Maxim > Design Support > Technical Documents > Reference Designs > Wireless and RF > APP 4156 Keywords: RF, WLAN, IEEE, 802.11b/g, MAX2830 REFERENCE DESIGN 4156 INCLUDES: Tested Circuit Board Available Description Test Data Reference Design for an 802.11b/g RF Front-End Module Using the MAX2830 Mar 27, 2008 More Information Abstract: This module uses the highly integrated MAX2830 RF transceiver. It is a complete RF front-end solution that meets the WLAN - Wireless Home - Application Notes and Tutorials IEEESM 802.11b/g standard. The transmitter can deliver more than 15dBm Tx power at EVM < 5.6% with a 54Mbps OFDM 802.11g signal. - EV Kit Software The receiver can provide an IQ signal EVM < 9% with a -74.5dBm - Technical Support 54Mbps OFDM 802.11g signal. Click here for an overview of the wireless components used in a typical radio transceiver. Figure 1. The reference design board shows the MAX2830 in an 802.11b/g RF front-end module. Page 1 of 5 Important Design Features Cascaded Receive Noise Figure of 6dB Low Phase Noise of -95dBc/Hz at 10kHz Offset Rx EVM < 9% at -74.5dBm with an 802.11g 54Mbps OFDM Signal 95dB Receive Gain Control Range (32dB RF and 63dB BB VGA) Tx EVM < 5.6% at 15dBm Output Power with an 802.11g 54Mbps OFDM Signal 25dB Transmit Gain Control Range Supports Full-Range 802.11b/g Data Rates Small 11mm x 16mm Size Low BOM Cost Figure 2. Block diagram for the 802.11 b/g RF module. Lab Measurements DC Performance VBATT = +3.3V, VCC = +2.85V, TA = +25°C Parameter Test Condition Meas. Unit Page 2 of 5 Shutdown Supply Current 10 µA Standby Supply Current PLL, VCO, LO Generator ON 28 mA Receive Supply Current 65 mA Transmit Supply Current POUT = 15dBm 289 mA Receive Summary VBATT = +3.3V, VCC = +2.85V, fRF = 2437MHz, RF input = 802.11a, 64QAM, 54MBps at antenna, VOUT = 112mV RMS at RXI and RXQ baseband outputs, RXHP = 0, TA = +25°C Parameter Test Condition Meas. Frequency Range Unit 2.4 to 2.5 GHz Max Gain, VGA adjusted for VOUT = 112mV RMS , PIN = -65dBm 3.9 Receive EVM Mid Gain, VGA adjusted for VOUT = 112mV RMS , PIN = -45dBm 2.5 % Min Gain, VGA adjusted for VOUT = 112mV RMS , PIN = -10dBm 2.7 Sensitivity Receive EVM = 9% Antenna 1 -73 Antenna 2 -74.5 dBm Transmit Summary VBATT = +3.3V, VCC = +2.85V, fRF = 2437MHz, baseband inputs = 110mV RMS , 802.11a, 64QAM, 54MBps, Tx output measured at Antenna 1, RXHP = 0, TA = +25°C Parameter Test Condition Meas. Unit Maximum Transmit Output Tx VGA adjusted for EVM = 5.6%, Tx VGA = -4dB 15 ACPR Tx VGA set for EVM < 5.6%, channel BW = 20MHz f OFFSET = 20MHz 36 fOFFSET = 40MHz 55 fOFFSET = 60MHz 60 dBm dBc Page 3 of 5 Figure 3. Phase noise plot of the reference design. Detailed Description The MAX2830 is a single-chip, single-band, Dual Mode™ direct-convert transceiver designed for a 2.4GHz 802.11b/g (OFDM and CCK) WLAN application. The device integrates all the circuitry required to implement the complete RF transceiver function: PA, T/R switch, antenna diversity switch, LNA, 50Ω matching components, sigma-delta fractional synthesizer, crystal oscillator, and unique I/Q amplitude and phase-error calibration circuits. The device also eliminates the need for external SAW filters by implementing on-chip monolithic filters for both receiver and transmitter. The baseband Tx and Rx filters are optimized to meet the 802.11g IEEE standard. With an additional RF filter and several passive components, one can form a complete 802.11b/g WLAN RF front-end solution that delivers high performance within a small form factor and low price. Application Note Links Application note 3630, "Power Supply and Ground Design for a WiFi Transceiver" Dual Mode is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. IEEE is a registered service mark of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. Page 4 of 5 Related Parts MAX2830 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver with PA and Rx/Tx/Diversity Switch More Information For Technical Support: http://www.maximintegrated.com/support For Samples: http://www.maximintegrated.com/samples Other Questions and Comments: http://www.maximintegrated.com/contact Application Note 4156: http://www.maximintegrated.com/an4156 REFERENCE DESIGN 4156, AN4156, AN 4156, APP4156, Appnote4156, Appnote 4156 Copyright © by Maxim Integrated Products Additional Legal Notices: http://www.maximintegrated.com/legal Page 5 of 5