Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module

The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module is a small, self-contained radio. It lets the TV stream video over a home network without a cable, and talk to Bluetooth devices such as remotes, headphones and soundbars.

It is built like a miniature main board. A small printed circuit board carries one radio chip, an integrated circuit that handles both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and does the hard work of turning data into radio waves and back. A crystal beside it gives the precise reference the chip needs to stay exactly on its channel. Small ceramic capacitors around the chip steady its power. The antenna is shaped copper: often a pattern etched into the board itself, or a separate piece linked by a thin cable. The parts are soldered in place, and a metal can often covers the chip to block interference.

The finished module plugs or solders onto the main board, which talks to it over a fast digital link. Wi-Fi uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, plus 6 GHz in newer versions, while Bluetooth shares the 2.4 GHz band. Some TVs build the radio into the main chip instead.