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

Part Overview

The Laird Connectivity 450-0168R is a Bluetooth and WiFi 802.11a/b/g/-c integrated transceiver module designed for surface mount applications. This module operates in the 2.402GHz to 2.48GHz frequency band and delivers a maximum data rate of 433.3Mbps with integrated antenna functionality. The part is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating discontinued production status. Identification of equivalent and substitute components is necessary to support ongoing design requirements, inventory planning, and long-term product support where the original part is no longer available from manufacturing.

Substiute Parts

450-0168R

Laird Connectivity Inc.In Stock: 1017450-0168R Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

453-00046R

Laird Connectivity Inc.In Stock: 1221453-00046R Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 450-0168R with the 453-00046R is based on the following alignment of critical parameters:

Substitution Criteria:

Both parts share the following core functional characteristics:

• Manufacturer: Laird Connectivity Inc. (same manufacturer ensures design continuity and support)
• RF Family/Standard: Bluetooth and WiFi transceiver functionality
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount (compatible with existing PCB assembly processes)
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C (identical thermal operating envelope)
• Data Rate: 433.3Mbps (equivalent throughput performance)
• MSL Rating: 4 (72 Hours) (identical moisture sensitivity handling requirements)
• RoHS Compliance: Both parts meet RoHS requirements

Key Differences Requiring Design Evaluation:

The 453-00046R represents an enhanced variant within the Sterling-LWB product family (Sterling-LWB5+) with the following distinctions:

• Protocol: Upgraded to 802.11ac and Bluetooth v5.0 (versus 802.11a/b/g/-c and Bluetooth in original)
• Frequency: Expanded to 2.4GHz and 5GHz (versus 2.402GHz ~ 2.48GHz in original)
• Power Output: 18dBm (versus 16dBm in original)
• Antenna Configuration: I-PEX MHF4 connector, antenna not included (versus integrated chip antenna in original)
• Voltage Supply: 3.3V fixed (versus 3.2V ~ 3.6V range in original)
• Product Status: Active (versus Last Time Buy)

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Consideration: Product Status

The 450-0168R carries a Last Time Buy designation, indicating that manufacturing has ceased and existing inventory represents the final available stock. The 453-00046R is classified as Active, ensuring continued availability and long-term supply chain stability.

Compliance and Certification Alignment

Both parts maintain RoHS compliance and identical MSL ratings, supporting equivalent handling and environmental requirements in manufacturing and field deployment. The 453-00046R includes ECCN classification (5A992C) and HTSUS coding (8517.62.0090), indicating regulatory documentation completeness for export and trade purposes.

Functional Capability Assessment

The 453-00046R provides enhanced protocol support (802.11ac and Bluetooth v5.0) and expanded frequency coverage (5GHz capability) compared to the original part. These enhancements represent forward compatibility improvements. However, the antenna configuration differs fundamentally: the original part features an integrated chip antenna, while the substitute requires external antenna connection via I-PEX MHF4 connector. This architectural difference necessitates PCB layout modification and antenna procurement.

Voltage Supply Specification

The original part accepts a 3.2V to 3.6V supply range, providing design flexibility. The substitute specifies a fixed 3.3V supply. Designs utilizing the full voltage range of the original part require power supply adjustment to meet the substitute's fixed voltage requirement.

Selection Path

Selection of the 453-00046R is appropriate for new designs or redesigns where the enhanced protocol capabilities and active product status justify the antenna subsystem redesign. Existing designs with integrated antenna requirements and Last Time Buy inventory constraints should evaluate the available 450-0168R stock (942 units) against production volume and timeline requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 453-00046R directly replace the 450-0168R on existing PCBs without modification?

A: No. The antenna configuration differs fundamentally. The 450-0168R features an integrated chip antenna requiring no external components. The 453-00046R requires an external antenna connected via I-PEX MHF4 connector. PCB layout modification is necessary to accommodate the connector and antenna placement.

Q: What is the impact of the antenna configuration change on RF performance?

A: The integrated chip antenna of the 450-0168R is optimized for the 2.402GHz to 2.48GHz band. The 453-00046R's external antenna configuration allows selection of antennas optimized for specific frequency bands (2.4GHz or 5GHz). External antenna performance depends on antenna selection, placement, and PCB layout implementation.

Q: Are the serial interfaces compatible between the two parts?

A: Partial compatibility exists. The 450-0168R supports PCM, SDIO, and UART interfaces. The 453-00046R supports SDIO and UART. Designs utilizing PCM interface cannot use the 453-00046R without firmware or hardware modification.

Q: What is the significance of the voltage supply difference?

A: The 450-0168R accepts 3.2V to 3.6V, providing a 400mV tolerance band. The 453-00046R requires a fixed 3.3V supply. Designs with power supplies delivering the full 3.2V to 3.6V range must be adjusted to deliver precisely 3.3V for the substitute part.

Q: How does the Bluetooth version upgrade affect compatibility?

A: The 450-0168R supports standard Bluetooth protocol. The 453-00046R supports Bluetooth v5.0, which is backward compatible with earlier Bluetooth versions. Existing Bluetooth applications operate on the 453-00046R without modification. Bluetooth v5.0 features (extended range, higher data rate) are available for new implementations.

Q: What is the Last Time Buy status and how does it affect procurement?

A: Last Time Buy indicates that the 450-0168R is no longer manufactured and existing inventory represents the final available stock. Once inventory is depleted, the part becomes unavailable. Current inventory shows 942 units. Procurement decisions should account for production volume requirements and timeline constraints.

Q: Are there differences in current consumption between the two parts?

A: Current consumption specifications are provided for the 450-0168R (320mA receiving, 70mA transmitting) but not specified for the 453-00046R. Power consumption comparison cannot be performed based on available data. Contact the manufacturer for 453-00046R current specifications if power budget analysis is required.

Q: What is the MSL rating and why is it identical for both parts?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) 4 (72 Hours) indicates that both parts require storage in controlled humidity environments and have a 72-hour floor life after moisture barrier bag opening. Identical MSL ratings mean both parts use equivalent moisture handling procedures in manufacturing and assembly.

Q: Can the 450-0168R be used in new designs?

A: The 450-0168R is available in current inventory (942 units) but carries Last Time Buy status. New designs should evaluate whether the available inventory supports production volume and timeline requirements. For designs with extended production timelines or high volume requirements, the 453-00046R (Active status) provides supply chain continuity.