The Qualcomm WCN6856 is a wireless connectivity IC that supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functionality in Mobile Devices and consumer electronics. It integrates both Bluetooth 4.2 (and in some cases, higher versions) and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Wi-Fi 5) connectivity. This makes it suitable for use in smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, audio devices, and other portable electronics where both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionalities are required.

If you're looking for equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm WCN6856, you'll want to look at integrated solutions that combine Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functionalities from other manufacturers. Here are some options that provide similar features for dual-mode Wireless Communication:

Equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm WCN6856

1. Broadcom

Broadcom offers several dual-mode Wi-Fi + Bluetooth solutions, providing similar capabilities for wireless communication in mobile devices.

• Broadcom BCM4335: This combo chip offers support for both Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n. It integrates Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and sometimes FM radio support for use in smartphones and portable devices, making it a good alternative to the WCN6856.

• Broadcom BCM43455: A Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.0 combo chip designed for smartphones and IoT devices. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), Bluetooth 5.0, and dual-band Wi-Fi for high-performance wireless communication.

• Broadcom BCM43684: A more advanced Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.1 combo chip. This chip is designed for high-performance applications that require next-gen Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, suitable for next-gen mobile devices.

2. MediaTek

MediaTek offers several combo chips with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth integration, similar to the Qualcomm WCN6856.

• MediaTek MT6630: A Wi-Fi + Bluetooth combo IC that supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth 5.0. This chip is designed for smartphones and consumer electronics, offering robust connectivity features.

• MediaTek MT7615: This Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth 5.0 combo chip supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for high-speed data transfer and low-latency connections, making it a viable alternative for devices requiring dual connectivity.

• MediaTek MT7921: This is a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.2 combo chip that supports the latest wireless technologies. It is a more advanced alternative, providing higher throughput, better range, and lower power consumption for newer mobile devices.

3. Realtek

Realtek offers Wi-Fi + Bluetooth combo solutions that integrate both technologies in a single chip.

• Realtek RTL8822BU: This Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) + Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip offers high-performance wireless communication and is commonly used in smartphones, tablets, and PC peripherals.

• Realtek RTL8761B: A Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth 5.0 combo chip designed for IoT devices, headphones, and other mobile devices. It supports dual-mode Bluetooth and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, offering a similar set of features as the WCN6856.

• Realtek RTL8822CS: This Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth 5.0 solution integrates high-performance Wi-Fi with dual-mode Bluetooth support for consumer electronics, mobile devices, and audio systems.

4. Qualcomm (Other Models)

Qualcomm offers several dual-mode and multi-function wireless ICs that combine Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, similar to the WCN6856.

• Qualcomm WCN3660: This Wi-Fi + Bluetooth combo IC supports Wi-Fi 802.11n/ac (Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth 4.1/4.2. It is used in smartphones and portable devices where Wi-Fi and Bluetooth coexist.

• Qualcomm QCA9377: A Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2 combo IC. It is often used in PCs, tablets, and other devices that need both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity in a single chip.

• Qualcomm QCA6174A: A more advanced Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0 combo chip, which supports higher data rates and improved power efficiency, suitable for next-generation mobile devices.

5. NXP Semiconductors

NXP provides dual-mode connectivity solutions for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in a variety of consumer devices.

• NXP IW416: A Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth 5.0 combo chip that supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. It is designed for smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, providing excellent dual-mode connectivity.

• NXP QN9080: A Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi solution suitable for low-power applications, offering both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) connectivity.

6. Intel

Intel’s wireless solutions often combine both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies for laptops, tablets, and other consumer devices.

• Intel AX200: A Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.1 combo chip. It supports the latest Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth 5.1, offering high-performance wireless connectivity for laptops and PCs.

• Intel 7260AC: A Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) + Bluetooth 4.0/4.1 solution, commonly used in laptops and other personal computers for dual connectivity.

7. Broadcom (Wi-Fi 6 Solutions)

If you need more advanced Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, consider these options.

• Broadcom BCM4375: A Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.0 combo chip that provides faster speeds and better performance for high-density environments and mobile devices.

• Broadcom BCM43684: A Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.1 combo chip with advanced features for high-performance wireless communication in smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices.

Key Features to Compare:

When comparing alternatives to the Qualcomm WCN6856, here are the main features to consider:

• Wi-Fi Standards: Look for support for Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) depending on your performance and device requirements.

• Bluetooth Version: Ensure compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0 to match or exceed the WCN6856's features.

• Dual-mode Operation: Make sure the chip can handle both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi simultaneously, which is crucial for many modern devices.

• Low Power Consumption: Especially important for battery-powered devices like smartphones, wearables, and headphones.

• Performance: Evaluate the chip's data rates, Wi-Fi speed, and Bluetooth range to ensure the performance meets your device’s needs.

Conclusion:

The Qualcomm WCN6856 is a dual-mode wireless IC that supports Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth (4.2), designed for smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronics. Equivalent solutions from other manufacturers include:

• Broadcom BCM4335, BCM43455, BCM43684.

• MediaTek MT6630, MT7615, MT7921.

• Realtek RTL8822BU, RTL8761B, RTL8822CS.

• Qualcomm WCN3660, QCA9377, QCA6174A.

• NXP IW416, QN9080.

• Intel AX200, 7260AC.

These ICs provide dual Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and are suitable for smartphones, tablets, audio devices, and other wireless communication applications. The specific choice will depend on performance needs, supported standards, and power efficiency.