RTL8821CE
802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 combo chip for laptops and tablets
Product Overview
Description
The Realtek RTL8821CE is a highly integrated Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo solution designed for laptops, tablets, and embedded systems requiring reliable wireless connectivity.
This combo chip supports 1x1 802.11ac with MU-MIMO and Bluetooth 4.2 with BLE, providing comprehensive wireless connectivity in a compact package with minimal external components.
With PCIe and USB interfaces available, RTL8821CE offers flexibility for various system designs while maintaining low power consumption suitable for battery-powered devices.
Product Series
RTL
Primary Application
Laptops and notebooks
Key Features
- 802.11ac 1x1 with MU-MIMO
- Bluetooth 4.2 with BLE support
- Dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz operation
- PCIe and USB interface options
- Low power consumption
- Compact QFN-40 package
- Windows and Linux driver support
- Integrated power amplifier
Specifications
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 + BLE |
| Wi-Fi Configuration | 1x1 Single-band (2.4/5GHz) |
| Max Wi-Fi Speed | 433 Mbps |
| Interface | PCIe/USB |
| MIMO | 1x1 with MU-MIMO support |
| Channel Width | 20/40/80 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C |
| Package | QFN-40 |
| Power Consumption | Low power design |
Applications
Laptops and notebooks
Electronic system design
Tablets
Electronic system design
Embedded systems
Electronic system design
IoT devices
Electronic system design
Smart home devices
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"RTL8821CE is our most popular wireless combo chip for budget to mid-range laptops. The integration level is excellent - Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in one chip reduces BOM cost and board space. Driver support is solid on Windows 10/11. We recommend this for cost-sensitive designs where 433Mbps is sufficient."
Cost-effective Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth combo for mainstream laptops
— Michael Chen, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum Wi-Fi speed of RTL8821CE?
RTL8821CE supports maximum 433 Mbps in 802.11ac mode with 80MHz channel width. In 802.11n mode, it supports up to 150 Mbps. Actual throughput depends on environmental conditions, router capability, and interference. For typical office environments, expect 200-300 Mbps real-world performance in 5GHz band.
Sufficient for internet browsing and streaming. Consider RTL8822CE for higher bandwidth applications.
Does RTL8821CE support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands?
Yes, RTL8821CE is a dual-band solution supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. It can operate on 2.4GHz (802.11b/g/n) for compatibility and 5GHz (802.11a/n/ac) for higher performance. The chip supports simultaneous dual-band operation and automatic band selection based on signal quality and congestion.
Dual-band support provides flexibility. Use 5GHz for performance, 2.4GHz for range.
What Bluetooth profiles are supported by RTL8821CE?
RTL8821CE Bluetooth 4.2 supports comprehensive profiles including A2DP for audio streaming, HFP/HSP for headsets, HID for keyboards/mice, PAN for networking, and BLE for low-energy devices. It supports dual-mode operation (classic Bluetooth + BLE) simultaneously. The Bluetooth stack is certified for Windows and Android compatibility.
Comprehensive profile support suitable for most applications. Contact FAE for specific profile requirements.
How does RTL8821CE compare to Intel wireless solutions?
RTL8821CE offers similar 1x1 802.11ac performance to Intel AC3168 at a lower cost point. Intel solutions may have slightly better roaming performance and enterprise features, but RTL8821CE provides excellent value for consumer applications. For most laptop and tablet applications, users won't notice performance differences in typical use cases.
Choose RTL8821CE for cost optimization. Consider Intel for enterprise or premium positioning.
What is the typical power consumption of RTL8821CE?
RTL8821CE has typical active power consumption of 300-400mW during data transmission. In power save mode (PSM), consumption drops to 10-20mW. The chip supports various power management features including WoWLAN (Wake on Wireless LAN) for modern standby applications. Actual consumption depends on traffic patterns and power save settings.
Low power suitable for battery-powered devices. Enable power save features for best battery life.