Maxim Integrated Products says its new MAX2062 is the industry's only fully programmable, multistate, dual-channel, analog + digital IF/RF variable-gain amplifier (VGA). It is targeted at the "fast-attack" automatic gain control (AGC) circuits found in all 2.5G/3G/4G wireless infrastructure transceivers, including GSM/EDGE, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, and WiMAX applications.
The MAX2062 can serve as either an IF or RF all-purpose VGA, interfacing directly with 50Ω systems operating over the 50MHz to 1000MHz frequency range. Since the stages within each path have their own RF input and RF output, the MAX2062 can be configured to optimize either noise figure (amplifier configured first within the cascade) or linearity (amplifier configured last). Alternately, it can be configured to provide a compromise between the two parameters (amplifier configured second).
The MAX2062 can serve as either an IF or RF all-purpose VGA, interfacing directly with 50Ω systems operating over the 50MHz to 1000MHz frequency range. Since the stages within each path have their own RF input and RF output, the MAX2062 can be configured to optimize either noise figure (amplifier configured first within the cascade) or linearity (amplifier configured last). Alternately, it can be configured to provide a compromise between the two parameters (amplifier configured second).
In its typical configuration (digital attenuator to analog attenuator to driver amplifier), the cascade yields a total gain range of 64dB, a maximum gain of 19.4dB, and a noise figure of 7.3dB.
In a receiver application, its linearity (+41dBm of OIP3, +56dBm of OIP2, and +19dBm of OP1dB performance) directly enhances the receiver's immunity to strong blocker signals. Second- and third-order harmonic distortion (HD2 and HD3) content is also limited to -55dBc and -72.7dBc, respectively. This performance eases the filtering requirements of close-in harmonics and leads to simpler and more cost-effective filter designs.
The MAX2062 incorporates nine unique circuit functions into a single, compact monolithic device. When compared to an equivalent circuit using two of its predecessor parts, MAX2065 VGAs, this new dual VGA reduces the circuit's overall footprint by 31%. These cost and space savings enable the next generation of wireless infrastructure designs in which transceiver price and density issues are paramount.
The MAX2062 incorporates nine unique circuit functions into a single, compact monolithic device. When compared to an equivalent circuit using two of its predecessor parts, MAX2065 VGAs, this new dual VGA reduces the circuit's overall footprint by 31%. These cost and space savings enable the next generation of wireless infrastructure designs in which transceiver price and density issues are paramount.
The MAX2062 is available in a lead-free, 48-pin TQFN package. Prices start at $13.45 (1000-up, FOB USA).