AMW136-3.6.3R Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The AMW136-3.6.3R is a WiFi 802.11b/g/n transceiver module manufactured by Silicon Labs, designed for 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz wireless communication applications. This module integrates a trace antenna on a surface mount package and provides serial interfaces including ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, and UART connectivity. The product is classified as Obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent substitute components for ongoing system support and new design considerations.

Substiute Parts

AMW136-3.6.3R

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 1125AMW136-3.6.3R Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

WGM160PX22KGA3R

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 2004WGM160PX22KGA3R Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The WGM160PX22KGA3R qualifies as a substitute for the AMW136-3.6.3R based on the following alignment of critical parameters:

Matching Core Specifications:

• RF Family/Standard: Both operate on WiFi 802.11b/g/n protocol
• Frequency Band: Both operate within the 2.4GHz ISM band (AMW136: 2.4GHz ~ 2.5GHz; WGM160: 2.412GHz ~ 2.484GHz)
• Voltage Supply: Both require 3V ~ 3.6V supply voltage
• Mounting Type: Both are surface mount modules
• Antenna Type: Both feature integrated antennas
• Moisture Sensitivity Level: Both rated at MSL 3 (168 Hours)
• ECCN Classification: Both classified as 5A992C
• HTSUS Code: Both classified as 8517.62.0090

Functional Differences: The WGM160PX22KGA3R operates at a higher data rate (72.2Mbps versus 65Mbps), provides enhanced sensitivity (-95.5dBm versus -94dBm), and includes expanded serial interfaces (Ethernet, I2C, SPI, UART, USART, USB). The substitute module features increased memory capacity (2MB Flash, 512kB RAM versus 1MB Flash, 128kB RAM) and operates across a wider temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C versus -30°C ~ 85°C).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Existing Systems Using AMW136-3.6.3R:

The WGM160PX22KGA3R serves as a functional substitute where the AMW136-3.6.3R is no longer available. Both modules share identical supply voltage requirements (3V ~ 3.6V) and operate within the same WiFi 802.11b/g/n protocol framework. The substitute module maintains compliance with identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications, supporting regulatory continuity.

Critical Design Considerations:

Power consumption represents the primary design impact. The WGM160PX22KGA3R draws significantly higher current during both receive (34.5mA ~ 38.5mA versus 5.7mA) and transmit (131.4mA ~ 141.3mA versus 11.4mA) operations. Power supply and thermal management designs must accommodate these increased current requirements.

The substitute module operates across an extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C versus -30°C ~ 85°C), providing enhanced low-temperature performance capability. Package footprint differences exist between the 52-SMD Module (AMW136-3.6.3R) and 55-SMD Module (WGM160PX22KGA3R), requiring PCB layout verification.

Product Status Impact:

The AMW136-3.6.3R is classified as Obsolete. The WGM160PX22KGA3R is classified as Not For New Designs, indicating both components are outside active production cycles. New system designs should evaluate current-generation WiFi transceiver modules from Silicon Labs or alternative manufacturers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the WGM160PX22KGA3R directly replace the AMW136-3.6.3R in existing designs?

A: Electrical substitution is possible due to matching supply voltage (3V ~ 3.6V), WiFi protocol (802.11b/g/n), and frequency band (2.4GHz ISM). However, mechanical substitution requires PCB layout modification due to different package types (52-SMD versus 55-SMD). Power supply design must accommodate significantly higher current consumption in the substitute module.

Q: What are the primary differences between these two modules?

A: The WGM160PX22KGA3R provides higher data rate (72.2Mbps versus 65Mbps), improved sensitivity (-95.5dBm versus -94dBm), expanded memory (2MB Flash, 512kB RAM versus 1MB Flash, 128kB RAM), and extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C versus -30°C ~ 85°C). The substitute module consumes substantially more current during operation and features a different antenna implementation (chip-based versus trace-based).

Q: Are there packaging differences between these modules?

A: Yes. The AMW136-3.6.3R uses a 52-SMD Module package in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format. The WGM160PX22KGA3R uses a 55-SMD Module package in Tape & Reel (TR) format. These package differences necessitate PCB footprint and layout modifications.

Q: What is the impact of increased current consumption in the WGM160PX22KGA3R?

A: The substitute module requires power supply capacity of at least 34.5mA during receive operations and 131.4mA during transmit operations, compared to 5.7mA and 11.4mA respectively for the original module. Power distribution design, decoupling capacitance, and thermal management must be re-evaluated for the substitute component.

Q: Are both modules compliant with the same regulatory classifications?

A: Yes. Both modules share identical ECCN (5A992C) and HTSUS (8517.62.0090) classifications, maintaining regulatory compliance continuity. Both modules are rated at Moisture Sensitivity Level 3 (168 Hours).

Q: What serial interfaces are available on each module?

A: The AMW136-3.6.3R provides ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, and UART interfaces. The WGM160PX22KGA3R provides Ethernet, I2C, SPI, UART, USART, and USB interfaces. Interface compatibility must be verified for specific application requirements.

Q: Should new designs use either of these modules?

A: No. Both modules are outside active production cycles (Obsolete and Not For New Designs status). New system designs should evaluate current-generation WiFi transceiver solutions from Silicon Labs or alternative manufacturers.