MAXIM MAX2838 Technical data

General Description

The MAX2838 direct-conversion, zero-IF, RF transceiv­er is designed specifically for 3.3GHz to 3.9GHz wire­less broadband systems. The MAX2838 completely
integrates all circuitry required to implement the RF
transceiver function, providing RF-to-baseband receive
path, baseband-to-RF transmit path, VCO, frequency
synthesizer, and baseband/control interface. The
device includes a fast-settling sigma-delta RF synthe­sizer with smaller than 29Hz frequency steps. The
MAX2838 supports 2Tx, 2Rx MIMO applications with a
master device providing coherent LO to the slave
device. The transceiver IC also integrates circuits for
on-chip DC-offset cancellation, I/Q error, and carrier­leakage detection circuits. Only an RF bandpass filter
(BPF), TCXO, RF switch, PA, and a small number of
passive components are needed to form a complete
wireless broadband RF radio solution.

The MAX2838 completely eliminates the need for an
external SAW filter by implementing on-chip monolithic
filters for both the receiver and transmitter. The base­band filters along with the Rx and Tx signal paths are
optimized to meet the stringent noise figure and lineari­ty specifications. The device supports up to 2048-FFT
OFDM and implements programmable channel filters
for 1.5MHz to 28MHz RF channel bandwidths. The
transceiver requires only 2µs Tx-Rx switching time. The
IC is available in a small 48-pin thin QFN package mea­suring only 6mm x 6mm x 0.8mm.

Applications

802.16-2004/802.16d Fixed WiMAX™

802.16e MIMO Mobile WiMAX

WiMAX Pico and Femto Basestations

NLOS Wireless Broadband Systems

Features

♦ 3.3GHz to 3.9GHz Wide-Band Operation
♦ Master-Slave Modes with Coherent LO for MIMO
♦ Complete RF Transceiver, and PA Driver

0dBm Linear OFDM Transmit Power

-70dBr Tx Spectral Emission Mask

2.8dB Rx Noise Figure
Tx/Rx I/Q Error and LO Leakage Detection and

Adjustment
Automatic Rx DC Offset Correction
Monolithic Low-Noise VCO with -39dBc Integrated

Phase Noise
Programmable Rx I/Q Lowpass Channel Filters
Programmable Tx I/Q Lowpass Anti-Aliasing Filter
Sigma-Delta Fractional-N PLL with 29Hz Step Size
60dB Tx Gain Control Range with 1dB Step Size,

Digitally Controlled
94dB Rx Gain Control Range with 2dB Step Size,

Digitally Controlled
60dB Analog RSSI Instantaneous Dynamic Range
4-Wire SPI™ Digital Interface
I/Q Analog Baseband Interface
Digital Tx/Rx/Shutdown Mode Control
Low-Power CLOCKOUT Mode
On-Chip Digital Temperature Sensor Readout

♦ +2.7V to +3.6V Transceiver Supply
♦ Low-Power Shutdown Mode
♦ Small 48-Pin Thin QFN Package (6mm x 6mm x 0.8mm)

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz

Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

________________________________________________________________

Maxim Integrated Products

1

Pin Configuration

Ordering Information

19-1049; Rev 1; 8/08

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.

*

EP = Exposed paddle.

+

Denotes a lead-free package.

T = Tape and reel.

WiMAX is a trademark of the WiMAX Forum.
SPI is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.

PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE

M AX 2838E TM + T- 40°C to + 85°C 48 TQ FN - E P *

VCCRXLNA

GNDRXLNA

RXRF+

RXRF-

VCCTXPAD

TXRF+

TXRF-

TXBBI-

TXBBI+

TXBBQ+

TXBBQ-

VCCRXMX

RXTX

ENABLE

48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37

+

1

2

3

B5

4

5

6

B4

7

8

B3

B2

9

10

11

12

B1

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

PABIAS

VCCTMX

MAX2838

CS

SCLK

VCCDIG

CLKOUT

48 THIN QFN

REFCLK

VCCRXFL

VCCCP

RXHP

GNDCP

VCCRXVGA

CPOUT+

RXBBI+

CPOUT-

RXBBI-

GNDVCO

36

35

34

33

32

31

30

29

28

27

26

25

RXBBQ+

RXBBQ-

B6

B7

RSSI

DIN

DOUT

EXTVCO+

EXTVCO-

VCCLO

VCCVCO

VCOBYP

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

2 _______________________________________________________________________________________

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

(MAX2838 Evaluation Kit, VCC_ = 2.7V to 3.6V, TA= -40°C to +85°C, ENABLE and RXTX set according to operating mode, CS =
high, SCLK = DIN = low, transmitter and receiver in maximum gain, no input signal at RF inputs, all RF inputs and outputs terminated
into 50Ω, receiver baseband outputs are open. 90mV

RMS

differential I and Q signals (1MHz) applied to I and Q baseband inputs of
transmitter in transmit mode, all registers set to recommended settings and corresponding test mode, unless otherwise noted.
Typical values are at V

CC

= 2.8V, fLO= 3.6GHz, and TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)

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.

V

CC_

Pins to GND..................................................-0.3V to +3.6V

RF Inputs: RXRF+, RXRF-, EXTVCO+,

EXTVCO- to GND ................................................-0.3V to +3.6V

RF Outputs: TXRF+, TXRF-, EXTVCO+,

EXTVCO- to GND ................................................-0.3V to +3.6V

Analog Inputs: TXBBI+, TXBBI-, TXBBQ+,

TXBBQ-, REFCLK to GND ...................................-0.3V to +3.6V

Analog Outputs: RXBBI+, RXBBI-, RXBBQ+,

RXBBQ-, RSSI, VCOBYP, CPOUT+, CPOUT-,

PABIAS to GND ...................................................-0.3V to +3.6V

Digital Inputs: ENABLE, RXTX, CS, SCLK,

DIN, RXHP B1–B7 to GND ..................................-0.3V to +3.6V

Digital Outputs: DOUT, CLKOUT to GND .............-0.3V to +3.6V

Short-Circuit Duration

Analog Outputs: RXBBI+, RXBBI-, RXBBQ+,

RSSI, VCOBYP,RXBBQ-, CPOUT+, CPOUT-,

PABIAS, TXRF-, TXRF+ ......................................................10s

Digital Outputs: DOUT, CLKOUT .........................................10s

RF Input Power: RXRF+, RXRF- .....................................+15dBm

RF Output Differential Load VSWR: TXRF+, TXRF- .................6:1

Continuous Power Dissipation (T

A

= +70°C)

48-Pin Thin QFN (derate 37mW/°C above +70°C) ...... > 2.96W

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

CAUTION! ESD SENSITIVE DEVICE

PARAMETERS CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Supply Voltage V

Supply Current

Rx I/Q Output Common-Mode
Voltage

CC_

S hutd ow n m ode TA = +25°C 12 µA

Standby mode,
see Tables
1 and 2

Rx mode, see
Tables 1 and 2

Tx mode, see
Tables 1 and 2

Rx calibration
mode, see
Tables 1 and 2

Tx calibration
mode, see
Tables 1 and 2

D9:D8 = 00 in A4:A0 = 00100 0.8 1.0 1.2

D9:D8 = 01 in A4:A0 = 00100 1.1

D9:D8 = 10 in A4:A0 = 00100 1.2

D9:D8 = 11 in A4:A0 = 00100 1.35

Single configuration 35 52

MIMO master configuration 44

MIMO slave configuration 11

Single configuration 103 133

MIMO master configuration 112

MIMO slave configuration 80

Single configuration 152 186

MIMO master configuration 160

MIMO slave configuration 128

Single configuration 142 182

MIMO master configuration 151

MIMO slave configuration 119

Single configuration 111 145

MIMO master configuration 120

MIMO slave configuration 88

2.7 2.8 3.6 V

mA

V

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz

Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Rx MODE

(MAX2838 Evaluation Kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, TA= +25°C, fLO= 3.6GHz, fRF= 3.601GHz, receiver baseband I/Q outputs at 90mV

RMS

, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = ENABLE = RXTX = high, SCLK = DIN = low, channel bandwidth BW = 7MHz, with power matching for the RF inputs
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 that normally apply over the entire operating conditions, unless
otherwise indicated. Rx I/Q differential output load impedance = 10kΩ || 8pF.) (Note 1)

DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)

(MAX2838 Evaluation Kit, VCC_ = 2.7V to 3.6V, TA= -40°C to +85°C, ENABLE and RXTX set according to operating mode, CS =
high, SCLK = DIN = low, transmitter and receiver in maximum gain, no input signal at RF inputs, all RF inputs and outputs terminated
into 50Ω, receiver baseband outputs are open. 90mV

RMS

differential I and Q signals (1MHz) applied to I and Q baseband inputs of
transmitter in transmit mode, all registers set to recommended settings and corresponding test mode, unless otherwise noted.
Typical values are at V

CC

= 2.8V, fLO= 3.6GHz, and TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)

PARAMETERS CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Tx Baseband Input Common­Mode Voltage Operating Range

Tx Baseband Input Bias Current Source current 8 20 µA

LOGIC INPUTS: ENABLE, RXTX, SCLK, DIN, CS, B1:B7, RXHP

Digital Input Voltage High, V

Digital Input Voltage Low, V

Digital Input Current High, I

Digital Input Current Low, I

LOGIC OUTPUTS: DOUT

Digital Output Voltage High, V

Digital Output Voltage Low, V

DC-coupled 0.5 1.2 V

IH

IL

IH

IL

Sourcing 100µA V

OH

Sinking 100µA 0.4 V

OL

V

- 0.4 V

C C

0.4 V

-1 +1 µA

-1 +1 µA

- 0.4 V

C C

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

RECEIVER SECTION: LNA RF INPUT TO BASEBAND I/Q OUTPUTS

RF Input Frequency Range 3.3 3.9 GHz

Peak-to-Peak Gain Variation over
RF Input Frequency Range

RF Input Return Loss All LNA settings 10 dB

Total Voltage Gain TA = -40°C to +85°C

Gain Change Settling Time

Baseband Gain Range

Baseb and Gai n M i ni m um S tep S i ze 2dB

Tested at band edges and band center 1.8 dB

Maximum gain, B7:B1 = 0000000 88 98

Minimum gain, B7:B1 = 1111111 5 10

From max RF gain to max RF Gain - 8dB 8

From max RF gain to max RF gain - 16dB 16RF Gain Steps

From max RF gain to max RF gain - 32dB 32

Any RF or baseband gain change; gain settling to within
±1dB of steady state; RXHP = 1

Any RF or baseband gain change; gain settling to within
±0.1dB of steady state; RXHP = 1

Fr om m axi m um b aseb and g ai n ( B5:B1 = 00000) to m i ni m um
b aseb and g ai n ( B5:B1 = 11111)

200

500

62 dB

dB

dB

ns

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

4 _______________________________________________________________________________________

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Rx MODE (continued)

(MAX2838 Evaluation Kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, TA= +25°C, fLO= 3.6GHz, fRF= 3.601GHz, receiver baseband I/Q outputs at 90mV

RMS

, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = ENABLE = RXTX = high, SCLK = DIN = low, channel bandwidth BW = 7MHz, with power matching for the RF inputs
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 that normally apply over the entire operating conditions, unless
otherwise indicated. Rx I/Q differential output load impedance = 10kΩ || 8pF.) (Note 1)

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

DSB Noise Figure

In-Band Input P-1dB

Maximum Output Signal Level

Out-of-Band Input IP3 (Note 2)

I/Q Phase Error 1MHz baseband output; 1 σ variation, TA = +25°C 0.15 D eg r ees

I/Q Gain Imbalance 1MHz baseband output; 1 σ variation, TA = +25°C 0.05 dB

I/Q Output DC Droop

I/Q Static DC Offset

Loopback Gain (for Receiver I/Q
Calibration)

RECEIVER BASEBAND FILTERS

Baseband Highpass Filter Corner
Frequency

Voltage gain ≥ 65dB with max RF gain (B7:B6 = 00) 2.9

V ol tag e g ai n = 50d B w i th m ax RF g ai n - 8d B ( B7:B6 = 01) 7.9

V ol tag e g ai n = 45d B w i th m ax RF g ai n - 16d B ( B7:B6 = 10) 13.7

V ol tag e g ai n = 15d B w i th m ax RF g ai n - 32d B ( B7:B6 = 11) 31.4

Max RF gain (B7:B6 = 00) -35

Max RF gain - 8dB (B7:B6 = 01) -27

Max RF gain - 16dB (B7:B6 = 10) -19

Max RF gain - 32dB (B7:B6 = 11) -3

Over passband frequency range; at any gain setting;
1dB compression point, differential output

Max RF gain (B7:B6 = 00), AGC set for -65dBm wanted
signal

Max RF gain - 8dB (B7:B6 = 01), AGC set for -55dBm
wanted signal

Max RF gain - 16dB (B7:B6 = 10), AGC set for -40dBm
wanted signal

Max RF gain - 32dB (B7:B6 = 11), AGC set for -30dBm
wanted signal

After completion of default power-on on-chip DC
cancellation, 1 σ variation

N o RF i np ut si g nal ; B7:B1 = 0000000, after com p l eti on of
d efaul t p ow er - on on- chi p D C cancel l ati on, 1 σ var i ati on

Tr ansm itter I/Q i nput to r ecei ver I/Q outp ut; tr ansm i tter B6:B1 =
000011, r ecei ver B5:B1 = 10011 p r og r am m ed thr oug h S P I

Corner frequency 1 600

Corner frequency 2 100

Corner frequency 3 30

Corner frequency 4 1

Corner frequency 5 0.1

-7.0 -2 +2.5 dB

2.5 V

-10

-5

-4

+23

±1 V/s

±1.0 mV

dBm

dBm

dB

P-P

kHz

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz

Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 5

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Rx MODE (continued)

(MAX2838 Evaluation Kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, TA= +25°C, fLO= 3.6GHz, fRF= 3.601GHz, receiver baseband I/Q outputs at 90mV

RMS

, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = ENABLE = RXTX = high, SCLK = DIN = low, channel bandwidth BW = 7MHz, with power matching for the RF inputs
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 that normally apply over the entire operating conditions, unless
otherwise indicated. Rx I/Q differential output load impedance = 10kΩ || 8pF.) (Note 1)

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 0000 1.5

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 0001 1.75

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 0010 3.5

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 0011 5.0

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 0100 5.5

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 0101 6.0

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 0110 7.0

RF Channel BW Supported by
Baseband Filter

Baseband Gain Ripple 0 to 3.2MHz for BW = 7MHz 1 dB

Baseband Group Delay Ripple 0 to 3.2MHz for BW = 7MHz 65 ns

Baseband Filter Rejection for
7MHz RF Channel BW

RSSI

RSSI Minimum Output Voltage R

RSSI Maximum Output Voltage R

RSSI Slope 30 mV/dB

RSSI Output Settling Time

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 0111 8.0

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 1000 9.0

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 1001 10.0

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 1010 12.0

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 1011 14.0

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 1100 15.0

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 1101 20.0

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 1110 24.0

A4:A0 = 00010 serial bits D7:D4 = 1111 28.0

At 4.67MHz 7

At > 10.5MHz 53

At > 14MHz 75

At > 29.4MHz 75

≥ 10kΩ 0.65 V

LOAD

≥ 10kΩ 2.4 V

LOAD

To within 3dB of steady
state

+32dB signal step 200

-32dB signal step 800

MHz

dB

ns

P-P

P-P

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

6 _______________________________________________________________________________________

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Tx MODE

(MAX2838 Evaluation Kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, TA= +25°C, fRF= 3.601GHz , fLO= 3.6GHz. f

REF

= 40MHz, ENABLE = CS = high, and RXTX

= SCLK = DIN = low, with power matching for the differential RF pins using the

Typical Operating Circuit

. Lowpass filter is set to

7MHz RF channel BW, 90mV

RMS

sine and cosine signal (or 90mV

RMS

64QAM 1024-FFT OFDMA FUSC I/Q signals wherever OFDM
is mentioned) applied to baseband I/Q inputs of transmitter (differential DC-coupled). Registers set to recommended settings and
corresponding test mode, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—FREQUENCY SYNTHESIS

(MAX2838 Evaluation Kit, VCC= 2.8V, TA= +25°C, fLO= 3.6GHz, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = high, SCLK = DIN = low, PLL loop bandwidth
= 180kHz, charge-pump comparison frequency = 40MHz, T

A

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

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

TRANSMIT SECTION: Tx BASEBAND I/Q INPUTS TO RF OUTPUTS

RF Output Frequency Range 3.3 3.9 GHz

Peak-to-Peak Gain Variation over
RF Band

Total Voltage Gain Maximum gain; at unbalanced 50Ω matched output 8 dB

Maximum Output Power over
Frequency

RF Output Return Loss All gain settings 7 dB

RF Gain Control Range 60 dB

RF Gain Control Binary Weights

Unwanted Sideband Suppression

Carrier Leakage Rel ati ve to 0d Bm outp ut p ow er ; w i thout cal i b r ati on b y m od em -40 dBc

Tx I/Q Input Impedance (R || C)

Baseband Frequency Response
for 7MHz RF Channel BW

Baseband Group Delay Ripple 0 to 4.9MHz (BW = 7MHz) 15 ns

O FD M si g nal confor m i ng to sp ectr al em i ssi on m ask and

- 36d B EV M after I/Q i m bal ance cal i br ation by m od em ( N ote 3)

B1 1

B2 2

B3 4

B4 8

B5 16

B6 32

Without calibration by modem, and excludes modem I/Q
imbalance; P

Minimum differential resistance 60 kΩ

Maximum differential capacitance 0.5 pF

0 to 4.67MHz -8

At > 13.23MHz -45

OUT

= 0dBm

2.6 dB

0 dBm

-40 dBc

dB

dB

P-P

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER

RF Channel Center Frequency 3.3 3.9 GHz

Channel Center Frequency
Programming Minimum Step Size

Charge-Pump Comparison
Frequency

Reference Frequency Range 11 40 80 MHz

Refer ence Fr eq uency Inp ut Level s AC-coupled to REFCLK pin 800 mV

29 Hz

11 40 MHz

P-P

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz

Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 7

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—FREQUENCY SYNTHESIS (continued)

(MAX2838 Evaluation Kit, VCC= 2.8V, TA= +25°C, fLO= 3.6GHz, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = high, SCLK = DIN = low, PLL loop bandwidth
= 180kHz, charge-pump comparison frequency = 40MHz, T

A

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

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—MISCELLANEOUS BLOCKS

(MAX2838 Evaluation Kit, VCC= 2.8V, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = high, SCLK = DIN = low, and TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted) (Note 1)

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Programmable Reference Divider
Values

Closed-Loop Integrated Phase
Noise

Charge-Pump Output Current On each differential side 0.8 mA

Close-In Spur Level

Reference Spur Level f

Turnaround LO Frequency Error

Temperature Range over which
VCO Maintains Lock

C LKO U T Fr eq uency D i vi d er V al ues A4:A0 = 10100, D6:D5 = 01 ( N ote 4)

CLKOUT Output Swing R = 10kΩ, C = 10pF

External VCO Input Power MIMO slave mode only -10 dBm

External VCO Output Power MIMO master mode only -8 dBm

A4:A0 = 10100, D2:D1 = 00 1

A4:A0 = 10100, D2:D1 = 01 2

Loop BW = 180kHz, integrate phase noise from 200Hz to
5MHz

f

= 0 to 1.8MHz -45

OFFSET

f

= 1.8MHz to 7MHz -70

OFFSET

f

> 7MHz -80

OFFSET

≥ 40MHz -73 dBc

OFFSET

Rel ati ve to stead y state; m easur ed 35µs after Tx- Rx or Rx- Tx
sw i tchi ng i nstant, and 4µs after any r ecei ver g ai n chang es

Rel ati ve to the i ni ti al am b i ent tem p er atur e TA , as l ong as
the fi nal tem p er atur e i s w i thi n op er ati ng tem p er atur e r ang e

-39 dBc

±50 Hz

T

± 40 °C

A

2

Low drive 1.6

High drive 2.4

dBc

V

P-P

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

PA BIAS DAC: CURRENT MODE

Numbers of bits 6

Minimum Output Sink Current D5:D0 = 000000 in A4:A0 = 11100 0 µA

Maximum Output Sink Current D5:D0 = 111111 in A4:A0 = 11100 310 µA

Compliance Voltage Range 0.8 V

Turn-On Time E xcl ud es p r og r am m ab l e d el ay of 0 to 7µs i n step s of 0.5µs 200 ns

DNL 1 LSB

PA BIAS DAC: VOLTAGE MODE

Output High Level 10mA source current VCC - 0.2 V

Output Low Level 10mA sink current 0.1 V

Turn-On Time E xcl ud es p r og r am m ab l e d el ay of 0 to 7µs i n step s of 0.5µs 200 ns

ON-CHIP TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Temperature Step Size 5°C

Read-out at DOUT pin through SPI
A4:A0 = 00111, D4:D0

TA = +25°C 01111

TA = +85°C 11001Digital Output Code

= -40°C 00100

T

A

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

8 _______________________________________________________________________________________

Note 1: Min and max limits are guaranteed by test above TA= +25°C and are guaranteed by design and characterization at TA=

-40°C. The power-on register settings are not guaranteed. Recommended register setting must be loaded after V

CC

is supplied.

Note 2: Two tones at +20MHz and +39MHz offset with -35dBm/tone. Measure IM3 at 1MHz.
Note 3: Gain adjusted over max gain and max gain - 3dB.
Note 4: V

CC

rise time (0V to 2.7V) must be less than 1ms.

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—TIMING

(MAX2838 Evaluation Kit, VCC= 2.8V, fLO= 3.6GHz, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = high, SCLK = DIN = low, PLL loop bandwidth = 180kHz,

and T

A

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

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

SYSTEM TIMING

Frequency

Channel Switching Time

Turnaround Time

Tx Turn-On Time (from Standby
Mode)

Tx Tur n- Off Ti m e ( to S tand b y M od e) From Tx-enable falling edge 0.1 µs

Rx Turn-On Time (from Standby
Mode)

Rx Tur n- Off Ti m e ( to S tand b y M od e) From Rx-enable falling edge 0.1 µs

4-WIRE SERIAL INTERFACE TIMING (See Figure 1)

SCLK Rising Edge to CS Falling
Edge Wait Time

Falling Edge of CS to Rising
Edge of First SCLK Time

DIN to SCLK Setup Time t

DIN to SCLK Hold Time t

SCLK Pulse-Width High t

SCLK Pulse-Width Low t

Last Rising Edge of SCLK to
Rising Edge of CS or Clock to
Load Enable Setup Time

CS High Pulse Width t
Ti m e Betw een Ri si ng E d g e of C S

and the N ext Ri si ng E d g e of S C LK

Clock Frequency f

Rise Time t

Fall Time t

SCLK Falling Edge to Valid DOUT t

error
settles to
±50Hz

t

CSO

t

CSS

DS

DH

CH

CL

t

CSH

CSW

t

CS1

CLK

Automatic VCO sub-band selection 2 ms

Manual VCO sub-band selection 56 µs

Measured from Tx or Rx
enable rising edge, signal
settling to within 0.5dB of
steady state

M easur ed fr om Tx enab l e r i si ng ed g e, si g nal
settl i ng to w i thi n 0.5d B of stead y state

M easur ed fr om Rx enab l e r i si ng ed g e, si g nal
settl i ng to w i thi n 0.5d B of stead y state

R

F

D

Rx to Tx 2

Tx to Rx 2

2µs

2µs

6ns

6ns

6ns

6ns

6ns

6ns

6ns

20 ns

6ns

45 MHz

f

/ 10 ns

CLK

f

/ 10 ns

CLK

12.5 ns

µs

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz

Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

_______________________________________________________________________________________

9

Typical Operating Characteristics

(VCC= 2.8V, TA= +25°C, f

LO

= 3.6GHz, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = high, RXHP = SCLK = DIN = low, RF BW = 7MHz, using the MAX2838

Evaluation Kit.)

RECEIVER

Rx SUPPLY CURRENT vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE

105

+85°C

101

97

93

SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)

89

85

2.7 3.3 3.6

+25°C

3.0

SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)

Rx VOLTAGE GAIN (MAXIMUM LNA GAIN)

vs. FREQUENCY

54

-40°C

52

50

GAIN (dB)

48

46

+85°C

-40°C

+25°C

Rx VOLTAGE GAIN vs. FREQUENCY

60

50

LNA = MAX - 8dB

40

LNA = MAX - 16dB

30

LNA = MAX - 24dB

GAIN (dB)

20

LNA = MAX - 32dB

LNA = MAX - 40dB

10

0

3.0 3.83.4 4.0
FREQUENCY (GHz)

3.63.2

Rx OUTPUT V1dB vs. GAIN SETTING

1.6

1.2

)

RMS

0.8

OUTPUT V1dB (V

0.4

LNA = MAX

MAX2838toc01

NOISE FIGURE (dB)

MAX2838toc03b

VOLTAGE GAIN (dB)

NOISE FIGURE vs. BASEBAND GAIN SETTING

50

LNA = MAX - 40dB

40

LNA = MAX - 32dB

30

LNA = MAX - 24dB

20

LNA = MAX - 16dB

LNA = MAX - 8dB

10

LNA = MAX

0

01632

824

BASEBAND VGA CODE

MAX2838toc02

Rx VOLTAGE GAIN vs. BASEBAND

GAIN SETTING

120

LNA = MAX - 16dB

80

40

LNA = MAX - 32dB

0

LNA = MAX - 40dB

LNA = MAX - 8dB

LNA = MAX

LNA = MAX - 24dB

MAX2838toc04

MAX2838toc03a

MAX2838toc05

44

3.3 3.73.5 3.9

3.63.4 3.8

FREQUENCY (MHz)

Rx EVM vs. PIN (CHANNEL

BANDWIDTH = 10MHz, 64 QAM FUSC)

22

LNA = MAX - 8dB

20

18

16

14

12

10

EVM (%)

8

6

4

2

LNA = MAX

0

-100 -90 -70 -40 -20-50 0-10-30 10

-80 -60

LNA = MAX - 16dB

LNA = MAX - 24dB

LNA = MAX - 32dB

LNA = MAX - 40dB

PIN (dBm)

MAX2838toc06

-40
0 162432

8

BASEBAND VGA CODE

Rx EVM vs. V

(CHANNEL

OUT

BANDWIDTH = 10MHz, 64 QAM FUSC)

16

12

8

EVM (%)

4

0

-30 -15-20
V

OUT

(dBV

RMS

-10-25

)

MAX2838toc07

0

02432

816

BASEBAND VGA CODE

WiMAX EVM vs. OFDM JAMMER

(7MHz CHANNEL BANDWIDTH, 64 QAM FUSC)

14

12

f

10

8

EVM (%)

6

4

2

0

= 7MHz f

OFFSET

P

= P

WANTED

ANTENNA (INCLUDING 4dB FRONT-END LOSS).
EVM AT P

-70 -40 -20

SENSITIVITY

SENSITIVITY

P

JAMMER

= 14MHz

OFFSET

+ 3dB = -71.4dBm AT

= 6%, WITHOUT JAMMER.

at ANTENNA (dBm)

-30-50-60

MAX2838toc08a

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

10 ______________________________________________________________________________________

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(VCC= 2.8V, TA= +25°C, f

LO

= 3.6GHz, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = high, RXHP = SCLK = DIN = low, RF BW = 7MHz, using the MAX2838

Evaluation Kit.)

WiMAX EVM vs. OFDM JAMMER

(10MHz CHANNEL BANDWIDTH, 64 QAM FUSC)

MAX2838toc08b

P

JAMMER

AT ANTENNA (dBm)

EVM (%)

-30-50-60

8

10

12

2

4

6

14

0

-70 -40 -20

f

OFFSET

= 10MHz

f

OFFSET

= 20MHz

P

WANTED

= P

SENSITIVITY

+ 3dB = -70.3dBm AT

ANTENNA (INCLUDING 4dB FRONT-END LOSS).

EVM AT P

SENSITIVITY

= 5.85%, WITHOUT JAMMER.

Rx EMISSION SPECTRUM, LNA INPUT

(Tx OFF, LNA = MAX)

MAX2838toc09

0Hz 26.5GHz

(dBm)

-110

-100

-90

-80

-70

-60

-50

-40

-30

-20

-10

Rx INPUT DIFFERENTIAL IMPEDANCE

vs. FREQUENCY

MAX2838toc10

3.3 3.5 3.7
FREQUENCY (GHz)

3.9

REAL COMPONENT (Ω)

IMAGINARY COMPONENT (Ω)

26

30

29

28

27

-75

-55

-60

-65

-70

IMAGINARY

REAL

Rx INPUT RETURN LOSS vs. FREQUENCY

(LNA = MAX)

MAX2838toc11a

30kHz 6.0GHz

(dB)

-50

-40

-30

-20

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

3.9GHz

3.6GHz

3.3GHz

RSSI VOLTAGE vs. INPUT POWER

MAX2838toc12

PIN (dBm)

RSSI VOLTAGE (V)

1.5

1.0

2.0

2.5

0.5

-100 -40 -10-70

LNA = MAX - 40dB

LNA = MAX - 32dB

LNA = MAX - 24dB

LNA = MAX - 16dB

LNA = MAX - 8dB

LNA = MAX

Rx RSSI STEP RESPONSE

(+40dB SIGNAL STEP)

MAX2838toc13

200ns/div

3V

0V

1.45V

0.45V

LNA GAIN CONTROL

RSSI OUTPUT

Rx RSSI STEP RESPONSE

(-40dB SIGNAL STEP)

MAX2838toc14

200ns/div

3V

0V

1.5V

0.45V

LNA GAIN CONTROL

RSSI

Rx LPF GROUP DELAY vs. FREQUENCY

MAX2838toc15

FREQUENCY (MHz)

LPF GROUP DELAY (ns)

200

300

250

50

150

100

350

0

0 6 12 1610 1424 8

CHANNEL BW = 5MHz

CHANNEL BW = 8MHz

CHANNEL BW = 9MHz

CHANNEL BW = 10MHz

Rx INPUT RETURN LOSS vs. FREQUENCY

(LNA = MAX - 32dB)

MAX2838toc11b

30kHz 6.0GHz

(dB)

-50

-40

-30

-20

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

3.9GHz

3.6GHz

3.3GHz

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz

Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

______________________________________________________________________________________

11

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(VCC= 2.8V, TA= +25°C, f

LO

= 3.6GHz, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = high, RXHP = SCLK = DIN = low, RF BW = 7MHz, using the MAX2838

Evaluation Kit.)

Rx DC OFFSET SETTLING RESPONSE

(+8dB BB VGA GAIN STEP)

MAX2838toc16

10μs/div

2V/div

10mV/div

VGA GAIN CONTROL

Rx DC OFFSET SETTLING RESPONSE

(-8dB BB VGA GAIN STEP)

MAX2838toc17

10μs/div

2V/div

10mV/div

VGA GAIN CONTROL

Rx DC OFFSET SETTLING RESPONSE

(-16dB BB VGA GAIN STEP)

MAX2838toc18

10μs/div

2V/div

10mV/div

VGA GAIN CONTROL

Rx DC OFFSET SETTLING RESPONSE

(-32dB BB VGA GAIN STEP)

MAX2838toc19

10μs/div

2V/div

10mV/div

VGA GAIN CONTROL

Rx BBVGA SETTLING RESPONSE

(+8dB GAIN STEP)

MAX2838toc20

200ns/div

100mV/div

2V/div

VGA GAIN CONTROL

Rx BBVGA SETTLING RESPONSE

(-8dB BB VGA GAIN STEP)

MAX2838toc21

200ns/div

100mV/div

2V/div

VGA GAIN CONTROL

Rx BBVGA SETTLING RESPONSE

(-16dB GAIN STEP)

MAX2838toc22

200ns/div

500mV/div

2V/div

VGA GAIN CONTROL

Rx BBVGA SETTLING RESPONSE

(-32dB GAIN STEP)

MAX2838toc23

200ns/div

1V/div

2V/div

VGA GAIN CONTROL

Rx LNA SETTLING RESPONSE

(MAX TO MAX - 8dB)

MAX2838toc24

1μs/div

500mV/div

2V/div

LNA GAIN CONTROL

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

12 ______________________________________________________________________________________

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(VCC= 2.8V, TA= +25°C, f

LO

= 3.6GHz, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = high, RXHP = SCLK = DIN = low, RF BW = 7MHz, using the MAX2838

Evaluation Kit.)

TRANSMITTER

Rx LNA SETTLING RESPONSE

(MAX TO MAX - 16dB)

500mV/div

2V/div

474

395

316

237

158

LNA GAIN CONTROL

HISTOGRAM: IQ GAIN IMBALANCE

1μs/div

DEV = 51.8mV

SAMPLE SIZE = 7839

MEAN = 0

MAX2838toc25

MAX2838toc28

Rx BB FREQUENCY RESPONSE

10

0

-10

-20

-30

RESPONSE (dB)

-40

-50

-60

-70

FREQUENCY (MHz)

HISTOGRAM: Rx PHASE IMBALANCE

774

MEAN = 0
DEV = 0.11878°

645

SAMPLE SIZE = 7841

516

387

258

Rx BB FREQUENCY RESPONSE

2

MAX2838toc26

10 1000.1 1

1

0

-1

-2

RESPONSE (dB)

-3

-4

-5

-6
10 1000.1 1

FREQUENCY (MHz)

MAX2838toc27

HISTOGRAM: Rx STATIC DC OFFSET

996

MEAN = 0
DEV = 0.23981mV

MAX2838toc29

830

SAMPLE SIZE = 7841

664

498

332

MAX2838toc30

79

1σ/div

129

1σ/div

166

POWER-ON DC OFFSET CANCELLATION

WITH INPUT SIGNAL

2V/div

200mV/div

ENABLE

MAX2838toc31a

4.00μs/div

POWER-ON DC OFFSET CANCELLATION

WITHOUT INPUT SIGNAL

2V/div

10mV/div

2μs/div

ENABLE

Tx SUPPLY CURRENT vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE

160

MAX2838toc31b

157

154

151

SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)

148

145

+85°C

1σ/div

MAX2838toc32

-40°C

+25°C

3.3 3.62.7 3.0

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz

Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

______________________________________________________________________________________

13

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(VCC= 2.8V, TA= +25°C, f

LO

= 3.6GHz, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = high, RXHP = SCLK = DIN = low, RF BW = 7MHz, using the MAX2838

Evaluation Kit.)

Tx BASEBAND FREQUENCY RESPONSE

10

0

CHANNEL BW = 20MHz

-10

-20
CHANNEL BW = 12MHz

-30

-40

RESPONSE (dB)

CHANNEL BW = 1.75MHz

-50

CHANNEL BW = 1.5MHz

-60

CHANNEL BW = 5MHz

-70

0.1 10 1001

CHANNEL BW = 28MHz

FREQUENCY (MHz)

Tx OUTPUT POWER vs. GAIN SETTING

10

-10

(dBm)

-30

OUT

P

-50

-40°C

+85°C

+25°C

MAX2838toc33

MAX2838toc35

10dB/div

Tx BASEBAND FREQUENCY RESPONSE

2

1

0

-1

-2

-3

RESPONSE (dB)

-4

-5

-6

0.1 10 1001
FREQUENCY (MHz)

Tx OUTPUT SPECTRUM

P

= 0dBm

OUT

MAX2838toc33a

MAX2838toc36

MASK

Tx OUTPUT POWER vs. FREQUENCY

4

2

0

(dBm)

-2

OUT

P

-4

-6

-8
3300 3700 39003400 36003500 3800

TX GAIN SET TO MAX - 3dB

-40°C

+25°C

FREQUENCY (MHz)

+85°C

Tx CARRIER SUPPRESSION vs. FREQUENCY

-35

-40

-45

-50

CS (dBc)

-55

-60

-65

TX GAIN SET TO MAX - 3dB

+85°C

-40°C

+25°C

MAX2838toc34

MAX2838toc37

-70
0643216 48

TX GAIN CODE

Tx CARRIER SUPPRESSION vs.

GAIN SETTING

-20

-25

-30

-35

-40

-45

CS (dBc)

-50

-55

-60

-65

-70

-40°C

06432 4816

TX GAIN CODE

-70

3.625GHz3.583GHz

3300 3700 39003400 36003500 3800

FREQUENCY (MHz)

Tx SIDEBAND SUPPRESSION vs.

+85°C

+25°C

MAX2838toc38

Tx SIDEBAND SUPPRESSION vs. FREQUENCY

-30

-40

-50

-60

SS (dBc)

-70
+85°C

-80

-90

3300 3700 39003400 36003500 3800

TX GAIN SET TO MAX - 3dB

-40°C

FREQUENCY (MHz)

+25°C

MAX2838toc39

-30

-40

-50

SS (dBc)

-60

-70

-80
0705030 6010 4020

GAIN SETTING

+85°C

-40°C

+25°C

TX GAIN CODE

MAX2838toc40

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

14 ______________________________________________________________________________________

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(VCC= 2.8V, TA= +25°C, f

LO

= 3.6GHz, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = high, RXHP = SCLK = DIN = low, RF BW = 7MHz, using the MAX2838

Evaluation Kit.)

EVM vs. Tx OUTPUT POWER (64 QAM
FUSC, 10MHz CHANNEL BANDWIDTH)

MAX2838toc41

P

OUT

(dBm)

EVM (%)

1.6

0.8

1.2

0.4

2.0

0

-40 -10 0-30 -20

Tx OUTPUT EMISSION SPECTRUM

MAX2838toc42

(dBm)

-10

-50

-30

-70

10

-90

0

-40

-20

-60

-80

0Hz 26.5GHz

f

LO

fLO / 3

f

LO

x 4/3

fLO x 2

HISTOGRAM: Tx LO LEAKAGE

MAX2838toc43

1σ/div

248

310

62

186

124

372

MEAN = -46.235dBc
DEV = 5.1577dB
SAMPLE SIZE = 7841

HISTOGRAM: Tx SIDEBAND SUPPRESSION

MAX2838toc44

1σ/div

336

420

84

252

168

504

MEAN = -47.856dBc
DEV = 2.8827dB
SAMPLE SIZE = 7841

Tx OUTPUT RETURN LOSS vs. FREQUENCY

MAX2838toc45

(dB)

30

-10

10

-30

50

-50

40

0

20

-20

-40

30kHz 6.0GHz

3.9GHz

3.6GHz

3.3GHz

LO FREQUENCY vs.

DIFFERENTIAL TUNE VOLTAGE

MAX2838toc46

DIFFERENTIAL TUNE VOLTAGE (V)

LO FREQUENCY (GHz)

4.0

3.6

3.8

3.4

3.2

4.2

3.0
0 1.51.0 2.52.00.5

PHASE NOISE vs. OFFSET FREQUENCY

MAX2838toc47

OFFSET FREQUENCY (MHz)

PHASE NOISE (dBc/Hz)

-50

-60

-70

-80

-90

-100

-110

-120

-130

-140

-150

0.0001 0.10.01 1010.001

VCO GAIN vs. DIFFERENTIAL TUNE VOLTAGE

MAX2838toc48

DIFFERENTIAL TUNE VOLTAGE (V)

VCO GAIN (MHz/V)

200.00

180.00

160.00

140.00

120.00

100.00

80.00

60.00

40.00

20.00

0.00
0 1.51.0 2.52.00.5

CHANNEL-SWITCHING FREQUENCY SETTLING

(3.3GHz TO 3.9GHz, MANUAL VCO SUB-BAND SELECTION)

MAX2838toc49a

99.69

TIME (μs)

0

10kHz/div

-50kHz

50kHz

SYNTHESIZER

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz

Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

______________________________________________________________________________________

15

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(VCC= 2.8V, TA= +25°C, f

LO

= 3.6GHz, f

REF

= 40MHz, CS = high, RXHP = SCLK = DIN = low, RF BW = 7MHz, using the MAX2838

Evaluation Kit.)

CHANNEL-SWITCHING FREQUENCY SETTLING

(3.9GHz TO 3.3GHz, MANUAL VCO SUB-BAND SELECTION)

MAX2838toc49b

99.69

TIME (μs)

0

10kHz/div

-50kHz

50kHz

CHANNEL-SWITCHING FREQUENCY SETTLING

(3.3GHz TO 3.9GHz, AUTOMATIC VCO

50kHz

SUB-BAND SELECTION)

CHANNEL-SWITCHING FREQUENCY SETTLING

(3.9GHz TO 3.3GHz, AUTOMATIC VCO

SUB-BAND SELECTION)

0

MAX2838toc50

2V/div

MAX2838toc49c

TIME (ms)

1.998

Tx-TO-Rx TURNAROUND FREQUENCY

GLITCH SETTLING

RXTX

2V/div

MAX2838toc49d

50kHz

10kHz/div

-50kHz

Rx-TO-Tx TURNAROUND FREQUENCY

GLITCH SETTLING

RXTX

MAX2838toc51

10kHz/div

-50kHz
0

TIME (ms)

1.998

1kHz/div

FREQUENCY ERROR

4μs/div

1kHz/div

FREQUENCY ERROR

4μs/div

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

16 ______________________________________________________________________________________

Typical Operating Circuit

RX INPUT

TX OUTPUT

RX/TX GAIN

RX/TX GAIN

CONTROL

RX/TX GAIN

CONTROL

RX/TX GAIN

CONTROL

RX/TX GAIN

CONTROL

CONTROL

VCCRXLNA

GNDRXLNA

RXRF+

RXRF-

VCCTXPAD

TXRF+

TXRF-

TXBBI-

VCCRXFL

RSSI

÷

RX BASEBAND
HPF CONTROL

MODE

CONTROL

TXBBI+

TXBBQ+

TXBBQ-

VCCRXMX

RXTX

ENABLE
48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38

1

2

B5

3

4

5

B4

6

7

IMUX/QMUX

B3

8

B2

B1

AM

9

DETECTOR

10

11

12

SERIAL INTERFACE

MAX2838

REFERENCE

BUFFER

90°

0°

RXHP

VCCRXVGA

TO
RSSI
MUX

TEMP SENSOR

RSSI

SERIAL

INTERFACE

CS SCLK

PLL

RX I OUTPUTSTX INPUT

RXBBI+

IMUX

RXBBI­37

QMUX

RSSI

MUX

36

35

34

33

32

31

30

29

28

27

26

25

RXBBQ+

RXBBQ-

B6

B7

RSSI

DIN

DOUT

EXTVCO+

EXTVCO-

VCCLO

VCCVCO

VCOBYP

RX Q
OUTPUTS

RX/TX GAIN
CONTROL

RX GAIN
CONTROL

SERIAL
INPUTS

SERIAL
INPUTS

EXTERNAL
VCO INPUT
OR OUTPUT

GNDVCO

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

PABIAS

VCCTXMX

SERIAL
INPUTS

CS

SCLK

SERIAL

INPUTS

REFERENCE

CLOCK BUFFER

CLKOUT

OUTPUT

VCCDIG

REFERENCE

REFCLK

CLOCK

INPUT

VCCCP

GNDCP

CPOUT+

PLL LOOP

FILTER

CPOUT-

GNDVCO

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz

Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

______________________________________________________________________________________ 17

Pin Description

PIN NAME FUNCTION

1 VCCRXLNA LNA Supply Voltage. Bypass with a capacitor as close as possible to the pin.

2 GNDRXLNA LNA Ground

3 B5 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic Input Bit 5

4 RXRF+

5 RXRF-

6 B4 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic Input Bit 4

7 VCCTXPAD Supply Voltage for Power-Amplifier Driver. Bypass with a capacitor as close as possible to the pin.

8 B3 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic Input Bit 3

9 B2 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic Input Bit 2

10 TXRF+

11 TXRF-

12 B1 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic Input Bit 1

13 PABIAS Transmit PA Bias DAC Output

14 VCCTXMX Transmitter Upconverter Supply Voltage. Bypass with a capacitor as close as possible to the pin.
15 CS Chip-Select Logic Input of 4-Wire Serial Interface (See Figure 1)

16 SCLK Serial-Clock Logic Input of 4-Wire Serial Interface (See Figure 1)

17 CLKOUT Reference Clock Divided Output

18 VCCDIG Digital Circuit Supply Voltage. Bypass with a capacitor as close as possible to the pin.

19 REFCLK Reference Clock Input

20 VCCCP PLL Charge-Pump Supply Voltage. Bypass with a capacitor as close as possible to the pin.

21 GNDCP Charge-Pump Circuit Ground

22 CPOUT+

23 CPOUT-

24 GNDVCO VCO Ground

25 VCOBYP

26 VCCVCO VCO Supply Voltage. Bypass with a capacitor as close as possible to the pin.

27 VCCLO LO Generation Supply Voltage. Bypass with a capacitor as close as possible to the pin.

28 EXTVCO-

29 EXTVCO+

30 DOUT Data Logic Output of 4-Wire Serial Interface (See Figure 1)

31 DIN Data Logic Input of 4-Wire Serial Interface (See Figure 1)

32 RSSI RSSI or Temperature Sensor Multiplexed Analog Output

33 B7 Receiver Gain-Control Logic Input Bit 7

34 B6 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic Input Bit 6

35 RXBBQ-

36 RXBBQ+

37 RXBBI-

38 RXBBI+

39 VCCRXVGA Receiver VGA Supply Voltage. Bypass with a capacitor as close as possible to the pin.

LNA Differential Inputs. Inputs are internally DC-coupled. Two external series capacitors and one
shunt inductor match the inputs to 100Ω differential.

Power-Amplifier Driver Differential Output. Outputs are internally DC-coupled. Two external series
capacitors and one shunt inductor match the outputs to 100Ω differential.

Differential Charge-Pump Output. Connect the frequency synthesizer’s loop filter between CPOUT+
and CPOUT- (see the Typical Operating Circuit).

On-Chip VCO Regulator Output Bypass. Bypass with a 1µF capacitor to GND. Do not connect other
circuitry to this point.

External VCO Differential Input or Output. Input for slave configuration and output for master
configuration. Leave unconnected for single configuration.

Receiver Baseband Q-Channel Differential Outputs. In Tx calibration mode, these pins are the LO
leakage and sideband detector outputs.

Receiver Baseband I-Channel Differential Outputs. In Tx calibration mode, these pins are the LO
leakage and sideband detector outputs.

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

18 ______________________________________________________________________________________

Pin Description (continued)

Table 1. Operating Mode for MIMO Master and Single Configuration (Note 5)

Note 5: Set SPI Reg 24 D1:D0 = “00” for single-transceiver mode of operation. Set SPI Reg 16 D4:D3 = “11,” Reg 24 D8 = “1,” Reg

24 D1:D0 = “01” for MIMO master configuration.

Note 6: Unused states of SPI Reg 16, D1:D0 above are not tested, and therefore, should not be used.
Note 7: Parts of transceiver may be selectively enabled.
Note 8: PA bias DAC may be kept active in these non-transmit mode(s) by SPI programming.
Note 9: Set SPI Reg 5 D5 = “1” to mux AM detector output to RXBB pins.
Note 10: Set SPI Reg 26 D3 = “1.”
Note 11: CLKOUT signal is active independent of the states of SPI Reg 16, D1:D0, and is only dependent on the states of ENABLE

and RXTX pins. However, to ensure that the rest of the chip is off when the CLKOUT is active in the clock-out mode, set SPI
Reg 16, D1:D0 to “00” as shown above.

PIN NAME FUNCTION

40 RXHP

41 VCCRXFL Receiver Baseband Filter Supply Voltage. Bypass with a capacitor as close as possible to the pin.

42 TXBBI-

43 TXBBI+

44 TXBBQ+

45 TXBBQ-

46 VCCRXMX Receiver Downconverters Supply Voltage. Bypass with a capacitor as close as possible to the pin.

47 RXTX Mode Control Logic Input. See Table 1 for operating modes.

48 ENABLE Mode Control Logic Input. See Table 1 for operating modes.

—EP

MODE

SHUTDOWN xx 0 0 Off Off Off Off None

STANDBY (Note 7) 01 0 1 Off Off On On None

CLOCK OUT 00 (Note 11) 0 1 Off Off Off On None

Rx 01 1 1 On Off ( N ote 8) On On None

Tx 01 1 0 Off On On On None

Tx CALIBRATION

(Note 9)

Rx CALIBRATION

(Note 10)

Receiver Baseband AC-Coupling Highpass Corner Frequency Control Logic Input. Connect to
ground if not being used.

Transmitter Baseband I-Channel Differential Inputs

Transmitter Baseband Q-Channel Differential Inputs

Exposed Paddle. Connect to the ground plane with multiple vias for proper operation and heat
dissipation. Do not share with any other pin grounds and bypass capacitors’ ground.

MODE CONTROL LOGIC INPUTS CIRCUIT BLOCK STATES

SPI REG 16,

D1:D0 (Note 6)

11 1 0 Off

11 1 1

ENABLE

PIN

RXTX PIN Rx PATH Tx PATH PLL, VCO

On

On

(except

LNA)

(except PA

driver)

On

(except PA

driver)

On On

On On Loopback

CLOCK

OUT

CALI-

BRATION

SEC T I O N S

ON

AM d etector

+ RX I,Q

b uffer s

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz

Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

______________________________________________________________________________________ 19

Detailed Description

Configurations

The MAX2838 can be configured in a) single mode, for
non-MIMO or SISO applications, b) MIMO master
mode, and c) MIMO slave mode. Options b) and c) are
for MIMO applications where a coherent LO is required
for all transmitters and all receivers.

Modes of Operation

The modes of operation for the MAX2838 are clock-out,
shutdown, standby, Tx, Rx, Tx calibration, and Rx cali­bration. See Table 1 for a summary of the modes of
operation. The logic input pins—RXTX (pin 47) and
ENABLE (pin 48)—control the various modes.

Shutdown Mode (Complete IC Power-Down)

All circuit blocks are powered down, except the 4-wire
serial bus and its internal programmable registers.
Current drain is the minimum possible with the supply
voltages applied. If the digital supply voltage is applied
at the VCCDIG pin, the registers can be loaded.

Standby Mode

PLL, VCO, and LO generation blocks are ON, so that
Tx or Rx modes can be quickly enabled from this
mode. These and other blocks may be selectively
enabled in this mode.

Rx Mode

All Rx circuit blocks are powered on and active.
Antenna signal is applied; RF is downconverted, fil­tered, and buffered at Rx BB I & Q outputs.

Tx Mode

All Tx circuit blocks are powered on. The external PA is
powered on after a programmable delay.

Clock-Out Only

Only the clock-out signal is active on the CLKOUT pin.
The clock output divider is also functional. The rest of
the transceiver is powered down.

Rx Calibration

Part of the Rx and Tx circuit blocks except the LNA and
PA driver are powered on and active. The transmitter
IQ input signal is upconverted to RF and at the output
of the Tx gain control (VGA). It is fed to the receiver at
the input of the downconverter. Either or both of the two
receiver channels can be connected to the transmitter
and powered on. The I/Q lowpass filters are not present
in the transmitter signal path (they are bypassed).

Tx Calibration

All Tx circuit blocks except the PA driver and external
PA are powered on and active. The AM detector and
receiver I/Q channel buffers are also on, along with
multiplexers in receiver side to route this AM detector’s
signal to each I and Q differential lines.

Table 2. Operating Mode for MIMO Slave Configuration (Note 12)

Note 12: Set SPI Reg 16 D4:3 = “00,” Reg 24 D8 = “0,” Reg 24 D1:0 = “10” to select the MIMO slave configuration.

MODE CONTROL LOGIC INPUTS CIRCUIT BLOCK STATES

C A L I-

MODE

SHUTDOWN xx 0 0 Off Off Off Off None

STANDBY (Note 7) 01 0 1 Off Off Off On None

CLOCK OUT 00 (Note 11) 0 1 Off Off Off On None

Rx 01 1 1 On Off ( N ote 8) Off On None

Tx 01 1 0 Off On Off On None

Tx CALIBRATION

(Note 9)

Rx CALIBRATION

(Note 10)

SPI REG 16,

D1:D0 (Note 4)

11 1 0 Off

11 1 1

ENABLE

PIN

RXTX PIN Rx PATH Tx PATH PLL, VCO

On

On

(except

LNA)

(except PA

driver)

On

(except PA

driver)

Off On

Off On Loop-back

CLOCK

OUT

B R A T I O N

SEC T I O N S

AM d etector

+ RX I,Q

b uffer s

O N

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

20 ______________________________________________________________________________________

Programmable Registers and

4-Wire SPI-Interface

The MAX2838 includes 32 programmable 16-bit regis­ters. The most significant bit (MSB) is the read/write
selection bit. The next 5 bits are register addresses.
The 10 least significant bits (LSBs) are register data.
Register data is loaded through the 4-wire
SPI/MICROWIRE™-compatible serial interface. Data at
the DIN pin is shifted in MSB first and is framed by CS.
When CS is low, the clock is active, and input data is
shifted at the rising edge of the clock. During the read
mode, register data selected by address bits is shifted
out to the DOUT pin at the falling edges of the clock. At
CS rising edge, the 10-bit data bits are latched into the
register selected by address bits. See Figure 1.

MICROWIRE is a trademark of National Semiconductor Corp.

Chip Information

PROCESS: BiCMOS

DIN

SCLK

CS

DOUT

DIN

SCLK

CS

DOUT

Figure 1. 4-Wire SPI Serial-Interface Timing Diagram

BIT 1

DON’T CARE

BIT 6BIT 2

BIT 14BIT 13BIT 5

t

CH

t

t

CSOtCSS

BIT 1

DS

BIT 2

t

DH

DON’T CARE

SPI REGISTER WRITE

BIT 5

SPI REGISTER READ

t

CL

BIT 6 BIT 14BIT 13

t

D

DON’T CARE

t

CSH

t

CSW

t

CS1

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz

Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

______________________________________________________________________________________ 21

Package Information

For the latest package outline information and land patterns, go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.

PACKAGE TYPE PACKAGE CODE DOCUMENT NO.

48 TQFN-EP T4866+2

21-0141

MAX2838

3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Wireless Broadband RF Transceiver

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.

22

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

© 2008 Maxim Integrated Products is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

Revision History

REVISIO N

NUMBER

0 10/07 Initial release —

1 8/08

REVISIO N

DATE

DESCRIPTION

Removed CLKOUT frequency divide-by-1 ratio in AC Electrical
Characteristics—Frequency Synthesis table

PAGES

CHANGED

7