The Qualcomm WCN3680B is a multi-mode wireless connectivity chip designed for Mobile Devices, supporting Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.1, and FM radio. This chip is optimized for applications where low power consumption and reliable Wireless Communication are crucial, such as in smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices.
If you're looking for equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm WCN3680B, you'll want alternatives that support Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) or higher, Bluetooth 4.1 or later, and FM radio support. Here are some potential alternatives from other manufacturers:
1. Broadcom
Broadcom offers several Wi-Fi and Bluetooth solutions that could be considered equivalent to the Qualcomm WCN3680B in terms of functionality:
Broadcom BCM4330: A highly integrated Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.0 chip, also with FM radio support. This is one of the more common alternatives in the market, used in a variety of mobile devices. While the BCM4330 doesn't have the exact same Bluetooth version (4.1 vs. 4.0), it still offers similar capabilities and performance.
Broadcom BCM4352: A Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 chip, which represents a more modern alternative but can be considered if you are looking for a higher-performing and more future-proof solution. However, it does not support FM radio natively.
Broadcom BCM4339: Supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.1, similar to the Qualcomm WCN3680B, though it might not have direct FM radio support, depending on the specific module.
2. MediaTek
MediaTek provides a range of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chipsets that might serve as alternatives to the WCN3680B:
MediaTek MT6620: A Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.0 combo chip with FM radio support. This is a suitable alternative for applications requiring lower power consumption and is often found in budget and mid-range mobile devices.
MediaTek MT7630: Supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.0, although FM radio support may not be included. It's suitable for simpler connectivity requirements and entry-level devices.
MediaTek MT7662: A newer chip that supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2, but like other newer solutions, it does not include FM radio support.
3. Realtek
Realtek is a common supplier of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth solutions, and several of their chips offer comparable functionality:
Realtek RTL8723BS: A Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.0 combo chip, which includes FM radio support. This chip is typically used in low-cost devices where basic wireless connectivity is needed.
Realtek RTL8822BE: A Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip. Though it offers superior Wi-Fi performance compared to the WCN3680B, it does not support FM radio.
Realtek RTL8189FTV: A Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.0 combo chip that might also work as an alternative for low-cost applications, though FM radio support is not included.
4. Qualcomm (Other Qualcomm Alternatives)
Qualcomm offers several newer or equivalent chips that could serve as replacements, though newer versions typically upgrade to Wi-Fi 5 or Bluetooth 5.0:
Qualcomm WCN3620: A Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.1 combo chip. It is a direct competitor to the WCN3680B, with very similar features but possibly with different performance optimization.
Qualcomm WCN3660: A Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 solution. This is a newer option that provides better performance and support for more recent Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards, but it may not have FM radio support.
5. Skyworks Solutions
Skyworks offers several wireless solutions for mobile and embedded systems, although FM radio support may not be included in all of their ICs:
Skyworks SKY85701: A Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.0 combo chip with FM radio support. It's ideal for mobile devices with basic connectivity and FM features, and it competes with Qualcomm’s WCN3680B in terms of functionality.
Skyworks SKY5G22: While this one focuses on 5G, it might be overkill for your needs if you're focused on lower-band technologies. However, Skyworks produces multiple other solutions for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
6. NXP Semiconductors
NXP offers a variety of wireless connectivity solutions for embedded systems, and while they may not always offer full support for FM radio, they provide Wi-Fi and Bluetooth solutions:
NXP KW41Z: A Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 combo chip, though it typically does not support FM radio.
NXP WMC6000: Another Wi-Fi solution for embedded systems, which supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) but may lack Bluetooth or FM radio features.
Key Specifications to Compare:
When looking for alternatives to the Qualcomm WCN3680B, you should consider the following features:
Wi-Fi Version: Ensure the chip supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) or higher for compatibility.
Bluetooth Version: Check for Bluetooth 4.1 or later (Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0 may also be supported in newer chips).
FM Radio Support: If FM radio is critical, look for chips like Broadcom BCM4330, Realtek RTL8723BS, or MediaTek MT6620 that offer this feature.
Power Efficiency: Many of these chips are designed for low power consumption, which is critical for battery-operated devices like smartphones and IoT devices.
Form Factor: Ensure the physical package of the chip (e.g., QFN, BGA) fits your system design.
Conclusion:
The Qualcomm WCN3680B is a solid choice for mobile and embedded systems with Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 4.1, and FM radio support. Equivalent ICs include Broadcom BCM4330, MediaTek MT6620, Realtek RTL8723BS, and Qualcomm’s own WCN3620. If FM radio support is not necessary, newer chips like Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0 solutions from Broadcom, Realtek, or Skyworks could provide better performance but might not include FM radio.
Other
What is HBM (High Bandwidth Memory)?
2024.09.05
What is Antenna Tuner IC?
2024.09.20
What’s the Difference between LPDDR and DDR?
2024.09.25
Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform
2024.09.26
What is WiFi 6E?
2024.09.26
What is Bluetooth Audio SoC?
2024.09.26
What's HBM3E (High Bandwidth Memory 3)?
2024.09.26
What is an Audio Codec?
2024.10.09