MAXIM MAX9993 Technical data

MAX9993

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-

Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products 1

19-2596; Rev 0; 10/02

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.

General Description

The MAX9993 high-linearity down-conversion mixer
provides 8.5dB of gain, +23.5dBm IIP3, and 9.5dB NF
for UMTS, DCS, and PCS base-station applications.

The MAX9993 integrates baluns in the RF and LO ports,
a dual-input LO selectable switch, an LO buffer, a dou­ble-balanced mixer, and a differential IF output amplifi­er. The MAX9993 requires a typical LO drive of +3dBm,
and supply current is guaranteed to below 230mA.

The MAX9993 is available in a compact 20-pin thin
QFN package (5mm ✕5mm) with an exposed pad.
Electrical performance is guaranteed over the extended

-40°C to +85°C temperature range.

The MAX9993 EV kit is available; contact the factory for
more information.

Applications

UMTS and 3G Base Stations

DCS1800 and EDGE Base Stations

PCS1900 Base Stations

Point-to-Point Microwave Systems

Wireless Local Loop

Private Mobile Radio

Military Systems

Features

♦ +23.5dBm Input IIP3

♦ 1700MHz to 2200MHz RF Frequency Range

♦ 40MHz to 350MHz IF Frequency Range

♦ 1400MHz to 2000MHz LO Frequency Range

♦ 8.5dB Conversion Gain

♦ 9.5dB Noise Figure

♦ Integrated LO Buffer

♦ Switch-Selectable (SPDT), Two LO Inputs

♦ Low 0 to +6dBm LO Drive

♦ 40dB LO1-to-LO2 Isolation

Ordering Information

*EP = Exposed pad.

20

19

18

17

16

13

12

11

14

15

4

3

2

1

5

6

7

8

9

10

TOP VIEW

THIN QFN

V

CC

RF

TAP

GND

V

CC

LOBIAS

LO1

GND

GND

LO2

LOSEL

LEXT

IFBIAS

IF+

IF-

GND

V

CC

GND

GND

GND

MAX9993

Pin Configuration/Functional Diagram

PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE

MAX9993ETP-T -40°C to 85°C 20 Thin QFN-EP*

MAX9993

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz 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.

VCC..........................................................................-0.3V to 5.5V

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

LO1, LO2 to GND ...............................................................±0.3V

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

CC

+ 0.3V)

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

CC

(pin 8) + 0.3V)

LOBIAS, IFBIAS, LEXT to GND ..................-0.3V to (V

CC

+ 0.3V)

RF and LO Input Power ..................................................+22dBm

Continuous Power Dissipation (T

A

= +70°C)
20-Lead Thin QFN
(derate 30.3mW/°C above T

A

= +70°C) ....................2200mW

θ

JA

....................................................................................33°C/W

Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C

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

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

DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

(Typical Operating Circuit as shown, no input RF or LO signals applied. VCC= 4.75V to 5.25V, TA= -40°C to +85°C. Typical values are
at V

CC

= 5.0V and TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

(Typical Operating Circuit, 4.75V < VCC< 5.75V, -40°C < TA< +85°, RF and LO ports are driven from 50Ω sources, 0dBm < PLO<
+6dBm, P

RF

= -5dBm, 1700MHz < fRF< 2200MHz, 1400MHz < fLO< 2000MHz, fIF= 200MHz. Typical values are for TA= +25°C

V

CC

= 5.0V, PLO= +3dBm, fRF= 1900MHz, fLO= 1700MHz, 200MHz IF.) (Notes 1, 2)

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Supply Voltage V

LOSEL Input High Voltage V

LOSEL Input Low Voltage V

LOSEL Input Current IIL and I

CC

CC

Total supply current 202 230

VCC (pin 8) 87 105Supply Current I

IF+/IF- (total of both) 103 133

IH

IL

IH

4.75 5.00 5.25 V

2.0 V

0.8 V

-5 +5 µA

mA

RF Frequency f

LO Frequency f

IF Frequency f

Conversion Gain G

Gain Variation Over Temperature TA = -40°C to +85°C 0.0012 dB/°C

Gain Variation from Nominal (3σ) 0.45 dB

Input Compression Point P

Input Third-Order Intercept Point
(Note 3)

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

RF

LO

IF

1dB

IIP3

(Note 6) 1400 2000 MHz

(Note 3) 8.5 dB

C

Two RF tones: -5dBm each at 1950MHz
and 1951MHz, LO: +3dBm at 1750MHz

Two RF tones: -5dBm each at 2200MHz
and 2201MHz, LO: +3dBm at 2000MHz

1700 2200 MHz

50 350 MHz

12.6 dBm

24

dBm

23

MAX9993

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-

Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3

AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)

(Typical Operating Circuit, 4.75V < VCC< 5.75V, -40°C < TA< +85°, RF and LO ports are driven from 50Ω sources, 0dBm < PLO<
+6dBm, P

RF

= -5dBm, 1700MHz < fRF< 2200MHz, 1400MHz < fLO< 2000MHz, fIF= 200MHz. Typical values are for TA= +25°C

V

CC

= 5.0V, PLO= +3dBm, fRF= 1900MHz, fLO= 1700MHz, 200MHz IF.) (Notes 1, 2)

Note 1: Guaranteed by design and characterization.
Note 2: All limits reflect losses of external components. Output measurements taken at IFOUT of the Typical Application Circuit.
Note 3: Production tested.
Note 4: Measured at IF port at IF frequency. f

LO1

and f

LO2

are offset by 1MHz, P

LO1

= P

LO2

= +3dBm.

Note 5: IF return loss can be optimized by external matching components.
Note 6: Operation outside this range is possible, but with degraded performance of some specifications.

IIP3 Variation Over Temperature TA = -40°C to +85°C ±0.5 dB

Noise Figure NF

Required LO Drive P

Spurious Response at IF

Maximum LO-to-RF Leakage

Maximum LO-to-IF Leakage

Minimum RF-to-IF Isolation fRF = 1700MHz to 2200MHz 37 dB

Conversion Loss, LO to IF

LO Switching Time

LO1-to-LO2 Isolation (Note 4) 40 dB

RF Return Loss 19 dB

LO Return Loss

IF Return Loss RF terminated, PLO = +3dBm (Note 5) 15 dB

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

f

= 1950MHz, fLO = 1750MHz,

LO

2 ✕ 2

3

✕ 3

RF

measured single-side band

0 3 6 dBm

2 RF - 2 LO

= -5dBm

P

RF

f

= 1950MHz

RF

= 1750MHz

f

LO

f

= 1850MHz

SPUR

3 RF - 3 LO
P

= -5dBm

RF

= 1950MHz

f

RF

f

= 1750MHz

LO

= 1816.66MHz

f

SPUR

P

= 0dBm to +6dBm,

LO

= 1400MHz to 2000MHz

f

LO

P

= 0dBm to +6dBm,

LO

= 1400MHz to 2000MHz

f

LO

P

= +0dBm, inject -20dBm at 200MHz

LO

into LO port, measure 200MHz at IF

50% of LOSEL to IF settled to within
2 degrees

LO port selected 15

LO port unselected 14

PLO = +3dBm 65

= +6dBm 70

P

LO

PLO = +3dBm 67

P

= +6dBm 68

LO

9.5 dB

dBc

-19 dBm

-21 dBm

28 dB

<50 ns

dB

MAX9993

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down­Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

4 _______________________________________________________________________________________

Typical Operating Characteristics

(MAX9993 EV Kit, VCC= 5.0V, PRF= -5dBm, PLO= +3dBm, LO is low-side injected for a 200MHz IF, TA= +25°C. For high-side LO
injection curves, LO frequency is beyond maximum specified range, and is shown for completeness.)

INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

MAX9993-09

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT IP3 (dBm)

22

23

24

25

26

21

TA = +85°C

TA = +25°C

TA = -40°C

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

2 LO - 2 RF RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY

HIGH-SIDE INJECTION

MAX9993-08

2 LO - 2 RF RESPONSE (dBc)

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

45

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

TA = -40°C

TA = +25°C

TA = +85°C

PRF = -5dBm

2 RF - 2 LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

MAX9993-07

2 RF- 2 LO RESPONSE (dBc)

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

45

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V

PRF = -5dBm

2 RF - 2 LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

MAX9993-06

2 RF- 2 LO RESPONSE (dBc)

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

45

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

PLO = +6dBm

PLO = +3dBm

PLO = 0dBm

PRF = -5dBm

2 RF - 2 LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

MAX9993-05

2 RF- 2 LO RESPONSE (dBc)

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

45

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

TA = +85°C

TA = -40°C

TA = +25°C

PRF = -5dBm

CONVERSION GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY

HIGH-SIDE INJECTION

MAX9993-04

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CONVERSION GAIN (dB)

7

8

9

10

11

6

TA = +85°C

TA = +25°C

TA = -40°C

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

CONVERSION GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

MAX9993-03

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CONVERSION GAIN (dB)

7

8

9

10

11

6

VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

CONVERSION GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

MAX9993-02

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CONVERSION GAIN (dB)

7

8

9

10

11

6

PLO = 0dBm, +3dBm, +6dBm

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

CONVERSION GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

MAX9993-01

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CONVERSION GAIN (dB)

7

8

9

10

11

6

TA = +85°C

TA = +25°C

TA = -40°C

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

MAX9993

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-

Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 5

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(MAX9993 EV Kit, VCC= 5.0V, PRF= -5dBm, PLO= +3dBm, LO is low-side injected for a 200MHz IF, TA= +25°C. For high-side LO
injection curves, LO frequency is beyond maximum specified range, and is shown for completeness.)

INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

26

25

24

PLO = +3dBm

23

INPUT IP3 (dBm)

22

21

PLO = +6dBm

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT P

1dB

PLO = 0dBm

vs. RF REQUENCY

MAX9993-10

INPUT IP3 (dBm)

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

15

14

13

(dBm)

1dB

12

INPUT P

11

TA = +25°C

TA = +85°C

TA = -40°C

MAX9993 toc13

(dBm)

1dB

INPUT P

INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

26

VCC = 5.25V

25

24

VCC = 5.0V

23

22

21

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT P

1dB

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

15

14

PLO = +3dBm, +6dBm

13

12

11

VCC = 4.75V

vs. RF FREQUENCY

PLO = 0dBm

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

MAX9993-11

MAX9993 toc14

INPUT IP3 (dBm)

(dBm)

1dB

INPUT P

INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY

HIGH-SIDE INJECTION

26

25

24

TA = +85°C

23

22

21

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT P

1dB

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

15

VCC = 5.25C

14

13

12

VCC = 4.75V

11

TA = +25°C

TA = -40°C

vs. RF FREQUENCY

V

= 5.0V

CC

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

MAX9993-12

MAX9993 toc15

10

1700 2200

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

INPUT P

vs. RF FREQUENCY

1dB

HIGH-SIDE INJECTION

15

TA = +85°C

14

13

(dBm)

1dB

12

INPUT P

11

10

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

TA = +25°C

TA = -40°C

215021002050200019501900185018001750

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

10

LO SWITCH ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY

44

43

MAX9993 toc16

42

41

40

39

38

37

LO SWITCH ISOLATION (dB)

36

35

34

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

TA = -40°C

TA = +25°C

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

P

= P

LO1

= 1MHz

∆f

LO

TA = +85°C

LO2

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

= +3dBm

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

10

LO SWITCH ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY

44

43

MAX9993 toc17

42

41

40

39

38

37

LO SWITCH ISOLATION (dB)

36

35

34

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

PLO = 0dBm, +3dBm

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

PLO = +6dBm

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

P

= P

LO1

LO2

∆fLO = 1MHz

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

MAX9993 toc18

MAX9993

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down­Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

6 _______________________________________________________________________________________

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(MAX9993 EV Kit, VCC= 5.0V, PRF= -5dBm, PLO= +3dBm, LO is low-side injected for a 200MHz IF, TA= +25°C. For high-side LO
injection curves, LO frequency is beyond maximum specified range, and is shown for completeness.)

LO SWITCH ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

44

43

42

41

40

39

38

37

LO SWITCH ISOLATION (dB)

36

35

34

VCC = 4.75, 5.00, 5.25V

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

P
∆f

LO1

LO

= P

LO2

= 1MHz

= +3dBm

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

LO SWITCH ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY

44

43

MAX9993 toc19

42

41

40

39

38

37

LO SWITCH ISOLATION (dB)

36

35

34

HIGH-SIDE INJECTION

TA = -40°C

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

P

LO1

∆f

LO

TA = +25°C

TA = +85°C

= P

LO2

= 1MHz

= +3dBm

-30

MAX9993 toc20

-35

-40

LO LEAKAGE (dBm)

-45

-50

2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200

LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT

vs. LO FREQUENCY

TA = +25°C

TA = +85°C

TA = -40°C

1400 2200

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

MAX9993 toc21

2100200019001800170016001500

LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT

vs. LO FREQUENCY

-30

P

= +6dBm

LO

-35

PLO = 0dBm

-40

LO LEAKAGE (dBm)

-45

PLO = +3dBm

-50
1400 2200

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION vs. FREQUENCY

57.5

55.0

52.5

50.0

47.5

45.0

42.5

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION (dB)

40.0

37.5

35.0
1700 2200

TA = +85°C

TA = +25°C

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

2100200019001800170016001500

TA = -40°C

215021002000 20501800 1850 1900 19501750

213820561892 19741564 1646 1728 181014821400 2220

-30

MAX9993 toc22

-35

-40

LO LEAKAGE (dBm)

-45

-50
1400 2200

57.5

55.0

MAX9993 toc25

52.5

50.0

47.5

45.0

42.5

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION (dB)

40.0

37.5

35.0
1700 2200

LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT

vs. LO FREQUENCY

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 5.0V

VCC = 4.75V

2100200019001800170016001500

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY

PLO = 0dBm, +3dBm, +6dBm

215021002000 20501800 1850 1900 19501750

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

213820561892 19741564 1646 1728 181014821400 2220

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

-15

MAX9993 toc23

-20

-25

-30

LO LEAKAGE (dBm)

-35

-40

57.5

55.0

MAX9993 toc26

52.5

50.0

47.5

45.0

42.5

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION (dB)

40.0

37.5

35.0

LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT

vs. LO FREQUENCY

IF PORT
TERMINATED IN 50Ω

PLO = 0dBm

PLO = +3dBm

PLO = +6dBm

2300220021002000190018001700160015001400 2400

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

RF-TO-IF ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY

VCC = +4.75V, +5.0V, +5.25V

1700 2200

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

215021002000 20501800 1850 1900 19501750

213820561892 19741564 1646 1728 181014821400 2220

MAX9993 toc24

MAX9993 toc27

MAX9993

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-

Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 7

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(MAX9993 EV Kit, VCC= 5.0V, PRF= -5dBm, PLO= +3dBm, LO is low-side injected for a 200MHz IF, TA= +25°C. For high-side LO
injection curves, LO frequency is beyond maximum specified range, and is shown for completeness.)

NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

12

11

10

9

NOISE FIGURE (dB)

8

7

6

1700 2200

TA = +85°C

TA = +25°C

TA = -40°C

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

MAX9993 toc28

215021002050200019501900185018001750

NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

12

11

10

NOISE FIGURE (dB)

VCC = 5.25V

9

8

7

6

1700 2200

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

VCC = 4.75V

VCC = 5.0V

MAX9993 toc29

215021002050200019501900185018001750

NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY

12

HIGH-SIDE INJECTION

11

10

9

NOISE FIGURE (dB)

8

7

6

1700 2200

TA = +85°C

TA = +25°C

TA = -40°C

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

MAX9993 toc31

215021002050200019501900185018001750

RF RETURN LOSS vs. RF FREQUENCY

0

5

10

15

20

25

RF RETURN LOSS (dB)

30

35

40

1700 2200

PLO = 0dBm

PLO = +6dBm

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

LOW-SIDE
INJECTION LO FOR
200MHz IF

PLO = +3dBm

MAX9993 toc32

215021001750 1800 1850 1950 20001900 2050

NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY

LOW-SIDE INJECTION

12

11

PLO = +6dBm

10

9

NOISE FIGURE (dB)

PLO = +3dBm

8

7

6

1700 2200

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

PLO = 0dBm

IF RETURN LOSS vs. IF FREQUENCY

0

MAX9993 EV KIT
(TUNED FOR 70MHz - 100MHz IF)
SET BY EXTERNAL MATCHING COMPONENTS

5

10

VCC = 4.75V

15

IF RETURN LOSS (dB)

20

25

VCC = 5.0V

VCC = 5.25V

50 350

IF FREQUENCY (MHz)

215021002050200019501900185018001750

32530027525022520017515012510075

MAX9993 toc30

MAX9993 toc33

LO RETURN LOSS vs. LO FREQUENCY

0

LO INPUT SELECTED

5

10

LO RETURN LOSS (dB)

15

20

1400 2400

PLO = +3dBm

PLO = +6dBm

PLO = 0dBm

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

LO RETURN LOSS vs. LO FREQUENCY

0

LO INPUT UNSELECTED

MAX9993 toc34

5

10

PLO = 0dBm, +3dBm, +6dBm

LO RETURN LOSS (dB)

15

230022002100200019001800170016001500

20

1400 2400

LO FREQUENCY (MHz)

MAX9993 toc35

230022002100200019001800170016001500

SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE

205

200

195

190

SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)

185

180

-40 85

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 5.0V

VCC = 4.75V

TEMPERATURE (°C)

MAX9993 toc36

603510-15

MAX9993

Detailed Description

The MAX9993 high-linearity down-conversion mixer pro­vides 8.5dB of gain and +23.5dBm IIP3, with a 9.5dB
noise figure (typ). Integrated baluns and matching cir­cuitry allow 50Ω single-ended interfaces to the RF and
LO ports. A single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) LO switch
provides 50ns switching time between LO inputs, with
typically 40dB 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 MAX9993’s
inputs to 0dBm to +6dBm range. The IF port incorpo­rates a differential output, which is ideal for providing
enhanced IIP2 performance.

Specifications are guaranteed over broad frequency
ranges to allow for use in UMTS and 2G/2.5G/3G
DCS1800 and PCS1900 base stations. The MAX9993 is
specified to operate over an RF input range of
1700MHz to 2200MHz, an LO range of 1400MHz to
2000MHz, and an IF range of 40MHz to 350MHz. This
device can operate in high-side LO injection applica­tions with an extended LO range, but performance
degrades gently as fLOcontinues to increase. See the
Typical Operating Characteristics for measurements
taken with fLOup to 2400MHz. This device is available
in a compact 5mm

✕

5mm 20-pin thin QFN package

with an exposed pad.

RF Input and Balun

The MAX9993 has one input (RF) that 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. Input return loss is better than 15dB over
the entire RF frequency range of 1700MHz to 2200MHz.

LO Input, Switch, Buffer, and Balun

The mixer can be used for either high-side or low-side
injection applications with an LO frequency range of
1400MHz to 2000MHz. An internal LO SPDT switch
selects one of two single-ended LO ports. This allows
the external oscillator to settle on a particular frequency
before it is switched in. LO switching time is guaran­teed to be less than 50ns. This switch is controlled by a
digital input (LOSEL): logic low selects LO1, logic high
selects LO2. LO1 and LO2 inputs are internally
matched to 50Ω, requiring only a 22pF DC-blocking
capacitor.

A two-stage internal LO buffer allows a wide input power
range for the LO drive. All guaranteed specifications are
for an LO signal power from 0dBm to +6dBm. A low-loss
balun along with an LO buffer drives the double-balanced
mixer. All interfacing and matching from the LO inputs to
the IF outputs are integrated on-chip.

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down­Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

8 _______________________________________________________________________________________

Pin Description

PIN NAME FUNCTION

1, 6, 8 V

2RF

3 TAP

4, 5, 10, 12,

13, 14, 17, EP

7 LOBIAS LO Output Bias Resistor for LO Buffer. Connect a 383Ω (±1%) from LOBIAS to GND.

9 LOSEL LO Select. Logic control input for selecting LO1 or LO2.

11 LO1 Local Oscillator Input. LO1 selected when LOSEL is low.

15 LO2 Local Oscillator Input. LO2 selected when LOSEL is high.

16 LEXT

18 IF-

19 IF+

20 IFBIAS IF Bias Resistor Connection for IF Amplifier. Connect a 523Ω (±1%) from IFBIAS to GND.

CC

GND

Power Supply Connections. See the Typical Application Circuit.

Single-Ended 50Ω RF Input. This port is internally matched and DC shorted to GND through a
balun. Provide a DC-blocking capacitor if required.

Center Tap of the Internal RF Balun. Bypass with capacitors close to the IC, as shown in the
Typical Application Circuit.

Ground. Connect to supply ground. Provide multiple vias in the PC board to create a low­inductance connection between the exposed paddle (EP) and the PC board ground.

External Inductor Connection. Connect a low-ESR 10nH inductor from LEXT to GND. This inductor
carries approximately 100mA DC current.

Noninverting IF Output. Requires external bias to V
Application Circuit).

Inverting IF Output. Requires external bias to V
Application Circuit).

through an RF choke (see the Typical

CC

through an RF choke (see the Typical

CC

High-Linearity Mixer

The core of the MAX9993 is a double-balanced, high­performance passive mixer. Exceptional linearity is pro­vided by the large LO swing from the on-chip LO
buffer; IIP3 is typically +23.5dBm, IIP2 is typically
+60dBm, and total cascaded NF is 9.5dB.

Differential IF Output Amplifier

The MAX9993 mixer has an IF frequency range of 40MHz
to 350MHz. The differential, open-collector IF output ports
require external pullup inductors to VCC. Single-ended IF
applications require a 4:1 balun to transform the 200Ω
differential output impedance to a 50Ω single-ended out­put. After the balun, VSWR is typically 1.5:1.

Applications Information

Input and Output Matching

The RF and LO inputs are internally matched to 50Ω.
No matching components are required. Return loss at
the RF port is better than 15dB over the entire input
range, 1700MHz to 2200MHz, and return loss at LO1
and LO2 is better than 10dB from 1400MHz to
2000MHz. RF and LO inputs require only DC-blocking
capacitors for interfacing. These DC-blocking capaci­tors can be part of the matching circuit.

The IF output impedance is 200Ω differential out of the
IC. An external low-loss 4:1 balun brings this imped­ance down to a 50Ω single-ended output (see the
Typical Application Circuit).

Bias Resistors

Bias currents for the LO buffer and the IF amplifier were
optimized by fine-tuning the resistors at LOBIAS and
IFBIAS during characterization at the factory. These cur­rents should not be adjusted. If the 383Ω (±1%) and/or
523Ω (±1%) resistor values are not readily available,
substitute standard ±5% values: 390Ω and 520Ω ,
respectively.

Layout Considerations

A properly designed PC board is an essential part of
any RF/microwave circuit. Keep RF signal lines as short
as possible to reduce losses, radiation, and induc­tance. For best performance, route the ground pin
traces directly to the exposed pad underneath the
package. This pad should be connected to the ground
plane of the board by using multiple vias under the
device to provide the best RF/thermal conduction path.
Solder the exposed pad on the bottom of the device
package to a PC board exposed pad.

Power Supply Bypassing

Proper voltage supply bypassing is essential for high­frequency circuit stability. Bypass each VCCpin and
TAP with the capacitors shown in the typical application
circuit. Place the TAP bypass capacitor to ground with­in 100 mils of the TAP pin.

Chip Information

TRANSISTOR COUNT: 989

PROCESS: SiGe BiCMOS

MAX9993

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-

Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9

Table 1. Component List

COMPONENT VALUE SIZE DESCRIPTION

C1 4pF 0603 Microwave capacitor

C2, C6, C7, C9, C10 22pF 0603 Microwave capacitors

C3, C5, C8 0.01µF 0603 Capacitors

C4 10pF 0603 Microwave capacitor

C11, C12, C13 150pF 0603 Microwave capacitors

L1, L2 470nH 1008 Wire-wound high-Q inductors

L3 10nH 0805 Wire-wound high-Q inductor

R1 523Ω 0603 ±1% resistor

R2 383Ω 0603 ±1% resistor

R3, R4 7.2Ω 1206 ±1% resistors

R5 200Ω 0603 ±5% resistor

T1 4:1 (200:50) — IF balun

MAX9993

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down­Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

10 ______________________________________________________________________________________

Typical Application Circuit

C12

5.0V

2

1

T1

63

4:1 (200:50)
TRANSFORMER

4

IF OUT

R4

C11

R1

L1

L2

C13

5.0V

R3

5.0V

C3

RFIN

R5

C5

C2

V

CC

TAP

GND

GND

1

RF

2

3

4

5

C1

C4

5.0V

R2

C6

IF+

GND

IF-

IFBIAS

20

19

18

17

MAX9993

6

7

8

9

CC

CC

V

V

LOSEL

LOBIAS

C8

C7

LEXT

GND

L3

16

LO2

15

GND

14

GND

13

GND

12

LO1

11

10

C10

L02

L01

C9

LO SELECT

MAX9993

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-

Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch

______________________________________________________________________________________ 11

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

D2

(ND-1) X e

e

D

C

PIN # 1
I.D.

(NE-1) X e

E/2

E

0.08 C

0.10

C

A

A1

A3

DETAIL A

0.15

C B

0.15 C A

DOCUMENT CONTROL NO.

21-0140

PACKAGE OUTLINE
16, 20, 28, 32L, QFN THIN, 5x5x0.8 mm

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

APPROVAL

TITLE:

C

REV.

2

1

E2/2

E2

0.10 M

C A B

PIN # 1 I.D.

b

0.35x45

L

D/2

D2/2

L

C

L

C

e e

L

CC

L

k

k

L

L

MAX9993

High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz 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.

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

© 2002 Maxim Integrated Products Printed USA is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products.

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.)

2

2

21-0140

REV.DOCUMENT CONTROL NO.APPROVAL

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

TITLE:

COMMON DIMENSIONS

EXPOSED PAD VARIATIONS

1. DIMENSIONING & TOLERANCING CONFORM TO ASME Y14.5M-1994.

2. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS. ANGLES ARE IN DEGREES.

3. N IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TERMINALS.

4. THE TERMINAL #1 IDENTIFIER AND TERMINAL NUMBERING CONVENTION SHALL CONFORM TO JESD 95-1
SPP-012. DETAILS OF TERMINAL #1 IDENTIFIER ARE OPTIONAL, BUT MUST BE LOCATED WITHIN THE
ZONE INDICATED. THE TERMINAL #1 IDENTIFIER MAY BE EITHER A MOLD OR MARKED FEATURE.

5. DIMENSION b APPLIES TO METALLIZED TERMINAL AND IS MEASURED BETWEEN 0.25 mm AND 0.30 mm
FROM TERMINAL TIP.

6. ND AND NE REFER TO THE NUMBER OF TERMINALS ON EACH D AND E SIDE RESPECTIVELY.

7. DEPOPULATION IS POSSIBLE IN A SYMMETRICAL FASHION.

8. COPLANARITY APPLIES TO THE EXPOSED HEAT SINK SLUG AS WELL AS THE TERMINALS.

9. DRAWING CONFORMS TO JEDEC MO220.

NOTES:

10. WARPAGE SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.10 mm.

C

PACKAGE OUTLINE
16, 20, 28, 32L, QFN THIN, 5x5x0.8 mm