PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
EnGenius EMP-8603 Premium Dual-Band Mini-PCI Wireless Module
The EnGenius EMP-8603 Premium is an embedded wireless radio module supporting IEEE 802.11a/b/g operation in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Its 32-bit Mini-PCI Type IIIA interface is designed for integration into compatible host platforms.
With standard wireless link rates up to 54 Mbps, band-specific MMCX antenna connections, and an extended operating temperature range, the EMP-8603 is suited to maintaining legacy wireless equipment and developing compatible embedded networking systems.
Key Features
- IEEE 802.11a/b/g wireless support.
- 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation.
- Standard 802.11a/g PHY rates up to 54 Mbps.
- 32-bit Mini-PCI Type IIIA host interface.
- Two MMCX antenna connectors: one for each frequency band.
- Manufacturer-advertised maximum transmit output of 800 mW in 802.11b, 600 mW in 802.11g, and 500 mW in 802.11a.
- Operating temperature range of -40 to +85 °C.
Wireless Performance
The module supports legacy 802.11b/g networks at 2.4 GHz and 802.11a networks at 5 GHz. Transmit power depends on the wireless mode, data rate, hardware configuration, and applicable regional limits. Maximum advertised output is not available at every data rate.
Wireless speed figures describe PHY link rates. Actual application throughput is lower and depends on the host platform, signal conditions, interference, and protocol overhead.
Host Interface and Antenna Connections
The EMP-8603 requires a compatible Mini-PCI Type IIIA slot, sufficient power, physical clearance, and a supported driver. Its two MMCX connections serve different frequency bands; they should not be treated as interchangeable MIMO antenna chains.
Power Requirements
Normal slot power is 3.3 V DC ±5%. Manufacturer documentation also describes an external jumper-wire power arrangement accepting 5 V DC or 9–24 V DC. External power must follow the exact board configuration and manufacturer wiring instructions.
Important: This module is not a direct PoE-powered device. Do not apply external-supply voltages to the Mini-PCI slot power pins.
Ideal Applications
- Replacement of a verified matching radio in legacy embedded equipment.
- Integration into supported Mini-PCI wireless platforms.
- Maintenance of existing 802.11a/b/g networks.
- Embedded wireless development and laboratory evaluation.
Compatible Products
The EMP-8603 is intended for host equipment that explicitly supports this radio module and meets all of the following requirements:
- A 32-bit Mini-PCI Type IIIA interface with suitable mounting and clearance.
- A 3.3 V DC ±5% slot supply with adequate current capacity.
- Operating-system and driver support for the installed chipset.
- Appropriate MMCX antenna cables and antennas for the selected frequency band.
- Firmware and regional settings supporting the intended wireless operation.
Important: Mini-PCI and Mini PCI Express are different interfaces. This module is not a direct replacement for Mini PCIe, M.2, or USB wireless adapters. An MMCX connector alone does not establish antenna compatibility.
Technical Specifications
General
- Brand: EnGenius
- Model / MPN: EMP-8603
- Series: Premium
- Product Type: Embedded wireless radio module
- Host Interface: 32-bit Mini-PCI Type IIIA
- Chipset: Atheros AR5413, as identified for EMP-8603 in the manufacturer ordering table
Wireless
- Standards: IEEE 802.11a/b/g
- Primary Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- 802.11b/g Channel Range: 2.412–2.472 GHz, subject to regional configuration
- Documented 5 GHz Range: 5.18–5.825 GHz, subject to regional configuration
- Additional Documented Ranges: 4.92–4.98 GHz and 5.04–5.08 GHz; availability requires configuration and regulatory verification
- 802.11a/g PHY Rates: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 Mbps
- 802.11b PHY Rates: 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps
- Channel Widths: Manufacturer documentation describes 5/10/20 MHz support with an optional-configuration qualification
Transmit Power
- Advertised Maximum, 802.11b: Up to 800 mW
- Advertised Maximum, 802.11g: Up to 600 mW
- Advertised Maximum, 802.11a: Up to 500 mW
- Qualification: Actual output varies by rate, configuration, and regulatory limits
Antenna Connections
- Connector Type: MMCX
- Connector Count: 2
- Band Assignment: One connection for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz
Power
- Mini-PCI Slot Supply: 3.3 V DC ±5%
- External Jumper Supply: 5 V DC or 9–24 V DC, using the documented configuration
- Continuous Transmit Current Without Jumper, 802.11a: ≤ 2 A
- Continuous Transmit Current Without Jumper, 802.11b/g: ≤ 1.4 A
- Continuous Receive Current: ≤ 400 mA
- Sleep Current: ≤ 100 mA
Security
- Documented Support: WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES, and 64/128-bit WEP
- Encryption Engine: Hardware-based IEEE 802.11i
- Availability: Depends on host software and driver support
Environmental
- Operating Temperature: -40 to +85 °C
- Storage Temperature: -45 to +90 °C
- Advertised ESD Protection: Up to 16 kV
Download EnGenius EMP-8603 Mini-PCI Wireless Module Datasheet (PDF)
