2.2 Configurations
The platform supports two different stack and application configurations:
- Single-Device: The controller, host, profiles, and application are implemented on the CC2540/41 as a true single-chip solution. This configuration is the simplest and most common when using the CC2540/41 devices. TI uses this configuration in most sample projects. The configuration is the most cost effective and provides the lowest-power performance. The SimpleBLEPeripheral and SimpleBLECentral projects are examples of applications built using the single-device configuration. For more information on these projects, see Section 3.
- Network Processor: The controller and host layers are implemented together on the CC2540/41, while the profiles and the application are implemented separately on an external host processor. The application and profiles communicate with the CC2540/41 through vendor-specific HCI commands using an SPI, a UART interface, or a virtual UART interface over USB. This configuration is optimal for applications that execute on another device such as an external microcontroller or a PC. When using this type of application, you can develop it externally while running the Bluetooth Low Energy stack on the CC2540/41. To use the network processor, you must use the HostTestRelease project.