The Qualcomm WCN3991 is a multi-functional Wireless Communication IC designed for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other Mobile Devices. It integrates Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM Radio, and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) capabilities into a single chip. This chip supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0 (dual-mode), making it a highly integrated solution for devices requiring multiple wireless technologies in a compact form.

WCN-3991-0-116WLPSP-MT-0T-1

https://www.edaltech.com/products/wireless-communication-module/wcn-3991-0-116wlpsp-mt-0t-1.html

If you're looking for equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm WCN3991, you would need alternative solutions that provide a similar feature set, combining Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and potentially GNSS or FM Radio support. Here are some options from different manufacturers that offer comparable functionalities:

1. Broadcom BCM4345

• Broadcom's BCM4345 is a highly integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chip that is often used in mobile devices, wearables, and IoT applications.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support with 2x2 MIMO.

  • Bluetooth 4.2 (dual-mode, including support for BLE).

  • Integrated FM radio receiver.

  • Low power consumption and designed for mobile devices, similar to the WCN3991.

• This chip is a great alternative for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/FM radio integration in mobile devices, though it lacks GNSS support.

2. Broadcom BCM4343

• Another Broadcom solution, the BCM4343 combines Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and FM radio, but with a slightly different feature set than the BCM4345.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support (though it might be limited to lower throughput compared to the WCN3991).

  • Bluetooth 4.2 dual-mode (similar to the WCN3991).

  • FM Radio support.

  • Low power consumption for mobile devices and wearables.

• This chip is a viable alternative if you don’t need GNSS support and are focusing on Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/FM functionality.

3. MediaTek MT7668

• MediaTek offers various combo chips, and the MT7668 is a strong contender in the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth space for mobile and IoT devices.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support.

  • Bluetooth 5.0 (dual-mode, including BLE).

  • Integrated FM radio receiver.

  • Optimized for low-power, cost-effective designs, commonly used in smartphones and IoT applications.

• While it lacks GNSS functionality, the MT7668 is a solid choice for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo solutions with FM radio.

4. Qualcomm WCN3680

• The Qualcomm WCN3680 is an alternative within Qualcomm's own portfolio and is a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/FM radio combo chip, though it doesn’t have GNSS functionality integrated like the WCN3991.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support.

  • Bluetooth 4.0 (dual-mode, including BLE).

  • FM radio functionality.

  • Designed for smartphones and mobile devices, focusing on energy efficiency.

• The WCN3680 is a more basic version compared to the WCN3991 in terms of Bluetooth version and does not include GNSS, but it is still a solid option for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/FM.

5. Qualcomm WCN3998

• Qualcomm WCN3998 is another multi-functional wireless chip from Qualcomm that could be considered an alternative to the WCN3991.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support, with MIMO.

  • Bluetooth 5.0 (dual-mode, including BLE).

  • FM radio support.

  • GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) support, similar to the WCN3991.

• This chip is essentially an upgraded version of the WCN3991, offering improved performance in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GNSS connectivity.

6. MediaTek MT6630

• MediaTek MT6630 is a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/FM radio combo chip that also includes GNSS functionality, making it one of the closest equivalents to the Qualcomm WCN3991.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support.

  • Bluetooth 4.2 (dual-mode).

  • Integrated FM radio receiver.

  • GNSS functionality for navigation.

• The MT6630 is another viable alternative for mobile devices that need multi-wireless capabilities (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM, GNSS), similar to the WCN3991.

7. Realtek RTL8822BE

• Realtek RTL8822BE is a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo IC with additional features, although it does not integrate FM radio or GNSS. It can be used as a Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth solution in devices.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support (2x2 MIMO).

  • Bluetooth 4.2 (dual-mode, including BLE).

  • Low power consumption and suitable for laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

• This solution may be a good alternative if FM radio and GNSS are not required, but it provides solid Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Alternative:

When selecting an equivalent to the Qualcomm WCN3991, consider the following factors:

• Wi-Fi Standard: The WCN3991 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), so any alternative should ideally support the same or newer Wi-Fi standards (such as Wi-Fi 6 in higher-end options).

• Bluetooth Version: The WCN3991 supports Bluetooth 5.0, so choose alternatives with at least Bluetooth 5.0 or Bluetooth 4.2 if backward compatibility is needed.

• FM Radio: If FM radio functionality is critical, ensure the alternative chip includes an integrated FM receiver.

• GNSS: The GNSS support in the WCN3991 is a significant feature for navigation, so if that’s needed, prioritize chips that also have integrated GNSS or GPS support.

• Power Efficiency: For mobile and battery-powered devices, the power efficiency of the IC is crucial, so compare power consumption ratings of the alternatives.

Conclusion:

The Qualcomm WCN3991 is a highly integrated solution for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM radio, and GNSS, so alternatives that provide similar multi-wireless features include chips from Broadcom, MediaTek, and Realtek. If you need full feature parity, chips like the Qualcomm WCN3998, MediaTek MT6630, or Broadcom BCM4345 offer comparable or even improved functionalities, while others like the MediaTek MT7668 or Broadcom BCM4343 may be suitable if GNSS and FM radio are not required.