RTL8723DS Wi-Fi Bluetooth Combo Chip | Realtek IoT Wireless Module Specs & Applications
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The RTL8723DS is a highly integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo RF chip developed by Realtek, specifically designed for the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart device markets. As a core model in Realtek's wireless connectivity product line, the RTL8723DS features an advanced QFN package that integrates the MAC layer, baseband processor, and 2.4GHz RF unit all on a single chip — making it one of the most cost-effective Wi-Fi Bluetooth combo solutions in the IoT module market today.
For engineers and procurement professionals looking for a stable, reliable wireless connectivity solution, the Realtek RTL8723DS has become a top choice in smart home, industrial IoT, and consumer electronics thanks to its mature technology stack and broad ecosystem support.
RTL8723DS Key Technical Specifications
Wireless Connectivity Standards
The RTL8723DS fully complies with the IEEE 802.11b/g/n WLAN standard and Bluetooth 4.2 specification, delivering both Wi-Fi networking and Bluetooth communication capabilities on a single chip. In Wi-Fi mode, it supports a maximum data rate of 150Mbps — more than enough bandwidth for most IoT device data transmission needs.
Operating Modes
When it comes to Wi-Fi operation, the RTL8723DS supports mixed STA (Station) and AP (Access Point) modes. This means your device can connect to a router as a client, or temporarily act as a hotspot for other devices to connect — a particularly useful feature for smart configuration and device-to-device direct connection scenarios.
On the Bluetooth side, the RTL8723DS Bluetooth module supports both audio transmission and transparent data transmission, and is compatible with mainstream audio protocols including A2DP and HFP. This makes it ideal for Bluetooth speakers, in-car Bluetooth systems, and other audio-enabled devices.
Interfaces & Package
The RTL8723DS comes equipped with an SDIO 3.0 interface for Wi-Fi data transfer and a UART interface for Bluetooth communication. This interface configuration allows it to seamlessly work with a wide range of embedded main controllers — whether you're using ARM-based or RISC-V MCUs.
In terms of packaging, the RTL8723DS QFN package offers a compact footprint with excellent thermal performance. Combined with its minimal external circuit requirements, engineers can easily design it into compact wireless modules — perfect for portable and battery-powered devices where size is a critical constraint.
RTL8723DS Power Consumption & Security Features
For battery-powered smart devices, power management is make-or-break when selecting a chip. The RTL8723DS chip features a built-in, highly optimized power management system that supports multiple low-power modes. It maintains connection stability while maximizing battery life — one of the key reasons it's so widely adopted in smart home sensors, wearables, and other energy-sensitive applications.
On the security front, the RTL8723DS includes a hardware encryption engine that supports WPA/WPA2 and other mainstream encryption standards, providing reliable security for your device's wireless communications and effectively protecting against data leaks and network attack risks.
RTL8723DS Typical Application Scenarios
Thanks to its high integration, low power consumption, and reliable performance, the RTL8723DS IoT module has found its way into a wide range of industries and applications:
Smart Home: Smart appliances, lighting, sockets, temperature and humidity sensors — the RTL8723DS enables quick network connectivity and Bluetooth configuration, serving as the core connectivity component in whole-home smart solutions.
Security & Surveillance: IP cameras, smart doorbells, and other security products leverage the RTL8723DS's Wi-Fi capability for video data transmission, while using Bluetooth for local debugging and device management.
Automotive Electronics: In-car Bluetooth players, OBD devices, dash cams, and other automotive peripherals use the RTL8723DS solution to enable Bluetooth calling, music streaming, and data upload functionality.
Industrial IoT: Industrial smart terminals, data collectors, environmental monitoring equipment, and other industrial-grade applications choose the RTL8723DS as their wireless connectivity solution, striking the right balance between reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Education & Consumer Electronics: Educational electronics, Bluetooth speakers, story machines, smart toys — these products also heavily rely on the RTL8723DS chip to quickly add network connectivity and Bluetooth interaction features.
QIXINWEI — Your Trusted Realtek Full-Range Product Supplier
As a professional electronic components distributor, QIXINWEI specializes in the full Realtek product lineup, offering customers one-stop shopping for all their Realtek chip needs. Beyond the RTL8723DS featured in this article, QIXINWEI's Realtek product portfolio covers:
Wi-Fi Bluetooth Combo Chip Series: RTL8723DS, RTL8188FTV, RTL8189ES, RTL8723BS, RTL8821CS, and many more — covering everything from single-band to dual-band, from entry-level to high-end wireless connectivity solutions.
Ethernet Chip Series: Including RTL8152B, RTL8153, RTL8211F, RTL8367S, and other Ethernet PHY and Switch chips, widely used in networking equipment, industrial control motherboards, and more.
Audio Codec Chip Series: Realtek ALC series audio codec chips, delivering high-quality audio processing for all types of audio products.
Card Reader & USB Controller Series: RTL9210, RTL9210B, and other USB-to-SATA bridge chips, plus various USB Hub controllers.
Video Processing Chip Series: Realtek RTD series set-top box and display processing chips, covering smart TVs, OTT boxes, and other multimedia applications.
QIXINWEI maintains stable supply channels directly from Realtek and keeps extensive inventory in stock. Whether you need engineering samples or mass production quantities, we deliver fast, reliable supply you can count on. Plus, our expert technical team provides selection guidance, technical support, and supply chain optimization solutions — helping you shorten product development cycles and reduce overall procurement costs.
Why Source RTL8723DS from QIXINWEI?
When you choose QIXINWEI as your Realtek chip supplier, you get more than just components — you get a partner:
Genuine Products Guaranteed: All RTL8723DS chips come directly from Realtek or authorized channels — 100% original, with zero risk of counterfeit or refurbished parts.
Ready Stock Available: QIXINWEI keeps the RTL8723DS and the full Realtek product line in stock at all times. We support sample orders and small-batch shipments with fast turnaround, perfect for your urgent prototyping needs.
Competitive Pricing: As a long-term Realtek partner, QIXINWEI offers highly competitive prices — with even better discounts for bulk orders.
Technical Support: Our experienced FAE team provides technical consulting and selection advice for the RTL8723DS, helping you troubleshoot design and application challenges along the way.
One-Stop Service: Beyond the Realtek lineup, QIXINWEI also supplies electronic components from other leading brands — so you can consolidate your purchasing and simplify supply chain management.
RTL8723DS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the RTL8723DS chip and what does it do?
A: The RTL8723DS is a Wi-Fi Bluetooth combo chip from Realtek. It integrates 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, up to 150Mbps) and Bluetooth 4.2 on a single chip, primarily used to add wireless connectivity to IoT devices and smart hardware.
Q2: What's the difference between RTL8723DS and RTL8723BS?
A: The RTL8723DS is an upgraded version of the RTL8723BS. Key improvements include optimized power management, better receive sensitivity, and a Bluetooth version upgrade from 4.1 to 4.2 — delivering better overall performance and stability. The two are pin-compatible, making the upgrade smooth for existing designs.
Q3: What interfaces does the RTL8723DS support?
A: The Wi-Fi portion of the RTL8723DS uses an SDIO 3.0 interface, while the Bluetooth portion uses a UART interface. Some versions also support a PCM interface for Bluetooth audio data transfer. This interface configuration is compatible with the vast majority of embedded main controller platforms.
Q4: What is the RTL8723DS package size?
A: The RTL8723DS comes in a QFN package measuring 4mm x 4mm with 48 pins. It's a compact form factor — ideal for space-constrained applications.
Q5: What's the maximum data rate of the RTL8723DS?
A: The RTL8723DS Wi-Fi portion supports a maximum physical layer rate of 150Mbps in 802.11n mode. In real-world applications, TCP throughput typically ranges from 50–70Mbps — more than sufficient for IoT device data transmission.
Q6: What operating systems does the RTL8723DS support?
A: The RTL8723DS comes with comprehensive driver support for major embedded operating systems including Linux, Android, FreeRTOS, and RT-Thread. It also supports Windows and macOS, giving you broad compatibility across platforms.
Q7: What is the RTL8723DS operating voltage range?
A: The RTL8723DS core operates at 3.3V and supports a wide input voltage range, accommodating different power supply design schemes. For detailed electrical characteristics, please refer to the official datasheet.
Q8: Where can I buy genuine RTL8723DS chips?
A: We recommend sourcing from authorized Realtek distributors like QIXINWEI. QIXINWEI specializes in the full Realtek product lineup, guarantees genuine original parts, supports both sample and bulk orders, offers fast shipping, and competitive pricing.
Q9: What is the RTL8723DS operating temperature range?
A: The commercial-grade RTL8723DS supports an operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C. Industrial-grade versions (where available) support wider temperature ranges. When selecting, choose the appropriate grade based on your actual application environment temperature requirements.
Q10: Is designing with the RTL8723DS module difficult?
A: The RTL8723DS has a relatively simple external circuit design. Realtek provides complete reference designs and layout guidelines, so engineers can complete their designs quickly. For teams less familiar with RF design, you can also purchase pre-made RTL8723DS modules to reduce development complexity.