at that voltage. This allows direct operation from common lithium coin cells (e.g., CR2032) or energy-harvesting sources. The integrated DC-DC converter ensures stable internal voltages across the full 2.1–3.6 V range, eliminating need for external regulators in low-power designs.