Introduction
As wireless connectivity evolves, Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) emerges as the next major milestone, offering unprecedented speeds, lower latency, and improved efficiency. Broadcom, a leader in semiconductor solutions, has introduced its second-generation Wi-Fi 7 chips, setting a new standard for next-gen connectivity.
Among the standout products in Broadcom's portfolio are the Broadcom BCM6765, Broadcom BCM47722, and Broadcom BCM4390. These cutting-edge chips address diverse applications, from consumer networking to industrial and IoT deployments. This blog explores their capabilities, compares their specifications, and answers key questions about Wi-Fi 7 technology.
The Evolution to Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 significantly enhances wireless performance with features such as:
• 320 MHz Channel Bandwidth – Doubling the bandwidth compared to Wi-Fi 6E.
• 4096-QAM (4K-QAM) – Improving data throughput.
• Multi-Link Operation (MLO) – Enabling seamless band aggregation.
• Enhanced MU-MIMO – Increasing multi-user data transmission efficiency.
• Reduced Latency – Making it ideal for gaming, AR/VR, and real-time applications.
Broadcom's second-generation Wi-Fi 7 chips leverage these advancements, providing faster, more reliable connections for a range of applications.
Key Broadcom Wi-Fi 7 Chips: Features & Benefits
Broadcom BCM6765
The BCM6765 is a dual 2x2 320 MHz Wi-Fi 7 system-on-a-chip (SoC) communications processor that enables low-power, small form factor multi-gigabit access points, routers, repeaters and service provider gateways for residential applications. The SoC features a quad-core ARMv8 CPU with dual 802.11be 2x2 spatial stream 320 MHz WLAN radios and an integrated 802.3-compliant 10 Gigabit Ethernet PHY.
The Broadcom BCM6765 is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 chipset designed for home networking, routers, and enterprise access points. It delivers superior wireless performance, supporting the full suite of Wi-Fi 7 features.
Key Features:
• Dual-band (2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz) support
• 4x4 MU-MIMO
• 320 MHz channel bandwidth for peak performance
• Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for enhanced connectivity
• Advanced security features, including WPA3
Broadcom BCM47722
The BCM47722 is a dual 2x2 320MHz Wi-Fi 7 system-on-a-chip (SoC) communications processor that enables low-power, small size, multi-gigabit access points for enterprise applications. The SoC features a quad-core ARMv8 CPU with a dual 802.11be 2x2 spatial stream 320 MHz WLAN radios, dual BLE/802.15.4 IOT radios and an integrated 802.3-compliant 10 Gigabit Ethernet PHY.
Targeting automotive and industrial applications, the Broadcom BCM47722 integrates Wi-Fi 7 capabilities with GPS functionality, making it ideal for connected vehicles and smart infrastructure.
Key Features:
• Supports dual-band Wi-Fi 7
• GPS and GNSS positioning integration
• Low-power consumption optimized for automotive applications
• Reliable connectivity in high-mobility environments
• Advanced interference mitigation for urban navigation
Broadcom BCM4390
The BCM4390 is a low-power, highly integrated Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 combo chip optimized for mobile handset applications where high performance, low latency, low power consumption and small solution size are key requirements.
The BCM4390 system-on-a-chip contains a simultaneous dual-band (SDB) 2×2 IEEE 802.11be-compliant radio, a dual-core Bluetooth (BT) 5.4 radio, and a dedicated scan core that enhances Bluetooth and WLAN system operation. The device includes support for 160 MHz wide channels, 5/6GHz band support and 4K-QAM modulation. The Broadcom BCM4390 is engineered for IoT and embedded applications, ensuring power-efficient Wi-Fi 7 connectivity for smart homes, wearables, and industrial automation.
Key Features:
• Compact, low-power design
• Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3
• Enhanced security and encryption capabilities
• Optimized for battery-powered devices
• Seamless coexistence with other wireless standards
BCM6765 VS BCM47722 VS BCM4390
| Feature | Broadcom BCM6765 | Broadcom BCM47722 | Broadcom BCM4390 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Routers, Access Points | Automotive, Industrial | IoT, Smart Devices |
| Frequency Bands | 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz | 2.4GHz/5GHz | 2.4GHz/5GHz |
| MU-MIMO Support | 4x4 | 2x2 | 2x2 |
| GPS/GNSS | No | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Support | No | No | Yes (BT 5.3) |
| Power Efficiency | Medium | High | Very High |
| Security | WPA3, Enhanced Encryption | WPA3, Secure Automotive Protocols | WPA3, IoT Security |
| Interference Mitigation | Moderate | High | High |
| Target Market | Home & Enterprise | Automotive, Smart Cities | IoT, Wearables |
Applications of Broadcom Wi-Fi 7 Chips
• Consumer Networking
Broadcom’s BCM6765 enhances connectivity in smart homes and offices, providing ultra-fast speeds for streaming, gaming, and cloud computing. The Multi-Link Operation (MLO) feature ensures stable connections even in congested environments.
• Automotive & Industrial IoT
The BCM47722 revolutionizes connected vehicles by enabling real-time data exchange, GPS tracking, and seamless infotainment experiences. Industrial IoT applications benefit from its low-latency communication and enhanced security protocols.
• Smart Devices & IoT
With ultra-low power consumption, the BCM4390 is ideal for IoT devices such as smart thermostats, security cameras, and wearables. Its compact design ensures compatibility with embedded systems.
Which Series is Best for You?
Choosing the right Broadcom Wi-Fi 7 chip depends on your specific use case. Here’s a guide to help you decide:
• Choose the Broadcom BCM6765 if you need high-speed Wi-Fi for home or enterprise networking. It’s best suited for routers, mesh systems, and access points, delivering robust performance for streaming, gaming, and business applications.
• Opt for the Broadcom BCM47722 if you require Wi-Fi 7 in automotive or industrial applications. This chip excels in connected vehicles, smart city infrastructure, and other mobile environments where reliable connectivity and GPS integration are essential.
• Select the Broadcom BCM4390 if you need a low-power Wi-Fi 7 solution for IoT devices. It is ideal for smart home gadgets, industrial automation, and embedded systems that require efficient, compact wireless connectivity.
Understanding your application’s requirements will help you make the right choice for integrating Broadcom's next-generation Wi-Fi 7 technology into your products.
FAQ
1. What makes Wi-Fi 7 superior to Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 7 improves speed, efficiency, and latency through 320 MHz channels, 4K-QAM, and Multi-Link Operation, enabling better performance in congested networks.
2. Is the Broadcom BCM6765 compatible with older Wi-Fi standards?
Yes, the BCM6765 supports backward compatibility with Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 6, and even Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
3. Why is the BCM47722 suitable for automotive applications?
The BCM47722 integrates GNSS positioning, ensuring precise location tracking and seamless connectivity in high-speed mobile environments.
4. Can the BCM4390 be used in battery-powered IoT devices?
Yes, the BCM4390 is optimized for low power consumption, making it ideal for IoT applications that require extended battery life.
5. What are the key advantages of Multi-Link Operation (MLO)?
MLO allows devices to operate across multiple frequency bands simultaneously, reducing latency and increasing overall network reliability.
6. How does Wi-Fi 7 improve gaming and streaming?
With 4K-QAM and 320 MHz bandwidth, Wi-Fi 7 delivers ultra-fast speeds, reducing lag and buffering in high-performance gaming and 8K video streaming.
7. Is Wi-Fi 7 suitable for enterprise environments?
Yes, Wi-Fi 7’s enhanced MU-MIMO and MLO features make it an excellent choice for enterprise networks that require high-capacity, low-latency performance.
8. What security enhancements does Wi-Fi 7 offer?
Wi-Fi 7 includes WPA3 encryption, enhanced authentication mechanisms, and stronger protection against cyber threats.
Conclusion
Broadcom’s second-generation Wi-Fi 7 wireless connectivity chips—the BCM6765, BCM47722, and BCM4390—bring cutting-edge performance to different market segments, from home networking to automotive and IoT applications. With advanced features like 320 MHz bandwidth, Multi-Link Operation, and power efficiency, these chips are set to revolutionize wireless communication.
For businesses looking to integrate Wi-Fi 7 solutions, Broadcom's latest innovations provide a future-proof foundation for next-generation connectivity.
Written by Icey Ye from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic component distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers. Whether you need assistance finding the right part or electronic components manufacturers for your design, you can contact us via phone, chat or e-mail. Our support team will answer your inquiries within 24 hours.
