PA.15 RF Antenna 2.4GHz Chip Solder SMD - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PA.15 is a 2.4GHz Bluetooth and 802.11a/b/g chip RF antenna manufactured by Taoglas Limited, designed for surface mount applications with solder termination. This component operates in the UHF frequency band (2GHz ~ 3GHz) with a center frequency of 2.4GHz and a frequency range of 2.4GHz ~ 2.5GHz. The PA.15 is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent substitute parts essential for ongoing design support, production continuity, and component sourcing.

Substiute Parts

PA.15

Taoglas LimitedIn Stock: 1035PA.15 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

WLA.01

Taoglas LimitedIn Stock: 3019WLA.01 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PA.15 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Frequency compatibility: Center frequency of 2.4GHz with operating range 2.4GHz ~ 2.5GHz
• RF standards support: Bluetooth and WiFi (802.11a/b/g) protocols
• Antenna type: Chip configuration
• Mounting method: Surface mount with solder termination
• Physical form factor: Maximum height constraint of 0.130" (3.30mm)
• Electrical performance: Return loss of -21dB and gain of -3.1dBi

The WLA.01 qualifies as a substitute part because it maintains identical frequency specifications, overlapping RF standard support (Bluetooth and WiFi), identical antenna type (chip), matching mounting and termination methods (surface mount, solder), and compatible physical dimensions. The WLA.01 extends RF standard support to include 802.15.4 (Zigbee™), providing broader application compatibility while maintaining core Bluetooth and WiFi functionality required by PA.15 designs.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The WLA.01 is the qualified substitute for the obsolete PA.15. Both components are manufactured by Taoglas Limited and maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. The WLA.01 is currently in active production status, ensuring long-term component availability and supply chain continuity.

Key considerations for substitution:

The WLA.01 exhibits improved gain performance (2.5dBi versus -3.1dBi), resulting in enhanced antenna efficiency. The WLA.01 features a significantly reduced maximum height of 0.020" (0.50mm) compared to the PA.15's 0.130" (3.30mm), providing superior space optimization for compact designs. The WLA.01 supports an additional RF standard (802.15.4 Zigbee™) while maintaining full Bluetooth and WiFi compatibility. The WLA.01 carries a higher MSL rating of 3 (168 Hours) compared to the PA.15's MSL 1 (Unlimited), requiring appropriate moisture control during storage and handling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the WLA.01 directly replace the PA.15 in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both components share identical frequency specifications (2.4GHz center, 2.4GHz ~ 2.5GHz range), antenna type (chip), mounting method (surface mount), and termination type (solder). The WLA.01's improved gain and reduced height provide design benefits. PCB layout and impedance matching should be verified to account for the different electrical characteristics.

Q: What is the impact of the gain difference between PA.15 (-3.1dBi) and WLA.01 (2.5dBi)?

A: The WLA.01 provides approximately 5.6dB higher gain, resulting in improved antenna efficiency and link budget performance. This enhancement is beneficial for range-limited applications and does not introduce compatibility issues.

Q: How does the height reduction from 3.30mm to 0.50mm affect PCB design?

A: The WLA.01's significantly lower profile enables more compact product designs and reduces overall device thickness. No electrical redesign is required; only PCB layout and component placement may be optimized to leverage the reduced height.

Q: Are there packaging differences between PA.15 and WLA.01?

A: The PA.15 packaging is not specified. The WLA.01 is available in Cut Tape (CT) and Digi-Reel® packaging formats, providing standard industry-compatible supply options for production environments.

Q: What is the significance of the MSL rating difference?

A: The PA.15 carries MSL 1 (Unlimited moisture exposure tolerance), while the WLA.01 carries MSL 3 (168-hour moisture exposure limit). The WLA.01 requires standard moisture control practices during storage and handling, consistent with industry-standard MSL 3 component management protocols.

Q: Do both components support Bluetooth and WiFi applications?

A: Yes. Both PA.15 and WLA.01 support Bluetooth and 802.11a/b/g WiFi standards. The WLA.01 additionally supports 802.15.4 Zigbee™ applications, providing expanded protocol compatibility.