19-0363; Rev 2; 3/11
KIT
ATION
EVALU
BLE
AVAILA
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b
RF Transceivers with Integrated PA
General Description
Features
♦
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz ISM Band Operation
♦
IEEE 802.11g/b Compatible (54Mbps OFDM and
11Mbps CCK)
♦
Complete RF Transceiver, PA, and Crystal
Oscillator (MAX2831)
Best-in-Class Transceiver Performance
62mA Receiver Current
2.6dB Rx Noise Figure
-76dBm Rx Sensitivity (54Mbps OFDM)
No I/Q Calibration Required
0.1dB/0.35° Rx I/Q Gain/Phase Imbalance
33dB RF and 62dB Baseband Gain Control
Range
60dB Range Analog RSSI per RF Gain Setting
Fast Rx I/Q DC-Offset Settling
Programmable Baseband Lowpass Filter
20-Bit Sigma-Delta Fractional-N PLL with
< 20Hz Step Size
Digitally Tuned Crystal Oscillator
+18.5dBm Transmit Power (5.6% EVM with
54Mbps OFDM)
31dB Tx Gain Control Range
Integrated Power Detector (MAX2831)
Serial or Parallel Gain-Control Interface
> 40dB Tx Sideband Suppression without
Calibration
Tx/Rx I/Q Error Detection
♦
Transceiver Operates from +2.7V to +3.6V
♦
PA Operates from +2.7V to +4.2V (MAX2831)
♦
Low-Power Shutdown Mode
♦
Small 48-Pin TQFN Package
(7mm x 7mm x 0.8mm)
MAX2831/MAX2832
The MAX2831/MAX2832 direct conversion, zero-IF, RF
transceivers are designed specifically for 2.4GHz to
2.5GHz 802.11g/b WLAN applications. The MAX2831
completely integrates all circuitry required to implement
the RF transceiver function, providing an RF power
amplifier (PA), RF-to-baseband receive path, baseband-
to-RF transmit path, VCO, frequency synthesizer, crystal
oscillator, and baseband/control interface. The MAX2832
integrates the same functional blocks except for the PA.
Both devices include a fast-settling sigma-delta RF syn-
thesizer with smaller than 20Hz frequency steps and a
digitally tuned crystal oscillator allowing use of a low-cost
crystal. The devices also integrate on-chip DC-offset
cancellation and I/Q errors and carrier leakage-detection
circuits. Only an RF bandpass filter (BPF), crystal, RF
switch, and a small number of passive components are
needed to form a complete 802.11g/b WLAN RF front-
end solution.
The MAX2831/MAX2832 completely eliminate the need
for an external SAW filter by implementing on-chip mono-
lithic filters for both the receiver and transmitter. The
baseband filters are optimized to meet the IEEE 802.11g
standard and proprietary turbo modes up to 40MHz
channel bandwidth. These devices are suitable for the full
range of 802.11g OFDM data rates (6Mbps to 54Mbps)
and 802.11b QPSK and CCK data rates (1Mbps to
11Mbps). The ICs are available in a small, 48-pin TQFN
package measuring only 7mm x 7mm x 0.8mm.
Applications
Wi-Fi, PDA, VOIP, and Cellular Handsets
Wireless Speakers and Headphones
General 2.4GHz ISM Radios
Ordering Information
PART
MAX2831
ETM+T
MAX2832
ETM+T
TEMP RANGE
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
PIN-PACKAGE
48 TQFN-EP*
48 TQFN-EP*
*EP
= Exposed pad.
+Denotes
a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
T = Tape and reel.
Pin Configuration appears at end of data sheet.
________________________________________________________________
Maxim Integrated Products
1
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.
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b
RF Transceivers with Integrated PA
MAX2831/MAX2832
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
V
CCTXPA
, V
CCPA
and TXRF_ to GND ....................-0.3V to +4.5V
V
CCLNA
, V
CCTXMX
, V
CCPLL
, V
CCCP
, V
CCXTAL
, V
CCVCO
,
V
CCRXVGA
, V
CCRXFL
, and V
CCRXMX
_ to GND....-0.3V to +3.9V
B6, B7, B3, B2,
SHDN,
B5,
CS,
SCLK, DIN, B1, TUNE, B4,
TXBBI_, TXBBQ_, RXHP, RXTX, RXBBI_, RXBBQ_, RSSI,
BYPASS, CPOUT, LD, CLOCKOUT, XTAL, CTUNE, RXRF_ to
GND .......................................-0.3V to (Operating V
CC
+ 0.3V)
RXBBI_, RXBBQ_, RSSI, BYPASS, CPOUT, LD, CLOCKOUT
Short-Circuit Duration ..........................................................10s
RF Input Power ...............................................................+10dBm
Continuous Power Dissipation (T
A
= +70°C)
48-Pin TQFN (derates 27.8mW/°C above +70°C) ..........2.22W
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature ......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +160°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
Soldering Temperature (reflow) .......................................+260°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
(MAX2831 EV kit: V
CC_
= 2.7V to 3.6V, V
CCPA
= V
CCTXPA
= 2.7V to 4.2V, T
A
= -40°C to +85°C, Rx set to the maximum gain.
CS
=
high, RXHP = SCLK = DIN = low, RSSI and clock output buffer are off, no signal at RF inputs, all RF inputs and outputs terminated
into 50Ω, receiver baseband outputs are open. 100mV
RMS
differential I and Q signals (54Mbps IEEE 802.11g OFDM) applied to I/Q
baseband inputs of transmitter in transmit mode, f
REF
= 40MHz, and registers set to recommended settings and corresponding test
mode, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at V
CC
= 2.8V, V
CCPA
= 3.3V, and T
A
= +25°C, LO frequency = 2.437GHz, unless
otherwise noted. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from EV kit PCB, balun,
and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
PARAMETERS
Supply Voltage
V
CC_
V
CCPA
, V
CCTXPA
Shutdown mode,
B7: B1 = 0000000,
reference oscillator not
applied
Standby mode
Supply Current
Rx mode
Tx mode, T
A
= +25°C,
V
CC
= 2.8V, V
CCPA
=
3.3V, (Note 2)
Rx calibration mode
Tx calibration mode
Rx I/Q Output Common-Mode
Voltage
Rx I/Q Output Common-Mode
Voltage Variation
Tx Baseband Input Common-
Mode Voltage Operating Range
Tx Baseband Input Bias Current
CONDITIONS
MIN
2.7
2.7
TYP
MAX
3.6
4.2
UNITS
V
T
A
= +25°C
20
µA
T
A
= +25°C
T
A
= -40°C to +85°C
T
A
= +25°C
T
A
= -40°C to +85°C
MAX2831, transmit section
MAX2831, PA, P
OUT
= +18.2dBm
MAX2832
T
A
= +25°C
T
A
= +25°C
0.98
28
62
82
209
86
101
78
1.2
-17
15
0.9
35
35
78
82
104
258
mA
T
A
= +25°C at default common-mode setting
T
A
= -40°C (relative to T
A
= +25°C)
T
A
= +85°C (relative to T
A
= +25°C)
DC-coupled
Source current
1.33
V
mV
1.3
22
V
µA
2
_______________________________________________________________________________________
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b
RF Transceivers with Integrated PA
DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(MAX2831 EV kit: V
CC_
= 2.7V to 3.6V, V
CCPA
= V
CCTXPA
= 2.7V to 4.2V, T
A
= -40°C to +85°C, Rx set to the maximum gain.
CS
=
high, RXHP = SCLK = DIN = low, RSSI and clock output buffer are off, no signal at RF inputs, all RF inputs and outputs terminated
into 50Ω, receiver baseband outputs are open. 100mV
RMS
differential I and Q signals (54Mbps IEEE 802.11g OFDM) applied to I/Q
baseband inputs of transmitter in transmit mode, f
REF
= 40MHz, and registers set to recommended settings and corresponding test
mode, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at V
CC
= 2.8V, V
CCPA
= 3.3V, and T
A
= +25°C, LO frequency = 2.437GHz, unless
otherwise noted. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from EV kit PCB, balun,
and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
PARAMETERS
CONDITIONS
MIN
V
CC
-
0.4
0.4
-1
-1
V
CC
-
0.4
0.4
+1
+1
TYP
MAX
UNITS
LOGIC INPUTS:
SHDN,
RXTX, SCLK, DIN,
CS,
B7:B1, RXHP
Digital Input-Voltage High, V
IH
Digital Input-Voltage Low, V
IL
Digital Input-Current High, I
IH
Digital Input-Current Low, I
IL
LOGIC OUTPUTS: LD, CLOCKOUT
Digital Output-Voltage High, V
OH
Digital Output-Voltage Low, V
OL
Sourcing 100µA
Sinking 100µA
V
V
V
V
µA
µA
MAX2831/MAX2832
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Rx Mode
(MAX2831 EV kit: V
CC_
= 2.8V, V
CCPA
= V
CCTXPA
= 3.3V, T
A
=+25°C, f
RF
= 2.439GHz, f
LO
= 2.437GHz; receiver baseband I/Q out-
puts at 112 mV
RMS
(-19dBV), f
REF
= 40MHz,
SHDN
=
CS
= high, RXTX = SCLK = DIN = low, with power matching for the differential
RF pins using the typical applications and registers set to default settings and corresponding test mode, unless otherwise noted.
Unmodulated single-tone RF input signal is used with specifications which normally apply over the entire operating conditions, unless
otherwise indicated. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from EV kit PCB,
balun, and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
RF Input Frequency Range
High RF gain
RF Input Return Loss
Mid RF gain
Low RF gain
Maximum gain, B7:B1 =
1111111
Total Voltage Gain
Minimum gain, B7:B1 =
0000000
T
A
= +25°C
T
A
= -40°C to +85°C
T
A
= +25°C
86
83
3
-16
dB
From high-gain mode (B7:B6 = 11) to low-gain mode
(B7:B6 = 0X)
RF Gain-Change Settling Time
Gain change from high gain to medium gain, high gain to
low, or medium gain to low gain; gain settling to within
±2dB of steady state; RXHP = 1
-33
8
CONDITIONS
MIN
2.4
18
11
14
98
dB
dB
TYP
MAX
2.5
UNITS
GHz
RECEIVER SECTION: LNA RF INPUT-TO-BASEBAND I/Q OUTPUTS
From high-gain mode (B7:B6 = 11) to medium-gain
mode (B7:B6 = 10)
RF Gain Steps (Note 3)
0.2
µs
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b
RF Transceivers with Integrated PA
MAX2831/MAX2832
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Rx Mode (continued)
(MAX2831 EV kit: V
CC_
= 2.8V, V
CCPA
= V
CCTXPA
= 3.3V, T
A
=+25°C, f
RF
= 2.439GHz, f
LO
= 2.437GHz; receiver baseband I/Q out-
puts at 112 mV
RMS
(-19dBV), f
REF
= 40MHz,
SHDN
=
CS
= high, RXTX = SCLK = DIN = low, with power matching for the differential
RF pins using the typical applications and registers set to default settings and corresponding test mode, unless otherwise noted.
Unmodulated single-tone RF input signal is used with specifications which normally apply over the entire operating conditions, unless
otherwise indicated. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from EV kit PCB,
balun, and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
Baseband Gain Range
CONDITIONS
From maximum baseband gain (B5:B1 = 11111) to
minimum baseband gain (B5:B1 = 00000)
Voltage gain = maximum with B7:B6 = 11
DSB Noise Figure
Voltage gain = 50dB with B7:B6 = 11
Voltage gain = 45dB with B7:B6 = 10
Voltage gain = 15dB with B7:B6 = 0X
In-Band Compression Point
Based on EVM
In-Band Output P-1dB
Out-of-Band Input IP3 (Note 4)
I/Q Phase Error
I/Q Gain Imbalance
RX I/Q Output Load Impedance
(R || C)
Tx-to-Rx Conversion Gain for Rx
I/Q Calibration
Baseband VGA Settling Time
I/Q Output DC Step when RXHP
Transitions from 1 to 0 in
Presence of 802.11g Short
Sequence
I/Q Output DC Droop
I/Q Static DC Offset
Spurious Signal Emissions from
LNA input
RECEIVER BASEBAND FILTERS
Gain Ripple in Passband
Group-Delay Ripple in Passband
10kHz to 8.5MHz at baseband
10kHz to 8.5MHz at baseband
±1.3
±45
DB
P-P
ns
P-P
-19dBV
RMS
baseband
output EVM degrades to
9%
B7:B6 = 11
B7:B6 = 10
B7:B6 = 0X
MIN
55
TYP
62
2.6
3.2
16
34
-41
-24
-6
2.5
-12
-4
24
±0.35
±0.1
10
10
0.5
0.1
Degrees
dB
kΩ
pF
dB
µs
dBm
V
P-P
dBm
dB
MAX
67
UNITS
dB
Voltage gain = 90dB, with B7:B6 = 11
B7:B6 = 11
B7:B6 = 10
B7:B6 = 0X
1σ variation (without calibration)
1σ variation (without calibration)
Minimum differential resistance
Maximum differential capacitance
For receiver gain, B7:B1 = 1101111 (Note 5)
Gain change from B5:B1 = 10111 to B5:B1 = 00111; gain
settling to within ±2dB of steady state
After switching RXHP to logic 0 from initial logic 1, during
ideal short sequence data at -55dBm input in AWGN
channel, for -19dBV output; normalized to RMS signal on
I and Q outputs; transition point varied from 0 to 0.8µs in
steps of 0.1µs
After switching RXHP to 0, D13:D12, Register 7
(A3:A0 = 0111)
RXHP = 1, B7:B1 = 1101110, 1σ variation
RF = 1GHz to 26.5GHz
-5
dBc
±1
±1
-51
V/s
mV
dBm
4
_______________________________________________________________________________________
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b
RF Transceivers with Integrated PA
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Rx Mode (continued)
(MAX2831 EV kit: V
CC_
= 2.8V, V
CCPA
= V
CCTXPA
= 3.3V, T
A
=+25°C, f
RF
= 2.439GHz, f
LO
= 2.437GHz; receiver baseband I/Q out-
puts at 112 mV
RMS
(-19dBV), f
REF
= 40MHz,
SHDN
=
CS
= high, RXTX = SCLK = DIN = low, with power matching for the differential
RF pins using the typical applications and registers set to default settings and corresponding test mode, unless otherwise noted.
Unmodulated single-tone RF input signal is used with specifications which normally apply over the entire operating conditions, unless
otherwise indicated. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from EV kit PCB,
balun, and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
At 8.5MHz
Baseband Filter Rejection
(Nominal Mode)
RSSI
RSSI Minimum Output Voltage
RSSI Maximum Output Voltage
RSSI Slope
RSSI Output Settling Time
To within 3dB of steady
state
+32dB signal step
-32dB signal step
R
LOAD
≥
10kΩ || 5pF
R
LOAD
≥
10kΩ || 5pF
0.4
2.4
30
200
600
V
V
mV/dB
ns
At 15MHz
At 20MHz
At > 40MHz
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
3.2
27
50
80
dB
MAX
UNITS
MAX2831/MAX2832
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5