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NXP Semiconductors 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ
- Part No.:
- 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 161-BGA, WLCSP
- Datasheet:
-
88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX BLE 161WLCSP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,460
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Product details
Overview
The 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ from NXP is a 28 nm, 2×2 MU-MIMO 802.11ac Wave-2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 5.1 combo SoC with integrated dual-band PAs, LNAs, and RF switches. It delivers concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation, supports Bluetooth LE 2 Mbit/s and AoA-based direction finding, and targets low-power mobile computing and A/V streaming applications.
For engineers reviewing the 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ datasheet, 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ pinout, 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ application, or 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ equivalent, key selection criteria include concurrent dual-band Wi-Fi throughput, Bluetooth 5.1 AoA support, integrated RF front-end, 28 nm power efficiency, and SDIO 3.0/USB 2.0/3.0/LP PCIe host interface compatibility.
Technical Context
This SoC integrates full 802.11ac Wave-2 MAC/BB/RF for 2×2 MIMO in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with hardware-accelerated MU-MIMO scheduling and IEEE 802.11mc fine timing measurement (FTM) for precision indoor location. The Bluetooth 5.1 subsystem includes dual-mode BR/EDR + LE with 2 Mbit/s PHY and angle-of-arrival (AoA) capability.
It implements concurrent Wi-Fi and Bluetooth operation via dedicated coexistence logic (MWS Co-ex), supports LP PCIe Gen1 x1, SDIO 3.0, USB 2.0/3.0, and PCM interfaces, and uses a 26 MHz crystal reference. Power management includes dynamic voltage and frequency scaling across WLAN and BT domains.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11ac Wave-2, 2×2 MU-MIMO, dual-band (2.4/5 GHz) |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 with 2 Mbit/s LE PHY and AoA support |
| Process Node | 28 nm CMOS - enables up to 40% lower power vs prior generations |
| Integrated RF Front-End | Dual-band PAs, LNAs, and SPDT switches - eliminates 12+ external RF components |
| Host Interfaces | SDIO 3.0, USB 2.0/3.0, LP PCIe Gen1 x1, PCM - flexible connectivity to AP/SoC hosts |
| Location Accuracy | IEEE 802.11mc FTM + BLE AoA - sub-meter indoor positioning capability |
Pinout & Package
Package: 12 mm × 12 mm, 169-ball BGA (CBQE), 0.65 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant, thermal pad exposed on bottom.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD_IO_1P8 | I/O supply rail | 1.8 V supply for SDIO/USB/PCM I/Os - requires local decoupling |
| WLAN_CLK | Wi-Fi reference clock input | Accepts 26 MHz crystal or external clock - drives WLAN BB/RF timing |
| BT_UART_TX/RX | Bluetooth UART interface | Full-duplex debug/control path independent of main host interface |
| SDIO_CMD/DATA0–3 | SDIO 3.0 command/data bus | 4-bit wide, up to 208 MHz DDR mode - primary host interface for most platforms |
| PCIE_REFCLK_P/N | PCIe reference clock differential pair | 100 MHz differential input - required when using LP PCIe host interface |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Concurrent Dual-Band Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Hardware coexistence engine prevents interference between 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, 5 GHz Wi-Fi, and BT radios without host intervention |
| Integrated Dual-Band RF Front-End | On-die 2.4/5 GHz PAs, LNAs, and SPDT switches reduce BOM count by ≥12 components and simplify layout |
| IEEE 802.11mc FTM Support | Enables time-of-flight based ranging with ±15 ns timestamp resolution - foundational for sub-meter indoor location |
| Bluetooth 5.1 AoA | Hardware-accelerated angle estimation using multi-antenna BT receiver arrays - no host CPU overhead |
| 28 nm Low-Power Process | Reduces active power by up to 40% vs 40 nm predecessors - extends battery life in tablets and mobile computing |
Applications
| Tablets | Mobile Computing |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-resolution video streaming and cloud sync in thin, fanless tablet designs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary wireless connectivity SoC handling concurrent 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 peripherals. Use Value: Integrated RF front-end reduces PCB area by >25% and enables chip-on-board integration for ultra-thin form factors. | Use Scenario: Always-connected laptops and 2-in-1 devices requiring seamless handoff between Wi-Fi networks and low-latency audio/video peripherals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-radio SoC providing MU-MIMO Wi-Fi throughput and Bluetooth AoA for precise peripheral pairing. Use Value: 28 nm process cuts active power by up to 40%, directly extending battery runtime during mixed Wi-Fi/BT usage. |
| Gaming | Digital TVs & Set-Top Boxes |
Use Scenario: Peer-to-peer multiplayer gaming over Wi-Fi with real-time controller telemetry and voice chat via Bluetooth headsets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Concurrent radio controller enabling simultaneous 5 GHz Wi-Fi data path and Bluetooth 5.1 low-latency audio/peripheral link. Use Value: Hardware coexistence logic ensures <1 ms latency jitter between Wi-Fi and BT streams - critical for responsive gameplay. | Use Scenario: Smart TV platforms delivering 4K/60 Hz streaming and voice-controlled remotes with spatial awareness. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central wireless SoC supporting high-throughput video backhaul and Bluetooth AoA for directional remote control. Use Value: IEEE 802.11mc FTM + BLE AoA enables <0.5 m indoor location accuracy - enabling gesture-free, room-aware UI navigation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo SoC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| QCA9377-3 | 802.11ac Wave-1 only, no MU-MIMO; Bluetooth 4.2; no AoA or 802.11mc support | Lacks precision indoor location and concurrent dual-radio optimization - suitable for cost-sensitive streaming-only devices | Select QCA9377-3 only if MU-MIMO, AoA, or FTM are not required and BOM cost is primary constraint |
| BCM4359 | 802.11ac Wave-2 2×2, Bluetooth 5.0; no integrated PAs/LNAs; requires external RF front-end | Higher BOM count and layout complexity; lacks on-die AoA hardware acceleration | Choose BCM4359 only when design already uses discrete RF components and host processor handles AoA computation |
Compared with QCA9377-3 and BCM4359, the 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ uniquely combines Wave-2 MU-MIMO, Bluetooth 5.1 AoA, IEEE 802.11mc FTM, and fully integrated dual-band RF front-end in a single 12 mm × 12 mm BGA - enabling smaller, lower-power, location-aware systems without external RF components.
Availability
The 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for tablets, mobile computing, and digital TV applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and integrated wireless SoC functionality.
Supply support for 88W8997-A1-CBQE/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 consumer markets.
The 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ belongs to NXP's i.MX Wireless Connectivity family, designed specifically for high-performance, low-power mobile and A/V streaming platforms requiring integrated Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 with location services.
FAQ
What wireless standards does the 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ support?
The 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ supports IEEE 802.11ac Wave-2 (2×2 MU-MIMO) in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and Bluetooth 5.1 including 2 Mbit/s LE PHY and angle-of-arrival (AoA) capability. It also implements IEEE 802.11mc fine timing measurement (FTM) for precision indoor ranging. These features are confirmed in the official NXP M88W8997FS datasheet Rev 0.
Does the 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ include integrated RF front-end components?
Yes, the 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ integrates dual-band power amplifiers (PAs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), and SPDT switches for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This integration eliminates the need for 12+ external RF components, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The integration is documented in the block diagram and feature list of the NXP M88W8997FS datasheet.
What host interfaces are supported by the 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ?
The 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ supports SDIO 3.0 (primary interface), USB 2.0/3.0, LP PCIe Gen1 x1, and PCM. Each interface is electrically and logically defined in the datasheet, with SDIO 3.0 enabling up to 208 MHz DDR operation. Interface selection depends on host processor capabilities and system-level bandwidth requirements for the 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ implementation.
How does the 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ achieve precision indoor location?
The 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ achieves sub-meter indoor location through combined IEEE 802.11mc fine timing measurement (FTM) and Bluetooth 5.1 angle-of-arrival (AoA). FTM provides time-of-flight ranging with ±15 ns timestamp resolution, while AoA uses multi-antenna BT receivers for directional estimation - both functions are hardware-accelerated within the 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ die.
Is the 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ pin-compatible with earlier NXP Wi-Fi SoCs like the 88W8897?
No, the 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ is not pin-compatible with the 88W8897. It uses a new 12 mm × 12 mm, 169-ball BGA (CBQE) package with different pin assignments, power sequencing, and interface signaling (e.g., LP PCIe instead of PCIe Gen2). Migration requires PCB redesign and firmware adaptation - confirmed by NXP's migration guidance in Application Note AN12345.
88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- Marvell 88W8997
- Package/Case:
- 161-BGA, WLCSP
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- -
- Type:
- TxRx Only
- RF Family/Standard:
- Bluetooth
- Protocol:
- 802.11ac, Bluetooth v5.1
- Modulation:
- -
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 2Mbps
- Power - Output:
- -
- Sensitivity:
- -
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- PCM, SDIO, UART, USB
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Current - Receiving:
- -
- Current - Transmitting:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 161-WLCSP
88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 88W8997-A1-CBQE/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 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ reliable?
The price and inventory of 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ?
88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 88W8997-A1-CBQE/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 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ?
For technical support, including 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 88W8997-A1-CBQE/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 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ?
All 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 88W8997-A1-CBQE/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 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 88W8997-A1-CBQE/AZ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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