ChipScout

Communication

CC1101

Sub-GHz transceiver used in low-power wireless links and RF experimentation.

China-madeTexas InstrumentsActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing Sub-GHz and SPI with a commonly available communication part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

CC1101 is indexed as a communication part from Texas Instruments. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

FunctionSub-GHz transceiverSource: Texas Instruments
InterfaceSPISource: Texas Instruments
Band315/433/868/915MHz variantsSource: Texas Instruments
Working Voltage1.8V - 3.6VSource: Texas Instruments

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

  • Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
  • Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
SPI
Wireless
Sub-GHz
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython pending
Data Integrity82% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.ti.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Datasheethttps://www.ti.com/Texas InstrumentsLibraryCC1101 Arduino library lookupArduino

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
SCKMCU SPI clockShare with other SPI devices when chip select lines are separate.
MOSIMCU SPI data outRequired for most displays, radios, and writable devices.
MISOMCU SPI data inMay be optional for write-only displays.
CSAny free GPIOUse one chip-select pin per SPI peripheral.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

SCK

Share with other SPI devices when chip select lines are separate.

MOSI

Required for most displays, radios, and writable devices.

Arduino Example

#include <SPI.h>

const int chipSelect = 10;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  pinMode(chipSelect, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(chipSelect, HIGH);
  SPI.begin();
  Serial.println("CC1101 SPI wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace this transaction with the maintained CC1101 driver call.
  digitalWrite(chipSelect, LOW);
  SPI.transfer(0x00);
  digitalWrite(chipSelect, HIGH);
  delay(1000);
}
CC1101 Arduino library lookup

MicroPython Example

MicroPython support is pending. Treat community scripts as prototypes until a maintained driver is linked and tested on a known development board.

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-C3 development board

Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.

Alternative Model Reasons

A7670CCommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
ATGM336HCommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
BC26CommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
CH340GCommunicationThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.

Common Questions

What is CC1101 best used for?

Projects needing Sub-GHz and SPI with a commonly available communication part.

Does CC1101 support Arduino or MicroPython?

CC1101 has verified Arduino support and MicroPython support pending verification.

What interfaces does CC1101 use?

CC1101 lists SPI; wireless support is Sub-GHz.

Compare CC1101 vs A7670C

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A7670C

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BC26

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CH340G

WCH

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