FLEXI-M4-315 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The FLEXI-M4-315 is a 315MHz whip straight RF antenna manufactured by RF Solutions, designed for screw-mount through-hole applications in UHF frequency band systems. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent parts to maintain design continuity and ensure supply chain availability. The antenna operates at a center frequency of 315MHz with a VSWR of 2, suitable for applications requiring single-band UHF reception in the 300MHz to 1GHz range.

Substiute Parts

FLEXI-M4-315

RF SolutionsIn Stock: 764FLEXI-M4-315 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ANT-315-PW-LP

TE Connectivity LinxIn Stock: 1078ANT-315-PW-LP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

ANT-315-PW-RA

TE Connectivity LinxIn Stock: 1018ANT-315-PW-RA Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the FLEXI-M4-315 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

• Center frequency of 315MHz
• UHF frequency group classification (300MHz ~ 1GHz)
• Single-band antenna configuration
• Screw-mount termination type
• Whip antenna geometry (straight or tilt variants)
• VSWR specification of 2 or lower
• MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Frequency range encompassing 315MHz nominal
• Through-hole or panel-mount mechanical interfaces
• Active product status for supply continuity

The substitute parts ANT-315-PW-LP and ANT-315-PW-RA, both manufactured by TE Connectivity Linx, satisfy these criteria through matching center frequency, frequency group, termination type, and MSL rating. Both substitutes maintain screw-mount connectivity and operate within acceptable VSWR parameters for 315MHz applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

ANT-315-PW-LP Selection Criteria: The ANT-315-PW-LP is suitable for applications requiring a compact 315MHz antenna with improved VSWR performance (1.9 versus 2.0). This part is active and RoHS compliant, ensuring long-term supply availability and regulatory compliance. The reduced height of 50.50mm accommodates space-constrained designs. Panel-mount configuration requires mechanical interface adaptation from the original through-hole design. Specified gain of -4dBi provides quantified performance data for link budget calculations.

ANT-315-PW-RA Selection Criteria: The ANT-315-PW-RA maintains the original VSWR specification of 2 and provides a height of 131.57mm, closer to the original 160.00mm dimension. This part is active and RoHS compliant. The tilt antenna geometry offers mechanical flexibility for installation angles. Panel-mount configuration requires interface modification from through-hole mounting. This substitute is appropriate when antenna orientation adjustment capability is required.

Compliance Considerations: Both substitute parts carry RoHS Compliant and REACH Unaffected designations, meeting modern regulatory requirements. The ECCN classification (EAR99) remains consistent across all three parts, indicating no export control changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ANT-315-PW-LP and ANT-315-PW-RA be used interchangeably with FLEXI-M4-315?

A: Both parts operate at 315MHz center frequency with matching screw-mount termination and MSL ratings. However, mechanical mounting differs: the original uses through-hole mounting while substitutes use panel-mount configuration. Antenna geometry also differs (straight versus tilt). Selection depends on specific mechanical constraints and orientation requirements of the application.

Q: What is the impact of VSWR difference between FLEXI-M4-315 (VSWR 2) and ANT-315-PW-LP (VSWR 1.9)?

A: The ANT-315-PW-LP provides improved impedance matching with lower VSWR, resulting in reduced signal reflection and improved efficiency. This represents a performance enhancement suitable for applications with tight link budget requirements.

Q: How does the height difference affect substitution?

A: FLEXI-M4-315 height is 160.00mm, ANT-315-PW-LP is 50.50mm, and ANT-315-PW-RA is 131.57mm. Height selection depends on available mounting space and desired radiation pattern. Shorter antennas occupy less physical space but may have different directional characteristics.

Q: Are there frequency range differences that affect compatibility?

A: FLEXI-M4-315 does not specify a frequency range. ANT-315-PW-LP operates 312MHz ~ 318MHz and ANT-315-PW-RA operates 311MHz ~ 319MHz. Both ranges encompass the 315MHz center frequency and are suitable for ISM band applications.

Q: What mounting interface changes are required?

A: The original FLEXI-M4-315 uses through-hole mounting. Both substitutes use panel-mount configuration with screw-mount termination. PCB layout and mechanical fixture design must accommodate panel-mount geometry.

Q: Do the substitute parts have documented gain specifications?

A: ANT-315-PW-LP specifies -4dBi gain. ANT-315-PW-RA does not provide gain specification. Gain data is necessary for link budget calculations in RF system design.

Q: Are there supply chain advantages to selecting one substitute over the other?

A: Both parts are active with documented inventory: ANT-315-PW-LP has 1062 units and ANT-315-PW-RA has 937 units in stock. Both are manufactured by TE Connectivity Linx, a major active component supplier, ensuring long-term availability compared to the obsolete FLEXI-M4-315.