2024.12.06

What are the equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm WCN3610?

The Qualcomm WCN3610 is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chip designed for Mobile Devices and other Wireless Communication systems. It supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 and is typically used in smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other IoT devices to provide reliable wireless connectivity.


Key Features of Qualcomm WCN3610:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

  • Bluetooth 4.2 for short-range wireless communication.

  • Dual-band Wi-Fi for better network performance.

  • Power efficiency for mobile applications.

  • Supports various wireless standards, enabling seamless connectivity in consumer electronics.


Equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm WCN3610:

Several other manufacturers offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chips that provide similar functionalities to the Qualcomm WCN3610. Here are some alternatives that offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for similar applications:

1. Broadcom

Broadcom is a leading supplier of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chips and often offers alternatives to Qualcomm's wireless solutions.

  • Broadcom BCM43455: A Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip, designed for smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and offers low power consumption.

  • Broadcom BCM4335: A Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.0 combo chip, but it is a lower-end option compared to the WCN3610, offering good performance for devices that do not require the latest Wi-Fi 5 support.

  • Broadcom BCM43436: Another Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip, often used in mobile and consumer electronics for dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.


2. MediaTek

MediaTek provides combo chips for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that can be alternatives to Qualcomm's solutions.

  • MediaTek MT6631: A Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip offering dual-band Wi-Fi support (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). It provides reliable performance for mobile devices, similar to the WCN3610.

  • MediaTek MT7632: A Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.0 combo chip designed for smartphones and consumer electronics. This is a more budget-friendly solution compared to Wi-Fi 5 offerings.

  • MediaTek MT7915: A newer offering supporting Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with Bluetooth 5.0. While more advanced than the WCN3610, it’s a good alternative for newer devices looking for cutting-edge performance.


3. NXP Semiconductors

NXP manufactures several Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chips for mobile and embedded applications.

  • NXP IW416: A Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip that supports dual-band Wi-Fi and offers low-power operation, designed for mobile devices and IoT.

  • NXP IW612: A more recent chip that supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0, offering better performance than the WCN3610, especially in terms of speed, capacity, and efficiency.


4. Broadcom / Cypress (formerly)

Before Cypress Semiconductor was acquired by Qualcomm, it produced several Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo solutions that are still relevant.

  • Cypress CYW43455: A Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip designed for mobile and embedded devices. It has similar features to the WCN3610, offering reliable dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

  • Cypress CYW43340: Another Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip. This is a versatile option often used in smartphones and embedded devices.


5. Qualcomm (Similar Models)

For those specifically looking for Qualcomm's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth solutions, the company offers other chips that could be direct replacements or alternatives for the WCN3610.

  • Qualcomm WCN3680: A newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chip supporting Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. This chip offers similar features as the WCN3610 but with improvements in power consumption and performance.

  • Qualcomm QCA6174A: This is a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip, optimized for dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), offering high performance for mobile and consumer electronics.


6. Realtek

Realtek offers a range of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chips for consumer electronics and mobile devices.

  • Realtek RTL8822BE: A Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip supporting dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). It’s a lower-cost alternative that provides good connectivity performance for smartphones, laptops, and IoT devices.

  • Realtek RTL8762B: A Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) chip that offers good performance in mobile and portable devices.


7. Texas Instruments (TI)

Texas Instruments also provides solutions for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, though their focus is more on embedded and industrial markets.

  • TI WL1837MOD: A Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo module. While it is more commonly used in embedded systems and IoT devices, it can also be applied in consumer electronics.

  • TI CC3130: A Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.1 combo chip, designed primarily for IoT and connected devices, but it may be applicable in certain use cases that don’t require Wi-Fi 5.


Conclusion:

The Qualcomm WCN3610 is a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip, and there are several alternatives from various manufacturers that provide similar features and performance:

  1. Broadcom BCM43455, BCM4335, BCM43436.

  2. MediaTek MT6631, MT7632, MT7915.

  3. NXP IW416, IW612.

  4. Cypress CYW43455, CYW43340 (now under Broadcom).

  5. Qualcomm WCN3680, QCA6174A.

  6. Realtek RTL8822BE, RTL8762B.

  7. Texas Instruments WL1837MOD, CC3130.


These chips offer dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making them suitable alternatives for mobile and IoT devices that require Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. When choosing an equivalent IC, ensure it meets the specific needs for your application, such as Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support, Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0, and power efficiency.