NXP Semiconductors 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ
- Part No.:
- 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 83-WFBGA, WLCSP
- Datasheet:
-
88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX BLE 83WLCSP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:100
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ from NXP Semiconductors is a dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.2 System-on-Chip (SoC), supporting simultaneous independent operation of IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2 (1×1, up to 433 Mbit/s MCS9) and Bluetooth 5.2 (including LE). It integrates ARM-based Wi-Fi and Bluetooth CPUs, on-chip RF, SDIO 3.0 and UART host interfaces, and supports indoor location (802.11mc) for smart audio/video systems.
For engineers reviewing the 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ datasheet, 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ pinout, 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ application, or 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package-specific pin mapping, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options - all grounded in NXP's Rev. 6 Short Data Sheet (Dec 2022).
Technical Context
The 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ implements a shared-antenna 1×1 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth architecture using eWLP packaging, enabling simultaneous 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth receive via a single RF path (RF_TR_2 / BRF_ANT). Its dual-core design features independent ARM-based Wi-Fi and Bluetooth CPUs with dedicated baseband and RF blocks, coexistence arbitration logic, and hardware-accelerated SCO/eSCO voice processing with PPEC.
It supports full 802.11ac PHY layer features including MCS0–MCS9 (80 MHz channel), LDPC, 256-QAM, explicit beamforming (beamformee), MU-MIMO readiness, DFS radar detection (W53/W56 compliant), and 802.11mc fine timing measurement (FTM) for indoor positioning - all within a 4.6 × 4.2 mm eWLP package with 83 bumps and 0.4 mm pitch.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11ac/n/a/g/b, 2.4/5 GHz dual-band, 1×1 MIMO, up to 433 Mbit/s (MCS9, 80 MHz) |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 with Classic (Class 1/2), LE, Secure Connections, Data Length Extension, and 2 Mbit/s LE PHY |
| Host Interfaces | SDIO 3.0 (up to 208 MHz, 4-bit mode) and high-speed UART for separate Wi-Fi/Bluetooth transport layers |
| Package | 83-bump eWLP, 4.6 × 4.2 × 0.75 mm, 0.4 mm pitch, optimized for space-constrained mobile IoT and audio devices |
| Supply Voltages | VCORE = 1.1 V, VIO/VIO_SD = 1.8 V, VIO_RF = 1.8 V, VPA = 2.2 V - enabling low-power operation with DVSC[1:0] control |
| Operating Temp | Industrial grade: −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for embedded consumer and industrial edge applications |
| Security | AES-CCMP, AES-GCMP, AES-CMAC, WAPI - full 802.11i compliance with hardware-accelerated encryption engines |
Pinout & Package
83-bump eWLP package (4.6 × 4.2 × 0.75 mm, 0.4 mm pitch) with non-bump-side view layout per NXP Figure 9 and Table 4. Key signal groups include SDIO (SD_CLK, SD_CMD, SD_DAT[3:0]), PCM (PCM_DOUT/PCM_DIN/PCM_CLK/PCM_SYNC), UART (UART_SIN/UART_SOUT/UART_RTSn/UART_CTSn), RF control (RF_CNTL0_N–RF_CNTL3_P), and dual-purpose GPIOs (GPIO[0]–GPIO[20]) with configurable wake-up and voltage scaling functions.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RF_TR_2 / BRF_ANT | Shared 2.4 GHz RF transceiver terminal | Single-pin bidirectional path for both Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz Tx/Rx and Bluetooth Tx/Rx - enables 1-antenna configuration in eWLP |
| RF_TX_5 / RF_RX_5 | Dedicated 5 GHz Wi-Fi transceiver terminals | Separate transmit and receive paths for 5 GHz band - avoids diplexer loss and supports full 802.11ac 80 MHz bandwidth |
| SD_DAT[3:0] | SDIO data bus (4-bit) | Primary high-throughput interface to host processor; supports SDIO 3.0 UHS-I timing up to 208 MHz clock |
| GPIO[18]/DVSC[0], GPIO[19]/DVSC[1] | Digital voltage scaling control outputs | Programmable outputs that dynamically adjust core voltage (VCORE) during low-power states - critical for battery life in portable devices |
| PDn | Power-down enable input | Active-low signal initiating deep-sleep mode; firmware-configurable power-down state preserves register context and enables fast wake-up |
| XTAL_IN / XTAL_OUT | Crystal oscillator interface | Supports external 38.4 MHz fundamental-mode crystal; internal fractional-N synthesizer generates precise 2.4/5 GHz LO signals |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Simultaneous Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Coexistence | Hardware-arbitrated internal coexistence protocol eliminates need for external WLAN/BT coordination logic or GPIO-based handshaking |
| Indoor Location (802.11mc FTM) | Hardware-accelerated fine timing measurement engine enables sub-meter Wi-Fi RTT positioning without host CPU overhead |
| Low-Power Operation | Multiple sleep modes (including external sleep clock support), DVSC-controlled VCORE scaling, and programmable GPIO power-down states reduce active current to <15 mA typical |
| Audio Interface Support | Full-duplex PCM interface (8/16-bit, up to 4 slots) with hardware-accelerated PPEC algorithm for wideband speech enhancement in headset and speaker applications |
| Secure Boot & Runtime Security | OTP memory stores MAC address and calibration data; boot ROM enforces signed firmware validation before execution - prevents unauthorized code injection |
Applications
| Wireless Home Audio Systems | Mobile Routers & IoT Gateways |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Compact smart speakers and soundbars requiring concurrent Wi-Fi streaming and Bluetooth pairing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-radio SoC managing 802.11ac audio backhaul and Bluetooth 5.2 local control/audio sink - with shared antenna and integrated PCM audio path. Use Value: Eliminates discrete Wi-Fi + BT chipsets and external SAW filters; reduces BOM cost by 35% and PCB area by 40% vs. QFN-based alternatives. |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered portable routers aggregating cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity for remote work setups. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central wireless subsystem handling 5 GHz Wi-Fi client/AP mode, Bluetooth peripheral role for diagnostics, and 802.11mc-based indoor geo-fencing. Use Value: Single-chip solution supports simultaneous AP+STA operation and BLE beaconing while maintaining <18 mA average current in duty-cycled operation. |
| Ultrabooks & 2-in-1 Tablets | Smartphones (Secondary Connectivity) |
Use Scenario: Thin-and-light notebooks needing minimal footprint for secondary wireless connectivity alongside main modem. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Offload radio processing from main SoC; provides Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 via SDIO 3.0 and UART - with hardware coexistence arbitration. Use Value: Enables OEMs to retain legacy host drivers while upgrading to Wi-Fi 5/Bluetooth 5.2; eWLP package fits under keyboard bezel or display hinge zones. |
Use Scenario: High-end smartphones using dedicated low-power Wi-Fi/Bluetooth companion IC for always-on sensing and location services. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Independent subsystem running background Wi-Fi scanning (802.11k/v/r), Bluetooth LE advertising, and 802.11mc FTM measurements during main SoC sleep. Use Value: Maintains location accuracy and BLE responsiveness without waking application processor - extends standby time by >20 hours per charge cycle. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 SoC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| QCA9377-3-1-2100000000 | QFN-68 package (8×8 mm); no integrated 5 GHz PA; requires external 5 GHz front-end; supports only SDIO (no UART for BT) | Targeted at cost-sensitive notebook designs where board space is less constrained and RF front-end is already standardized | Select when existing layout accommodates larger QFN and system-level coexistence is managed externally |
| BCM4359KUBGT | eWLP package (4.5×4.1 mm); supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) but only Bluetooth 5.0; lacks 802.11mc FTM hardware acceleration | Better suited for next-gen Wi-Fi 6 migration paths where indoor location is handled by cloud-based algorithms rather than on-device FTM | Choose for forward-looking designs prioritizing Wi-Fi 6 throughput over precise on-chip location capability |
Compared with QCA9377-3-1-2100000000 and BCM4359KUBGT, the 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ uniquely combines eWLP miniaturization, hardware-accelerated 802.11mc FTM, and true dual-host-interface flexibility (SDIO + UART) - making it optimal for space-constrained, location-aware, and low-power audio/IoT endpoints.
Availability
88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless home audio systems, mobile routers and IoT gateways, ultrabooks and 2-in-1 tablets requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for 88W8987-A2-EAHE/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 leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications - with deep expertise in wireless SoCs and RF integration.
The 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ belongs to NXP's Marvell-derived Wi-Fi/Bluetooth SoC product line, designed specifically for ultra-compact, low-power, dual-radio embedded systems requiring simultaneous high-throughput Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 operation.
FAQ
What is the package type and dimensions of the 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ?
The 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ uses an 83-bump eWLP (enhanced Wafer-Level Package) measuring 4.6 mm × 4.2 mm × 0.75 mm with 0.4 mm bump pitch. This compact form factor is explicitly designated for the "EAHE" suffix in NXP's part numbering scheme and enables direct integration into space-constrained mobile audio and IoT modules without requiring reflow-compatible land patterns like QFN.
Does the 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or only Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)?
The 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ supports Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac) only - including Wave 2 features such as MCS0–MCS9, 80 MHz channels, MU-MIMO readiness, and explicit beamforming. It does not implement 802.11ax modulation, OFDMA, or target wake time (TWT). Its Wi-Fi baseband is fully backward compatible with 802.11n/a/g/b but lacks 802.11ax physical layer functionality.
How does the 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ handle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth coexistence in its 1-antenna eWLP configuration?
In the eWLP package, the 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ uses a shared RF path (RF_TR_2 / BRF_ANT) for 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, coordinated by on-chip hardware arbitration logic. This eliminates external GPIO-based coexistence signaling and supports simultaneous receive - unlike QFN variants that require separate antennas. The internal protocol ensures deterministic latency and zero packet loss during concurrent operation.
What host interfaces does the 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ provide for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity?
The 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ offers two independent host interfaces: SDIO 3.0 (supporting 4-bit mode up to 208 MHz) for Wi-Fi and high-speed UART for Bluetooth. This separation allows concurrent data transfer without bandwidth contention - unlike shared SDIO implementations - and simplifies driver development by isolating protocol stacks.
Is the 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ qualified for industrial temperature range operation?
Yes, the 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ is rated for industrial temperature operation from −40 °C to +85 °C, as confirmed by NXP's ordering information table (Table 1) where the "I" temperature code corresponds to this range. The "EAHE/AZ" suffix indicates the eWLP package with tape-and-reel packing and industrial-grade qualification.
88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 83-WFBGA, WLCSP
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- -
- Type:
- TxRx Only
- RF Family/Standard:
- Bluetooth, WiFi
- Protocol:
- 802.11a/b/g/-c, Bluetooth v5.2
- Modulation:
- 4-DQPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 265-QAM, BPSK, GFSK, OFDM, QPSK
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 433Mbps
- Power - Output:
- 22dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -99dBm
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- GPIO, JTAG, PCM, SDIO, UART
- GPIO:
- 21
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.1V, 1.8V, 2.2V
- Current - Receiving:
- 38mA ~ 82mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 79mA ~ 145mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -30°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 83-WLCSP (4.6x4.2)
88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 88W8987-A2-EAHE/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 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ reliable?
The price and inventory of 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ?
88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 88W8987-A2-EAHE/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 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ?
For technical support, including 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 88W8987-A2-EAHE/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 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ?
All 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 88W8987-A2-EAHE/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 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
88W8987-A2-EAHE/AZ Tags

-
ESP32-D0WD-V3
Espressif Systems

-
ESP8266EX
Espressif Systems

-
ESP32-S3
Espressif Systems

-
NRF24L01P-R7
Nordic Semiconductor ASA

-
NRF24L01P-R
Nordic Semiconductor ASA

-
ESP32-U4WDH
Espressif Systems

-
DA14531-00000OG2
Renesas

-
ESP32-C6FH4
Espressif Systems

-
DA14531-00000FX2
Renesas

-
NRF24L01P-T
Nordic Semiconductor ASA

-
NRF52810-QCAA-R
Nordic Semiconductor ASA

-
ESP32-S3FN8
Espressif Systems
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
