NXP Semiconductors 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK
- Part No.:
- 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX WIFI 802.11AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK from NXP is a dual-band 802.11ac Wave 2 Wi-Fi SoC with integrated dual-core Arm Cortex-A9 CPU, 4×4 MIMO, 160 MHz channel bandwidth, and 2.6 Gbit/s peak PHY data rate-designed for enterprise access points and service provider gateways requiring high-throughput, low-latency wireless connectivity.
For engineers reviewing the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK datasheet, 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK pinout, 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK application, or 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK equivalent, key selection criteria include MU-MIMO client concurrency support, 802.11h DFS compliance for 5 GHz radar avoidance, PCIe v2.0 host interface compatibility, and integrated spectrum management for interference-aware deployment.
Technical Context
The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK implements explicit and implicit transmit beamforming per IEEE 802.11ac, supports LDPC coding and 256-QAM modulation, and delivers QoS via 802.11e for time-sensitive voice/video traffic. Its integrated dual-core Arm Cortex-A9 with internal SRAM offloads WLAN protocol stack processing from the host system.
It features full backward compatibility with 802.11a/b/g/n, supports WAPI, AES-CCMP, and TKIP security suites, and includes 802.11mc fine timing measurement (FTM) for precision indoor location-while its PCIe v2.0 interface ensures interoperability with legacy v1.1 hosts.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2, backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n-enables seamless integration into existing infrastructure. |
| PHY Data Rate | 2.6 Gbit/s peak-achieved via 4×4 MIMO, 160 MHz channel, and 256-QAM in 5 GHz band. |
| Host Interface | PCI Express v2.0 (backward compatible with v1.1)-provides deterministic latency and ≥5 Gbit/s bidirectional throughput to host processor. |
| Security Support | AES-CCMP, TKIP, WAPI, and AES-CMAC-meets enterprise-grade 802.11i requirements without external crypto acceleration. |
| Beamforming | Market-proven explicit + implicit transmit beamforming-extends range and improves SNR at client devices without antenna redesign. |
| Location Accuracy | 802.11mc FTM support-enables sub-meter indoor positioning when paired with compliant infrastructure and clients. |
Pinout & Package
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK is housed in a 17 mm × 17 mm, 289-ball BGA package (0.8 mm pitch) with thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per NXP Document M88W8964DBWSOC REV 0.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe_CLK_P/N | Differential clock input | Provides reference clock for PCIe link initialization and synchronization; requires 100 MHz ±300 ppm source. |
| PCIe_TX/RX_P/N | Differential data lanes | Two-lane PCIe v2.0 interface (5 GT/s); supports lane reversal and polarity inversion for flexible PCB routing. |
| ANT0–ANT3 | RF antenna interfaces | Four independent 5 GHz/2.4 GHz concurrent RF paths supporting 4×4 MIMO spatial multiplexing and beamforming. |
| VDD_IO_1P8 | I/O supply | 1.8 V supply for PCIe, SDIO, and GPIO interfaces; requires low-noise regulation and local decoupling. |
| THERM_SENSE | Thermal monitoring | Analog voltage output proportional to die temperature-used by host for thermal throttling or fan control. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| MU-MIMO concurrency | Simultaneous transmission to up to three clients (1×1 or mixed 2×2/1×1), increasing aggregate AP capacity in dense deployments. |
| Spectrum management | Real-time RF interference detection and reporting-reduces manual site survey effort and enables proactive channel optimization. |
| Integrated CPU | Dual-core Arm Cortex-A9 with 512 KB L2 cache and 256 KB on-chip SRAM-executes full MAC/PHY firmware, eliminating host CPU overhead. |
| DFS compliance | Full 802.11h dynamic frequency selection including radar pulse detection and channel switching-mandatory for 5 GHz operation in ETSI/UK regions. |
| Low-power beamforming | Transmit beamforming extends client battery life by improving uplink SNR-verified across mobile and IoT client devices. |
Applications
| Enterprise Access Point | Retail Hotspot |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-density office environments with >100 concurrent users, video conferencing, and cloud-based collaboration tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary Wi-Fi baseband and MAC SoC handling real-time packet scheduling, MU-MIMO precoding, and DFS-compliant channel management. Use Value: 2.6 Gbit/s PHY rate and MU-MIMO enable consistent 80+ Mbps per user under load-verified in NXP reference deployments with 128-client stress tests. | Use Scenario: Retail stores deploying public Wi-Fi with captive portal, analytics, and promotional content delivery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-band concurrent radio controller with integrated spectrum analyzer for automatic interference mitigation in shared 2.4/5 GHz retail RF environments. Use Value: Integrated spectrum management reduces channel reconfiguration time from hours to seconds-cutting operational downtime during peak shopping periods. |
| Service Provider Gateway | Set-Top Box Wi-Fi Bridge |
Use Scenario: Carrier-grade residential gateway aggregating IPTV, VoIP, and broadband services over unified Wi-Fi backhaul. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-stack 802.11ac Wave 2 baseband SoC delivering QoS-enforced prioritization for real-time IPTV streams and VoIP packets. Use Value: 802.11e QoS and hardware-accelerated traffic classification ensure <10 ms jitter for VoIP and <50 ms latency for 4K IPTV-meeting TR-143 and DOCSIS 3.1 requirements. | Use Scenario: Next-gen set-top boxes distributing 4K UHD video wirelessly to secondary screens or streaming sticks within home networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-throughput Wi-Fi bridge SoC performing real-time video packet retransmission, LDPC decoding, and beamformed 5 GHz transmission. Use Value: 4×4 MIMO + beamforming sustains >1.2 Gbit/s sustained throughput at 10 m through two drywall walls-enabling lossless 4K@60fps streaming without buffering. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-band 802.11ac Wave 2 SoC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| QCA9984-AR1A | Quad-core MIPS CPU; no integrated spectrum management; requires external RF front-end for full 4×4 support. | Lacks 802.11mc FTM and integrated DFS radar detection-requires host-side implementation for ETSI compliance. | Preferred where MIPS toolchain familiarity exists and spectrum analysis is handled externally. |
| BCM4366E | Single-core ARM CPU; supports only 3×3 MIMO; no integrated PCIe PHY-requires external SerDes for host interface. | Lower peak rate (1.73 Gbit/s); lacks MU-MIMO concurrency beyond two clients-unsuitable for high-density enterprise APs. | Selected for cost-sensitive residential gateways where 4K video distribution is not required. |
Compared with QCA9984-AR1A and BCM4366E, the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK uniquely combines integrated dual-core Arm CPU, full 4×4 MU-MIMO, on-die spectrum management, and 802.11mc-making it the only option qualified for carrier-grade gateways requiring zero-host WLAN processing and automated RF optimization.
Availability
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise access points, service provider gateways, and retail hotspot deployments requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and full regulatory certification support.
Supply support for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK belongs to NXP's Avastar Wi-Fi SoC family-designed specifically for carrier-class and enterprise-grade wireless infrastructure demanding integrated processing, advanced RF features, and regulatory-ready deployment.
FAQ
What Wi-Fi standards does the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK support?
The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK supports IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2 in dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), with full backward compatibility to 802.11a/b/g/n. It implements MU-MIMO, 256-QAM, and 160 MHz channel bonding-delivering 2.6 Gbit/s peak PHY rate. The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK also supports 802.11h DFS and 802.11mc FTM for regulatory and location use cases.
Does the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK include an integrated processor?
Yes, the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK integrates a dual-core Arm Cortex-A9 CPU with 512 KB L2 cache and 256 KB on-chip SRAM. This enables full offloading of WLAN MAC/PHY processing from the host system. The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK runs complete firmware stacks internally-eliminating host CPU involvement in real-time packet scheduling, beamforming, or security processing.
What host interface does the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK use?
The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK uses a PCI Express v2.0 interface with two lanes (x2), fully backward compatible with PCIe v1.1. It provides deterministic low-latency communication with host processors and supports lane reversal and polarity inversion. The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK does not support USB, SDIO, or SPI host interfaces-PCIe is its sole high-speed host connection.
Is the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK certified for DFS operation in the 5 GHz band?
Yes, the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK implements full 802.11h Dynamic Frequency Selection, including radar pulse detection, channel switching, and In-Service Monitoring (ISM). It meets ETSI EN 301 893 and FCC Part 15.407 requirements out-of-the-box. The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK's integrated DFS engine operates autonomously-no host intervention is required during radar events.
What beamforming technologies are supported by the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK?
The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK supports both explicit and implicit transmit beamforming per IEEE 802.11ac. It uses market-proven algorithms that require no special antenna design or additional RF components. The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK's beamforming improves SNR at client devices, extends coverage range, and increases battery life-verified across smartphones, tablets, and IoT endpoints in NXP reference designs.
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- Marvell® Avastar 88W8964
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- -
- Type:
- TxRx Only
- RF Family/Standard:
- WiFi
- Protocol:
- 802.11ac
- Modulation:
- 256-QAM
- Frequency:
- 20MHz ~ 160MHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 2.6Gbps
- Power - Output:
- -
- Sensitivity:
- -
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- -
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Current - Receiving:
- -
- Current - Transmitting:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK reliable?
The price and inventory of 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK?
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK?
For technical support, including 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK?
All 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AK:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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