RTL8811AU
USB 2.0 to 802.11ac Wi-Fi controller for USB dongles and embedded applications
Product Overview
Description
The Realtek RTL8811AU is a USB 2.0 to 802.11ac Wi-Fi controller designed for USB Wi-Fi dongles, embedded systems, and IoT applications requiring compact and cost-effective wireless connectivity.
This chip supports 1x1 802.11ac with up to 433 Mbps in 5GHz band and is backward compatible with 802.11n for 2.4GHz operation. The USB 2.0 interface simplifies integration and enables plug-and-play operation.
RTL8811AU is widely used in USB Wi-Fi adapters, smart TVs, set-top boxes, and various IoT devices where a compact, low-cost Wi-Fi solution is required.
Product Series
RTL
Primary Application
USB Wi-Fi dongles
Key Features
- 802.11ac 1x1 support
- USB 2.0 interface
- Dual-band 2.4/5GHz
- Up to 433 Mbps speed
- Compact QFN-32 package
- Low power consumption
- Plug-and-play support
- Wide driver support
Specifications
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Configuration | 1x1 Dual-band (2.4/5GHz) |
| Max Wi-Fi Speed | 433 Mbps (5GHz), 150 Mbps (2.4GHz) |
| Interface | USB 2.0 |
| MIMO | 1x1 |
| Channel Width | 20/40/80 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C |
| Package | QFN-32 |
| Power | USB bus powered |
Applications
USB Wi-Fi dongles
Electronic system design
Smart TVs
Electronic system design
Set-top boxes
Electronic system design
IoT devices
Electronic system design
Embedded systems
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"RTL8811AU is the go-to solution for USB Wi-Fi dongles. The integration is excellent - minimal external components needed. USB 2.0 interface makes it easy to add Wi-Fi to any system with a USB port. we see this in countless USB Wi-Fi adapters on the market. Very reliable and cost-effective."
Industry standard for USB Wi-Fi dongles
— Michael Chen, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum speed with USB 2.0 interface?
While RTL8811AU supports 802.11ac up to 433 Mbps, the USB 2.0 interface limits practical throughput to approximately 300-350 Mbps due to USB 2.0's 480 Mbps theoretical maximum. For most internet and streaming applications, this is sufficient. For higher speeds, consider RTL8812AU with USB 3.0 interface supporting up to 867 Mbps.
USB 2.0 sufficient for most applications. Use USB 3.0 for maximum Wi-Fi speeds.
Does RTL8811AU require external drivers?
RTL8811AU requires Realtek drivers for Windows. drivers are available for Windows 7/8/10/11. Linux support is available through kernel drivers (rtl8812au) or Realtek provided drivers. many Linux distributions include support out of the box. macOS requires third-party drivers. the chip is widely supported across operating systems.
Good driver support across platforms. Check specific OS version compatibility.
What is the typical power consumption of RTL8811AU?
RTL8811AU has typical active power consumption of 200-300mW, well within USB 2.0 power budget (500mA at 5V = 2.5W). In power save modes, consumption drops significantly. The chip supports various power management features making it suitable for battery-powered USB dongles.
Low power within USB budget. Suitable for bus-powered applications.
Can RTL8811AU be used for soft AP mode?
Yes, RTL8811AU supports soft AP (Access Point) mode allowing the device to act as a Wi-Fi hotspot. This is useful for creating local wireless networks or sharing internet connections. The soft AP functionality depends on driver support and host system capabilities.
Supports soft AP mode. Verify driver support for specific AP features.
Is RTL8811AU suitable for Linux-based embedded systems?
Yes, RTL8811AU is widely used in Linux embedded systems. The rtl8812au kernel driver provides support, and Realtek provides source code for custom integration. The USB interface simplifies integration with Linux SBCs like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, and various embedded Linux platforms.
Excellent for Linux embedded systems. USB interface simplifies integration.