19-1470; Rev 1; 6/00
900MHz ISM-Band, 250mW Power Amplifiers
with Analog or Digital Gain Control
General Description
The MAX2232/MAX2233 low-voltage, silicon RF power
amplifiers (PAs) are designed for use in the 900MHz
ISM band. They operate from a single +2.7V to +5.5V
supply, allowing them to be powered directly from a 3-
cell NiCd or a 1-cell Lithium-Ion battery. The devices
typically deliver 250mW (+24dBm) of output power at
915MHz from a single +3.6V supply, or 150mW
(+22dBm) from a single +2.7V supply. At +24dBm out-
put power, power-added efficiency (PAE) is 44%.
The MAX2232/MAX2233 provide 24dB of gain, which is
adjustable over a continuous 24dB span via the analog
gain-control pin of the MAX2232 or in two 10dB steps
via the 2-bit programmable gain-control DAC of the
MAX2233. An external capacitor sets the RF output
power envelope ramp time, reducing spurious emis-
sions during power-up and power-down by providing a
gradual change in output power (MAX2232).
The MAX2232/MAX2233 feature a low-power shutdown
mode, which typically draws less than 1µA of supply
current, saving power during “idle slots” in time-division
multiple-access (TDMA) systems. The
∆VSWR
of the RF
input in shutdown mode relative to normal operation is
1.2:1. The devices also feature a thermal shutdown
function, enabling the PA to protect itself from excessive
temperature conditions that could damage the IC. A
capacitor to ground limits thermal cycling by setting a
thermal shutdown timeout period.
The MAX2232/MAX2233 are available in a space-sav-
ing, thermally enhanced 16-pin power-QSOP (PQSOP)
package.
Features
o
800MHz to 1000MHz Frequency Range
o
250mW (+24dBm) Output Power at 915MHz from
+3.6V Supply
o
+2.7V to +5.5V Single-Supply Operation
o
44% Power-Added Efficiency
o
24dB Power Gain
o
24dB Analog Gain-Control Range (MAX2232)
o
Three Levels of Digitally Programmed Power Gain
in 10dB Steps (MAX2233)
o
Programmable RF Power Envelope Ramping
(MAX2232)
o
Thermal Shutdown
o
Programmable Thermal Shutdown Timeout Period
o
0.2µA Low-Power Shutdown Mode
o
Low
∆VWSR
in Standby and Shutdown Modes
MAX2232/MAX2233
Ordering Information
PART
MAX2232EEE
MAX2233EEE
TEMP. RANGE
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
PIN-PACKAGE
16 PQSOP
16 PQSOP
Applications
900MHz ISM Band
Digital Cordless Phones
Wireless Data
FM Analog Transmitters
868MHz European ISM Band
RFIN 1
GND 2
SHDN (D1) 3
CTRL (D0) 4
GND 5
GND 6
GND 7
RFOUT 8
Pin Configuration
TOP VIEW
16 V
CC
15 GND
14 RAMP+ (N.C.)
MAX2232
MAX2233
13 RAMP- (N.C.)
12 V
CC
11 V
CC
10 TSET
9
N.C.
Functional Diagrams appear at end of data sheet.
PQSOP
GROUND OF OUTPUT STAGE CONNECTED TO PACKAGE SLUG.
( ) ARE FOR MAX2233.
________________________________________________________________
Maxim Integrated Products
1
For price, delivery, and to place orders, please contact Maxim Distribution at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
900MHz ISM-Band, 250mW Power Amplifiers
with Analog or Digital Gain Control
MAX2232/MAX2233
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
V
CC
to GND ...........................................................-0.3V to +6.5V
SHDN,
CTRL, D0, D1 to GND ....................-0.3V to (V
CC
+0.3V)
I
RFIN
....................................................................................10mA
RFIN Power (50Ω AC-coupled source). .........................+10dBm
Output Load VSWR. ................................................................6:1
Continuous Power Dissipation (T
A
= +70°C)
16-Pin PQSOP (derate 80mW/°C above +70°C) ................3W
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +150°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.
DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(V
CC
= +2.7V to +5.5V, V
CTRL
= +2.2V, V
SHDN
= V
D0
= V
D1
= +2V, T
A
= -40°C to +85°C. No input signal applied, unless otherwise
noted. Typical values are at V
CC
= +3.6V and T
A
= +25°C.)
PARAMETER
Supply Voltage Range
Shutdown Supply Current
Standby Supply Current
Logic Input High
Logic Input Low
CTRL Input for Standby Mode
CTRL Input for Gain-Control
Mode
SYMBOL
V
CC
I
CC
I
CC
V
IH
V
IL
V
CTRL
V
CTRL
I
IH
Logic Input Current
I
IL
CTRL Input Current
V
SHDN
= 0.6V,
V
D0
= V
D1
= 0.6V
V
CTRL
≤
0.4V (MAX2232)
SHDN
(MAX2232), D0, D1 (MAX2233)
SHDN
(MAX2232), D0, D1 (MAX2233)
MAX2232
MAX2232
V
SHDN
= 2.0V (MAX2232),
V
D0
= V
D1
= 2.0V (MAX2233)
V
SHDN
= GND (MAX2232),
V
D0
= V
D1
= GND (MAX2233)
V
CTRL
= GND
V
CTRL
= 2.2V
0.6
-1
-1
-1.5
10
µA
1
1
1.5
µA
2.0
0.6
0.4
V
CC
≤
3.6V
V
CC
= 5.5V
CONDITIONS
MIN
2.7
0.2
120
20.3
25
TYP
MAX
5.5
10
UNITS
V
µA
mA
V
V
V
V
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(MAX2232/MAX2233 Evaluation Kit, V
CC
= +3.6V, V
CTRL
= +2.2V,
SHDN
= V
CC
(MAX2232), D0 = D1 = V
CC
(MAX2233),
P
RFIN
= 0dBm, ƒ
RFIN
= 915MHz, T
A
= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
PARAMETER
Frequency Range
Power Gain
SYMBOL
ƒ
IN
G
P
V
CC
= 4.8V
Output Power
P
OUT
V
CC
= 3.6V (Note 1)
V
CC
= 3.0V
V
CC
= 2.7V
Output Power Variation Over
Temperature
Output Power, Medium-Power
Mode
2
∆P
OUT
P
OUT
T
A
= T
MIN
to T
MAX
(Note 1)
D0 = GND, D1 = V
CC
(MAX2233 only)
22.9
(Notes 1, 2)
CONDITIONS
MIN
902
23.9
25.4
23.9
22.5
21.6
1.9
15.8
3.2
dB
dBm
24.9
dBm
TYP
MAX
928
UNITS
MHz
dB
_______________________________________________________________________________________
900MHz ISM-Band, 250mW Power Amplifiers
with Analog or Digital Gain Control
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(MAX2232/MAX2233 Evaluation Kit, V
CC
= +3.6V, V
CTRL
= +2.2V,
SHDN
= V
CC
(MAX2232), D0 = D1 = V
CC
(MAX2233),
P
RFIN
= 0dBm, ƒ
RFIN
= 915MHz, T
A
= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
PARAMETER
Output Power, Low-Power Mode
Gain-Control Range (Note 3)
Power-Added Efficiency
Power-Added Efficiency at
+21dBm Output Power
Supply Current, Medium-Power
Mode
Supply Current, Low-Power
Mode
Input VSWR
Input VSWR Change, Shutdown
Mode (Notes 1, 4)
Input VSWR Change, Standby
Mode (Notes 1, 4)
Off-Isolation
Maximum Nonharmonic
Spurious Output Due to Load
Mismatch
Maximum Output Load VSWR
Without Damage (Note1)
Harmonic Suppression
Autoramping Rise Time
Autoramping Fall Time
Output Power Rise Time
Thermal Shutdown Temperature
Thermal Shutdown Timeout
Period
Note 1:
Note 2:
Note 3:
Note 4:
Note 5:
T
TH
t
TH
SYMBOL
P
OUT
∆G
P
PAE
PAE
I
CC
I
CC
VSWR
∆VSWR
∆VSWR
MAX2232 only
SHDN
= D0 = D1 = GND
CTRL = GND (MAX2232 only)
V
CC
= +2.7V to +5.5V,
6:1 VSWR at any phase angle,
P
RFIN
= +5dBm
Any load phase angle, P
RFIN
= +5dBm,
T
A
= T
MIN
to T
MAX
(Note 5)
C
RAMP
= 0.22µF (Notes 1, 6) (MAX2232 only)
C
RAMP
= 0.22µF (Notes 1, 7) (MAX2232 only)
RAMP+ = RAMP- = unconnected (Note 6)
P
RFIN
= 0dBm, V
CC
= +3.6V
C
TSET
= 0.22µF (Note 8)
6:1
29
0.9
3.2
0.4
145
900
dBc
ms
ms
µs
°C
ms
CTRL adjusted to give P
RFOUT
= +21dBm
(MAX2232 only)
D0 = GND, D1 = V
CC
(MAX2233 only)
D0 = V
CC
, D1 = GND (MAX2233 only)
Z
SOURCE
= 50Ω (Note 1)
CONDITIONS
D0 = V
CC
, D1 = GND (MAX2233 only)
0.6V < V
CTRL
< 2.2V (MAX2232 only)
MIN
TYP
6.5
23.6
44
29
78.5
44.0
1.5:1
1.4:1
1.2:1
52
38
-60
dB
MAX
UNITS
dBm
dB
%
%
mA
mA
MAX2232/MAX2233
dBc
Guaranteed by design.
Operation outside this range is possible, but not characterized.
Gain is monotonic with V
CTRL
.
Input VSWR relative to input impedance in operating mode.
Harmonics measured on evaluation kit, which provides some harmonic attenuation in addition to the rejection provided by
the IC. The combined suppression is specified.
Note 6:
Time measured from
SHDN
(MAX2232) low-to-high transition to when output power is within 1dB of final value. Includes
effects of 1% tolerance capacitor.
Note 7:
Time measured from
SHDN
(MAX2232) high-to-low transition to when output power is -20dB of final value. Includes effects
of 1% tolerance capacitors.
Note 8:
Time from die temperature dropping below Thermal Shutdown Temperature, T
TH
, to when the device turns itself back on.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3
900MHz ISM-Band, 250mW Power Amplifiers
with Analog or Digital Gain Control
MAX2232/MAX2233
Typical Operating Characteristics
(MAX2232/MAX2233 Evaluation Kit, V
CC
= +3.6V, CTRL = V
CC
,
SHDN
= D0 = D1 = V
CC
, P
RFIN
= 0dBm, f
RFIN
= 915MHz, T
A
= +25°C,
unless otherwise noted.)
SHUTDOWN SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2232/33 toc01
MAX2232
STANDBY SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2232/33 toc02
OUTPUT POWER vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
27
OUTPUT POWER (dBm)
26
25
24
23
22
T
A
= +85°C
T
A
= -40°C
T
A
= +25°C
MAX2232/33 toc03
100
SHUTDOWN SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)
30
25
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
20
15
10
5
10
T
A
= +85°C
1
V
SHDN
= V
CC
V
CTRL
= GND
RFIN = UNCONNECTED
T
A
= +25°C
28
T
A
= +85°C
0.1
T
A
= -40°C
0.01
T
A
= -40°C
T
A
= +25°C
21
20
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
0.001
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
0
POWER-ADDED EFFICIENCY
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2232/33 toc04
OUTPUT POWER vs. FREQUENCY
MAX2232/33 toc05
MAX2232
OUTPUT POWER vs. GAIN CONTROL VOLTAGE
T
A
= -40°C
MAX2232/33 toc06
MAX2232/33 toc10
60
POWER-ADDED EFFICIENCY (%)
50
40
30
20
10
0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
T
A
= +85°C
T
A
= -40°C
T
A
= +25°C
30
30
25
OUTPUT POWER (dBm)
20
15
10
5
25
OUTPUT POWER (dBm)
MAX2233 (D0 = D1 = 1), AND MAX2232
20
T
A
= +25°C
T
A
= +85°C
15
MAX2233 (D0 = 0, D1 = 1)
10
MAX2233 (D0 = 1, D1 = 0)
5
5.5
902
915
FREQUENCY (MHz)
928
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
0
0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 .1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4
V
CTRL
(V)
OUTPUT POWER AND POWER-ADDED EFFICIENCY
vs. INPUT POWER
28
T
A
= -40°C
23 T
A
= +25°C
OUTPUT POWER (dBm)
T
A
= +85°C
PAE (%)
VSWR
18
T
A
= -40°C
55
1.6
MAX2232/33 toc07
MAX2232
RFIN PORT VSWR vs. FREQUENCY
SHUTDOWN MODE
MAX2232/33 toc08
MAX2232
OUTPUT POWER vs. SHUTDOWN CONTROL
3V
SHUTDOWN
0
P
OUT
85
2.0
70
1.8
STANDBY MODE
NORMAL OPERATION
1.4
LINEAR
SCALE
OUTPUT
POWER
13
T
A
= +25°C
T
A
= +85°C
3
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
PAE
40
8
25
1.2
10
10
15
1.0
902
915
FREQUENCY (MHz)
928
C
RAMP
= 0.22µF
1ms/div
INPUT POWER (dBm)
4
_______________________________________________________________________________________
900MHz ISM-Band, 250mW Power Amplifiers
with Analog or Digital Gain Control
Pin Description
PIN
NAME
MAX2232
1
2
3
MAX2233
1
2
—
RFIN
GND
SHDN
RF Input Port. Requires external matching network and blocking capacitor.
Input Stage Ground. Connect directly to low-inductance ground plane. If vias are used,
separate them from other GND pin vias.
Shutdown Control Input. Drive SHDN low to place the device in shutdown mode. Drive high
for normal operation.
Digital Gain/Shutdown Control Input. MSB of the 2-bit digital output power control. D0 and
D1 set the output power to one of three discrete levels. To place the device in shutdown,
drive D0 and D1 low (Table 2).
Analog Gain-Control Input. Apply a voltage between 0.6V and 2.2V to vary the gain of the
PA. Drive CTRL below 0.4V to place the device in standby mode. Drive CTRL above 2.2V to
place the device in peak output power mode.
Digital Gain/Shutdown Control Input. LSB of the 2-bit digital output power control. D0 and
D1 set the output power to one of three discrete levels. To place the device in shutdown,
drive D0 and D1 low (Table 2).
Second Stage Ground. Connect directly to low-inductance ground plane. If vias are used,
separate them from other GND pin vias.
Output Stage Ground. Connect directly to low-inductance ground plane. If vias are used,
separate them from other GND pin vias.
Open-Collector, RF Output Port. Connect output matching network to this pin.
No Connection. Do not make a connection to this pin.
Thermal Shutdown Timeout Capacitor Terminal. Connect a capacitor from TSET to ground
to limit thermal cycling.
Second Stage Supply Voltage. Bypass with appropriate capacitors to GND.
Input Stage Supply Voltage. Bypass with appropriate capacitors to GND.
Negative Terminal of Output Power Ramp Capacitor. Connect capacitor, C
RAMP
, between
RAMP+ and RAMP- to control the rise and fall time of the output power ramp.
Positive Terminal of Output Power Ramp Capacitor. Connect capacitor, C
RAMP
, between
RAMP+ and RAMP- to control the rise and fall time of the output power ramp.
Bias Circuitry Ground. Connect directly to low-inductance ground plane. If vias are used,
separate them from other GND pin vias.
Bias Circuitry Supply Voltage. Bypass with appropriate capacitors to GND.
Output Stage Ground. Provides additional thermal conduction, as well as a low-inductance
path to ground. Connect directly to low-inductance ground plane.
FUNCTION
MAX2232/MAX2233
—
3
D1
4
—
CTRL
—
4
D0
5, 6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
SLUG
5, 6
7
8
9, 13, 14
10
11
12
—
—
15
16
SLUG
GND
GND
RFOUT
N.C.
TSET
V
CC
V
CC
RAMP-
RAMP+
GND
V
CC
GND
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5