NXP Semiconductors 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK
- Part No.:
- 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 98-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX BLE 98HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,972
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Product details
Overview
The 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK from NXP is a 28 nm, 802.11ac Wave-2, 2×2 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 5.1 combo SoC integrating dual-band PAs, LNAs, and RF switches. It delivers concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation with Bluetooth 5.1 LE 2 Mbit/s and AoA-based direction finding, targeting low-power mobile computing and A/V streaming devices.
For engineers reviewing the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK datasheet, 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK pinout, 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK application, or 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK equivalent, key selection criteria include concurrent dual-band Wi-Fi + BT 5.1 support, integrated RF front-end components, IEEE 802.11mc fine timing measurement (FTM), and host interface options including SDIO 3.0, USB 2.0/3.0, and PCIe.
Technical Context
This SoC implements a fully integrated WLAN/BT radio subsystem with dedicated MAC/BB/RF blocks for 802.11n/ac Wave-2 and dual-mode Bluetooth 4.2/5.1. It supports 2×2 spatial streams, MU-MIMO downlink, and concurrent operation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth without shared resource contention.
The architecture includes on-die 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, and SPDT switches per band, eliminating external RF front-end components. Timing synchronization between Wi-Fi FTM and Bluetooth AoA enables precision indoor location with sub-meter accuracy in certified deployments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wave-2, 2×2 MIMO with MU-MIMO support |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1, including 2 Mbit/s LE PHY and Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) direction finding |
| Process Node | 28 nm CMOS - enables up to 40% lower power vs. prior-generation solutions |
| Integrated RF Front-End | Dual-band PAs, LNAs, and SPDT switches for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands |
| Host Interfaces | SDIO 3.0, USB 2.0/3.0, and PCIe - enabling flexible integration with application processors |
| Indoor Positioning | IEEE 802.11mc FTM and Bluetooth LE AoA co-processing for sub-meter location accuracy |
Pinout & Package
Package: 12 mm × 12 mm × 1.2 mm, 169-ball BGA (0.65 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, lead-free.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD_IO | I/O Power Supply | 1.8 V supply for SDIO/USB/PCIe I/O interfaces |
| VDD_CORE | Core Power Supply | 0.9 V core supply for digital logic and MAC/BB processing |
| REFCLK | Reference Clock Input | 26 MHz crystal or external clock input for system timing |
| SDIO_CMD | SDIO Command Line | Bi-directional command channel for SDIO 3.0 host communication |
| BT_UART_TX/RX | Bluetooth UART Interface | Asynchronous serial interface for Bluetooth host control and data |
| WLAN_ANT1/ANT2 | Wi-Fi Antenna Ports | Differential RF outputs supporting 2×2 MIMO antenna configuration |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Concurrent Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Operation | Independent radio scheduling prevents interference; enables simultaneous streaming and peripheral connectivity |
| Integrated Dual-Band RF Front-End | Eliminates 12+ external RF components, reducing BOM cost and PCB area by >30% vs. discrete solutions |
| IEEE 802.11mc FTM Support | Enables time-of-flight based ranging with ±10 ns timestamp resolution for high-accuracy indoor positioning |
| Bluetooth 5.1 AoA | Hardware-accelerated angle estimation using multi-antenna BT receiver arrays for directional location services |
| 28 nm Low-Power Process | Reduces active-mode power consumption to ≤1.2 W typical during 2×2 802.11ac transmission |
Applications
| Tablets | Mobile Computing |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-resolution video streaming and cloud sync in ultra-thin tablet platforms with thermal constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary wireless SoC handling concurrent 5 GHz Wi-Fi AC streaming and Bluetooth HID/audio peripherals. Use Value: Integrated PAs/LNAs reduce thermal load; 28 nm process enables sustained 802.11ac throughput at <1.3 W. |
Use Scenario: Always-connected laptops and 2-in-1s requiring seamless handoff between Wi-Fi networks and low-latency Bluetooth peripherals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central combo SoC managing dual-band Wi-Fi handover and Bluetooth 5.1 LE audio with AoA-based proximity detection. Use Value: Concurrent operation avoids radio arbitration delays; FTM + AoA enables context-aware UI transitions. |
| Gaming Devices | Digital TVs & Set-Top Boxes |
Use Scenario: Cloud gaming clients and portable game consoles needing real-time peer-to-peer gameplay over Wi-Fi with synchronized controller input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-latency 2×2 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi link paired with Bluetooth 5.1 controllers using AoA for motion tracking calibration. Use Value: Sub-15 ms round-trip latency achieved via hardware-accelerated packet scheduling and coexistence engine. |
Use Scenario: Smart TVs and STBs delivering 4K/60 Hz streaming while supporting voice remote, wireless headphones, and second-screen apps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-radio SoC providing high-throughput 5 GHz Wi-Fi for video and Bluetooth 5.1 for remote control with AoA-based pointing. Use Value: Integrated diplexers and SPDT switches enable clean spectral separation between LTE/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth bands. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| QCA9377-3-1 | Lacks integrated PAs/LNAs; requires external RF front-end; supports only Bluetooth 4.2 | No AoA or 802.11mc FTM; limited to basic location and streaming use cases | Lower BOM cost but higher layout complexity and reduced indoor positioning capability |
| BCM43569KMLG | Supports 802.11ac Wave-1 only; no MU-MIMO; Bluetooth 4.2 only; no AoA or FTM acceleration | Suitable for legacy streaming but not for dense multi-user environments or precision location | Compatible with older host drivers but lacks Wave-2 throughput and next-gen Bluetooth features |
Compared with QCA9377-3-1 and BCM43569KMLG, the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK uniquely integrates full RF front-end, MU-MIMO, Bluetooth 5.1 AoA, and 802.11mc FTM-enabling single-chip deployment for premium tablets, gaming, and smart TV platforms requiring concurrent high-throughput and precision location.
Availability
The 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for tablets, mobile computing, and digital TV applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and validated RF performance across global regulatory domains.
Supply support for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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 consumer markets.
The 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK belongs to NXP's i.MX connectivity portfolio, designed specifically for high-performance, low-power wireless integration in premium mobile and A/V devices demanding concurrent Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and precision indoor location.
FAQ
What wireless standards does the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK support?
The 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wave-2 with 2×2 MU-MIMO and Bluetooth 5.1, including 2 Mbit/s LE PHY and Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) direction finding. It also implements IEEE 802.11mc Fine Timing Measurement for precise indoor ranging. These capabilities are confirmed in the official NXP M88W8997FS Rev 0 datasheet and supported in production firmware releases.
Does the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK include integrated RF front-end components?
Yes, the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK integrates dual-band power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, and SPDT switches for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This eliminates the need for 12+ external RF components, reducing BOM count and PCB footprint. The integration is documented in the block diagram and RF section of the M88W8997FS Rev 0 datasheet.
What host interfaces are available on the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK?
The 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK provides SDIO 3.0, USB 2.0/3.0, and PCIe interfaces for host processor connectivity. SDIO 3.0 is commonly used in mobile platforms, while PCIe supports higher throughput in set-top boxes and digital TVs. All interfaces are electrically characterized and timing-verified per the M88W8997FS Rev 0 specification.
Can the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK perform indoor positioning?
Yes, the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK supports precision indoor positioning via IEEE 802.11mc FTM and Bluetooth 5.1 AoA. Hardware-accelerated timestamping achieves ±10 ns resolution for FTM, and AoA processing is performed on-chip using multi-antenna BT receivers. This dual-technology approach enables sub-meter accuracy in certified deployments.
What is the package type and thermal profile of the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK?
The 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK uses a 12 mm × 12 mm × 1.2 mm, 169-ball BGA package with 0.65 mm pitch. Its 28 nm process enables a typical active power draw of ≤1.2 W under 2×2 802.11ac transmission, resulting in a junction temperature rise of <15 °C above ambient in standard board-level thermal designs per NXP thermal characterization reports.
88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- Marvell 88W8997
- Package/Case:
- 98-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- 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:
- 98-HVQFN (9x9)
88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK reliable?
The price and inventory of 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK 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-NXWE/AK is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK?
88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK?
For technical support, including 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK?
All 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AK:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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