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USING THIS DOCUMENT
This document is intended for the software engineer’s reference and provides detailed programming
information.
Though every effort has been made to ensure that this document is current and accurate, more information
may have become available subsequent to the production of this guide. In that event, please contact your
Realtek representative for additional information that may help in the development process.
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Table of Contents
1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................................................... 1
The Realtek RTL8723AE is a highly integrated single-chip 802.11n Wireless LAN (WLAN) PCI Express
network interface controller with integrated Bluetooth 2.1/3/0/4.0 USB interface controller. It combines a
WLAN MAC, a 1T1R capable WLAN baseband, and RF in s single chip. The RTL8723AE provides a
complete solution for a high-performance integrated wireless and Bluetooth device.
The integration provides better coordination between 802.11 and Bluetooth, and with sophisticated
dynamic power control and packet traffic arbitration, RTL8723AE is able to provide the best coexistence
performance.
RTL8723AE also integrates RF/PA/LNA for both 802.11n and Bluetooth so that the number of external
components is reduced to minimum. The 802.11 part supports 150Mbps PHY rate and delivers reliable
throughput from an extended distance.
The Bluetooth part supports latest 3.0+HS/4.0+LE operation and provides smooth user experience under all
usage scenarios. Optimized RF architecture and baseband algorithms provide superb performance and
lowest power consumption.
2. Features
2.1 General
n 68-pin QFN
n CMOS MAC, Baseband PHY, and RF in a single chip for IEEE 802.11b/g/n compatible WLAN
n Complete 802.11n solution for 2.4GHz band
n 72.2Mbps receive PHY rate and 72.2Mbps transmit PHY rate using 20MHz bandwidth
n 150Mbps receive PHY rate and 150Mbps transmit PHY rate using 40MHz bandwidth
n Compatible with 802.11n specification
n Backward compatible with 802.11b/g devices while operating in 802.11n mode
n Qualified Bluetooth v2.1+EDR and v3.0+HS Systems
n Support for v4.0 Bluetooth Low Energy
n Integrated class1, class2, and class3 PA and modem in Bluetooth Controller
Standards Supported
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n IEEE 802.11b/g/n compatible WLAN
n IEEE 802.11e QoS Enhancement (WMM)
n IEEE 802.11h TPC, Spectrum Measurement
n 802.11i (WPA, WPA2). Open, shared key, and pair-wise key authentication services
n Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) for WLAN devices
Host Interface
n Complies with PCI Express Base Specification Revision 1.1 for WLAN
n Complies with USB1.1 Specification for Bluetooth
WLAN MAC Features
n Frame aggregation for increased MAC efficiency (A-MSDU, A-MPDU)
n Low latency immediate High-Throughput Block Acknowledgement (HT-BA)
RTL8723AE
n Long NAV for media reservation with CF-End for NAV release
n PHY-level spoofing to enhance legacy compatibility
n Power saving mechanism
n Channel management and co-existence
n Multiple BSSID feature allows the RTL8723AE to assume multiple MAC identities when used as a
wireless bridge
n Transmit Opportunity (TXOP) Short Inter-Frame Space (SIFS) bursting for higher multimedia
bandwidth
WLAN PHY Features
n IEEE 802.11n OFDM
n One Transmit and one Receive path (1T1R)
n 20MHz and 40MHz bandwidth transmission
n Short Guard Interval (400ns)
n DSSS with DBPSK and DQPSK, CCK modulation with long and short preamble
n OFDM with BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, and 640QAM modulation. Convolutional Coding Rate: 1/2, 2/3,
3/4, and 5/6
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n Maximum data rate 54Mbps in 802.11g and 150Mbps in 802.11n
n Switch diversity for DSSS/CCK
n Hardware antenna diversity
n Selectable receiver FIR filters
n Programmable scaling in transmitter and receiver to trade quantization noise against increased
probability of clipping
n Fast receiver Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
n On-chip ADC and DAC
BT Controller
n Integrated MCU to execute Bluetooth protocol stack
n Support 3 SCO links simultaneously
n Support 3 scatternets
n Enhanced BT/WIFI Coexistence Control to improve transmission quality in different profiles
n Bluetooth Low Energy Dual Mode support
Bluetooth Transceiver Features
n Fast AGC control to improve receiving dynamic range
n Support AFH to dynamically detect channel quality to improve transmission quality
n Integrated internal class1, class2, and class3 PA
n Bluetooth 3.0 compliant
n Bluetooth Low Energy supported
n Integrated 32K oscillator
Peripheral Interfaces
n General Purpose Input/Output (11 pins)
n 4-wire EEPROM control interface (93C46)
n Three configurable LED pins
n Configurable Bluetooth Coexistence Interface
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WiFi:
Bus Interfa
ce WiFi:
PCI Express
BT:
USB
Form Factor
802.11b:
WiFi:
802.11b
:
1.2. Environmental
1.2.1. Operating
Operating Temperature: 0 to 70 °C
Relative Humidity: 5-90% (non-condensing)
1.2.2. Storage
Temperature: -55 to 125 °C
Relevant Humidity: 5-95% (non-condensing)
4.5.1 Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your
body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g operation of this product in the U.S.A. is firmware-limited to channels 1 through
11.
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This device is intended only for OEM integrators under the following conditions:
1) The antenna must be installed such that 20 cm is maintained between the antenna and users, and
2) The transmitter module may not be co-located with any other transmitter or antenna,
As long as 2 conditions above are met, further transmitter test will not be required. However, the OEM
integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements
required with this module installed (for example, digital device emissions, PC peripheral requirements,
etc.).
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event that these conditions can not be met (for example certain laptop
configurations or co-location with another transmitter), then the FCC authorization is no longer considered
valid and the FCC ID can not be used on the final product. In these circumstances, the OEM integrator will
be responsible for re-evaluating the end product (including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate FCC
authorization.
End Product Labeling
This transmitter module is authorized only for use in device where the antenna may be installed such that 20
cm may be maintained between the antenna and users. The final end product must be labeled in a visible
area with the following: “Contains FCC ID: TX2-RTL8723AE”.
Manual Information To the End User
The OEM integrator has to be aware not to provide information to the end user regarding how to install or
remove this RF module in the user’s manual of the end product which integrates this module.
The end user manual shall include all required regulatory information/warning as show in this manual.
4.5.2 Industry Canada Statement
This device complies with RSS-210 of the Industry Canada Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1) this device may not cause interference and
2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device
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French translation:
Ce dispositif est conforme à la norme CNR-210 d'Industrie Canada applicable aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. Son fonctionnement est sujet aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) le dispositif ne doit pas produire
de brouillage préjudiciable, et (2) ce dispositif doit accepter tout brouillage reçu, y compris un brouillage
susceptible de provoquer un fonctionnement indésirable.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
IC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This
equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your
body.
French translation:
NOTE IMPORTANTE: (Pour l'utilisation de dispositifs mobiles)
Déclaration d'exposition aux radiations:
Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements IC établies pour un
environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec un minimum de 20 cm de
distance entre la source de rayonnement et votre corps.
This device is intended only for OEM integrators under the following conditions:
1) The antenna must be installed such that 20 cm is maintained between the antenna and users, and
2) The transmitter module may not be co-located with any other transmitter or antenna,
As long as 2 conditions above are met, further transmitter test will not be required. However, the OEM
integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements
required with this module installed.
French translation :
Cet appareil est conçu uniquement pour les intégrateurs OEM dans les conditions suivantes: (Pour
utilisation de dispositif module)
1) L'antenne doit être installée de telle sorte qu'une distance de 20 cm est respectée entre l'antenne et les
utilisateurs, et
2) Le module émetteur peut ne pas être coïmplanté avec un autre émetteur ou antenne,
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Tant que les 2 conditions ci-dessus sont remplies, des essais supplémentaires sur l'émetteur ne seront pas
nécessaires. Toutefois, l'intégrateur OEM est toujours responsable des essais sur son produit final pour
toutes exigences de conformité supplémentaires requis pour ce module installé.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event that these conditions can not be met (for example certain laptop
configurations or co-location with another transmitter), then the IC authorization is no longer considered
valid and the IC ID can not be used on the final product. In these circumstances, the OEM integrator will be
responsible for re-evaluating the end product (including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate IC
authorization.
French translation:
NOTE IMPORTANTE:
Dans le cas où ces conditions ne peuvent être satisfaites (par exemple pour certaines configurations
d'ordinateur portable ou de certaines co-localisation avec un autre émetteur), l'autorisation du Canada n'est
plus considéré comme valide et l'ID IC ne peut pas être utilisé sur le produit final. Dans ces circonstances,
l'intégrateur OEM sera chargé de réévaluer le produit final (y compris l'émetteur) et l'obtention d'une
autorisation distincte au Canada.
End Product Labeling
This transmitter module is authorized only for use in device where the antenna may be installed such that 20
cm may be maintained between the antenna and users. The final end product must be labeled in a visible
area with the following: “Contains IC: 6317A-RTL8723AE”.
French translation:
Plaque signalétique du produit final
Ce module émetteur est autorisé uniquement pour une utilisation dans un dispositif où l'antenne peut être
installée de telle sorte qu'une distance de 20cm peut être maintenue entre l'antenne et les utilisateurs. Le
produit final doit être étiqueté dans un endroit visible avec l'inscription suivante: "Contient des IC:
6317A-RTL8723AE ".
Manual Information To The End User
The OEM integrator has to be aware not to provide information to the end user regarding how to install or
remove this RF module in the user’s manual of the end product which integrates this module.
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The end user manual shall include all required regulatory information/warning as show in this manual.
French translation:
Manuel d'information à l'utilisateur final
L'intégrateur OEM doit être conscient de ne pas fournir des informations à l'utilisateur final quant à la façon
d'installer ou de supprimer ce module RF dans le manuel de l'utilisateur du produit final qui intègre ce
module.
Le manuel de l'utilisateur final doit inclure toutes les informations réglementaires requises et
avertissements comme indiqué dans ce manuel.
DETACHABLE ANTENNA USAGE
This device has been designed to operate with an antenna having a maximum gain of 3.5 dBi. Antenna
having a higher gain is strictly prohibited per regulations of Industry Canada. The required antenna
impedance is 50 ohms.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and
maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio
interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent
isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
This radio transmitter (IC: 6317A-RTL8723AE / Model:RTL8723AE) has been approved by Industry
Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required
antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain
greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Ce dispositif a été conçu pour fonctionner avec une antenne ayant un gain maximal de 3.5dBi. Une antenne
à gain plus élevé est strictement interdite par les règlements d'Industrie Canada. L'impédance d'antenne
requise est de 50 ohms.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peutfonctionner avec une
antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pourl'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans
le but de réduire les risques de brouillage radioélectriqueà l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le
type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que lapuissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas
l'intensité nécessaire àl'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante.
Le présent émetteur radio (IC: 6317A-RTL8723AE / Modèle: RTL8723AE) a été approuvé par Industrie
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Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal
et l'impédance requise pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, ou dont
le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué, sont strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de l'émetteur.