MAXIM MAX2029 Technical data

For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim's website at www.maxim-ic.com.

General Description

The MAX2029 high-linearity passive upconverter or
downconverter mixer is designed to provide +36.5dBm
IIP3, 6.7dB NF, and 6.5dB conversion loss for an 815MHz
to 1000MHz RF frequency range to support GSM/cellular
base-station transmitter or receiver applications. With a
570MHz to 900MHz LO frequency range, this particular
mixer is ideal for low-side LO injection architectures. For a
pin-to-pin-compatible mixer meant for high-side LO injec­tion, refer to the MAX2031 data sheet.

In addition to offering excellent linearity and noise perfor­mance, the MAX2029 also yields a high level of compo­nent integration. This device includes a double-balanced
passive mixer core, a dual-input LO selectable switch,
and an LO buffer. On-chip baluns are also integrated to
allow for a single-ended RF input for downconversion (or
RF output for upconversion), and single-ended LO inputs.
The MAX2029 requires a nominal LO drive of 0dBm, and
supply current is guaranteed to be below 100mA.

The MAX2029 is pin compatible with the MAX2039,
MAX2041, MAX2042, MAX2044 series of 1700MHz to
2200MHz, 2000MHz to 3000MHz, and 3200MHz to
3900MHz mixers, making this family of passive upcon­verters and downconverters ideal for applications
where a common printed-circuit board (PCB) layout is
used for multiple frequency bands.

The MAX2029 is available in a compact 20-pin thin
QFN package (5mm x 5mm) with an exposed paddle.
Electrical performance is guaranteed over the extended

-40°C to +85°C temperature range.

Applications

Features

♦ 815MHz to 1000MHz RF Frequency Range
♦ 570MHz to 900MHz LO Frequency Range
♦ 960MHz to 1180MHz LO Frequency Range

(Refer to the MAX2031 Data Sheet)

♦ DC to 250MHz IF Frequency Range
♦ 6dB/6.5dB (Upconverter/Downconverter)

Conversion Loss

♦ 36.5dBm/39dBm (Downconverter/Upconverter)

Input IP3

♦ +25dBm/+27dBm (Upconverter/Downconverter)

Input 1dB Compression Point

♦ 6.7dB Noise Figure
♦ Integrated LO Buffer
♦ Integrated RF and LO Baluns
♦ Low -3dBm to +3dBm LO Drive
♦ Built-In SPDT LO Switch with 53dB Isolation and

50ns Switching Time

♦ Pin Compatible with the MAX2039/MAX2041

1700MHz to 2200MHz Mixers

♦ External Current-Setting Resistor Provides Option

for Operating Mixer in Reduced-Power/Reduced­Performance Mode

♦ Lead-Free Package Available

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/

Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

________________________________________________________________

Maxim Integrated Products

1

19-1017; Rev 0; 10/07

cdma2000 is a registered trademark of Telecommunications
Industry Association.
iDEN is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc.

Cellular Band WCDMA
and cdma2000®Base
Stations

GSM 850/GSM 900 2G
and 2.5G EDGE Base
Stations

TDMA and Integrated
Digital Enhanced
Network (iDEN®) Base
Stations

PHS/PAS Base Stations
WiMAX Base Stations

and Customer Premise
Equipment

Predistortion Receivers
Microwave and Fixed

Broadband Wireless
Access

Wireless Local Loop
Private Mobile Radios
Military Systems
Microwave Links
Digital and Spread-

Spectrum
Communication Systems

Ordering Information

T = Tape and reel.

*

EP = Exposed paddle.

+

Denotes lead-free package.

MAX2029

TOP VIEW

4

5

3

2

12

11

13

LOBIAS

LOSEL

GND

14

V

CC

IF+

GND

GND

GND

67

TAP

910

20 19 17 16

GND

GND

V

CC

GND

GND

LO1

V

CC

IF-

8

18

RF

1

15

LO2

V

CC

E.P.

Pin Configuration/

Functional Diagram

PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE

M AX 2029E TP /- T- 40°C to + 85° C

M AX 2029E TP + /+ T- 40°C to + 85° C

20 Thi n QFN- E P *
( 5mm x 5m m )

20 Thi n QFN- E P *
( 5mm x 5m m )

PKG

CODE

T2055- 3

T2055- 3

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/
Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

2 _______________________________________________________________________________________

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

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.

VCCto GND...........................................................-0.3V to +5.5V

RF (RF is DC shorted to GND through a balun)..................50mA

LO1, LO2 to GND ..................................................-0.3V to +0.3V

IF+, IF- to GND ...........................................-0.3V to (V

CC

+ 0.3V)

TAP to GND ...........................................................-0.3V to +1.4V

LOSEL to GND ...........................................-0.3V to (V

CC

+ 0.3V)

LOBIAS to GND..........................................-0.3V to (V

CC

+ 0.3V)

RF, LO1, LO2 Input Power* ............................................+20dBm

Continuous Power Dissipation (T

C

= +85°C) (Note A)

20-Pin Thin QFN-EP................................................................5W

θ

JA

(Note B)....................................................................+38°C/W

θ

JC

.................................................................................+13°C/W

Operating Temperature Range (Note C) ....T

C

= -40°C to +85°C

Maximum Junction Temperature .....................................+150°C

Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +150°C

Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C

Note A: Based on junction temperature T

J

= TC+ (θJCx VCCx ICC). This formula can be used when the temperature of the

exposed paddle is known while the device is soldered down to a PCB. See the

Applications Information

section for details.

The junction temperature must not exceed +150°C.

Note B: Junction temperature T

J

= TA+ (θJAx VCCx ICC). This formula can be used when the ambient temperature of the EV kit

PCB is known. The junction temperature must not exceed +150°C. See the

Applications Information

section for details.

Note C: T

C

is the temperature on the exposed paddle of the package. TAis the ambient temperature of the device and PCB.

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

(

Typical Application Circuit

, C5 = 3.3pF, L1 and C4 not used, VCC= +4.75V to +5.25V, RF and LO ports are driven from 50Ω sources,

P

LO

= -3dBm to +3dBm, PRF= 0dBm, fRF= 815MHz to 1000MHz, fLO= 570MHz to 900MHz, fIF= 90MHz, fLO< fRF, TC= -40°C to

+85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at V

CC

= +5V, PLO= 0dBm, fRF= 920MHz, fLO= 830MHz, fIF= 90MHz,

T

C

= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)

*Maximum reliable continuous input power applied to the RF, LO, and IF ports of this device is +15dBm from a 50Ω source.

DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

(

Typical Application Circuit

, VCC= +4.75V to +5.25V, no RF signals applied, TC= -40°C to +85°C. IF+ and IF- are DC grounded through

an IF balun. Typical values are at V

CC

= +5V, TC= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Supply Voltage V

Supply Current I

LOSEL Input Logic-Low V

LOSEL Input Logic-High V

Input Current IIH, I

CC

CC

IL

IH

IL

4.75 5.00 5.25 V

85 100 mA

0.8 V

2V

±0.01 µA

RF Frequency Range f

LO Frequency Range f

IF Frequency Range f

LO Drive P

LO1-to-LO2 Isolation (Note 3)

Maximum LO Leakage at RF Port PLO = +3dBm -17 dBm

Maximum LO Leakage at IF Port

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

(Note 2) 815 1000 MHz

RF

(Note 2) 570 900 MHz

LO

External IF transformer dependence (Note 2) DC 250 MHz

IF

(Note 2) -3 +3 dBm

LO

LO2 selected, PLO = +3dBm, TC = +25°C,

= 920MHz to 960MHz, fLO = 830MHz to

f

RF

870MHz

LO1 selected, P

= 920MHz to 960MHz, fLO = 830MHz to

f

RF

870MHz

P

= +3dBm, fRF = 920MHz to 960MHz,

LO

= 830MHz to 870MHz (Note 3)

f

LO

= +3dBm, T

LO

= +25°C,

C

48 53

50 56

-29.5 -23 dBm

dB

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/

Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (DOWNCONVERTER OPERATION)

(

Typical Application Circuit

, C5 = 3.3pF, L1 and C4 not used, VCC= +4.75V to +5.25V, RF and LO ports are driven from 50Ω sources,

P

LO

= -3dBm to +3dBm, PRF= 0dBm, fRF= 815MHz to 1000MHz, fLO= 570MHz to 900MHz, fIF= 90MHz, fLO< fRF, TC= -40°C to

+85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at V

CC

= +5V, PLO= 0dBm, fRF= 920MHz, fLO= 830MHz, fIF= 90MHz,

T

C

= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)

(

Typical Application Circuit

, C5 = 3.3pF, L1 and C4 not used, VCC= +4.75V to +5.25V, RF and LO ports are driven from 50Ω sources,

P

LO

= -3dBm to +3dBm, PRF= 0dBm, fRF= 815MHz to 1000MHz, fLO= 570MHz to 900MHz, fIF= 90MHz, fLO< fRF, TC= -40°C to

+85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at V

CC

= +5V, PLO= 0dBm, fRF= 920MHz, fLO= 830MHz, fIF= 90MHz,

T

C

= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)

LO Switching Time 50% of LOSEL to IF, settled within 2 degrees 50 ns

Minimum RF-to-IF Isolation

RF Port Return Loss 18 dB

LO Port Return Loss

IF Port Return Loss LO driven at 0dBm, RF terminated into 50Ω 23 dB

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

f

= 920MHz to 960MHz, fLO = 830MHz to

RF

870MHz (Note 3)

LO1/LO2 port selected, LO2/LO1, RF, and IF
terminated into 50Ω

LO1/LO2 port unselected, LO2/LO1, RF, and
IF terminated into 50Ω

38 47 dB

19

31

Conversion Loss G

Conversion Loss Flatness (Note 3)

Conversion Loss Variation Over
Temperature

Input Compression Point P

Input Third-Order Intercept Point IIP3

Input IP3 Variation Over
Temperature

Output Third-Order Intercept Point OIP3

Spurious Response at IF (Note 3)

Noise Figure NF Single sideband 6.7 dB

Noise Figure Under Blocking
(Note 5)

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

C

Flatness over any one of three frequency
bands (f
f

RF

f

RF

f

RF

f

RF

TC = +25°C to -40°C -0.28

T

C

(Note 4) 27 dBm

1dB

f

RF1

P

RF

(Note 3)

IIP3

2 x 2

3 x 3 3RF - 3LO, P

TC = +25°C to -40°C -0.6

T

C

f

RF1

0dBm/tone, P
(Note 3)

2RF - 2LO, P
960MHz (f
T

C

P

BLOCKER

P

BLOCKER

= 90MHz):

IF

= 827MHz to 849MHz
= 869MHz to 894MHz
= 880MHz to 915MHz

= 920MHz to 960MHz ±0.4

= +25°C to +85°C 0.35

= 920MHz, f

= 0dBm/tone, PLO = 0dBm, TC = +25°C

= +25°C to +85°C 0.4

= 920MHz, f

LO

= +25°C

= +8dBm 15

= 921MHz,

RF2

= 921MHz, PRF =

RF2

= 0dBm, TC = +25°C

LO

= -10dBm, fRF = 920MHz to

RF

= 830MHz to 870MHz),

= -10dBm 96

RF

= +12dBm 19

33 36.5 dBm

26 30 dBm

62 72

6.5 dB

±0.2

dB

dB

dB

dB

dBc

dB

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/
Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

4 _______________________________________________________________________________________

Note 1: All limits include external component losses. Output measurements are taken at IF or RF port of the

Typical Application Circuit

.

Note 2: Operation outside this range is possible, but with degraded performance of some parameters.
Note 3: Guaranteed by design.
Note 4: Compression point characterized. It is advisable not to continuously operate the mixer RF/IF inputs above +15dBm.
Note 5: Measured with external LO source noise filtered, so its noise floor is -174dBm/Hz at 100MHz offset. This specification reflects the

effects of all SNR degradations in the mixer, including the LO noise as defined in

Maxim Application Note 2021.

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (UPCONVERTER OPERATION)

(

Typical Application Circuit

, L1 = 4.7nH, C4 = 4.7pF, C5 not used, VCC= +4.75V to +5.25V, RF and LO ports are driven from 50Ω

sources, P

LO

= -3dBm to +3dBm, PIF= 0dBm, fRF= 815MHz to 1000MHz, fLO= 570MHz to 900MHz, fIF= 90MHz, fLO< fRF,

T

C

= -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at VCC= +5V, PLO= 0dBm, fRF= 920MHz, fLO= 830MHz,

f

IF

= 90MHz, TC= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)

Conversion Loss G

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Conversion Loss Flatness

Conversion Loss Variation Over
Temperature

Input Compression Point P

Input Third-Order Intercept Point IIP3

Input IP3 Variation Over
Temperature

LO ± 2IF Spur 71 dBc

LO ± 3IF Spur 86 dBc

Output Noise Floor P

6dB

±0.3 dB

1dB

IIP3

C

Flatness over any one of four frequency
bands (f
f

RF

f

RF

f

RF

f

RF

TC = +25°C to -40°C -0.4

T

C

(Note 4) 25 dBm

f

IF1

f

RF1

0d Bm /tone, P

TC = +25°C to -40°C -0.6

T

C

OUT

= 90MHz):

IF

= 827MHz to 849MHz
= 869MHz to 894MHz
= 880MHz to 915MHz
= 920MHz to 960MHz

= +25°C to +85°C 0.3

= 90MHz, f

= 920MHz, f

= +25°C to +85°C -0.6

= 0dBm (Note 5) -167 dBm/Hz

= 91MHz (results in

IF2

= 921MHz), PIF =

RF2

= 0d Bm , T

LO

= + 25°C ( N ote 3)

C

34 39 dBm

dB

dB

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/

Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 5

Typical Operating Characteristics

(

Typical Application Circuit

, C5 = 3.3pF, L1 and C4 not used, VCC= +5.0V, PLO= 0dBm, PRF= 0dBm, fLO< fRF, fIF= 90MHz, unless

otherwise noted.)

Downconverter Curves

4

5

7

6

8

9

CONVERSION LOSS vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc01

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CONVERSION LOSS (dB)

800 900850 950 1000

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

4

5

7

6

8

9

CONVERSION LOSS vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc02

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CONVERSION LOSS (dB)

800 900850 950 1000

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

4

5

7

6

8

9

CONVERSION LOSS vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc03

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CONVERSION LOSS (dB)

800 900850 950 1000

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V

30

34

32

38

36

40

42

800 900850 950 1000

INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc04

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT IP3 (dBm)

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

30

34

32

38

36

40

42

800 900850 950 1000

INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc05

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT IP3 (dBm)

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

30

34

32

38

36

40

42

800 900850 950 1000

INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc06

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT IP3 (dBm)

VCC = 5.0V

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 4.75V

5

6

8

7

9

10

NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc07

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

NOISE FIGURE (dB)

800 900850 950 1000

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

5

6

8

7

9

10

NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc08

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

NOISE FIGURE (dB)

800 900850 950 1000

PLO = -3dBm

PLO = 0dBm, +3dBm

5

6

8

7

9

10

NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc09

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

NOISE FIGURE (dB)

800 900850 950 1000

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/
Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

6 _______________________________________________________________________________________

Downconverter Curves

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(

Typical Application Circuit

, C5 = 3.3pF, L1 and C4 not used, VCC= +5.0V, PLO= 0dBm, PRF= 0dBm, fLO< fRF, fIF= 90MHz, unless

otherwise noted.)

45

55

50

65

60

70

75

800 900850 950 1000

2RF - 2LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc10

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

2RF - 2LO RESPONSE (dBc)

TC = -40°C, +25°C, +85°C

PRF = 0dBm

45

55

50

65

60

70

75

800 900850 950 1000

2RF - 2LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc11

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

2RF - 2LO RESPONSE (dBc)

PRF = 0dBm

PLO = -3dBm

PLO = +3dBm

PLO = 0dBm

45

55

50

65

60

70

75

800 900850 950 1000

2RF - 2LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc12

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

2RF - 2LO RESPONSE (dBc)

PRF = 0dBm

VCC = 5.0V

VCC = 4.75V

VCC = 5.25V

100

90

80

70

60

800 900850 950 1000

3RF - 3LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc13

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

3RF - 3LO RESPONSE (dBc)

PRF = 0dBm

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

100

90

80

70

60

800 900850 950 1000

3RF - 3LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc14

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

3RF - 3LO RESPONSE (dBc)

PRF = 0dBm

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

100

90

80

70

60

800 900850 950 1000

3RF - 3LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc15

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

3RF - 3LO RESPONSE (dBc)

PRF = 0dBm

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 5.0V

VCC = 4.75V

31

29

27

25

23

800 900850 950 1000

INPUT P

1dB

vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc16

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT P

1dB

(dBm)

TC = +85°C

TC = -40°C

TC = +25°C

31

29

27

25

23

800 900850 950 1000

INPUT P

1dB

vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc17

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT P

1dB

(dBm)

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

31

29

27

25

23

800 900850 950 1000

INPUT P

1dB

vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc18

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT P

1dB

(dBm)

VCC = 5.0V

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 4.75V

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/

Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 7

Downconverter Curves

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(

Typical Application Circuit

, C5 = 3.3pF, L1 and C4 not used, VCC= +5.0V, PLO= 0dBm, PRF= 0dBm, fLO< fRF, fIF= 90MHz, unless

otherwise noted.)

40

60

50

70

LO SWITCH ISOLATION vs. LO FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc19

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO SWITCH ISOLATION (dB)

500 600 700 800 900 1000

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

40

60

50

70

LO SWITCH ISOLATION vs. LO FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc20

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO SWITCH ISOLATION (dB)

500 600 700 800 900 1000

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

40

60

50

70

LO SWITCH ISOLATION vs. LO FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc21

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO SWITCH ISOLATION (dB)

500 600 700 800 900 1000

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V

-20

-30

-40

-50

-60
710 810760 860 910

LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT

vs. LO FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc22

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT (dBm)

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

-20

-30

-40

-50

-60
710 810760 860 910

LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT

vs. LO FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc23

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT (dBm)

PLO = -3dBm

PLO = 0dBm, +3dBm

-20

-30

-40

-50

-60
710 810760 860 910

LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT

vs. LO FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc24

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT (dBm)

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V

-45

-35

-40

-25

-30

-20

-15

500 700600 800 900 1000

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT

vs. LO FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc25

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT (dBm)

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

-45

-35

-40

-25

-30

-20

-15

500 700600 800 900 1000

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT

vs. LO FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc26

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT (dBm)

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

-45

-35

-40

-25

-30

-20

-15

500 700600 800 900 1000

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT

vs. LO FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc27

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT (dBm)

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/
Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

8 _______________________________________________________________________________________

Downconverter Curves

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(

Typical Application Circuit

, C5 = 3.3pF, L1 and C4 not used, VCC= +5.0V, PLO= 0dBm, PRF= 0dBm, fLO< fRF, fIF= 90MHz, unless

otherwise noted.)

30

40

35

50

45

55

60

800 900850 950 1000

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc28

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION (dB)

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

30

40

35

50

45

55

60

800 900850 950 1000

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc29

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION (dB)

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

30

40

35

50

45

55

60

800 900850 950 1000

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc30

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION (dB)

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V

30

20

25

10

15

5

0

770 870820 920 970 1020

RF PORT RETURN LOSS

vs. RF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc31

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

RF PORT RETURN LOSS (dB)

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

0 100 200 300 400 500

IF PORT RETURN LOSS

vs. IF FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc32

IF FREQUENCY (MHz)

IF PORT RETURN LOSS (dB)

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V

INCLUDES IF TRANSFORMER

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

500 600 700 800 900 1000

LO SELECTED RETURN LOSS

vs. LO FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc33

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO SELECTED RETURN LOSS (dB)

PLO = -3dBm

PLO = +3dBm

PLO = 0dBm

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

500 600 700 800 900 1000

LO UNSELECTED RETURN LOSS

vs. LO FREQUENCY

MAX2029 toc34

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO UNSELECTED RETURN LOSS (dB)

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

60

70

80

90

100

-40 10-15 35 60 85

SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE (TC)

MAX2029 toc35

TEMPERATURE (°C)

SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 4.75V

VCC = 5.0V

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/

Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(

Typical Application Circuit

, L1 = 4.7nH, C4 = 4.7pF, C5 not used, VCC= +5.0V, PLO= 0dBm, PIF= 0dBm, fRF= fLO+ fIF,

f

IF

= 90MHz, unless otherwise noted.)

Upconverter Curves

3

5

4

7

6

8

9

820 920870 970 1020

CONVERSION LOSS vs. RF FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc01

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CONVERSION LOSS (dB)

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

3

5

4

7

6

8

9

820 920870 970 1020

CONVERSION LOSS vs. RF FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc02

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CONVERSION LOSS (dB)

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

3

5

4

7

6

8

9

820 920870 970 1020

CONVERSION LOSS vs. RF FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc03

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CONVERSION LOSS (dB)

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V

25

30

40

35

45

50

INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc04

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT IP3 (dBm)

820 920870 970 1020

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

25

30

40

35

45

50

INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc05

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT IP3 (dBm)

820 920870 970 1020

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

25

30

40

35

45

50

INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc06

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT IP3 (dBm)

820 920870 970 1020

VCC = 5.0V

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 4.75V

90

80

70

60

50

730 830780 880 930

LO + 2IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc07

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO + 2IF REJECTION (dBc)

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

PIF = 0dBm

90

80

70

60

50

730 830780 880 930

LO + 2IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc08

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO + 2IF REJECTION (dBc)

PIF = 0dBm

PLO = -3dBm

PLO = 0dBm

PLO = +3dBm

90

80

70

60

50

730 830780 880 930

LO + 2IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc09

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO + 2IF REJECTION (dBc)

PIF = 0dBm

VCC = 5.0V

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 4.75V

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/
Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

10 ______________________________________________________________________________________

Upconverter Curves

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(

Typical Application Circuit

, L1 = 4.7nH, C4 = 4.7pF, C5 not used, VCC= +5.0V, PLO= 0dBm, PIF= 0dBm, fRF= fLO+ fIF,

f

IF

= 90MHz, unless otherwise noted.)

90

80

70

60

50

730 830780 880 930

LO - 2IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc10

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO - 2IF REJECTION (dBc)

PIF = 0dBm

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

90

80

70

60

50

730 830780 880 930

LO - 2IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc11

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO - 2IF REJECTION (dBc)

PIF = 0dBm

PLO = -3dBm

PLO = 0dBm

PLO = +3dBm

90

80

70

60

50

730 830780 880 930

LO - 2IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc12

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO - 2IF REJECTION (dBc)

PIF = 0dBm

VCC = 5.0V

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 4.75V

100

90

80

70

60

730 830780 880 930

LO + 3IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc13

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO + 3IF REJECTION (dBc)

PIF = 0dBm

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

100

90

80

70

60

730 830780 880 930

LO + 3IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc14

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO + 3IF REJECTION (dBc)

PIF = 0dBm

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

100

90

80

70

60

730 830780 880 930

LO + 3IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc15

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO + 3IF REJECTION (dBc)

PIF = 0dBm

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V

100

90

80

70

60

730 830780 880 930

LO - 3IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc16

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO - 3IF REJECTION (dBc)

PIF = 0dBm

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

100

90

80

70

60

730 830780 880 930

LO - 3IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc17

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO - 3IF REJECTION (dBc)

PIF = 0dBm

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

100

90

80

70

60

730 830780 880 930

LO - 3IF REJECTION vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc18

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO - 3IF REJECTION (dBc)

PIF = 0dBm

VCC = 5.0V

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 4.75V

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/

Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

______________________________________________________________________________________ 11

Upconverter Curves

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(

Typical Application Circuit

, L1 = 4.7nH, C4 = 4.7pF, C5 not used, VCC= +5.0V, PLO= 0dBm, PIF= 0dBm, fRF= fLO+ fIF,

f

IF

= 90MHz, unless otherwise noted.)

-10

-20

-30

-40

-50
730 830780 880 930

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc19

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT (dBm)

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

-10

-20

-30

-40

-50
730 830780 880 930

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc20

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT (dBm)

PLO = -3dBm, 0dBm, +3dBm

-10

-20

-30

-40

-50
730 830780 880 930

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc21

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT (dBm)

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V

-100

-90

-70

-80

-60

-50

IF LEAKAGE AT RF vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc22

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

IF LEAKAGE AT RF (dBm)

730 830780 880 930

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

-100

-90

-70

-80

-60

-50

IF LEAKAGE AT RF vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc23

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

IF LEAKAGE AT RF (dBm)

730 830780 880 930

PLO = -3dBm

PLO = 0dBm, +3dBm

-100

-90

-70

-80

-60

-50

IF LEAKAGE AT RF vs. LO FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc24

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

IF LEAKAGE AT RF (dBm)

730 830780 880 930

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

820 870 920 970 1020

RF PORT RETURN LOSS vs. RF FREQUENCY

(L-C BPF TUNED FOR 940MHz RF FREQUENCY)

MAX2029 toc25

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

RF PORT RETURN LOSS (dB)

L1 AND C4 BPF INSTALLED

L1 AND C4 BPF REMOVED

THE L-C BPF ENHANCES PERFORMANCE
IN THE UPCONVERTER MODE BUT LIMITS
RF BANDWIDTH

MAX2029

Detailed Description

The MAX2029 can operate either as a downconverter
or an upconverter mixer. As a downconverter, the
MAX2029 yields a 6.5dB conversion loss, a 6.7dB noise
figure, and a +36.5dBm third-order input intercept point
(IIP3). The integrated baluns and matching circuitry
allow for 50Ω single-ended interfaces to the RF port and
the two LO ports. The RF port can be used as an input
for downconversion or an output for upconversion. A sin­gle-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch provides 50ns
switching time between the two LO inputs with 53dB of
LO-to-LO isolation. Furthermore, the integrated LO buffer
provides a high drive level to the mixer core, reducing
the LO drive required at the MAX2029’s inputs to a

-3dBm to +3dBm range. The IF port incorporates a dif­ferential output for downconversion, which is ideal for
providing enhanced IIP2 performance. For upconver­sion, the IF port is a differential input.

Specifications are guaranteed over broad frequency
ranges to allow for use in cellular band WCDMA,
cdmaOne™, cdma2000, and GSM 850/GSM 900 2.5G
EDGE base stations. The MAX2029 is specified to oper­ate over an 815MHz to 1000MHz RF frequency range, a
570MHz to 900MHz LO frequency range, and a DC to
250MHz IF frequency range. Operation beyond these
ranges is possible; see the

Typical Operating

Characteristics

for additional details.

The MAX2029 is optimized for low-side LO injection archi­tectures. However, the device can operate in high-side
LO injection applications with an extended LO range, but
performance degrades as fLOincreases. See the

Typical

Operating Characteristics

for measurements taken with

f

LO

up to 1000MHz. For a pin-compatible device that has
been optimized for high-side LO injection, refer to the
MAX2031 data sheet.

RF Port and Balun

For using the MAX2029 as a downconverter, the RF
input is internally matched to 50Ω, requiring no external
matching components. A DC-blocking capacitor is
required because the input is internally DC shorted to
ground through the on-chip balun. The RF return loss is
typically better than 15dB over the entire 815MHz to
1000MHz RF frequency range. For upconverter opera­tion, the RF port is a single-ended output similarly
matched to 50Ω.

LO Inputs, Buffer, and Balun

The MAX2029 is optimized for low-side LO injection
architectures with a 570MHz to 900MHz LO frequency
range. For a device with a 960MHz to 1180MHz LO fre­quency range, refer to the MAX2031 data sheet. As an
added feature, the MAX2029 includes an internal LO
SPDT switch that can be used for frequency-hopping
applications. The switch selects one of the two single­ended LO ports, allowing the external oscillator to settle
on a particular frequency before it is switched in. LO
switching time is typically less than 50ns, which is more
than adequate for nearly all GSM applications. If fre­quency hopping is not employed, set the switch to
either of the LO inputs. The switch is controlled by a
digital input (LOSEL): logic-high selects LO2, logic-low
selects LO1. To avoid damage to the part, voltage
MUST be applied to VCCbefore digital logic is applied
to LOSEL (see the

Absolute Maximum Ratings

). LO1

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/
Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

12 ______________________________________________________________________________________

Pin Description

cdmaOne is a trademark of CDMA Development Group.

PIN NAME FUNCTION

1, 6, 8, 14 V

2RFS i ng l e- E nd ed 50Ω RF In p ut/O utp ut. Thi s p or t i s i nter nal l y m atched and D C shor ted to G N D thr oug h a b al un.

3 TAP Center Tap of the Internal RF Balun. Connect to ground.

4, 5, 10, 12,

13, 16, 17, 20

7 LOBIAS Bias Resistor for Internal LO Buffer. Connect a 523Ω ±1% resistor from LOBIAS to the power supply.

9 LOSEL Local Oscillator Select. Logic-control input for selecting LO1 or LO2.

11 LO1 Local Oscillator Input 1. Drive LOSEL low to select LO1.

15 LO2 Local Oscillator Input 2. Drive LOSEL high to select LO2.

18, 19 IF-, IF+ Differential IF Input/Outputs

EP GND Exposed Ground Paddle. Solder the exposed paddle to the ground plane using multiple vias.

GND Ground. Connect to PCB ground plane for proper operation and improved pin-to-pin isolation.

Power-Supply Connection. Bypass each VCC pin to GND with capacitors as shown in the Typical

CC

Application Circuit.

and LO2 inputs are internally matched to 50Ω, requiring
an 82pF DC-blocking capacitor at each input.

A two-stage internal LO buffer allows a wide input­power range for the LO drive. All guaranteed specifica­tions are for a -3dBm to +3dBm LO signal power. The
on-chip low-loss balun, along with an LO buffer, drives
the double-balanced mixer. All interfacing and match­ing components from the LO inputs to the IF outputs
are integrated on-chip.

High-Linearity Mixer

The core of the MAX2029 is a double-balanced, high­performance passive mixer. Exceptional linearity is pro­vided by the large LO swing from the on-chip LO buffer.

Differential IF

The MAX2029 mixer has a DC to 250MHz IF frequency
range. Note that these differential ports are ideal for pro­viding enhanced IIP2 performance. Single-ended IF
applications require a 1:1 balun to transform the 50Ω dif-
ferential IF impedance to 50Ω single-ended. Including
the balun, the IF return loss is better than 15dB. The dif­ferential IF is used as an input port for upconverter oper­ation. The user can use a differential IF amplifier following
the mixer, but a DC block is required on both IF pins.

Applications Information

Input and Output Matching

The RF and LO inputs are internally matched to 50Ω. No
matching components are required. As a downconvert­er, the return loss at the RF port is typically better than
15dB over the entire input range (815MHz to 1000MHz),
and return loss at the LO ports are typically 15dB
(570MHz to 850MHz). RF and LO inputs require only
DC-blocking capacitors for interfacing.

An optional L-C bandpass filter (BPF) can be installed at
the RF port to improve upconverter performance. See
the

Typical Application Circuit

and

Typical Operating

Characteristics

for upconverter operation with an L-C
BPF tuned for 920MHz RF frequency. Performance can
be optimized at other frequencies by choosing different
values for L1 and C4. Removing L1 and C4 altogether
results in a broader match, but performance degrades.
Contact factory for details.

The IF output impedance is 50Ω (differential). For eval­uation, an external low-loss 1:1 (impedance ratio) balun
transforms this impedance to a 50Ω single-ended out­put (see the

Typical Application Circuit).

Bias Resistor

Bias current for the LO buffer is optimized by fine tun­ing resistor R1. If reduced current is required at the

expense of performance, contact the

factory for details. If the ±1% bias resistor values are
not readily available, substitute standard ±5% values.

Layout Considerations

A properly designed PCB is an essential part of any
RF/microwave circuit. Keep RF signal lines as short as
possible to reduce losses, radiation, and inductance.
For the best performance, route the ground-pin traces
directly to the exposed pad under the package. The
PCB exposed pad MUST be connected to the ground
plane of the PCB. It is suggested that multiple vias be
used to connect this pad to the lower-level ground
planes. This method provides a good RF/thermal con­duction path for the device. Solder the exposed pad on
the bottom of the device package to the PCB. The
MAX2029 evaluation kit can be used as a reference for
board layout. Gerber files are available upon request at
www.maxim-ic.com.

Power-Supply Bypassing

Proper voltage-supply bypassing is essential for high­frequency circuit stability. Bypass each VCCpin with
the capacitors shown in the

Typical Application Circuit

.

See Table 1.

Exposed Pad RF/Thermal Considerations

The exposed paddle (EP) of the MAX2029’s 20-pin thin
QFN-EP package provides a low-thermal-resistance
path to the die. It is important that the PCB on which the
MAX2029 is mounted be designed to conduct heat
from the EP. In addition, provide the EP with a low­inductance path to electrical ground. The EP MUST be
soldered to a ground plane on the PCB, either directly
or through an array of plated via holes.

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/

Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

______________________________________________________________________________________ 13

Table 1. Typical Application Circuit
Component List

*

C4 and L1 installed only when mixer is used as an upconverter.

**

C5 installed only when mixer is used as a downconverter.

COMPONENT VALUE DESCRIPTION

C 1, C 2, C 7, C 8,

C 10, C 11, C12

C3, C6, C9 10nF Microwave capacitors (0603)

C4* 4.7pF Microwave capacitor (0603)

C5** 3.3pF Microwave capacitor (0603)

L1* 4.7nH Inductor (0603)

R1 523Ω ±1% resistor (0603)

T1 1:1 IF balun M/A-COM: MABAES0029

U1 MAX2029 Maxim IC

82pF Microwave capacitors (0603)

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/
Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

14 ______________________________________________________________________________________

Typical Application Circuit

Chip Information

PROCESS: SiGe BiCMOS

T1

RF

C3 C2

C1

L1

1

3

C5

V

CC

IF+

GND

20 19 17 16

1

V

CC

2

TAP

GND

GND

RF

3

4

E.P.

5

67

CC

V

LOBIAS

V

CC

R1

C6

C7

C4

18

8

GND

IF-

MAX2029

910

CC

V

LOSEL

LOSEL

GND

GND

4

IF

5

C12

15

LO2

14

V

CC

13

GND

12

GND

11

LO1

C10

C11

LO2

V

LO1

CC

C8

V

CC

NOTE: L1 AND C4 USED ONLY FOR UPCONVERTER OPERATION.
C5 USED ONLY FOR DOWNCONVERTER OPERATION.

C9

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/

Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

______________________________________________________________________________________ 15

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

.)

QFN THIN.EPS

MAX2029

High-Linearity, 815MHz to 1000MHz Upconversion/
Downconversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

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.

16

____________________Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600

© 2007 Maxim Integrated Products is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

Package Information (continued)

(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

.)