UPC8178TK-A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The UPC8178TK-A is a general-purpose RF amplifier IC designed for operation across the 100MHz to 2.4GHz frequency range. Manufactured by CEL, this component delivers 11.5dB gain at a 2.4GHz test frequency with low supply current of 1.9mA, operating from 2.4V to 3.3V supply voltage. The device is housed in a 6-pin SMD flat-lead package (6-Minimold).

The UPC8178TK-A is classified as obsolete. Identifying suitable substitute components is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain reliability, and support ongoing production requirements for applications utilizing this RF amplifier topology.

Substiute Parts

UPC8178TK-A

CELIn Stock: 1187UPC8178TK-A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SMA3109-TL-E

onsemiIn Stock: 4415SMA3109-TL-E Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the UPC8178TK-A is determined by the following critical parameters:

Frequency Compatibility: The substitute part must operate within or encompass the 100MHz to 2.4GHz frequency band of the original component.

Package Compatibility: The substitute must utilize a 6-pin SMD flat-lead surface-mount package to ensure PCB layout and assembly compatibility.

Supply Voltage Range: The substitute must operate within the 2.4V to 3.3V supply voltage window or provide overlapping voltage operation.

RF Amplifier Classification: The substitute must be classified as a general-purpose RF amplifier IC suitable for the same application domain.

Electrical Performance: Gain, noise figure, and current consumption characteristics must be compatible with the circuit design requirements.

The SMA3109-TL-E from onsemi meets these substitution criteria through equivalent package configuration, overlapping frequency coverage, compatible supply voltage operation, and active product status ensuring continued availability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The UPC8178TK-A is classified as obsolete, while the SMA3109-TL-E maintains active product status. Active status ensures ongoing manufacturer support, continued availability, and compliance with current regulatory standards.

Compliance and Certification: Both components share identical REACH status (REACH Unaffected), ECCN classification (EAR99), and HTSUS code (8542.33.0001), indicating equivalent regulatory positioning and export control treatment.

Moisture Sensitivity: Both parts carry MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), indicating identical moisture handling and storage requirements.

Package Compatibility: Both components utilize 6-pin SMD flat-lead packages suitable for surface-mount assembly. While the supplier device packages differ (6-Minimold versus 6-MCPH), both maintain the same electrical footprint and pin configuration for PCB compatibility.

Supply Voltage Overlap: The SMA3109-TL-E supply voltage range (2.7V ~ 3.3V) overlaps with the UPC8178TK-A range (2.4V ~ 3.3V) across the 2.7V to 3.3V window, supporting operation in designs utilizing 3.0V or 3.3V supply rails.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SMA3109-TL-E directly replace the UPC8178TK-A in existing designs?

A: Direct replacement requires circuit-level evaluation. Both components share identical package configuration and pin count. However, the SMA3109-TL-E exhibits higher gain (24dB versus 11.5dB) and increased supply current (16mA versus 1.9mA). Circuit designs must accommodate these performance differences through impedance matching adjustments and power supply capacity verification.

Q: What are the frequency coverage differences between these parts?

A: The UPC8178TK-A operates from 100MHz to 2.4GHz. The SMA3109-TL-E operates from 0Hz to 2.2GHz. The SMA3109-TL-E provides lower frequency extension but slightly reduced upper frequency limit. Applications operating at 2.3GHz to 2.4GHz require verification of SMA3109-TL-E performance at these frequencies.

Q: Are the package footprints identical?

A: Both components utilize 6-pin SMD flat-lead packages. The supplier device packages differ (6-Minimold versus 6-MCPH), but the electrical footprint and pin spacing are compatible for PCB layout purposes. Physical component dimensions should be verified against PCB design files.

Q: What is the impact of the 14.1mA increase in supply current?

A: The SMA3109-TL-E requires 16mA supply current compared to 1.9mA for the UPC8178TK-A. Power supply designs must provide adequate current capacity. For battery-powered applications, this represents a significant increase in power consumption and should be evaluated against system power budget requirements.

Q: Is the SMA3109-TL-E suitable for low-voltage applications below 2.7V?

A: The SMA3109-TL-E minimum supply voltage is 2.7V. Applications requiring operation below 2.7V cannot use this substitute. The UPC8178TK-A minimum supply voltage of 2.4V provides extended low-voltage operation capability not available with the SMA3109-TL-E.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to both components?

A: Both the UPC8178TK-A and SMA3109-TL-E carry identical REACH Unaffected status, EAR99 ECCN classification, and 8542.33.0001 HTSUS code. The SMA3109-TL-E additionally carries RoHS3 compliance certification. Both components maintain MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating.