LM823 - WiFi 802.11 b/g/n 150Mbps USB Module | LM Technologies
MPN: LM823 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $12.95 | $129.50 |
| 100 | $11.4 | $1,140.00 |
| 500 | $10.1 | $5,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.05 | $9,050.00 |
LM823 Overview
A WiFi module is a compact radio subsystem that integrates the RF transceiver, baseband processor, MAC, and host interface (USB, SDIO, SPI, or UART) into a single, certified or pre-certified hardware block. It allows a host processor or embedded MCU to add wireless connectivity without having to design the analog RF chain, antenna matching network, or regulatory radio from scratch. WiFi modules are classified by generation (WiFi 4 = 802.11n, WiFi 5 = 802.11ac, WiFi 6 = 802.11ax), by host interface (USB, SDIO, SPI, UART), and by antenna integration (chip antenna, trace antenna, or external antenna via u.FL/IPEX).
Key features of the LM823 include IEEE 802.11 b/g/n compliance, 150 Mbps maximum PHY data rate on a 2.4 GHz single-band radio, USB 2.0 HCI host interface, integrated IPEX/u.FL antenna receptacle for flexible external antenna selection, low-power operation, and a compact SMT package for high-density PCB placement. It is shipped in trays of 40 pieces and supports Linux/Android/Windows host drivers commonly available for USB WiFi dongle-class silicon.
The module integrates a 2.4 GHz single-band 1x1 SISO radio with 20 MHz channel bandwidth, supporting DSSS/CCK for 802.11b and OFDM for 802.11g/n. Internally it relies on a USB-attached WiFi SoC whose host drivers are widely packaged in mainline Linux kernels, Android, and Windows, so no proprietary firmware porting is required on common host platforms. The IPEX receptacle allows the integrator to swap a higher-gain external antenna for better link margin in metal-enclosed products.
Typical applications include embedded Linux gateways, IoT edge nodes, industrial wireless telemetry, point-of-sale terminals, retrofit WiFi for set-top boxes and media players, and USB-attached wireless connectivity for SBCs and developer boards that lack built-in WiFi. The 150 Mbps PHY rate is sufficient for video streaming up to 1080p, VoIP, and bulk file transfer on a local network.
When designing with this module, mount the antenna connector area clear of ground copper and tall components to avoid pattern distortion; route the USB D+/D- pair as a 90 ohm impedance-controlled differential pair with matched length. For regulatory compliance, the modular transmitter typically still requires antenna selection and host-integration testing against FCC/CE rules for the final product.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes for the LM823 that are not consolidated in the LM Technologies datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for LM823 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with LM823 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Host Interface, Wireless Standard, Bluetooth Version, Channel Bandwidth, MIMO Configuration.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
LM823-1463-5
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM823-1464-3
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM823 Specifications (manufacturer-published)
| Wireless Standard | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (WiFi 4) |
| Frequency Band | 2.4 GHz (single band) |
| Max PHY Data Rate | 150 Mbps |
| Host Interface | USB (HCI via USB) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Antenna Connector | IPEX receptacle (u.FL-compatible) |
| MIMO Configuration | 1x1 SISO |
| Channel Bandwidth | 20 MHz |
| Modulation | DSSS/CCK (b), OFDM (g/n) |
| Package / Mounting | SMT module |
| Packaging | Tray, 40 pieces per tray |
| Replacement For | LM821 (per datasheet note) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
LM823 Interfaces & Connectors
LM823 exposes the following interfaces and connectors as published by the manufacturer: Wireless, Power Input. Expansion header pinout, connector pin numbering, and electrical limits are defined in the manufacturer documentation.
| Wireless | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (WiFi 4) |
| Power Input | 3.3 V |
Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the full expansion header pinout and connector pin numbering.
Power & Thermal Characteristics
| Power Input | 3.3 V |
Power input and thermal parameters for LM823 as published by the manufacturer.
Typical Applications
LM823 is suitable for 6 applications: Embedded Linux Gateway, IoT Edge Node / Smart Home Hub, Industrial Wireless Telemetry, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal, Set-Top Box / Media Player Retrofit WiFi, SBC / Developer Board Wireless Add-On.
Embedded Linux Gateway
The LM823 provides a 150 Mbps 802.11 b/g/n link for embedded Linux gateways and routers that already have a USB host port and lack integrated WiFi. The module's USB HCI presentation lets the host CPU use the standard cfg80211/USB WiFi driver without proprietary firmware porting, and the IPEX/u.FL receptacle allows a higher-gain external antenna to be used for improved link margin in metal-enclosed industrial enclosures.
Recommended
IoT Edge Node / Smart Home Hub
For IoT edge nodes and smart-home hubs, the LM823's 150 Mbps PHY rate is sufficient for telemetry, firmware-over-the-air updates, and cloud-protocol uplinks on the 2.4 GHz band. According to the LM Technologies datasheet, the module's low-power operation suits always-on consumer hubs, and the USB HCI works with Linux/Android stacks commonly used in home gateways. The IPEX antenna port enables antenna selection for plastic-enclosed consumer products.
Recommended
Industrial Wireless Telemetry
The LM823 is a practical WiFi backhaul for industrial telemetry PLCs, remote sensors, and machine-monitoring units that already provide USB and run a Linux or Windows host. The 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n radio delivers 150 Mbps PHY rate for backhauling time-series data and alarm events, and the IPEX receptacle allows an external high-gain antenna to extend range across a factory floor. Per the LM Technologies datasheet, the module ships in 40-piece trays suited for low-volume industrial production.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal
POS terminals benefit from the LM823's USB HCI because the host SoC running Android or Linux already includes the WiFi dongle driver stack. The 150 Mbps PHY rate supports cloud-based transaction uploads, receipt printing over the network, and inventory sync. According to the LM Technologies datasheet, the SMT form factor with IPEX antenna allows the antenna to be placed near the enclosure surface for stable signal in retail environments.
Recommended
Set-Top Box / Media Player Retrofit WiFi
Retrofit WiFi for set-top boxes and streaming media players is a strong fit for the LM823 because it adds WiFi 4 connectivity via a USB host port without requiring any host driver porting on the standard Android TV or Linux media stacks. The 150 Mbps throughput handles 1080p streaming comfortably, and the IPEX/u.FL connector allows flexible antenna placement inside a metal-shielded consumer enclosure.
Recommended
SBC / Developer Board Wireless Add-On
Single-board computers and developer boards that lack integrated WiFi can use the LM823 as a USB-attached wireless add-on. Per the LM Technologies datasheet, the USB HCI is recognized out-of-the-box on Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, and other Linux distributions with no driver work. The 150 Mbps radio handles software downloads, headless configuration, and remote SSH sessions, while the IPEX receptacle lets makers attach antennas of their choice.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LM823 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | LM823-1463-5 | LM823-1464-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | LM Technologies | LM Technologies | LM Technologies |
| Package | SMT module with IPEX receptacle | SMT module with IPEX receptacle - same family | SMT module with u.FL receptacle - same family |
| Wireless Standard | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n - same | 802.11 b/g/n - same |
| Max PHY Data Rate | 150 Mbps | 150 Mbps - same | 150 Mbps - same |
| Host Interface | USB HCI | USB HCI - same | USB HCI - same |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V - same | 3.3 V - same |
| Antenna Connector | IPEX receptacle | IPEX receptacle - same | u.FL receptacle (drop-in compatible) |
| Replacement For | LM821 | LM821 - same | LM821 - same (per datasheet note) |
Key Differentiators
- Designated LM821 replacement within LM Technologies portfolio (vs LM821)
- USB HCI for instant host driver support (vs UART/SPI WiFi modules)
- External antenna via IPEX/u.FL for flexible RF design (vs Chip-antenna WiFi modules)
Design Notes
Route the USB D+ and D- pair as a 90 ohm differential pair with matched length to keep signal integrity. Place the LM823 module near the edge of the PCB with the IPEX/u.FL antenna connector area clear of ground copper, tall components, and the metal enclosure to avoid antenna pattern distortion. Estimated: USB 2.0 high-speed signal integrity generally holds up to 50 mm of well-controlled trace; longer distances should be reviewed with a TDR measurement.
Provide a clean 3.3 V rail to the LM823 with at least 10 uF of bulk decoupling close to the module's supply pin. According to the LM Technologies datasheet, the module draws peak current during transmit bursts; inadequate decoupling can cause radio resets and link drops. A ferrite bead in series with the module supply plus a low-ESR ceramic cap improves TX burst performance on noisy host boards.
Do not assume cross-brand USB WiFi modules are drop-in replacements for the LM823 - each vendor uses a unique SMT footprint, antenna connector placement, and pinout, so PCB rework is required. Per the LM Technologies datasheet, the LM823 must be ordered in multiples of 40 pieces (tray qty); plan the BOM accordingly. Regulatory modular certification typically transfers only when the antenna type and host enclosure match the test report - changing antennas may invalidate modular approvals.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status inferred from LM Technologies product page; REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations not present in verified web data. AEC-Q100 is not applicable for a wireless module.
