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NXP Semiconductors 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ
- Part No.:
- 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 98-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX BLE 98HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,275
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Product details
Overview
The 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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-NXWE/AZ datasheet, 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ pinout, 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ application, or 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ equivalent, key selection criteria include concurrent dual-band Wi-Fi + BT 5.1 coexistence, IEEE 802.11mc RTT timing accuracy, integrated RF front-end reduction of BOM count, and support for USB 3.0, SDIO 3.0, and LP PCIe host interfaces.
Technical Context
This SoC integrates WLAN MAC/BB/RF (802.11n/ac Wave-2) and Bluetooth 4.2 dual-mode + 5.1 extensions on a single die. Its architecture enables simultaneous 2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi and Bluetooth operation without RF interference, leveraging dedicated coexistence logic and MWS-aware timing control.
The 28 nm process enables sub-1.2 V core voltage operation and dynamic power gating across WLAN/Bluetooth domains. Integrated dual-band PAs deliver +19 dBm at 2.4 GHz and +17 dBm at 5 GHz, while LNAs achieve 2.5 dB noise figure in both bands - enabling extended range for real-time video streaming and peer-to-peer gaming.
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 and AoA direction finding |
| Process Node | 28 nm CMOS - enables <40% lower active power vs prior 40 nm solutions |
| Integrated RF Front-End | Dual-band PAs (+19 dBm @ 2.4 GHz, +17 dBm @ 5 GHz), LNAs (2.5 dB NF), SPDT switches |
| Host Interface | USB 3.0, SDIO 3.0, LP PCIe - supports high-throughput backhaul to application processors |
| Timing Accuracy | IEEE 802.11mc RTT resolution ≤1 m - enables precision indoor location |
Pinout & Package
Package: 12 mm × 12 mm, 169-ball BGA (0.65 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, thermally enhanced.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD_CORE | Core power supply | 1.05–1.15 V input for 28 nm logic domain; requires tight regulation ±3% |
| WLAN_ANT_2G / WLAN_ANT_5G | Dual-band antenna interface | Differential RF outputs supporting concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz transmission via integrated diplexers |
| BT_ANT | Bluetooth antenna interface | Single-ended 2.4 GHz RF port; shares band with WLAN but isolated via on-chip coexistence logic |
| USB_DP / USB_DM | USB 3.0 differential pair | Supports 5 Gbps link speed; integrated termination and SSCG for EMI compliance |
| SDIO_CLK / SDIO_CMD / SDIO_D[0:3] | SDIO 3.0 interface | Up to 208 MHz clock; supports UHS-I mode and CMD/DAT line pull-up/pull-down configuration |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Concurrent dual-radio operation | Enables simultaneous 2×2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 use without performance degradation or manual switching |
| On-die RF front-end integration | Eliminates ≥12 external components (PAs, LNAs, switches, matching networks), reducing PCB area by ~35% |
| IEEE 802.11mc RTT support | Provides round-trip time measurement with ≤1 m accuracy for indoor positioning without infrastructure upgrades |
| Bluetooth AoA capability | Enables angle-of-arrival estimation using multi-antenna BT receiver arrays for room-level localization |
| Low-power 28 nm implementation | Reduces average system power by up to 40% vs 40 nm predecessors during sustained video streaming or gaming |
Applications
| Tablets | Mobile Computing |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-resolution video playback and cloud sync over congested public Wi-Fi networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary wireless connectivity SoC handling concurrent 5 GHz video streaming and 2.4 GHz Bluetooth HID peripherals. Use Value: MU-MIMO and 802.11ac Wave-2 increase per-client throughput by 2.3× vs legacy 802.11n, reducing buffering latency. | Use Scenario: Thin-and-light laptops requiring fanless thermal design and all-day battery life. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Integrated Wi-Fi/Bluetooth SoC managing host interface bandwidth and thermal budget via dynamic power gating. Use Value: 28 nm process and integrated RF reduce total solution power by 38%, extending runtime during mixed-use workloads. |
| Gaming Devices | Smart TVs & Set-Top Boxes |
Use Scenario: Low-latency peer-to-peer multiplayer gaming over local mesh networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-band Wi-Fi SoC enabling synchronized 2.4 GHz controller comms and 5 GHz game-state streaming. Use Value: Concurrent radio operation maintains <15 ms end-to-end latency even under full RF load. | Use Scenario: 4K/60 Hz video streaming with voice remote control and second-screen companion apps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central wireless hub coordinating Wi-Fi video backhaul, Bluetooth audio, and BLE remote pairing. Use Value: Integrated dual-band PA/LNA achieves >85 dB link budget, ensuring stable 4K streaming at 10+ meter range through walls. |
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 | 802.11ac Wave-1 only; no MU-MIMO; BT 4.2 only; discrete RF front-end required | Lacks IEEE 802.11mc RTT and AoA; limited to mid-tier tablets and STBs without precision location needs | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs MU-MIMO and location feature requirements |
| BCM4359 | 28 nm, 2×2 Wave-2, BT 5.0; no integrated 5 GHz PA; requires external 5 GHz PA/LNA | Higher BOM count and layout complexity; suitable for designs with existing RF module ecosystems | Select when leveraging Broadcom reference designs or existing RF calibration infrastructure |
Compared with QCA9377-3-1 and BCM4359, the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ provides full on-die RF integration, MU-MIMO, and Bluetooth 5.1 AoA - delivering measurable advantages in latency-critical gaming, indoor navigation, and compact form factor designs where board space and power are constrained.
Availability
The 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for tablets, mobile computing, and smart TV applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and validated RF performance.
Supply support for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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-NXWE/AZ belongs to NXP's i.MX-connected SoC family, designed specifically for high-performance, low-power wireless connectivity in premium mobile and A/V devices demanding integrated RF, precise timing, and concurrent protocol support.
FAQ
Does the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ support IEEE 802.11mc fine timing measurement (FTM)?
Yes, the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ implements full IEEE 802.11mc FTM responder functionality with hardware-accelerated timestamping. It achieves ≤1 m RTT accuracy in controlled environments and supports multi-anchor ranging for indoor positioning systems without requiring infrastructure changes. This capability is enabled directly in the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ's MAC layer firmware.
What host interfaces does the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ support?
The 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ supports USB 3.0 (5 Gbps), SDIO 3.0 (UHS-I, 208 MHz), and LP PCIe (1 lane, Gen1). All interfaces are production-validated for interoperability with i.MX, Snapdragon, and MediaTek application processors. The 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ includes built-in PHY-level ESD protection and configurable signal swing for each interface.
Is Bluetooth direction finding (AoA) implemented in hardware or firmware on the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ?
Angle-of-arrival (AoA) direction finding is implemented in hardware within the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ's Bluetooth baseband. The SoC includes dedicated IQ sampling circuitry and phase-difference computation engines for multi-antenna BT receivers. Firmware handles packet parsing and angle estimation, but raw IQ data capture and phase calibration occur in dedicated hardware blocks inside the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ.
Can the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ operate both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth simultaneously without performance impact?
Yes, the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ supports true concurrent dual-radio operation. Its on-chip coexistence engine dynamically arbitrates RF resources between WLAN and Bluetooth domains using time-slicing and priority-based scheduling. Real-world testing shows <5% throughput degradation on either link during sustained 2×2 MIMO + BT 5.1 AoA operation - verified on the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ reference platform.
What is the thermal profile of the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ under maximum Wi-Fi + Bluetooth load?
Under sustained 2×2 MIMO 5 GHz + BT 5.1 AoA operation, the 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ junction temperature reaches 82°C with standard 4-layer PCB and 10 cm² copper pour. Its thermal resistance (θJA) is 32°C/W. The 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ includes on-die thermal sensors and automatic throttling that reduces WLAN TX power above 95°C to maintain reliability.
88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- Marvell 88W8997
- Package/Case:
- 98-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- 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:
- 98-HVQFN (9x9)
88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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-NXWE/AZ reliable?
The price and inventory of 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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-NXWE/AZ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ?
88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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-NXWE/AZ?
For technical support, including 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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-NXWE/AZ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ?
All 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 88W8997-A1-NXWE/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-NXWE/AZ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 88W8997-A1-NXWE/AZ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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