Equivalent & Substitute Parts for Laird Connectivity 450-0168C RF Transceiver Module

Part Overview

The Laird Connectivity 450-0168C is a Bluetooth and WiFi 802.11a/b/g/-c integrated transceiver module operating in the 2.402GHz to 2.48GHz frequency band. This Surface Mount Device (SMD) module integrates the BCM43353 IC and delivers 16dBm output power with -93dBm sensitivity. The product is designated as Last Time Buy, indicating end-of-life status. Identification of equivalent substitute parts is necessary to ensure continued design support, maintain supply chain continuity, and access components with extended product lifecycles and enhanced feature sets.

Substiute Parts

450-0168C

Laird Connectivity Inc.In Stock: 1710450-0168C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

453-00046C

Laird Connectivity Inc.In Stock: 4535453-00046C Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 450-0168C is determined by the following critical parameters:

RF Protocol Compatibility: The substitute part must support Bluetooth and WiFi standards. The 450-0168C operates under 802.11a/b/g/-c and Bluetooth protocols. Substitute parts must maintain backward compatibility with these standards or provide enhanced protocol support (such as Bluetooth v5.0 or 802.11n/ac) that encompasses the original specifications.

Frequency Band Alignment: The primary operating frequency range of 2.402GHz to 2.48GHz must be supported. Substitute parts may extend frequency coverage to additional bands (such as 5.15GHz to 5.825GHz) without compromising the 2.4GHz band operation.

Electrical Performance Metrics: Power output, sensitivity, data rate, and supply voltage ranges define functional equivalence. Substitute parts must meet or exceed the original specifications for these parameters to ensure system-level performance.

Physical Form Factor: Surface Mount mounting type and module-level packaging are required. Antenna configuration (integrated versus external connector) may differ based on application requirements.

Regulatory and Compliance Status: RoHS compliance and REACH status must be maintained. Operating temperature range must support the specified -40°C to 85°C envelope.

Product Lifecycle Status: Active product status is preferred for new designs to ensure long-term availability and support.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Last Time Buy Mitigation: The 450-0168C carries Last Time Buy status, indicating limited future availability. The 453-00046C is designated as Active product status, ensuring continued manufacturing support and supply chain stability for new designs and long-term production requirements.

For Protocol Enhancement: The 453-00046C supports Bluetooth v5.0 and extended WiFi protocols (802.11n/ac) compared to the 450-0168C base specifications. This provides forward compatibility with modern wireless standards while maintaining full backward compatibility with 802.11a/b/g/-c and Bluetooth legacy protocols.

For Electrical Performance: The 453-00046C delivers 18dBm output power versus 16dBm on the 450-0168C, and achieves -96dBm sensitivity versus -93dBm. These improvements enhance link budget and reception performance. Supply voltage range expansion (3.2V to 4.8V versus 3.2V to 3.6V) provides greater design flexibility.

For Interface Expansion: The 453-00046C provides additional serial interfaces including GPIO, HCI, SPI, and USB alongside the original PCM, SDIO, and UART interfaces. This expanded interface set accommodates diverse host processor architectures.

For Antenna Configuration: The 450-0168C integrates antenna functionality on-chip. The 453-00046C uses an external I-PEX MHF4 connector, requiring external antenna selection. This difference impacts PCB layout and antenna tuning requirements.

For Regulatory Compliance: Both parts maintain RoHS compliance and REACH unaffected status, satisfying environmental and regulatory requirements across global markets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 453-00046C directly replace the 450-0168C without design modifications?

A: The 453-00046C is electrically compatible with the 450-0168C at the protocol and frequency band level. However, the antenna configuration differs: the 450-0168C uses integrated chip antenna, while the 453-00046C requires an external antenna connected via I-PEX MHF4 connector. PCB layout and antenna tuning modifications are necessary. Serial interface expansion on the 453-00046C (GPIO, HCI, SPI, USB) is backward compatible with existing UART, SDIO, and PCM implementations.

Q: What are the key differences in RF performance between these parts?

A: The 453-00046C provides superior RF performance: 18dBm output power (versus 16dBm), -96dBm sensitivity (versus -93dBm), and extended frequency coverage including 5GHz band operation. Both parts maintain 433.3Mbps data rate. The 453-00046C supports Bluetooth v5.0 and 802.11n/ac protocols, enhancing compatibility with current wireless devices.

Q: Why is the 450-0168C designated Last Time Buy?

A: Last Time Buy status indicates the manufacturer is discontinuing production. This designation allows customers a final opportunity to purchase existing inventory before the part becomes unavailable. The 453-00046C Active status ensures continued availability for new designs and production requirements.

Q: Are there supply voltage compatibility concerns when substituting?

A: The 450-0168C operates at 3.2V to 3.6V, while the 453-00046C accepts 3.2V to 4.8V. If the host system supplies 3.2V to 3.6V, both parts operate identically. If the host system can supply up to 4.8V, the 453-00046C provides additional design margin. Verify host power supply specifications before substitution.

Q: What is the impact of the I-PEX MHF4 antenna connector on system design?

A: The 453-00046C requires external antenna selection and connection via I-PEX MHF4 connector. This necessitates PCB layout modifications to route the antenna trace, selection of an appropriate external antenna for the 2.4GHz and/or 5GHz bands, and antenna tuning validation. The 450-0168C integrated antenna eliminates these design steps but limits antenna optimization.

Q: Are the serial interfaces on the 453-00046C backward compatible?

A: Yes. The 453-00046C includes all original interfaces (PCM, SDIO, UART) plus additional interfaces (GPIO, HCI, SPI, USB). Existing firmware and host processor implementations using UART, SDIO, or PCM operate without modification. Additional interfaces are optional and do not interfere with legacy implementations.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to both parts?

A: Both the 450-0168C and 453-00046C are RoHS Compliant and REACH Unaffected. Operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C for both parts, supporting industrial and commercial applications. Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) is 4 (72 Hours) for both parts, requiring controlled storage and handling.