RTL8723DS Realtek Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Combo IoT Wireless Module SDIO 3.0 + UART Interface

RTL8723DS Product Overview

The RTL8723DS is an IoT wireless module based on Realtek's highly integrated wireless chip. The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module features a compact QFN package that integrates a MAC, baseband processor, and a 2.4GHz RF unit, delivering complete Wi-Fi networking and Bluetooth communication on a single chip. The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module complies with the IEEE 802.11b/g/n WLAN standard and Bluetooth 4.2 specification, with a maximum Wi-Fi PHY rate of 150Mbps and support for STA (station), AP (access point), and mixed operating modes to flexibly adapt to various network topologies. The Bluetooth channel of the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module supports audio transmission and transparent data transmission, compatible with mainstream audio profiles including A2DP and HFP, making it easy to connect to Bluetooth speakers or exchange data between devices. The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module features an SDIO 3.0 interface for Wi-Fi and a UART interface for Bluetooth, with simple hardware connections that easily interface with a wide range of embedded main controllers and MCUs. A built-in hardware encryption engine combined with excellent power consumption management extends battery life while ensuring data security. The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module requires minimal peripheral circuitry, allowing it to be easily assembled into compact wireless modules. The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module is widely used in smart home appliances, IoT gateways, IP cameras, vehicle peripherals, Bluetooth speakers, industrial intelligent terminals, educational electronics, and more, helping products quickly realize network connectivity and Bluetooth interaction.

RTL8723DS Core Features

Chipset: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module is built on the Realtek RTL8723DS, a highly integrated Wi-Fi + Bluetooth combo RF chip

Wi-Fi Standards: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module is IEEE 802.11b/g/n compliant, supporting 20MHz/40MHz bandwidth and up to 150Mbps PHY rate

Bluetooth Standards: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module is Bluetooth 4.2 compliant, supporting Classic Bluetooth (BR/EDR) and BLE

Wi-Fi Modes: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module supports STA, AP, and STA+AP mixed modes

Bluetooth Profiles: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module supports A2DP, HFP, AVRCP audio profiles and SPP data transparent transmission

Wi-Fi Interface: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module uses SDIO 3.0, high-speed and stable, compatible with mainstream embedded platforms

Bluetooth Interface: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module uses UART (TX/RX/CTS/RTS), simple and easy to use

Security: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module features a built-in hardware encryption engine, supporting WPA/WPA2/WEP/TKIP/AES

Supply Voltage: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module operates from a 3.3V single supply with low-power design, suitable for battery-powered devices

Package: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module comes in a compact QFN package with simple peripheral circuitry, suitable for SMT mass production

RTL8723DS Applications

Smart Home Appliances: Smart refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and rice cookers requiring networking and voice/audio interaction – the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module is ideal for these applications

IoT Gateways: Zigbee/Wi-Fi hybrid gateways, edge computing nodes, smart home hub controllers – the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module provides flexible connectivity

Security & Surveillance: IP network cameras, smart doorbells, video intercom devices, NVR recorders – the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module enables reliable wireless transmission

Vehicle Peripherals: In-car Wi-Fi hotspots, dashcam wireless transmission modules, car Bluetooth hands-free devices – the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module delivers dual-function connectivity

Bluetooth Audio: Bluetooth speakers, Bluetooth earphones, portable audio players, smart alarm clocks – the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module excels in audio applications

Industrial Intelligent Terminals: Industrial data collectors, handheld inspection terminals, wireless communication modules for smart meters – the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module provides robust performance

Educational Electronics: Educational tablets, early-learning machines, smart story tellers, e-readers – the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module adds wireless capabilities

RTL8723DS Key Advantages

Single-Chip Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Combo: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module integrates 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 within a compact QFN package, significantly reducing PCB area and BOM cost with a single chip handling both wireless networking and Bluetooth communication.

SDIO + UART Dual Interface Design: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module uses a high-speed SDIO 3.0 interface for Wi-Fi and an independent UART interface for Bluetooth, ensuring interference-free dual-channel communication with stable data throughput, compatible with mainstream embedded platforms without additional bridge chips.

150Mbps Wi-Fi + AP/STA Mixed Mode: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module supports simultaneous STA and AP operation, allowing the device to connect to a router for internet access while serving as a hotspot for other devices—ideal for IoT gateway scenarios requiring both local configuration and remote communication.

Rich Bluetooth Audio & Data Profiles: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module natively supports A2DP, HFP, AVRCP audio profiles for easy connection to Bluetooth speakers and hands-free applications; it also supports SPP data transparent transmission for wireless serial port replacement and sensor data acquisition.

Low Power Consumption & Hardware Encryption: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module features a built-in hardware encryption engine supporting WPA/WPA2 security protocols to safeguard data transmission. Excellent power management of the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module enables extremely low standby current, making it ideal for battery-powered portable and IoT endpoint devices.

Simple Peripheral Circuitry, Easy Integration: The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module requires only a few passive components and an antenna to form a complete wireless module, suitable for SMT mass production and accelerating time-to-market.

Why Choose QIXINWEI

Years of experience in the electronics industry. Trusted by global customers.
Massive In-Stock Inventory – Ready to ship promptly.
BOM Matching Service – One-stop solution, save time.
PCBA Customization – Professional engineering team creates tailor-made solutions based on your needs.
Cost-Effective & Efficient – Better channel, better cost.
A dedicated team makes your procurement smoother.
Contact us for BOM quotes or PCBA inquiries regarding the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module.

FAQ

1. How does the RTL8723DS module differ from a standard Wi-Fi module?
   
   • The RTL8723DS is a Wi-Fi + Bluetooth combo module, simultaneously supporting 802.11b/g/n wireless networking and Bluetooth 4.2 communication on a single chip, whereas standard Wi-Fi modules typically offer only a single function. The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module's Bluetooth channel can be used for audio transmission (connecting to speakers/earphones) and data transparent transmission (replacing serial cables), providing greater expandability.
2. What interfaces are used for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module? Is the wiring complex?
   
   • Wi-Fi on the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module uses an SDIO 3.0 interface, and Bluetooth uses a UART interface—two independent communication channels that do not interfere with each other.
   • The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module requires only a few passive components and an antenna to operate, with a simple circuit design suitable for rapid integration.
3. Can the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module operate in both STA (router connection) and AP (direct phone connection) modes simultaneously?
   
   • Yes. The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module supports STA+AP mixed mode, allowing the device to connect to the internet while phones can directly connect to the module's hotspot for local configuration or data transfer.
4. Which Bluetooth audio profiles are supported by the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module? Can it connect to Bluetooth speakers?
   
   • The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module supports A2DP (stereo audio), HFP (hands-free calling), AVRCP (A/V remote control), and other mainstream Bluetooth audio profiles, directly connecting to Bluetooth speakers and earphones.
   • The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module also supports SPP serial port transparent transmission for wireless replacement of wired UART connections.
5. What is the maximum Wi-Fi speed of the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module? What actual throughput can be expected?
   
   • The PHY layer maximum rate of the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module is 150Mbps (802.11n, HT40 mode).
   • Actual TCP/UDP throughput is influenced by environmental interference and the host platform, typically ranging between 30-60Mbps, sufficient for the vast majority of IoT and streaming applications.
6. What is the power consumption of the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module? Is it suitable for battery-powered devices?
   
   • The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module operates at 3.3V with excellent built-in power management mechanisms, low standby current, and support for multiple power-saving modes.
   • The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module is very well-suited for battery-powered portable devices and IoT sensor nodes, significantly extending battery life.
7. Which operating systems are supported by the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module? Are drivers available?
   
   • The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module has native support for Linux and Android operating systems, with Realtek providing complete SDIO Wi-Fi drivers and UART Bluetooth protocol stacks.
   • For RTOS or bare-metal platforms, third-party driver packages or self-porting can be used to achieve integration with the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module.
8. Is hardware encryption built into the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module? Which security protocols are supported?
   
   • The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module features a built-in hardware encryption engine supporting WPA/WPA2/WEP/TKIP/AES security protocols, ensuring data security for wireless communication.
9. How does the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module compare to the ESP32? Which should I choose?
   
   • The ESP32 is a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth SoC with an integrated MCU, suitable for standalone operation as a main controller; the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module is a pure wireless connectivity chip that requires an external host processor via SDIO/UART interfaces.
   • If your product already has a main processor and only needs wireless functionality added, the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module is the more efficient solution. If you need a single chip for both control and wireless communication, the ESP32 is more appropriate.
10. What is the package size of the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module? Is it suitable for SMT mass production?
    
    • The RTL8723DS IoT wireless module uses a QFN package with a compact form factor, and the peripheral circuitry is simple—very suitable for SMT placement and automated mass production.
    • Specific module dimensions of the RTL8723DS IoT wireless module may vary slightly depending on different manufacturers' module designs; please refer to the corresponding module datasheet.