PLC1666 RF Antenna Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PLC1666 is a 170MHz Yagi, 6-Element RF antenna manufactured by TE Connectivity Laird, designed for VHF band applications in the 166MHz to 174MHz frequency range. This antenna features a 7.1dBi gain rating, UHF termination, and bracket mount configuration with a maximum height of 64 inches. The product is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent substitute components for ongoing system support and procurement requirements.

Substiute Parts

PLC1666

TE Connectivity LairdIn Stock: 1041PLC1666 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

Y1503

TE Connectivity LairdIn Stock: 928Y1503 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Y1505

TE Connectivity LairdIn Stock: 1001Y1505 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PLC1666 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Frequency Compatibility: The substitute parts must operate within or encompass the 166MHz to 174MHz operating band of the PLC1666. Both Y1503 and Y1505 operate across the 150MHz to 174MHz range, providing full frequency coverage.

Frequency Group: All substitute parts must remain within the VHF frequency group (f < 300MHz) classification.

Mounting Configuration: The PLC1666 uses bracket mount installation. Both substitute parts maintain bracket mount compatibility.

Termination Type: The PLC1666 uses UHF termination, while substitute parts Y1503 and Y1505 use N Type Female termination. This represents a termination change that requires connector adaptation or system redesign.

Antenna Element Configuration: The PLC1666 is a 6-Element Yagi. Substitute Y1503 is a 3-Element Yagi, and Y1505 is a 5-Element Yagi. Element count affects gain and directional characteristics.

Gain Rating: The PLC1666 provides 7.1dBi gain. Y1503 provides 7.1dBd gain, and Y1505 provides 9.2dBd gain. Gain unit differences (dBi versus dBd) and absolute values must be evaluated for application requirements.

Power Rating: The PLC1666 supports 400W maximum power. Both substitute parts support 300W maximum power, representing a reduction in power handling capability.

Product Status: The PLC1666 is obsolete. Y1503 and Y1505 are active products with current manufacturing support.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Y1503 Selection Criteria: Y1503 is an active product with current manufacturing support and ROHS3 compliance. It provides equivalent gain (7.1dBd) to the PLC1666 within the required frequency range. However, Y1503 uses a 3-Element configuration compared to the PLC1666's 6-Element design, resulting in reduced directional performance. The termination change from UHF to N Type Female requires connector adaptation. Maximum power rating is reduced from 400W to 300W. Physical height is reduced from 64 inches to 39.25 inches.

Y1505 Selection Criteria: Y1505 is an active product with RoHS compliance and current manufacturing availability. It provides higher gain (9.2dBd) compared to the PLC1666 (7.1dBi), offering improved signal reception characteristics. The 5-Element configuration provides better directional performance than Y1503 while remaining more compact than the PLC1666's 6-Element design. Termination change from UHF to N Type Female requires connector adaptation. Maximum power rating is reduced from 400W to 300W. Physical height is reduced from 64 inches to 39.5 inches.

Both substitute parts operate within the required 166MHz to 174MHz frequency band and maintain bracket mount compatibility. Selection between Y1503 and Y1505 depends on gain requirements, directional performance needs, and available mounting space. The termination type change and reduced power rating must be evaluated against system requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Y1503 or Y1505 directly replace the PLC1666 without modification?

A: Direct replacement requires connector adaptation due to termination type change. The PLC1666 uses UHF termination while Y1503 and Y1505 use N Type Female termination. Mechanical mounting is compatible as all three parts use bracket mount configuration.

Q: What is the difference between dBi and dBd gain measurements?

A: dBi (decibels relative to isotropic radiator) and dBd (decibels relative to dipole) are different gain reference standards. Direct numerical comparison between PLC1666 (7.1dBi) and the substitute parts (7.1dBd and 9.2dBd) requires conversion or application-specific evaluation.

Q: Does the reduced element count in Y1503 affect antenna performance?

A: Element count directly affects directional characteristics and gain. Y1503 uses 3 elements compared to PLC1666's 6 elements, resulting in different radiation patterns and directional performance. Y1505 uses 5 elements, providing intermediate performance characteristics.

Q: Are there power handling limitations with the substitute parts?

A: Yes. The PLC1666 supports 400W maximum power, while both Y1503 and Y1505 support 300W maximum power. Applications requiring power levels above 300W cannot use these substitute parts.

Q: What is the physical size difference between these antennas?

A: The PLC1666 has a maximum height of 64.016 inches. Y1503 has a maximum height of 39.250 inches, and Y1505 has a maximum height of 39.500 inches. Both substitute parts are significantly more compact, which may affect mounting space requirements and installation feasibility.

Q: Do all three antennas cover the same frequency range?

A: The PLC1666 operates from 166MHz to 174MHz with a 170MHz center frequency. Y1503 and Y1505 both operate from 150MHz to 174MHz with a 162MHz center frequency. The substitute parts provide broader frequency coverage that encompasses the PLC1666 operating band.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to these parts?

A: The PLC1666 is RoHS Compliant. Y1503 is ROHS3 Compliant with REACH Unaffected status. Y1505 is RoHS Compliant with REACH Unaffected status. All parts are classified under ECCN 5A991G.