PA.22A RF Antenna Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PA.22A is a dual-band chip RF antenna manufactured by Taoglas Limited, designed for GSM applications operating at 920MHz and 1.9GHz frequency bands. This component features surface mount solder termination and is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status, identifying functionally compatible substitute parts is essential for ongoing system support, design updates, and procurement continuity.

Substiute Parts

PA.22A

Taoglas LimitedIn Stock: 1918PA.22A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PA.25A

Taoglas LimitedIn Stock: 5120PA.25A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The PA.25A qualifies as a substitute for the PA.22A based on the following alignment of critical parameters:

Shared Electrical Characteristics:

• Antenna Type: Both are chip antennas
• Termination: Both use solder surface mount termination
• RF Family/Standard: Both are cellular-grade components
• Frequency Overlap: PA.25A covers the 920MHz band (824MHz ~ 960MHz range includes 880MHz ~ 960MHz) and 1.9GHz band (1.7GHz ~ 2.17GHz range includes 1.71GHz ~ 1.99GHz)
• RoHS Compliance: Both meet ROHS3 requirements

Mechanical Compatibility:

• Mounting Type: Both are surface mount
• Height differential: PA.25A at 0.236" (6.00mm) versus PA.22A at 0.197" (5.00mm) represents a 1mm increase, acceptable for most PCB layout scenarios

Functional Expansion:

• PA.25A supports 6 frequency bands including GSM, providing broader application coverage while maintaining backward compatibility with the original 920MHz and 1.9GHz requirements

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: PA.25A

The PA.25A is the direct substitute for the PA.22A. Selection is based on:

1. Product Status Alignment: PA.25A is active and currently manufactured, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity compared to the obsolete PA.22A.

2. Regulatory Compliance: Both components meet ROHS3 requirements and carry EAR99 ECCN classification, maintaining compliance with existing regulatory frameworks.

3. Functional Compatibility: PA.25A maintains full coverage of the original 920MHz and 1.9GHz bands while extending support to additional cellular standards (CDMA, DCS, EDGE, GPRS, HSDPA, PCS, UMTS, WCDMA).

4. Physical Integration: The 1mm height increase from 5.00mm to 6.00mm requires verification of PCB layout clearance but does not preclude substitution in standard surface mount applications.

5. Electrical Performance: VSWR increase from 2.5 to 3.0 remains within acceptable parameters for GSM cellular applications and does not compromise system performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PA.25A directly replace PA.22A in existing designs?

A: Yes. PA.25A provides electrical and mechanical compatibility for GSM applications. The primary design consideration is the 1mm height increase; verify that PCB layout and component clearance accommodate the 6.00mm maximum height of PA.25A.

Q: What is the difference in frequency band coverage?

A: PA.22A operates on 2 bands (920MHz, 1.9GHz). PA.25A operates on 6 bands (850MHz, 900MHz, 1.7GHz, 1.8GHz, 1.9GHz, 2.1GHz). For GSM-only applications, both components cover the required 920MHz and 1.9GHz bands. PA.25A provides additional capability for multi-standard cellular systems.

Q: How do VSWR specifications compare?

A: PA.22A specifies VSWR of 2.5; PA.25A specifies VSWR of 3.0. Both values are acceptable for cellular RF applications. The 0.5 increase does not materially impact GSM system performance.

Q: What packaging differences exist between these parts?

A: PA.22A is supplied in standard packaging (unspecified in data). PA.25A is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format, which is standard for high-volume surface mount assembly and provides better handling and automated placement compatibility.

Q: Are there moisture sensitivity differences?

A: PA.22A carries MSL 1 (Unlimited) rating. PA.25A carries MSL 3 (168 Hours) rating. MSL 3 requires standard moisture control during storage and handling but does not restrict use in standard manufacturing environments.

Q: Why is PA.22A listed as obsolete?

A: PA.22A is no longer actively manufactured by Taoglas Limited. PA.25A represents the current active product line for dual and multi-band cellular chip antennas and is the recommended replacement for new designs and ongoing production support.