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NXP Semiconductors 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ
- Part No.:
- 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX WIFI 802.11AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,617
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Product details
Overview
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ from NXP is a dual-band 802.11ac Wave 2 Wi-Fi SoC with integrated dual-core Arm Cortex-A9 CPU, 4×4 MIMO, and 2.6 Gbit/s peak PHY rate. It implements MU-MIMO for concurrent 1×1/2×2 client sessions, supports 160 MHz channel bandwidth and 256-QAM modulation, and delivers enterprise-grade QoS, DFS, and WAPI/AES-CCMP security for access point and smart gateway applications.
For engineers reviewing the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ datasheet, 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ pinout, 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ application, or 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ equivalent, key selection criteria include 4×4 MU-MIMO support, PCIe v2.0 host interface compatibility, integrated spectrum management for interference reporting, 802.11mc fine timing measurement capability, and offload-enabled dual-core Cortex-A9 subsystem.
Technical Context
The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ integrates a dual-core Arm Cortex-A9 application processor with on-die SRAM to offload WLAN protocol stack processing from the host system. Its RF architecture supports simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation with explicit and implicit beamforming across all four spatial streams.
It implements full 802.11ac Wave 2 features including multi-user MIMO scheduling, LDPC coding, and 160 MHz contiguous/80+80 MHz non-contiguous channel bonding. The PCIe v2.0 interface provides backward compatibility with v1.1 and enables low-latency host communication for real-time traffic prioritization.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| PHY Data Rate | 2.6 Gbit/s peak - enables multi-stream 4K video distribution over wireless in residential gateways |
| MIMO Configuration | 4×4 dual-band - supports simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz transmission with full spatial stream utilization |
| Channel Bandwidth | Up to 160 MHz - allows maximum spectral efficiency in clean 5 GHz environments |
| Modulation | 256-QAM - increases per-subcarrier data density by 33% vs. 64-QAM under high-SNR conditions |
| Host Interface | PCIe v2.0 (backward-compatible with v1.1) - ensures interoperability with legacy AP baseband controllers |
| Security Protocols | AES-CCMP, TKIP, WAPI, CMAC - meets enterprise and carrier-grade WLAN authentication and encryption requirements |
| Timing Standard | IEEE 802.11mc FTM - enables sub-meter indoor positioning without external infrastructure |
Pinout & Package
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ is housed in a 17 mm × 17 mm, 289-ball BGA package (0.8 mm pitch) with thermal pad. Pin assignment follows NXP's standardized Avastar SoC layout for PCIe, SDIO, USB, UART, I²C, GPIO, and RF front-end control interfaces.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe_CLK_P/N | Differential clock input | Provides reference timing for PCIe v2.0 link synchronization at 100 MHz |
| PCIe_TX/RX_P/N | Differential data lanes | Supports x1 lane configuration with 5 GT/s signaling for low-latency host communication |
| SDIO_CMD/DAT[0:3]/CLK | SDIO 4-bit interface | Enables fallback host connectivity when PCIe is unavailable; used for firmware update and debug |
| USB_DP/DM | USB 2.0 differential pair | Provides auxiliary device enumeration and diagnostic access independent of main WLAN path |
| GPIO[0:7] | Configurable digital I/O | Controls external LNA/PA enable, antenna switching, and board-level status indication |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated dual-core Arm Cortex-A9 | Offloads MAC/PHY processing from host CPU, reducing system-level latency and power consumption |
| Explicit + implicit beamforming | Extends effective range by 30–40% in multipath environments without antenna redesign or added BOM cost |
| Spectrum management engine | Automatically detects and reports radar/interference sources in DFS channels, simplifying regulatory compliance |
| MU-MIMO scheduler | Simultaneously serves up to three clients (1×1 or mixed 2×2/1×1), increasing aggregate AP throughput by ≥2.2× vs. SU-MIMO |
| 802.11mc Fine Timing Measurement | Enables ≤1 m indoor location accuracy using standard AP infrastructure-no additional hardware required |
Applications
| Enterprise Access Points | Retail Hotspots |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-density office deployments with >100 concurrent users and mixed client capabilities (802.11n/ac/Wave 2). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary Wi-Fi baseband SoC handling MAC/PHY, beamforming, MU-MIMO scheduling, and host interface bridging. Use Value: Delivers deterministic QoS for VoIP and video conferencing via 802.11e EDCA and airtime fairness algorithms. |
Use Scenario: Mall-wide Wi-Fi coverage with dynamic load balancing across multiple APs and seamless roaming. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-band Wi-Fi SoC managing concurrent 2.4/5 GHz client associations and spectrum-aware channel selection. Use Value: Achieves 2.6 Gbit/s aggregate throughput while maintaining <50 ms handoff latency through fast BSS transition support. |
| Service Provider Gateways | Set-Top Boxes |
Use Scenario: Integrated residential gateway supporting IPTV, voice, and broadband with Wi-Fi backhaul to mesh nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central Wi-Fi subsystem enabling multi-stream 4K video delivery to STBs and mobile clients. Use Value: Sustains ≥1.2 Gbit/s sustained throughput over 10 m with 20 dB SNR margin using 4×4 beamformed transmission. |
Use Scenario: Wireless set-top box acting as secondary Wi-Fi node for whole-home video streaming without wired backhaul. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Embedded Wi-Fi SoC providing 5 GHz VHT80/160 uplink to primary gateway and local client serving. Use Value: Enables zero-latency screen mirroring and 4K HDR playback using MU-MIMO spatial reuse and LDPC error correction. |
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 ARM A9; supports only 80 MHz max channel bandwidth | Lacks 160 MHz and 802.11mc FTM; requires external spectrum analyzer for DFS compliance | Preferred where MIPS toolchain familiarity and lower licensing cost outweigh 160 MHz and indoor positioning needs |
| BCM4366C0KMLG | Single-core ARM Cortex-R5; no integrated application CPU; relies on host for L2/L3 processing | Requires host-side MU-MIMO scheduling; no built-in spectrum management or FTM engine | Selected when host SoC has sufficient compute headroom and centralized radio resource management is already implemented |
Compared with QCA9984-AR1A and BCM4366C0KMLG, the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ uniquely combines integrated dual-core Cortex-A9 processing, 160 MHz channel support, and hardware-accelerated 802.11mc timing-enabling autonomous, low-latency, high-throughput Wi-Fi subsystems without host dependency.
Availability
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ 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 regulatory-compliant Wi-Fi 5 Wave 2 functionality.
Supply support for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ 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 markets.
The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ belongs to NXP's Avastar family of Wi-Fi SoCs, designed specifically for high-throughput, low-latency, and feature-rich wireless infrastructure applications requiring integrated processing, advanced RF, and carrier-grade reliability.
FAQ
What is the maximum supported channel bandwidth for the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ?
The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ supports up to 160 MHz contiguous channel bandwidth in the 5 GHz band, as well as 80+80 MHz non-contiguous mode. This enables the full 2.6 Gbit/s PHY data rate specified in IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2. Channel width is configurable per band and subject to regional regulatory constraints, with automatic DFS enforcement in radar-sensitive bands.
Does the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ include an integrated processor core?
Yes, the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ integrates a dual-core Arm Cortex-A9 application processor with 512 KB of on-chip SRAM. This enables full offloading of WLAN protocol stack processing-including MAC, security, and beamforming control-from the host system, reducing latency and host CPU utilization in access point and gateway designs.
How does the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ implement MU-MIMO scheduling?
The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ implements hardware-accelerated MU-MIMO scheduling that supports up to three concurrent downlink clients-either three 1×1 devices or a mix of 2×2 and 1×1 clients. Scheduling decisions are made in real time based on channel state information, client capabilities, and traffic priority, with no host intervention required.
What security protocols does the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ support?
The 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ supports AES-CCMP, TKIP, WAPI, and AES-CMAC for data confidentiality and integrity. It complies fully with IEEE 802.11i and meets enterprise and carrier security mandates. All cryptographic operations are hardware-accelerated, ensuring line-rate throughput without CPU overhead during encrypted traffic handling.
Is the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ compatible with PCIe v1.1 hosts?
Yes, the 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ implements PCIe v2.0 with full backward compatibility to v1.1. It negotiates link speed automatically and operates at 2.5 GT/s in v1.1 mode. The same physical interface and register map are maintained, allowing drop-in replacement in existing PCIe-based AP platforms without hardware or driver modification.
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- Marvell® Avastar 88W8964
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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/AZ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ 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/AZ reliable?
The price and inventory of 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ 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/AZ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ?
88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ 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/AZ?
For technical support, including 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ 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/AZ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ?
All 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ, 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/AZ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 88W8964-B0-BTWC/AZ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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