PLC1506 RF Antenna Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PLC1506 is a 154MHz Yagi 6-Element RF antenna manufactured by TE Connectivity Laird, designed for VHF band applications in the 150MHz to 158MHz frequency range. This antenna features a bracket mount configuration with 7.1dBi gain and a maximum power rating of 400W, terminated with a UHF connector.

The PLC1506 is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain system functionality and ensure continued availability for applications requiring VHF antenna solutions in this frequency band.

Substiute Parts

PLC1506

TE Connectivity LairdIn Stock: 869PLC1506 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

Y1505

TE Connectivity LairdIn Stock: 1001Y1505 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PLC1506 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Frequency Compatibility: The substitute part must operate within or encompass the 150MHz to 158MHz frequency range to maintain system performance in the intended VHF band.

Mounting Configuration: The substitute must feature bracket mount capability to ensure mechanical compatibility with existing installation infrastructure.

Connector Type: While the PLC1506 uses UHF termination, substitute parts may employ alternative connector types (such as N Type Female) provided the electrical interface can be accommodated through standard adapter solutions.

Antenna Architecture: Yagi antenna designs with comparable element counts and gain characteristics are acceptable substitutes, as they provide equivalent directional radiation patterns and performance in the VHF frequency band.

Power Rating: The substitute must support the maximum power requirements of the application, with a minimum rating of 300W acceptable for most VHF installations.

Compliance: All substitute parts must maintain RoHS compliance and equivalent environmental ratings (MSL 1) to ensure regulatory and reliability standards are met.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Y1505 is identified as the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete PLC1506. Both parts are manufactured by TE Connectivity Laird and maintain RoHS compliance with equivalent environmental ratings (MSL 1).

Frequency Coverage: The Y1505 operates across the 150MHz to 174MHz range, which fully encompasses the PLC1506 operating band of 150MHz to 158MHz. The Y1505 center frequency of 162MHz is positioned within the PLC1506 frequency range, ensuring operational compatibility for applications requiring 154MHz performance.

Mechanical Compatibility: Both antennas feature bracket mount configurations, enabling direct mechanical substitution in existing installations.

Connector Consideration: The Y1505 employs N Type Female termination, whereas the PLC1506 uses UHF termination. System integration requires appropriate connector adaptation or cable replacement.

Performance Characteristics: The Y1505 provides higher gain (9.2dBd) with a 5-element design compared to the PLC1506's 6-element configuration. The Y1505 includes specified VSWR (2) and Return Loss (–10dB) parameters, indicating controlled impedance matching. The reduced physical height (39.500" versus 65.984") may present installation advantages in space-constrained applications.

Power Rating: The Y1505 maximum power rating of 300W is lower than the PLC1506's 400W specification. Applications requiring power levels exceeding 300W must evaluate alternative solutions or implement power derating protocols.

Product Status: The Y1505 is active and in production, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity compared to the obsolete PLC1506.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Y1505 directly replace the PLC1506 without modifications?

A: Mechanical and frequency compatibility are confirmed. Connector type differs (N Type Female versus UHF), requiring either adapter implementation or cable replacement. Power rating reduction from 400W to 300W must be evaluated for the specific application.

Q: What is the frequency overlap between PLC1506 and Y1505?

A: The PLC1506 operates 150MHz to 158MHz. The Y1505 operates 150MHz to 174MHz. The complete PLC1506 frequency range is contained within the Y1505 operating band, with both antennas functional at the PLC1506 center frequency of 154MHz.

Q: Are there compliance differences between the two parts?

A: Both parts are RoHS Compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) ratings. ECCN and HTSUS classifications are identical (5A991G and 8517.71.0000 respectively). The Y1505 includes REACH Unaffected status.

Q: How do the antenna designs differ?

A: The PLC1506 is a 6-element Yagi design with 7.1dBi gain. The Y1505 is a 5-element Yagi design with 9.2dBd gain. The Y1505 achieves higher gain with fewer elements, resulting in a more compact physical profile (39.500" versus 65.984" height).

Q: What connector adapter solutions are available?

A: Standard UHF-to-N Type Female adapters are commercially available components. System integrators must verify adapter specifications for the intended frequency band and power levels.

Q: Is the 300W power rating of Y1505 sufficient for my application?

A: Applications currently operating the PLC1506 at power levels below 300W are compatible with the Y1505. Applications requiring sustained operation above 300W must identify alternative antenna solutions or implement power management protocols.

Q: What is the inventory status for these parts?

A: PLC1506 inventory is 815 pieces (new original, in stock). Y1505 inventory is 929 pieces (new original, in stock, active production).