CC2541-Q1 - BLE Wireless MCU for Automotive | Texas Instruments
MPN: CC2541-Q1 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.5 | $3.50 |
| 10 | $3.15 | $31.50 |
| 100 | $2.8 | $280.00 |
| 500 | $2.5 | $1,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.2 | $2,200.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for CC2541-Q1 β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
CC2541F256
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CC2541F128
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CC2540
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ST17H65B
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CC2541-Q1 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Frequency Range | 2.4 GHz |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) |
| Data Rates | 250 kbps, 500 kbps, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps |
| Core | 8051-compatible |
| Flash Memory | 128 KB or 256 KB |
| RAM | 8 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 2 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40Β°C to +125Β°C |
| Package | QFN40 (6 mm x 6 mm) |
| Interface | I2C, SPI, UART, GPIO |
| ADC | 12-bit |
| RF Output Power | 0 dBm (typical) |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -93 dBm (BLE) |
| Automotive Grade | AEC-Q100 Qualified |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
CC2541-Q1 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 2 | RF_P β RF positive output |
| Pin 3 | RF_N β RF negative output |
| Pin 4 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 5 | AVDD β Analog power supply |
| Pin 6 | AVDD β Analog power supply |
| Pin 7 | P0_0 β GPIO/ADC |
| Pin 8 | P0_1 β GPIO/ADC |
| Pin 9 | P0_2 β GPIO/ADC |
| Pin 10 | P0_3 β GPIO/ADC |
| Pin 11 | P0_4 β GPIO/ADC |
| Pin 12 | P0_5 β GPIO/ADC |
| Pin 13 | P0_6 β GPIO/ADC |
| Pin 14 | P0_7 β GPIO/ADC |
| Pin 15 | P1_0 β GPIO |
| Pin 16 | P1_1 β GPIO |
| Pin 17 | P1_2 β GPIO |
| Pin 18 | P1_3 β GPIO |
| Pin 19 | P1_4 β GPIO |
| Pin 20 | P1_5 β GPIO |
| Pin 21 | P1_6 β GPIO |
| Pin 22 | P1_7 β GPIO |
| Pin 23 | P2_0 β GPIO |
| Pin 24 | P2_1 β GPIO |
| Pin 25 | P2_2 β GPIO |
| Pin 26 | P2_3 β GPIO |
| Pin 27 | P2_4 β GPIO |
| Pin 28 | P2_5 β GPIO |
| Pin 29 | P2_6 β GPIO |
| Pin 30 | P2_7 β GPIO |
| Pin 31 | DVDD β Digital power supply |
| Pin 32 | DVDD β Digital power supply |
| Pin 33 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 34 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 35 | XOSC_Q1 β Crystal oscillator pin 1 |
| Pin 36 | XOSC_Q2 β Crystal oscillator pin 2 |
| Pin 37 | RESET_N β Reset (active low) |
| Pin 38 | VDD β Power supply |
| Pin 39 | VDD β Power supply |
| Pin 40 | GND β Ground |
Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics
No official SOA curve available for this digital IC. Always operate within absolute maximum ratings specified in the datasheet. Ensure adequate cooling and derate as needed.
Typical Applications
CC2541-Q1 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Keyless Entry, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Passive Entry/Passive Start (PEPS), Wireless Battery Management System (BMS), Automotive Sensor Nodes, Aftermarket Telematics.
Automotive Keyless Entry
The CC2541-Q1 is ideal for automotive keyless entry systems due to its low power consumption and robust RF link budget. It supports BLE 4.0, enabling secure and reliable communication between the key fob and vehicle. The device's 2.4-GHz transceiver provides excellent range, and its AEC-Q100 qualification ensures operation in extreme temperatures. With a supply voltage of 2V to 3.6V, it can be powered directly by a coin cell battery, extending battery life. The integrated 8051 core handles encryption and authentication protocols, while the GPIOs interface with buttons and LEDs. The QFN40 package allows compact PCB designs for key fob form factors.
Recommended
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The CC2541-Q1 is well-suited for TPMS sensors, which require ultra-low power consumption and reliable wireless communication. The device's low-power modes allow the sensor to operate for years on a single battery. Its 2.4-GHz transceiver provides a strong link budget, ensuring data from the tire sensor reaches the vehicle's receiver even under challenging conditions. The integrated ADC can interface with pressure and temperature sensors, while the 8051 core processes the data and transmits it via BLE. The automotive-grade temperature range (-40Β°C to +125Β°C) is critical for tire-mounted electronics. The QFN40 package is compact enough for the small sensor module.
Recommended
Passive Entry/Passive Start (PEPS)
The CC2541-Q1 enables PEPS systems by providing secure BLE communication between the key fob and the vehicle. Its low power consumption is essential for always-on listening mode, where the device must detect the vehicle's signal without draining the battery. The RF performance ensures reliable detection at distances up to 20 meters. The device's hardware I2C interface can connect to external sensors, and its GPIOs can drive LEDs or buzzers for user feedback. The AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliable operation in the harsh automotive environment. The QFN40 package allows integration into the key fob's compact PCB.
Recommended
Wireless Battery Management System (BMS)
The CC2541-Q1 can be used in wireless BMS for electric vehicles, where it monitors battery cell voltages and temperatures and transmits data wirelessly to the BMS controller. Its low power consumption is crucial for minimizing battery drain, and its robust RF link ensures reliable data transmission in the noisy automotive environment. The device's ADC can measure cell voltages, and its GPIOs can control balancing circuits. The wide temperature range and AEC-Q100 qualification make it suitable for under-hood or battery pack mounting. The QFN40 package is compact, allowing placement on each cell module.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Nodes
The CC2541-Q1 serves as a wireless sensor node in automotive applications, collecting data from various sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, proximity) and transmitting it to a central gateway. Its multiple GPIOs and ADC allow easy interfacing with analog and digital sensors. The device's low power consumption enables battery-powered or energy-harvesting operation. The 2.4-GHz transceiver provides reliable communication within the vehicle. The automotive-grade temperature range ensures operation in extreme conditions. The QFN40 package is suitable for small sensor modules placed throughout the vehicle.
Recommended
Aftermarket Telematics
The CC2541-Q1 can be used in aftermarket telematics devices for vehicle tracking and diagnostics. Its BLE connectivity allows communication with smartphones for data display and configuration. The device's low power consumption is important for devices powered by the vehicle battery or a small backup battery. The RF link provides reliable data transmission over short distances. The integrated 8051 core can handle data logging and communication protocols. The automotive-grade temperature range ensures operation in the vehicle cabin. The QFN40 package is compact for discreet installation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for CC2541-Q1 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | CC2541F256 | CC2541F128 | CC2540 | ST17H65B | nRF51822 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | QFN40 (6 mm x 6 mm) | QFN40 (6 mm x 6 mm) | QFN40 (6 mm x 6 mm) | QFN40 (6 mm x 6 mm) | QFN40 (6 mm x 6 mm) | QFN48 (6 mm x 6 mm) |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | STMicroelectronics | Nordic Semiconductor |
| Bluetooth Version | BLE 4.0 | BLE 4.0 | BLE 4.0 | BLE 4.0 | BLE 4.2 | BLE 4.0 |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB |
| Automotive Grade | Yes (AEC-Q100) | No | No | No | No | No |
| USB Interface | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Core | 8051 | 8051 | 8051 | 8051 | 8051 | ARM Cortex-M0 |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -93 dBm | -93 dBm | -93 dBm | -93 dBm | -94 dBm | -93 dBm |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive AEC-Q100 qualification (vs CC2541F256)
- Pin-compatible with CC2541 family (vs nRF51822)
- Proven BLE 4.0 solution (vs ST17H65B)
Design Notes
For optimal RF performance, design the PCB with a 50-ohm impedance-controlled antenna trace. Place the CC2541-Q1 close to the antenna and keep the RF trace short. Use a ground plane on the layer below the RF trace to ensure consistent impedance. Follow the layout guidelines in the TI datasheet (SWRS110D) for the matching network components.
Decouple all power supply pins (AVDD, DVDD, VDD) with 100 nF capacitors placed as close as possible to the pins. Additionally, use a 1 uF bulk capacitor on the main supply. The CC2541-Q1 operates from 2V to 3.6V; ensure the supply voltage stays within this range during RF transmission, as current spikes can cause voltage drops.
Do not forget to connect the 32-MHz crystal to XOSC_Q1 and XOSC_Q2 with the specified load capacitors. Incorrect crystal selection or layout can cause the RF transceiver to fail. Also, ensure the reset pin (RESET_N) is properly pulled high with a 10 kOhm resistor and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for reliable startup.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per TI product page. RoHS compliant. REACH compliance assumed based on TI's global compliance policy.
