MEDIATEK MT7921K - User Manual

© 2020 MediaTek Inc.
This document contains information that is proprietary to MediaTek Inc.
Unauthorized reproduction or disclosure of this information in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Version: V0. 1
Release Date: 2020-12-14
MT7921K Install User Guideline

Summary

System Overview

General Description

Provides a general description of the MT7921K chip, highlighting its integrated wireless LAN and Bluetooth capabilities.

Driver Installation

How to Install Driver

Outlines the general procedure for installing the device driver, involving security updates and driver installation steps.

Windows Security for New Signature Mechanism

Details the process of updating Windows security for new signature mechanisms, crucial for driver installation.

Windows 10 Install Note

Provides specific notes and steps for installing drivers on Windows 10, including disabling integrity checks.

Install Windows Driver

Step-by-step guide on how to install the Windows driver for the MT7921K module via PCIE interface.

FCC Compliance Rules and Conditions

Summarizes applicable FCC rules, operational conditions, and limitations for the module's use.

Antenna Information and Compliance

Details certified antennas, label requirements, test modes, and relevant FCC disclaimer for compliance.

General Information & Integration Instructions

General Description of MT7921 K

Provides detailed specifications of the MT7921K, including modulation, transfer rates, frequencies, and channels.

Antenna Information

Lists certified antennas, their specifications, and contact information for purchase and re-assessment.

Host Integration Instructions

Guides on how to install the module into a host system's M.2 2230 PCIE slot.

Host Product Testing Guidance

Provides guidance on testing the host product to verify compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

Regulatory Notes

Contains FCC interference statements, caution notices, and radiation exposure information.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The MT7921K is a highly integrated single-chip solution designed for wireless LAN and Bluetooth combo radio functionalities. This device is intended for use by OEM integrators and is designed to be installed into a host product. Its primary function is to provide dual-band wireless LAN (WiFi6E) and Bluetooth/BLE connectivity, operating across various ISM bands.

Function Description

The MT7921K chip integrates a 2x2 dual-band wireless LAN and Bluetooth combo radio. This means it can handle both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communications simultaneously, offering a comprehensive wireless solution for host devices. The Wi-Fi component supports the latest 802.11ax standard (WiFi6E), as well as older standards like 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, enabling high-speed and efficient wireless data transfer. It operates across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands, providing flexibility and access to less congested spectrum for improved performance. The Bluetooth component supports both Bluetooth EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) and Bluetooth LE (Low Energy), allowing for a wide range of short-range wireless connections with various peripherals and devices.

The module utilizes various modulation types, including GFSK, π/4-DQPSK, 8DPSK for FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) in Bluetooth EDR, and GFSK for Bluetooth LE. For Wi-Fi, it supports CCK, DQPSK, DBPSK for DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum), and 64QAM, 16QAM, QPSK, BPSK for OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing). Additionally, it supports 256QAM for OFDM in 11ac mode and VHT20/40 in 2.4GHz, and 1024QAM for OFDMA in 11ax HE mode, which are crucial for achieving higher data rates and better spectral efficiency in modern Wi-Fi networks. The combination of these technologies allows the MT7921K to adapt to different network conditions and provide robust wireless performance.

The MT7921K is designed to be used with an NGFF (Next Generation Form Factor) M.2 2230 PCIE Bus. This interface type ensures compatibility with a wide range of host devices, particularly laptops and other compact systems that utilize M.2 slots for expansion. The module's design as a combo card simplifies integration for OEMs, as it provides both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities through a single module, reducing complexity and space requirements in the host product.

Usage Features

The MT7921K is primarily an internal component, meaning its usage features are largely experienced through the host device it is integrated into. For end-users, this translates to seamless wireless connectivity for internet access, local network communication, and peripheral connections.

• Dual-Band and Tri-Band Wi-Fi Connectivity: The module supports 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz Wi-Fi bands. This allows the host device to connect to a wider range of Wi-Fi networks and leverage the less congested 5GHz and 6GHz bands for faster speeds and more reliable connections, especially in environments with many wireless devices. The 6GHz band, specifically, offers access to the WiFi6E standard, providing significantly increased capacity and reduced latency.
• High-Speed Data Transfer: With support for 802.11ax, the module enables the host device to achieve very high wireless data transfer rates, suitable for demanding applications such as streaming high-definition video, online gaming, and large file transfers.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: The integrated Bluetooth functionality allows the host device to connect wirelessly to a variety of Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, and smartphones. This enhances the versatility of the host product by enabling a cable-free experience for many common peripherals.
• Seamless Driver Installation: The installation process for the Windows driver is outlined, including steps to update Windows security packages for signature mechanisms and specific notes for Windows 10 installations. This guidance aims to ensure a smooth setup for OEMs during the integration phase.
• Regulatory Compliance: The module is designed to comply with FCC Part 15 Subpart C and Subpart E rules, ensuring that host products integrating this module can meet regulatory requirements for wireless devices. It is authorized for Low Power Indoor Client applications only, meaning the final host product must be used indoors.

Maintenance Features

As an embedded module, the MT7921K itself does not have direct user-facing maintenance features. Maintenance is primarily handled at the host system level, through software updates and adherence to integration guidelines.

• Driver Updates: The primary maintenance aspect for the MT7921K involves keeping its drivers updated. The installation guide provides instructions for installing Windows drivers, and ongoing maintenance would involve applying newer driver versions released by MediaTek or the host system manufacturer. These updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and enhanced security.
• Host System Software Management: The performance and stability of the MT7921K are closely tied to the host system's operating system and software. Regular updates to the host OS, security patches, and proper system maintenance practices (e.g., disk cleanup, antivirus scans) indirectly contribute to the optimal functioning of the wireless module.
• Antenna Information and Integration Instructions: The manual provides detailed antenna information, including certified antennas and their specifications. This is crucial for OEMs to ensure that the correct antennas are used to maintain regulatory compliance and optimal performance. The integration instructions specify that the module should be installed into an M.2 2230 PCIE slot. Adhering to these guidelines during manufacturing is a form of "maintenance" to ensure the device operates as intended and remains compliant.
• Regulatory Notes and OEM Responsibilities: The document emphasizes that OEM integrators are responsible for ensuring the final host product complies with all applicable FCC rules. This includes reassessing the transmitter module for compliance with Radio and EMF essential requirements. This ongoing responsibility for compliance can be considered a form of maintenance, ensuring the product remains legally marketable and safe.
• Labeling Requirements: The final end product must be labeled with "Contains FCC ID: RAS-MT7921K" in a visible area. This requirement helps with regulatory identification and is a critical part of maintaining compliance.
• Restrictions on Use: The module is prohibited for control of or communications with unmanned aircraft systems. This restriction is a maintenance guideline to ensure the module is used within its intended and certified scope.

In summary, while the MT7921K is a powerful and versatile wireless module, its maintenance is largely integrated into the broader lifecycle management of the host product, focusing on correct installation, driver management, and adherence to regulatory standards by the OEM.

MEDIATEK MT7921K Specifications

General

Chipset	MT7921K
Wi-Fi Standard	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wireless Protocol	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth Version	Bluetooth 5.2
Frequency Bands	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
MIMO	2x2
Security	WPA3
Interface	PCIe
Category	Wireless LAN
Operating Systems Supported	Windows, Linux