PLC456 RF Antenna Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PLC456 is a 460MHz Yagi 6-Element RF antenna manufactured by TE Connectivity Laird, designed for UHF applications in the 450MHz to 470MHz frequency band. This antenna features a bracket mount configuration with 7.5dBd gain and 250W maximum power handling. The product is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components necessary for system maintenance, repair, and continued operation in legacy installations.

Substiute Parts

PLC456

TE Connectivity LairdIn Stock: 786PLC456 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

Y4506

TE Connectivity LairdIn Stock: 767Y4506 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PLC456 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Frequency Compatibility: The substitute antenna must operate within or encompass the 450MHz to 470MHz band. The primary substitute Y4506 operates at 450MHz to 480MHz, providing extended upper frequency coverage while maintaining the lower band requirement.

Antenna Configuration: Both the main part and substitute must be Yagi 6-Element antennas with bracket mount installation to ensure mechanical and electrical compatibility within existing installations.

Termination Type: The PLC456 uses UHF termination, while the Y4506 substitute uses N Type Female termination. This represents a connector interface change that requires consideration during integration.

Power Handling: The substitute must support equal or greater maximum power ratings. The Y4506 supports 300W, exceeding the PLC456's 250W specification.

Gain Performance: The Y4506 provides 10.2dBd gain, which exceeds the PLC456's 7.5dBd specification, indicating improved directional performance.

Compliance: Both parts maintain RoHS compliance and identical Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) ratings of 1 (Unlimited).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Y4506 serves as the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete PLC456. Selection of this substitute is based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status Alignment: The Y4506 maintains active product status with current manufacturing and inventory availability (743 Pcs in stock), whereas the PLC456 is obsolete with limited future availability.

Frequency Band Coverage: The Y4506's extended frequency range (450MHz to 480MHz) encompasses the PLC456's operating band (450MHz to 470MHz), ensuring operational compatibility across the original frequency specification.

Mechanical Compatibility: Both antennas employ identical Yagi 6-Element configurations with bracket mount installations, supporting direct mechanical substitution in existing mounting structures.

Performance Enhancement: The Y4506 provides superior electrical performance with 10.2dBd gain versus 7.5dBd, and increased power handling capacity (300W versus 250W).

Compliance Maintenance: Both parts maintain identical RoHS compliance and MSL ratings, ensuring regulatory and environmental compatibility.

Connector Interface Consideration: The termination change from UHF to N Type Female requires adapter or connector modification during installation. This represents the primary integration consideration for field deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Y4506 directly replace the PLC456 without modifications?

A: Mechanical mounting is direct due to identical bracket mount configurations. However, the termination type differs (UHF versus N Type Female), requiring connector adaptation or cable modification for electrical integration.

Q: What frequency bands does the Y4506 cover compared to the PLC456?

A: The PLC456 operates 450MHz to 470MHz with 460MHz center frequency. The Y4506 operates 450MHz to 480MHz with 465MHz center frequency. The Y4506 provides extended upper band coverage while maintaining the lower frequency requirement.

Q: Are there performance differences between these antennas?

A: Yes. The Y4506 provides 10.2dBd gain versus the PLC456's 7.5dBd, representing approximately 2.7dB improvement in directional performance. The Y4506 also supports 300W maximum power versus 250W for the PLC456.

Q: What is the physical size difference?

A: The PLC456 has a maximum height of 31.260 inches (794.00mm). The Y4506 has a maximum height of 40.313 inches (102.40cm or approximately 1024mm), representing approximately 29% greater physical height.

Q: Do both antennas meet RoHS compliance requirements?

A: Yes. Both the PLC456 and Y4506 are RoHS compliant with identical Moisture Sensitivity Level ratings of 1 (Unlimited).

Q: Why is the PLC456 listed as obsolete?

A: The PLC456 is no longer in active production. The Y4506 represents the current active product offering from TE Connectivity Laird for this antenna category, providing equivalent or superior functionality for UHF Yagi applications.

Q: What does the VSWR specification of 2 on the Y4506 indicate?

A: VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) of 2 indicates the impedance matching efficiency of the antenna. This specification was not provided for the PLC456, but the Y4506's VSWR of 2 is within acceptable ranges for UHF antenna applications.