MAXIM MAX2421EAI

19-1234; Rev 5; 8/03
KIT
ATION
EVALU
E
L
B
A
AVAIL
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
Features
♦ Receive/Transmit Mixers with 35dB Image Rejection
________________________Applications
Cordless Phones
Spread-Spectrum Communications
Wireless Telemetry
♦ Adjustable-Gain LNA
♦ Up to +2dBm Combined Receiver Input IP3
♦ 4dB Combined Receiver Noise Figure
♦ >35dB of Transmit Power Control Range
♦ PA Predriver Provides up to +2dBm
♦ Low Current Consumption: 23mA Receive
26mA Transmit
9.5mA Oscillator
♦ 0.5µA Shutdown Mode
♦ Operates from Single +2.7V to +4.8V Supply
_______________Ordering Information
PART
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX2420EAI
-40°C to +85°C
28 SSOP
MAX2421EAI
MAX2422EAI
MAX2460EAI
MAX2463EAI
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
28 SSOP
28 SSOP
28 SSOP
28 SSOP
Functional Diagram appears on last page.
___________________Pin Configuration
TOP VIEW
VCC 1
28 GND
CAP1 2
27 GND
RXOUT 3
26 GND
TXGAIN 4
25 TANK
RXIN 5
Two-Way Paging
VCC 6
Wireless Networks
GND 7
______________________Selector Guide
GND 8
MAX2420
MAX2421
MAX2422
MAX2460
MAX2463
24 TANK
23 VCC
22 VCC
21 PREOUT
20 PREGND
TXOUT 9
PART
IF FREQ
(MHz)
INJECTION
TYPE
LO FREQ
(MHz)
LNAGAIN 10
19 MOD
MAX2420
10.7
High side
fRF + 10.7
VCC 11
18 DIV1
TXIN 12
17 VCOON
MAX2421
46
High side
fRF + 46
MAX2422
70
High side
fRF + 70
N.C. 13
16 RXON
CAP2 14
15 TXON
MAX2460
10.7
Low side
fRF - 10.7
MAX2463
110
Low side
fRF - 110
SSOP
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
1
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
General Description
The MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
are highly integrated front-end ICs that provide the lowest
cost solution for cordless phones and ISM-band radios
operating in the 900MHz band. All devices incorporate
transmit and receive image-reject mixers to reduce filter
cost. They operate with a +2.7V to +4.8V power supply,
allowing direct connection to a three-cell battery stack.
The receive path incorporates an adjustable-gain LNA
and an image-reject downconverter with 35dB image
suppression. These features yield excellent combined
downconverter noise figure (4dB) and high linearity with
an input third-order intercept point (IP3) of up to +2dBm.
The transmitter consists of a variable-gain IF amplifier
with more than 35dB control range, an image-reject
upconverter with 35dB image rejection, and a poweramplifier (PA) predriver that produces up to +2dBm (in
some applications serving as the final power stage).
All devices include an on-chip local oscillator (LO),
requiring only an external varactor-tuned LC tank for
operation. The integrated divide-by-64/65 dual-modulus
prescaler can also be set to a direct mode, in which it
acts as an LO buffer amplifier. Four separate powerdown inputs can be used for system power management, including a 0.5µA shutdown mode. These parts
are compatible with commonly used modulation
schemes such as FSK, BPSK, and QPSK, as well as frequency hopping and direct sequence spread-spectrum
systems. All devices come in a 28-pin SSOP package.
For applications using direct VCO or BPSK transmit modulation, as well as receive image rejection, consult the
MAX2424/MAX2426 data sheet. For receive-only devices,
refer to the MAX2440/MAX2441/MAX2442 data sheet.
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
VCC to GND ...........................................................-0.3V to +5.5V
TXIN Input Power (330Ω system) ......................................-8dBm
Voltage on TXOUT......................................-0.3V to (VCC + 1.0V)
Voltage on TXGAIN, LNAGAIN, TXON,
RXON, VCOON, DIV1, MOD ....................-0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
RXIN Input Power..............................................................10dBm
TANK, TANK Input Power ...................................................2dBm
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
SSOP (derate 9.50mW/°C above +70°C) ......................762mW
Operating Temperature Range
MAX242_EAI/MAX246_EAI ................................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature ......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +165°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
CAUTION! ESD SENSITIVE DEVICE
DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VCC = +2.7V to +4.8V, no RF signals applied, LNAGAIN = TXGAIN = open, VCOON = 2.4V, RXON = TXON = MOD = DIV1 = 0.45V,
PREGND = GND, TA = TMIN to TMAX. Typical values are at TA = +25°C, VCC = +3.3V, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
CONDITIONS
PARAMETER
Supply-Voltage Range
Oscillator Supply Current
MIN
TYP
2.7
PREGND = floating
Prescaler Supply Current
(divide-by-64/65 mode) (Note 2)
MAX
UNITS
4.8
V
9.5
14
mA
4.2
6
mA
Prescaler Supply Current
(buffer mode) (Note 3)
DIV1 = 2.4V
5.4
8.5
mA
Receive Supply Current (Note 4)
RXON = 2.4V, PREGND = floating
23
36
mA
Transmitter Supply Current (Note 5)
RXON = 0.45V, TXON = 2.4V, PREGND = floating
26
42
mA
TA = +25°C
Shutdown Supply Current
VCOON = RXON = TXON =
MOD = DIV1 = GND
Digital Input Voltage High
RXON, TXON, DIV1, VCOON, MOD
Digital Input Voltage Low
RXON, TXON, DIV1, VCOON, MOD
Digital Input Current
Voltage on any one digital input = VCC or GND
0.5
TA = TMIN to TMAX
10
2.4
µA
µA
V
±1
0.45
V
±10
µA
≥25°C guaranteed by production test, <25°C guaranteed through correlation to worst-case temperature testing.
Calculated by measuring the combined oscillator and prescaler supply current and subtracting the oscillator supply current.
Calculated by measuring the combined oscillator and LO buffer supply current and subtracting the oscillator supply current.
Calculated by measuring the combined receive and oscillator supply current and subtracting the oscillator supply current.
With LNAGAIN = GND, the supply current drops by 4.5mA.
Note 5: Calculated by measuring the combined transmit and oscillator supply current and subtracting the oscillator supply current.
Note 1:
Note 2:
Note 3:
Note 4:
2
_______________________________________________________________________________________
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
(MAX242X/246X EV kit, V CC = +3.3V; f LO = 925.7MHz (MAX2420), f LO = 961MHz (MAX2421), f LO = 985MHz (MAX2422),
fLO = 904.3MHz (MAX2460); fLO = 805MHz (MAX2463); fRXIN = 915MHz; PRXIN = -35dBm; PTXIN = -15dBm (330Ω); LNAGAIN = 2V;
TXGAIN = VCC; VCOON = 2.4V; RXON = TXON = MOD = DIV1 = PREGND = GND; TA = +25°C; unless otherwise noted.)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
1000
MHz
RECEIVER (RXON = 2.4V)
Input Frequency Range
(Notes 6, 7)
IF Frequency Range
(Notes 6, 7)
800
MAX2420/MAX2460
8.5
10.7
12.5
MAX2421
36
46
55
MAX2422
55
70
85
MAX2463
86
110
132
Image Frequency Rejection
26
35
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2460
20
22
24.5
MAX2422
19
21
23.5
MAX2463
18
20
22.5
LNAGAIN = VCC, MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2460
TA = TMIN to TMAX MAX2422
(Note 6)
MAX2463
19.5
25
18
24
LNAGAIN = VCC,
TA = +25°C
Conversion Power Gain (Note 8)
12
LNAGAIN = GND
-16
DIV1 = VCC
LNAGAIN = 1V
Input Third-Order Intercept
(Notes 6, 9)
LNAGAIN = VCC
LNAGAIN = VCC
4
LNAGAIN = 1V
12
-19
dB
dB
23
LNAGAIN = 1V
Noise Figure (Notes 6, 8)
Input 1dB Compression
17
MHz
5
-17
LNAGAIN = 1V
-8
LNAGAIN = VCC
-26
LNAGAIN = 1V
-18
dB
dBm
dBm
LO to RXIN Leakage
Receiver on or off
-60
dBm
Receiver Turn-On Time
(Note 10)
500
ns
TRANSMITTER (TXON = 2.4V)
Output Frequency Range
(Notes 6, 7)
IF Frequency Range
800
MAX2420/MAX2460
8.5
10.7
12.5
MAX2421
36
46
55
MAX2422
55
70
85
MAX2463
86
110
132
26
35
MAX2420/2460
11
13.5
MAX2421
10
12.5
15
MAX2422
9
12
14.5
8
11
Image Frequency Rejection
TA = +25°C
Conversion Gain
1000
MAX2463
MAX2420/2460
MHz
MHz
dB
16
13.5
10.5
16.5
TA = TMIN to TMAX MAX2421
(Note 6)
MAX2422
10
15.5
9
15
MAX2463
8
14
dB
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(MAX242X/246X EV kit, V CC = +3.3V; f LO = 925.7MHz (MAX2420), f LO = 961MHz (MAX2421), f LO = 985MHz (MAX2422),
fLO = 904.3MHz (MAX2460); fLO = 805MHz (MAX2463); fRXIN = 915MHz; PRXIN = -35dBm; PTXIN = -15dBm (330Ω); LNAGAIN = 2V;
TXGAIN = VCC; VCOON = 2.4V; RXON = TXON = MOD = DIV1 = PREGND = GND; TA = +25°C; unless otherwise noted.)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
Output 1dB Compression
2
dBm
Output Third-Order Intercept
(Note 11)
11
dBm
LO to TXOUT Suppression
(Note 12)
34
dBc
Noise Figure
23
dB
33
dB/V
Gain Control Range (Note 13)
36
dB
Transmitter Turn-On Time (Note 14)
400
ns
TXGAIN Control Slope (Note 13)
1V ≤ TXGAIN ≤ 2V
OSCILLATOR AND PRESCALER
Oscillator Frequency Range
(Notes 6, 15)
Oscillator Phase Noise
690
1100
MHz
10kHz offset (Note 16)
82
Standby to TX, or standby to RX
8
Oscillator Pulling
RX to TX with PRXIN = -45dBm (RX mode) to
PRXIN = 0dBm (TX mode) (Note 17)
70
Prescaler Output Level
ZL = 100kΩ | | 10pF
500
Oscillator Buffer Output Level
(Note 6)
DIV1 = 2.4V, ZL = 50Ω, TA = +25°C
-11
DIV1 = 2.4V, ZL = 50Ω, TA = TMIN to TMAX
-12
Required Modulus Setup Time
(Note 6)
Divide-by-64/65 mode (Note 18)
10
ns
Required Modulus Hold Time
(Note 6)
Divide-by-64/65 mode (Note 18)
0
ns
-8
dBc/Hz
kHz
mVP-P
dBm
Note 6: Guaranteed by design and characterization.
Note 7: Image rejection typically falls to 30dBc at the frequency extremes.
Note 8: Refer to the Typical Operating Characteristics for plots showing receiver gain vs. LNAGAIN voltage, input IP3 vs.
LNAGAIN voltage, and noise figure vs. LNAGAIN voltage.
Note 9: Two tones at PRXIN = -45dBm each, f1 = 915.0MHz and f2 = 915.2MHz.
Note 10: Time delay from RXON = 0.45V to RXON = 2.4V transition to the time the output envelope reaches 90% of its final value.
Note 11: Two tones at PTXIN = -21dBm each (330Ω), f1 = 10.6MHz, f2 = 10.8MHz (MAX2420/MAX2460), f1 = 45.9MHz,
f2 = 46.1MHz (MAX2421), f1 = 69.9MHz, f2 = 70.1MHz (MAX2422).
Note 12: Refer to the Typical Operating Characteristics for statistical data.
Note 13: Refer to the Typical Operating Characteristics for a plot showing transmitter gain vs. TXGAIN voltage.
Note 14: Time delay from TXON = 0.45V to TXON = 2.4V transition to the time the output envelope reaches 90% of its final value.
Note 15: Refers to useable operating range. Tuning range of any given tank circuit design is typically much narrower (refer to Figure 2).
Note 16: Using tank components L3 = 5.0nH (Coilcraft A02T), C2 = C3 = C26 = 3.3pF, R6 = R7 = 10Ω.
Note 17: This approximates a typical application in which TXOUT is followed by an external PA and a T/R switch with finite isolation.
Note 18: Relative to the rising edge of PREOUT.
4
_______________________________________________________________________________________
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
TRANSMITTER SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. TEMPERATURE
44
42
VCC = 4.8V
VCC = 3.3V
32
VCC = 2.7V
TXON = VCC
PREGND = FLOATING
INCLUDES OSCILLATOR
CURRENT
28
-20
20
40
60
80
-20
0
20
40
60
80
-40
100
-20
0
20
40
60
TEMPERATURE (°C)
RECEIVER GAIN vs. LNAGAIN
RECEIVER INPUT IP3 vs. VLNAGAIN
RECEIVER NOISE FIGURE
vs. LNAGAIN
LNA
OFF
0
LNA
ADJUSTABLE MAX
PARTIALLY
GAIN
GAIN
BIASED
5
ADJUSTABLE
GAIN
0
IIP3 (dBm)
10
MAX
GAIN
-5
AVOID
THIS
REGION
-10
-15
-5
-10
1.5
2.0
20
15
DIV1 = VCC
RXON = VCC
AVOID
THIS
REGION
0
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
LNAGAIN VOLTAGE (V)
LNAGAIN VOLTAGE (V)
LNAGAIN VOLTAGE (V)
MAX2420
RECEIVER GAIN vs. TEMPERATURE
RECEIVER NOISE FIGURE vs.
TEMPERATURE AND SUPPLY VOLTAGE
RECEIVER INPUT IP3
vs. TEMPERATURE
LNAGAIN = VCC
RXON = VCC
DIV1 = VCC
5.0
VCC = 4.8V
22
VCC = 3.3V
20
-8
LNAGAIN = 1V
-10
VCC = 4.8V
4.5
IIP3 (dBm)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
VCC = 2.7V
24
2.0
-6
MAX2420-08
5.5
MAX2420-07
LNAGAIN = VCC
RXON = VCC
100
25
RXON = VCC
-20
1.0
LNA
ADJUSTABLE MAX
PARTIALLY
GAIN
GAIN
BIASED
5
RXON = VCC
0.5
LNA
OFF
10
-15
-20
0
35
30
AVOID
THIS
REGION
80
40
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
LNA
PARTIALLY
BIASED
MAX2420-05
5
MAX2420-04
LNA
OFF
26
VCC = 2.7V
TEMPERATURE (°C)
15
RECEIVER GAIN (dB)
0.5
0
-40
100
VCC = 4.8V
TEMPERATURE (°C)
25
20
0
VCC = 3.3V
2.0
1.0
26
-40
2.5
1.5
30
24
RECEIVER GAIN (dB)
VCC = 2.7V
32
RXON = VCC
PREGND = FLOATING
INCLUDES OSCILLATOR
CURRENT
26
VCC = 3.3V
36
34
30
28
3.0
38
MAX2420-09
34
3.5
VCC = 4.8V
40
ICC (mA)
ICC (mA)
36
ICC (µA)
38
VCOON = GND
4.0
MAX2420-06
40
4.5
MAX2420-02
46
MAX2420-01
42
SHUTDOWN SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX2420-03
RECEIVER SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. TEMPERATURE
VCC = 3.3V
4.0
VCC = 2.7V
-12
-14
-16
LNAGAIN = 2V
3.5
-18
18
RXON = VCC
3.0
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
TEMPERATURE (°C)
80
100
-20
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
TEMPERATURE (°C)
80
100
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
TEMPERATURE (°C)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
Typical Operating Characteristics
(MAX242X/246X EV kit, VCC = +3.3V; fLO = 925.7MHz (MAX2420), fLO = 961MHz (MAX2421), fLO = 985MHz (MAX2422), fLO = 904.3MHz
(MAX2460); fLO = 805MHz (MAX2463); fRXIN = 915MHz; PRXIN = -35dBm; PTXIN = -15dBm (330Ω); LNAGAIN = 2V; TXGAIN = VCC;
VCOON = 2.4V; RXON = TXON = MOD = DIV1 = PREGND = GND; TA = +25°C; unless otherwise noted.)
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX242X/246X EV kit, VCC = +3.3V; fLO = 925.7MHz (MAX2420), fLO = 961MHz (MAX2421), fLO = 985MHz (MAX2422), fLO = 904.3MHz
(MAX2460); fLO = 805MHz (MAX2463); fRXIN = 915MHz; PRXIN = -35dBm; PTXIN = -15dBm (330Ω); LNAGAIN = 2V; TXGAIN = VCC;
VCOON = 2.4V; RXON = TXON = MOD = DIV1 = PREGND = GND; TA = +25°C; unless otherwise noted.)
RXON = VCC
50
IMAGE REJECTION (dB)
VCC = 4.8V
-5
VCC = 2.7V
-6
VCC = 3.3V
-7
40
MAX2420
30
20
10
MAX2422
MAX2463
MAX2421
40
30
20
0
0
-20
0
20
40
60
0
80
400
800
1200
1600
1000
IF FREQUENCY (MHz)
RXIN INPUT IMPEDANCE
vs. FREQUENCY
TRANSMITTER GAIN
vs. TXGAIN VOLTAGE
MAX2420
TRANSMITTER GAIN vs. TEMPERATURE
35
IMAGINARY
30
25
-60
REAL
20
-40
15
10
10
-20
VCC = 3.3V
0
VCC = 4.8V
VCC = 2.7V
16
TRANSMITTER GAIN (dB)
-80
TRANSMITTER GAIN (dB)
40
18
-10
-20
-30
5
800
1000
1200
0.5
1400
VCC = 2.7V
12
VCC = 3.3V
10
8
6
TXON = VCC
2
-40
-0
VCC = 4.8V
14
4
TXON = VCC
0
MAX2420 toc16
20
-100
RXON = VCC
45
1.0 1.5 2.0
-40
2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
FREQUENCY (MHz)
TXGAIN VOLTAGE (V)
TEMPERATURE (°C)
TXOUT OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
vs. FREQUENCY
MAX2420
TRANSMITTER OUTPUT SPECTRUM
MAX2460
TRANSMITTER OUTPUT SPECTRUM
-10
TXON = VCC
FUNDAMENTAL
IMAGINARY
-100
-150
POWER (dBm)
-20
0
-30
-40
0
LO
IMAGE
-50
-10
-40
-70
-80
-250
-80
-90
-90
-100
FREQUENCY (MHz)
LO
-60
-70
600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
IMAGE
-50
-200
TXON = VCC
FUNDAMENTAL
-30
-60
-300
TXON = VCC
-20
POWER (dBm)
REAL
0
MAX2420/21/22 toc18
100
10
MAX2420toc17
150
-50
100
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
MAX2420 toc14
600
10
TEMPERATURE (°C)
50
50
1
2000
MAX2420 toc15
-20
IMAGINARY IMPEDANCE (Ω)
-40
REAL IMPEDANCE (Ω)
10
-10
MAX2420/21/22 toc18.1
-8
-9
6
RXON = VCC
MAX2460
50
IMAGE REJECTION (dB)
-4
60
MAX2420-11
RXON = VCC
1dB COMPRESSION POINT (dBm)
60
MAX2420-10
-3
RECEIVER IMAGE REJECTION
vs. IF FREQUENCY
RECEIVER IMAGE REJECTION
vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2420-12
MAX2420
RXOUT 1dB COMPRESSION POINT
vs. TEMPERATURE
REAL OR IMAGINARY IMPEDANCE (Ω)
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
875 885 895 905 915 925 935 945 955 965 975
855 865 875 885 895 905 915 925 935 945 955
FREQUENCY (MHz)
FREQUENCY (MHz)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
-40
-50
-60
FUNDAMENTAL
-20
-40
-50
-60
-60
-80
-90
-90
-90
-100
-100
-100
1210
735
835
935
14
12
10
8
6
4
655
1005
705
MAX2420
TRANSMITTER IM3 REJECTION
vs. TXGAIN VOLTAGE
VCC = 4.8V
2.0
VCC = 3.3V
1.5
1.0
VCC = 2.7V
0.5
-1.0
TXON = VCC
f1 = 10.6MHz
f2 = 10.8MHz
-21dBm PER TONE
52
50
48
VCC = 3.3V
46
VCC = 4.8V
44
VCC = 2.7V
42
-40
24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
LO SUPPRESSION (dBc)
TEMPERATURE (°C)
TXGAIN VOLTAGE (V)
TRANSMITTER IMAGE REJECTION
vs. RF FREQUENCY
TRANSMITTER IMAGE REJECTION
vs. IF FREQUENCY
PRESCALER OUTPUT LEVEL
vs. LOAD RESISTANCE
30
25
20
15
25
20
15
5
0
0
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
1700
2100
MAX2463
30
5
1300
1
550
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
LOAD IS PLOTTED RESISTANCE
IN PARALLEL WITH A 10pF
OSCILLOSCOPE PROBE
(÷ 64/65 MODE)
100
50
TXON = VCC
0
10
100
IF FREQUENCY (MHz)
1000
5.0
MAX2420/21/22 toc24
MAX2422
35
10
900
MAX2421
MAX2460
40
10
500
MAX2420
PRESCALER OUTPUT LEVEL (mVp-p)
35
50
45
MAX2420-22
TXON = VCC
IMAGE REJECTION (dB)
MAX2420/21/22 toc21
45
1105
54
0
0
1055
TRANSMITTER 1dB COMPRESSION POINT
vs. TEMPERATURE
2.5
-0.5
100
605
1235
FREQUENCY (MHz)
TXON = VCC
2
40
1135
3.0
OUTPUT 1dB COMPRESSION (dBm)
TXON = VCC
16
MAX2420/21/22 toc18.5
18
1035
FREQUENCY (MHz)
IM3 REJECTION
1110
MAX2420/21/22toc19
1010
IMAGE
-50
-70
910
LO
-40
-80
MAX2420
TRANSMITTER LO SUPPRESSION
HISTOGRAM (n = 86)
COUNT
-30
-80
FREQUENCY (MHz)
FUNDAMENTAL
-20
-70
810
TXON = VCC
-10
-70
710
IMAGE REJECTION (dB)
IMAGE
LO
-30
POWER (dBm)
POWER (dBm)
-30
IMAGE
-10
0
MAX2420/21/22 toc18.4
LO
TXON = VCC
POWER (dBm)
FUNDAMENTAL
-20
0
MAX2463
TRANSMITTER OUTPUT SPECTRUM
MAX2420/21/22 toc18.3
-10
TXON = VCC
MAX2420/21/22 toc18.2
0
MAX2422
TRANSMITTER OUTPUT SPECTRUM
MAX2420/21/22 toc20
MAX2421
TRANSMITTER OUTPUT SPECTRUM
1
100
1k
10k
100k
LOAD RESISTANCE (Ω)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX242X/246X EV kit, VCC = + 3.3V; fLO = 925.7MHz (MAX2420), fLO = 961MHz (MAX2421), fLO = 985MHz (MAX2422), fLO = 904.3MHz
(MAX2460); fLO = 805MHz (MAX2463); fRXIN = 915MHz; PRXIN = -35dBm; PTXIN = -15dBm (330Ω); LNAGAIN = 2V; TXGAIN = VCC;
VCOON = 2.4V; RXON = TXON = MOD = DIV1 = PREGND = GND; TA = +25°C; unless otherwise noted.)
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
Pin Description
8
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
1
VCC
2
CAP1
3
RXOUT
Single-Ended, 330Ω IF Output. AC couple to this pin.
4
TXGAIN
Transmit Gain-Control Input. Connect to VCC for highest gain and best temperature stability. When
driven with a control voltage, the IF buffer gain can be adjusted over a 36dB range (see Typical
Operating Characteristics).
5
RXIN
Receiver RF Input, single-ended. The input match shown in Figure 1 maintains an input VSWR of better
than 2:1 from 902MHz to 928MHz.
6
VCC
Supply Voltage Input for Receive Low-Noise Amplifier. Bypass with a 47pF low-inductance capacitor to
GND (pin 7 if possible).
7
GND
Ground Connection for Receive Low-Noise Amplifier
8
GND
Ground Connection for Signal-Path Blocks, except LNA
9
TXOUT
Supply-Voltage Input for Master Bias Cell. Bypass with a 47pF low-inductance capacitor and 0.1µF to
GND (pin 28, if possible).
Receive Bias Compensation Pin. Bypass with a 47pF low-inductance capacitor and 0.01µF to GND.
Do not make any other connections to this pin.
PA Predriver Output. See Figure 1 for an example matching network, which provides better than 2:1
VSWR from 902MHz to 928MHz.
10
LNAGAIN
Low-Noise Amplifier Gain-Control Input. Drive this pin high for maximum gain. When LNAGAIN is pulled
low, the LNA is capacitively bypassed and the supply current is reduced by 4.5mA. This pin can also be
driven with an analog voltage to adjust the LNA gain in intermediate states. Refer to the Receiver Gain
vs. LNAGAIN Voltage graph in the Typical Operating Characteristics, as well as Table 1.
11
VCC
Supply Voltage Input for Signal-Path Blocks, except LNA. Bypass with a 47pF low-inductance capacitor
and 0.01µF to GND (pin 8, if possible).
12
TXIN
Transmitter IF Input, 330Ω, single-ended. AC couple to this pin.
13
N.C.
No Connect. Not internally connected.
14
CAP2
Transmit Bias Compensation Pin. Bypass with a 47pF low-inductance capacitor and 0.01µF to GND.
Do not make any other connections to this pin.
15
TXON
Driving TXON with a logic high enables the transmit IF variable-gain amplifier, upconverter mixer, and PA
predriver. VCOON must also be high.
16
RXON
Driving RXON with a logic high enables the LNA, receive mixer, and IF output buffer. VCOON must also
be high.
17
VCOON
18
DIV1
Driving DIV1 with a logic high disables the divide-by-64/65 prescaler and connects the PREOUT pin
directly to an oscillator buffer amplifier, which outputs -8dBm into a 50Ω load. Tie DIV1 low for divide-by64/65 operation. Pull this pin low when in shutdown to minimize off current.
19
MOD
Modulus Control for the Divide-by-64/65 Prescaler: high = divide-by-64, low = divide-by-65. Note that
the DIV1 pin must be at logic low when using the prescaler mode.
20
PREGND
Ground connection for the Prescaler. Tie PREGND to ground for normal operation. Leave floating to
disable the prescaler and the output buffer. Tie MOD and DIV1 to ground and leave PREOUT floating
when disabling the prescaler.
21
PREOUT
Prescaler/Oscillator Buffer Output. In divide-by-64/65 mode (DIV1 = low), the output level is 500mVp-p
into a high-impedance load. In divide-by-1 mode (DIV1 = high), this output delivers -8dBm into a 50Ω
load. AC couple to this pin.
Driving VCOON with a logic high turns on the VCO, phase shifters, VCO buffers, and prescaler. The
prescaler can be selectively disabled by floating the PREGND pin.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
22
VCC
Supply-Voltage Input for Prescaler. Bypass with a 47pF low-inductance capacitor and 0.01µF to GND
(pin 20 if possible).
23
VCC
Supply-Voltage Input for VCO and Phase Shifters. Bypass with a 47pF low-inductance capacitor to GND
(pin 26 if possible).
24
TANK
Differential Oscillator Tank Port. See Applications Information for information on tank circuits or on using
an external oscillator.
25
TANK
Differential Oscillator Tank Port. See Applications Information for information on tank circuits or on using
an external oscillator.
26
GND
Ground Connection for VCO and Phase Shifters
27
GND
Ground (substrate)
28
GND
Ground Connection for Master Bias Cell
VCC
0.1µF
VCC
VCC
28
2
GND
PREGND
VCC
GND
8.2nH
5
RXIN
VCC
12nH
47pF
TRANSMIT
RF OUTPUT
20
23
MAX2420
MAX2421
MAX2422
26
MAX2460
MAX2463
47pF
47pF
22nH
MAX2420
MAX2421
MAX2422
MAX2460
MAX2463
RXOUT
3
6
47pF
7
TXIN
0.01µF
VARACTOR:
ALPHA SMV1299-004
OR EQUIVALENT
VCC
GND
25
4
10
47pF
4.0
4.0
2.4
4.7
20
15
15
6.8
100nH
1kΩ
47kΩ
L3
C26
R6
TANK
VCO
ADJUST
47pF
GND
CAP2
PREOUT
TXGAIN
MOD
DIV1
VCOON
RXON
TXON
47pF
TXGAIN
LNAGAIN
3.0
1.5
VCC
1000pF
0.01µF
10
15
R7
VCC
47pF
14
3.3
4.0
C2
24
8
1.8
3.6
3.3
3.3
6.8
TRANSMIT IF INPUT (330Ω)
TANK
11
6.8
RECEIVE IF OUTPUT (330Ω)
12
TXOUT
VCC
C26
(pF)
0.01µF
47pF
18nH
C2, C3 R6, R7
(Ω)
(pF)
L3
(nH)
SEE APPLICATIONS INFORMATION SECTION
L3: COILCRAFT 0805HS-060TJBC
COILCRAFT 0805HS-030TJBC
27
0.01µF
9
PART
0.01µF
VCC
CAP1
GND
RECEIVE
RF INPUT
22
47pF
47pF
0.1µF
VCO TANK COMPONENTS FOR
915MHz TYPICAL RF
VCC
1
LNAGAIN
21
19
18
17
16
15
C3
1kΩ
TO PLL
MOD
DIV1
VCOON
RXON
TXON
Figure 1. Typical Operating Circuit
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
Pin Description (continued)
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
Detailed Description
The following sections describe each of the functional
blocks shown in the Functional Diagram.
Receiver
The MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463’s
receive path consists of a 900MHz low-noise amplifier,
an image-reject mixer, and an IF buffer amplifier.
The LNA’s gain and biasing are adjustable through the
LNAGAIN pin. Proper operation of this pin can provide
optimum performance over a wide range of signal levels. The LNA can be placed in four modes by applying
a DC voltage on the LNAGAIN pin. See Table 1, as well
as the relevant Typical Operating Characteristics plots.
At low LNAGAIN voltages, the LNA is shut off, and the
input signal capacitively couples directly into the mixer
to provide maximum linearity for large-signal operation
(receiver close to transmitter). As the LNAGAIN voltage
is raised, the LNA begins to turn on. Between 0.5V and
1V at LNAGAIN, the LNA is partially biased and
behaves like a Class C amplifier. Avoid this operating
mode for applications where linearity is a concern. As
the LNAGAIN voltage reaches 1V, the LNA is fully
biased into Class A mode, and the gain is monotonically adjustable at LNAGAIN voltages above 1V. See the
Receiver Gain, Receiver IP3, and Receiver Noise
Figure vs. LNAGAIN plots in the Typical Operating
Characteristics for more information.
The downconverter is implemented using an imagereject mixer consisting of an input buffer with two outputs, each of which is fed to a double-balanced mixer.
The local-oscillator (LO) port of each mixer is driven
from a quadrature LO. The LO is generated from an onchip oscillator and an external tank circuit. Its signal is
buffered and split into phase shifters, which provide
90° of phase shift across their outputs. This pair of LO
signals is fed to the mixers. The mixers’ outputs are
then passed through a second pair of phase shifters,
which provide a 90° phase shift across their outputs. The
Table 1. LNA Modes
LNAGAIN
VOLTAGE (V)
0 < V ≤ 0.5
MODE
LNA capacitively bypassed, minimum
gain, maximum IP3
0.5 < V < 1.0
LNA partially biased. Avoid this mode—
the LNA operates in a Class C manner
1.0 < V ≤ 1.5
LNA gain is monotonically adjustable
1.5 < V ≤ VCC
LNA at maximum gain (remains monotonic)
10
resulting mixer outputs are then summed together. The
final phase relationship is such that the desired signal is
reinforced and the image signal is canceled. The downconverter mixer output appears on the RXOUT pin, a single-ended 330Ω output.
Transmitter
The transmitter operates similarly to the receiver, but
with the phase shifters at the mixer inputs. The transmitter consists of an input buffer amplifier with more than
36dB of gain-adjustment range via the TXGAIN pin.
This buffer’s output is split internally into an in-phase (I)
and a quadrature-phase (Q) path. IF phase-shifting networks give the Q-channel path a 90° phase shift with
respect to the I channel. The I and Q signals are input
to a pair of double-balanced mixers, driven with quadrature LO. The mixer outputs are then summed, canceling the image component. The image-rejected output
signal is fed to the PA predriver, which outputs typically
-3dBm on the TXOUT pin.
Since the transmit and receive sections share an LO
and an IF frequency, interference results if both sections are active at the same time.
Phase Shifters
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
devices use passive networks to provide quadrature
phase shifting for the receive IF, transmit IF, and LO
signals. Because these networks are frequency selective, proper part selection is important. Image rejection
degrades as the IF and RF move away from the
designed optimum frequencies. The MAX2420/
MAX2421/MAX2422’s phase shifters are arranged such
that the LO frequency is higher than the RF carrier frequency (high-side injection), while the MAX2460/
MAX2463’s phase shifters are arranged such that the
LO frequency is lower than the RF carrier frequency
(low-side injection). Refer to the Selector Guide.
Local Oscillator (LO)
The on-chip LO is formed by an emitter-coupled differential pair. An external LC resonant tank sets the oscillation frequency. A varactor diode is typically used to
create a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). See the
Applications Information section for an example VCO
tank circuit.
The LO may be overdriven in applications where an
external signal is available. The external LO signal
should be about 0dBm from 50Ω, and should be AC
coupled into either the TANK or TANK pin. Both TANK
and TANK require pull-up resistors to VCC. See the
Applications Information section for details.
______________________________________________________________________________________
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
Prescaler
The on-chip prescaler can be used in two different
modes: as a dual-modulus divide-by-64/65, or as oscillator buffer amplifier. The DIV1 pin controls this function. When DIV1 is low, the prescaler is in dual-modulus
divide-by-64/65 mode; when it is high, the prescaler is
disabled and the oscillator buffer amplifier is enabled.
The buffer typically outputs -8dBm into a 50Ω load. To
minimize shutdown supply current, pull the DIV1 pin
low when in shutdown mode.
In divide-by-64/65 mode, the division ratio is controlled
by the MOD pin. When MOD is high, the prescaler is in
divide-by-64 mode; when it is low, it divides the LO frequency by 65. The DIV1 pin must be at a logic low in
this mode.
To disable the prescaler entirely, leave PREGND and
PREOUT floating. Also tie the MOD and DIV1 pins to
GND. Disabling the prescaler does not affect operation
of the VCO stage.
Power Management
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463 supports four different power-management features to conserve battery life. The VCO section has its own control
pin (VCOON), which also serves as a master bias pin.
When VCOON is high, the LO, quadrature LO phase
shifters, and prescaler or LO buffer are all enabled. The
VCO can be powered up prior to either transmitting or
receiving, to allow it to stabilize. For transmit-to-receive
switching, the receiver and transmitter sections have
their own enable control inputs, RXON and TXON. With
VCOON high, bringing RXON high enables the receive
path, which consists of the LNA, image-reject mixers,
and IF output buffer. When this pin is low, the receive
path is inactive. The TXON input enables the IF
adjustable-gain amplifier, upconverter mixer, and PA
predriver. VCOON must be high for the transmitter to
operate. When TXON is low, the transmitter is off.
To disable all chip functions and reduce the supply
current to typically less than 0.5µA, pull VCOON, DIV1,
MOD, RXON, and TXON low.
Applications Information
Oscillator Tank
The on-chip oscillator requires a parallel-resonant tank
circuit connected across TANK and TANK. Figure 2
shows an example of an oscillator tank circuit. Inductor
L4 provides DC bias to the tank ports. Inductor L3,
capacitor C26, and the series combination of capacitors C2, C3, and both halves of the varactor diode
capacitance set the resonant frequency as follows:
1
fr =


2π L3 CEFF 
( )(
CEFF =
)
1
 1
1
2 
 C2 + C3 + C 

D1 
+ C26
where CD1 is the capacitance of one varactor diode.
Choose tank components according to your application
needs, such as phase-noise requirements, tuning
range, and VCO gain. High-Q inductors such as aircore micro springs yield low phase noise. Use a low tolerance inductor (L3) for predictable oscillation
frequency. Resistors R6 and R7 can be chosen from 0
to 20Ω to reduce the Q of parasitic resonance due to
series package inductance (LT). Keep R6 and R7 as
small as possible to minimize phase noise, yet large
enough to ensure oscillator start up in fundamental
mode. Oscillator start-up is most critical with high tuning bandwidth (low tank Q) and high temperature.
Capacitors C2 and C3 couple in the varactor. Light
MAX2420
MAX2421
MAX2422
MAX2460
MAX2463
VCC
L4
100nH
C2
R7
1/2 D1
R8
47kΩ
LT
L3
C26
C3
LT
R5
1kΩ
R6
1/2 D1
VCO_CTRL
C1
47pF
R4
1kΩ
D1 = ALPHA SMV1299-004
SEE FIGURE 1 FOR R6, R7, C2, C3, C26, AND L3 COMPONENT VALUES.
Figure 2. Oscillator Tank Schematic, Using the On-Chip VCO
______________________________________________________________________________________
11
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
The local oscillator is resistant to LO pulling caused by
changes in load impedance that occur as the part is
switched from standby mode, with just the oscillator running to either transmit or receive mode. The amount of
LO pulling is affected if there is power at the RXIN port in
transmit mode. The most common cause of this is imperfect isolation in an external transmit/receive (T/R) switch.
The AC Electrical Characteristics table contains specifications for this case as well.
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
coupling of the varactor is a way to reduce the effects
of high-varactor tolerance and increase loaded Q. For a
wider tuning range use larger values for C2 and C3 or a
varactor with a large capacitance ratio. Capacitor C26
is used to trim the tank oscillator frequency. Larger values for C26 helps negate the effect of stray PCB
capacitance and parasitic inductor capacitance (L3).
Choose a low-tolerance capacitor for C26.
For applications that require a wide tuning range and
low phase noise, a series coupled resonant tank may
be required as shown in Figure 4. This tank uses the
package inductance in series with inductors L1, L2,
and capacitance of varactor D1 to set the net equivalent inductance which resonates in parallel with the
internal oscillator capacitance. Inductors L1 and L2 can
be implemented as microstrip inductors, saving component cost. Bias is provided to the tank port through
chokes L3 and L5. R1 and R3 should be chosen large
enough to de-Q the parasitic resonance due to L3 and
L5, but small enough to minimize the voltage drop
across them due to bias current. Values for R1 and R3
should be kept between 0 and 50Ω. Proper high-frequency bypassing (C1) should be used for the bias
voltage to eliminate power supply noise from entering
the tank.
Oscillator-Tank PC Board Layout
The parasitic PC board capacitance, as well as PCB
trace inductance and package inductance, can affect
oscillation frequency, so be careful in laying out the PC
board for the oscillator tank. Keep the tank layout as
symmetrical, tightly packed, and close to the device as
possible to minimize LO feedthrough. When using a PC
board with a ground plane, a cut-out in the ground
plane (and any other planes) below the oscillator tank
reduces parasitic capacitance.
Using an External Oscillator
VCC
MAX2420
MAX2421
MAX2422 TANK
MAX2460
MAX2463
CBLOCK
0.01µF
50Ω
EXT LO
VCC
50Ω
EXTERNAL LO LEVEL IS
0dBm FROM A 50Ω
SOURCE.
TANK
Figure 3. Using an External Local Oscillator
MAX2420
MAX2421
MAX2422
MAX2460
MAX2463
LT
TANK
If an external 50Ω LO signal source is available, it can
be used as an input to the TANK or TANK pin in place
of the on-chip oscillator (Figure 3). The oscillator signal
is AC coupled into the TANK pin and has a level of
about 0dBm from a 50Ω source. For proper biasing of
the oscillator input stage, the TANK and TANK pins
must be pulled up to the VCC supply via 50Ω resistors.
If the application requires overdriving the internal oscillator, the pull-up resistors can be increased in order to
save power. If a differential LO source such as the
MAX2620 is available, AC couple the inverting output
into TANK.
L3
L1
R1
L4
R2
Ci
C2
L2
LT
L5
R3
TANK
Figure 4. Series Coupled Resonant Tank for Wide Tuning Range and Low Phase Noise
12
VCC
VTUNE
______________________________________________________________________________________
C1
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
LNAGAIN
90°
Σ
RXIN
RXOUT
0°
DIV1
MOD
CAP1
RXON
TXON
0°
CAP2
TXOUT
PREOUT
÷1/64/65
PREGND
TANK
PHASE
SHIFTER
MAX2420
MAX2421
MAX2422
MAX2460*
MAX2463*
*CRISS-CROSSED PHASE-SHIFTER
CONNECTIONS
90°
BIAS
0°
TANK
VCOON
90°
90°
Σ
TXIN
0°
TXGAIN
______________________________________________________________________________________
13
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
Functional Diagram
Package Information
(The package drawing(s) in this data sheet may not reflect the most current specifications. For the latest package outline information,
go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.)
2
SSOP.EPS
MAX2420/MAX2421/MAX2422/MAX2460/MAX2463
900MHz Image-Reject Transceivers
1
INCHES
E
H
MILLIMETERS
DIM
MIN
MAX
MIN
MAX
A
0.068
0.078
1.73
1.99
A1
0.002
0.008
0.05
0.21
B
0.010
0.015
0.25
0.38
C
0.20
0.09
0.004 0.008
SEE VARIATIONS
D
E
e
0.205
0.212
0.0256 BSC
5.20
INCHES
D
D
D
D
D
5.38
MILLIMETERS
MIN
MAX
MIN
MAX
0.239
0.239
0.278
0.249
0.249
0.289
6.07
6.07
7.07
6.33
6.33
7.33
0.317
0.397
0.328
0.407
8.07
10.07
8.33
10.33
N
14L
16L
20L
24L
28L
0.65 BSC
H
0.301
0.311
7.65
7.90
L
0.025
0∞
0.037
8∞
0.63
0∞
0.95
8∞
N
A
C
B
e
L
A1
D
NOTES:
1. D&E DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH.
2. MOLD FLASH OR PROTRUSIONS NOT TO EXCEED .15 MM (.006").
3. CONTROLLING DIMENSION: MILLIMETERS.
4. MEETS JEDEC MO150.
5. LEADS TO BE COPLANAR WITHIN 0.10 MM.
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
TITLE:
PACKAGE OUTLINE, SSOP, 5.3 MM
APPROVAL
DOCUMENT CONTROL NO.
21-0056
REV.
C
1
1
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600 ____________________ 14
© 2003 Maxim Integrated Products
Printed USA
is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products.