Rainbow Electronics MAX2063 User Manual

19-5303; Rev 0; 6/10

Dual 50MHz to 1000MHz High-Linearity,

Serial/Parallel-Controlled Digital VGA

General Description

The MAX2063 high-linearity, dual digital variable-gain
amplifier (VGA) operates in the 50MHz to 1000MHz
frequency range. Each digital attenuator is controlled
as a slave peripheral using either the SPIK-compatible
interface or a 5-bit parallel bus with 31dB total adjust­ment range in 1dB steps. An added feature allows
“rapid-fire” gain selection between each of four steps,
preprogrammed by the user through the SPI-compatible
interface. A separate 2-pin control allows the user to
quickly access any one of four customized attenuation
states without reprogramming the SPI bus.

Since each of the stages has its own external RF input
and RF output, this component can be configured
to either optimize noise figure (amplifier configured
first) or OIP3 (amplifier configured last). The device’s
performance features include 24dB of amplifier gain
(amplifier only), 5.6dB noise figure (NF) at maximum
gain (including attenuator insertion losses), and a high
OIP3 level of +41dBm. Each of these features makes the
device an ideal VGA for multipath receiver and transmitter
applications.

In addition, the device operates from a single +5V
supply with full performance, or a +3.3V supply for an
enhanced power-savings mode with lower performance.
This device is available in a compact 48-pin thin QFN
package (7mm x 7mm) with an exposed pad. Electrical
performance is guaranteed over the extended tempera­ture range, from TC = -40NC to +85NC.

Applications

IF and RF Gain Stages

Temperature-Compensation Circuits

Cellular Band WCDMA and cdma2000M Base
Stations

GSM 850/GSM 900 EDGE Base Stations

WiMAXK and LTE Base Stations and Customer
Premise Equipment

Fixed Broadband Wireless Access

Wireless Local Loop

Military Systems

Features

S Independently Controlled Dual Paths

S 50MHz to 1000MHz RF Frequency Range

S Pin-Compatible Family Includes

MAX2062 (Analog/Digital VGA)
MAX2064 (Analog-Only VGA)

S 21.3dB (typ) Maximum Gain

S 0.25dB Gain Flatness Over 100MHz Bandwidth

S 31dB Gain Range

S 58dB Path Isolation at 200MHz

S Supports Four “Rapid-Fire” Preprogrammed

Attenuator States
Quickly Access Any One of Four Customized
Attenuation States Without Reprogramming the
SPI Bus
Ideal for Fast-Attack, High-Level Blocker
Protection
Prevents ADC Overdrive Condition

S Excellent Linearity at 200MHz

+41dBm OIP3
+56dBm OIP2
+19dBm Output 1dB Compression Point

S 5.6dB Typical Noise Figure

S 25ns Digital Switching Time

S Very Low Distortion VGA Amplitude Overshoot/

Undershoot of 0.05dB

S Single +5V Supply (or +3.3V Operation)

S Amplifier Power-Down Mode for TDD Applications

Ordering Information

PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE

MAX2063ETM+
MAX2063ETM+T

+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
*EP = Exposed pad.

T = Tape and reel.

-40NC to +85NC

-40NC to +85NC

48 Thin QFN-EP*
48 Thin QFN-EP*

MAX2063

SPI is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
cdma2000 is a registered trademark of Telecommunications

Industry Association.
WiMAX is a trademark of WiMAX Forum.

_______________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products 1

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.

Dual 50MHz to 1000MHz High-Linearity,
Serial/Parallel-Controlled Digital VGA

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

V

CC_AMP_1

STA_A_1, STA_A_2, STA_B_1, STA_B_2, PD_1,

PD_2, AMPSET to GND ...................................-0.3V to +3.6V

DAT, CS, CLK, DA_SP to GND ............................-0.3V to +3.6V

D0_1, D1_1, D2_1, D3_1, D4_1, D0_2, D1_2,

D2_2, D3_2, D4_2 to GND ...............................-0.3V to +3.6V

AMP_IN_1, AMP_IN_2 to GND ..........................+0.95V to +1.2V

AMP_OUT_1, AMP_OUT_2 to GND .....................-0.3V to +5.5V

MAX2063

D_ATT_IN_1, D_ATT_IN_2, D_ATT_OUT_1,

D_ATT_OUT_2 to GND ......................................... 0V to +3.6V

REG_OUT .............................................................-0.3V to +3.6V

Note 1: Based on junction temperature TJ = TC + (BJC x VCC x ICC). This formula can be used when the temperature of the

Note 2: Package thermal resistances were obtained using the method described in JEDEC specification JESD51-7, using a four-

Note 3: Junction temperature T

Note 4: T

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_AMP_2

exposed pad is known while the device is soldered down to a PCB. See the Applications Information section for details.
The junction temperature must not exceed +150NC.

layer board. For detailed information on package thermal considerations, refer to www.maxim-ic.com/thermal-tutorial.

known. The junction temperature must not exceed +150NC.

is the temperature on the exposed pad of the package. TA is the ambient temperature of the device and PCB.

C

, V

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

CC_RG

= TA + (BJA x VCC x ICC). This formula can be used when the ambient temperature of the PCB is

J

RF Input Power (D_ATT_IN_1, D_ATT_IN_2) ............... +20dBm

RF Input Power (AMP_IN_1, AMP_IN_2) ...................... +18dBm

q

(Notes 1, 2) ......................................................... +12.3NC/W

JC

q

(Notes 2, 3) ............................................................ +38NC/W

JA

Continuous Power Dissipation (Note 1) .............................. 5.3W

Operating Case Temperature Range (Note 4) .. -40NC to +85NC

Junction Temperature .....................................................+150NC

Storage Temperature Range ............................ -65NC to +150NC

Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) ................................+300NC

Soldering Temperature (reflow) ......................................+260NC

+5V SUPPLY DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

(Typical Application Circuit, VCC = V

-40NC to +85NC. Typical values are at V

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Supply Voltage V
Supply Current I
Power-Down Current I
Input Low Voltage V
Input High Voltage V
Input Logic Current I

CC_AMP_1

CC_

DCPD

IH

= V

= +5.0V and T

CC

DC

PD_1 = PD_2 = 1, VIH = 3.3V 5.2 8 mA

IL

IH

, I

IL

CC_AMP_2

C

= V

= +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)

= +4.75V to +5.25V, AMPSET = 0, PD_1 = PD_2 = 0, T

CC_RG

+3.3V SUPPLY DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

(Typical Application Circuit, VCC = V
= -40NC to +85NC. Typical values are at V

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Supply Voltage V
Supply Current I
Power-Down Current I
Input Low Voltage V
Input High Voltage V

CC_AMP_1

DCPD

= V

= +3.3V and T

CC_

CC

DC

IL

IH

CC_AMP_2

PD_1 = PD_2 = 1, VIH = 3.3V 4.3 8 mA

= V

= +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)

C

= +3.135V to +3.465V, AMPSET = 1, PD_1 = PD_2 = 0, T

CC_RG

4.75 5 5.25 V
148 205 mA

0.5 V

1.7 3.465 V

-1 +1

3.135 3.3 3.465 V
88 145 mA

0.5 V

1.7 3.465 V

FA

=

C

C

2

Dual 50MHz to 1000MHz High-Linearity,

Serial/Parallel-Controlled Digital VGA

RECOMMENDED AC OPERATING CONDITIONS

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

RF Frequency f

RF

+5V SUPPLY AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

(Typical Application Circuit, VCC = V
RF ports are driven from 50I sources, AMPSET = 0, PD_1 = PD_2 = 0, 100MHz ≤ fRF ≤ 500MHz, TC = -40NC to +85NC. Typical
values are at maximum gain setting, V

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Small-Signal Gain G

Gain vs. Temperature -0.006 dB/NC

Gain Flatness vs. Frequency

Noise Figure NF

Total Attenuation Range 30.8 dB

Output Second-Order Intercept
Point (Minimum Attenuation)

Path Isolation

CC_AMP_1

= +5.0V, PIN = -20dBm, fRF = 350MHz, and TC = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 6)

CC_

OIP2 P

(Note 5) 50 1000 MHz

= V

CC_AMP_2

fRF = 50MHz 22.0
fRF = 100MHz 21.7
fRF = 200MHz 21.3
fRF = 350MHz, TC = +25NC 18 21.0 23
fRF = 450MHz 20.8
fRF = 750MHz 19.9
fRF = 900MHz 18.3

From 100MHz to 200MHz 0.35

Any 100MHz frequency band from
200MHz to 500MHz

fRF = 50MHz 5.2
fRF = 100MHz 5.4
fRF = 200MHz 5.6
fRF = 350MHz 5.8
fRF = 450MHz 5.9
fRF = 750MHz 6.4
fRF = 900MHz 6.7

OUT

RF input 1 amplified power measured at
RF output 2 relative to RF output 1, all
unused ports terminated to 50I

RF input 2 amplified power measured at
RF output 1 relative to RF output 2, all
unused ports terminated to 50I

= V

= 0dBm/tone, Df = 1MHz, f1 + f

= +4.75V to +5.25V, attenuators are set for maximum gain,

CC_RG

0.25

2

51.6 dBm

48.8

49.4

dB

dB

dB

dB

MAX2063

3

Dual 50MHz to 1000MHz High-Linearity,
Serial/Parallel-Controlled Digital VGA

+5V SUPPLY AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)

(Typical Application Circuit, VCC = V
RF ports are driven from 50I sources, AMPSET = 0, PD_1 = PD_2 = 0, 100MHz ≤ fRF ≤ 500MHz, TC = -40NC to +85NC. Typical
values are at maximum gain setting, V

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

CC_AMP_1

CC_

MAX2063

Output Third-Order Intercept
Point

Output -1dB Compression Point P
Second Harmonic HD2 P
Third Harmonic HD3 P
Group Delay Includes EV kit PCB delays 0.87 ns

Amplifier Power-Down Time

Amplifier Power-Up Time

Input Return Loss RL
Output Return Loss RL

DIGITAL ATTENUATOR (each path, unless otherwise noted)

Insertion Loss IL 3.0 dB

Input Second-Order Intercept
Point

Input Third-Order Intercept
Point

Attenuation Range 30.8 dB
Step Size 1 dB
Relative Attenuation Accuracy 0.11 dB
Absolute Attenuation Accuracy 0.23 dB

Insertion Phase Step fRF = 170MHz

OIP3

= V

CC_AMP_2

= +5.0V, PIN = -20dBm, fRF = 350MHz, and TC = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 6)

P

OUT

Df = 1MHz, fRF = 50MHz

P

OUT

Df = 1MHz, fRF = 100MHz

P

OUT

Df = 1MHz, fRF = 200MHz

P

OUT

Df = 1MHz, fRF = 350MHz

P

OUT

Df = 1MHz, fRF = 450MHz

P

OUT

Df = 1MHz, fRF = 750MHz

P

OUT

Df = 1MHz, fRF = 900MHz

1dB

OUT

IIP2

IIP3

(Note 7) 18.8 dBm

OUT

OUT

PD_1 or PD_2 from 0 to 1, amplifier DC
supply current settles to within 0.1mA

PD_1 or PD_2 from 1 to 0, amplifier DC
supply current settles to within 1%

50I source 23.3 dB

IN

50I load 24.4 dB

P

RF1

attenuation), Df = 1MHz, f1 + f

P

IN1

attenuation), Df = 1MHz

= V

= 0dBm/tone,

= 0dBm/tone,

= 0dBm/tone,

= 0dBm/tone,

= 0dBm/tone,

= 0dBm/tone,

= 0dBm/tone,

= +3dBm -54.8 dBc
= +3dBm -72.9 dBc

= 0dBm P

= 0dBm P

= +4.75V to +5.25V, attenuators are set for maximum gain,

CC_RG

47.1

43.9

41.0

37.0

35.2

28.7

26.5

0.5 Fs

0.5 Fs

= 0dBm (minimum

RF2

= 0dBm (minimum

IN2

0dB to 16dB -0.4

0dB to 31dB 0.9

2

53.1 dBm

43.2 dBm

dBm

Degrees0dB to 24dB 0.6

4

Dual 50MHz to 1000MHz High-Linearity,

Serial/Parallel-Controlled Digital VGA

+5V SUPPLY AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)

(Typical Application Circuit, VCC = V
RF ports are driven from 50I sources, AMPSET = 0, PD_1 = PD_2 = 0, 100MHz ≤ fRF ≤ 500MHz, TC = -40NC to +85NC. Typical
values are at maximum gain setting, V

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Amplitude Overshoot/
Undershoot

Switching Speed

Input Return Loss RL
Output Return Loss RL

SERIAL PERIPHERAL INTERFACE (SPI)

Maximum Clock Speed f
Data-to-Clock Setup Time t
Data-to-Clock Hold Time t
Clock-to-CS Setup Time t

CS Positive Pulse Width t
CS Setup Time t

Clock Pulse Width t

CC_AMP_1

CC_

= V

CC_AMP_2

= +5.0V, PIN = -20dBm, fRF = 350MHz, and TC = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 6)

Between any
two states

RF settled to
within Q0.1dB

50I source 21.6 dB

IN

OUT

CLK

CS

CH

ES

EW

EWS

CW

50I load 21.2 dB

= V

= +4.75V to +5.25V, attenuators are set for maximum gain,

CC_RG

Elapsed time = 15ns 1.0
Elapsed time = 40ns 0.05
31dB to 0dB 25
0dB to 31dB 21

dB

ns

20 MHz

2 ns

2.5 ns
3 ns
7 ns

3.5 ns
5 ns

MAX2063

+3.3V SUPPLY AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTIC

(Typical Application Circuit, VCC = V
are driven from 50I sources, AMPSET = 1, PD_1 = PD_2 = 0, 100MHz ≤ fRF ≤ 500MHz, TC = -40NC to +85NC. Typical values are at
maximum gain setting, V

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Small-Signal Gain G 20.9 dB

Output Third-Order Intercept
Point

Noise Figure NF 5.9 dB
Total Attenuation Range 30.8 dB

Path Isolation

Output -1dB Compression Point P

Note 5: Operation outside this range is possible, but with degraded performance of some parameters. See the Typical Operating

Characteristics.

Note 6: All limits include external component losses. Output measurements are performed at the RF output port of the Typical

Application Circuit.

Note 7: It is advisable not to continuously operate RF input 1 or RF input 2 above +15dBm.

= +3.3V, PIN = -20dBm, fRF = 350MHz, and TC = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 6)

CC_

CC_AMP_1

OIP3 P

1dB

= V

CC_AMP_2

OUT

RF input 1 amplified power measured at
RF output 2 relative to RF output 1, all
unused ports terminated to 50I

RF input 2 amplified power measured at
RF output 1 relative to RF output 2, all
unused ports terminated to 50I

(Note 7) 13.4 dBm

= V

= 0dBm/tone 29.6 dBm

= +3.3V, attenuators are set for maximum gain, RF ports

CC_RG

48.8

49.1

dB

5

Dual 50MHz to 1000MHz High-Linearity,
Serial/Parallel-Controlled Digital VGA

Typical Operating Characteristics

(Typical Application Circuit, V
driven from 50ω sources, AMPSET = 0, PD_1 = PD_2 = 0, P

CC

= V

CC_AMP_1

= V

CC_AMP_2

= V

CC_RG

= -20dBm, f

IN

= 5V, attenuators are set for maximimum gain, RF ports are

= 350MHz, T

RF

= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

C

170

MAX2063

160

150

SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)

140

130

4.750 5.250

TC = -40°C

TC = +25°C

GAIN OVER ATTENUATOR SETTING

vs. RF FREQUENCY

25

15

5

-5

GAIN OVER ATTENUATOR SETTING (dB)

-15
50 1050

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

SUPPLY CURRENT vs. V

VCC (V)

CC

TC = +85°C

5.1255.0004.875

850650450250

24

MAX2063 toc01

22

20

GAIN (dB)

18

16

1.00

0.75

MAX2063 toc04

0.50

0.25

-0.25

RELATIVE ERROR (dB)

-0.50

-0.75

-1.00

GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY

TC = -40°C

TC = +85°C

50 1050

TC = +25°C

850650450250

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

ATTENUATOR RELATIVE

ERROR vs. RF FREQUENCY

0

ERROR FROM 23dB TO 24dB

50 1050

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

850650250 450

24

MAX2063 toc02

22

20

GAIN (dB)

18

16

1.00

0.75

MAX2063 toc05

0.50

0.25

0

-0.25

ABSOLUTE ERROR (dB)

-0.50

-0.75

-1.00

GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY

VCC = 4.75V, 5.00V, 5.25V

50 1050

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

850650450250

ATTENUATOR ABSOLUTE

ERROR vs. RF FREQUENCY

25dB

24dB

50 1050

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

850650250 450

MAX2063 toc03

MAX2063 toc06

INPUT MATCH OVER ATTENUATOR

SETTING vs. RF FREQUENCY

0

16dB

-10

-20

-30

-40

INPUT MATCH OVER ATTENUATOR SETTING (dB)

-50
0 1000

8dB

1dB

2dB

31dB

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

0dB

4dB

MAX2063 toc07

800600400200

OUTPUT MATCH OVER ATTENUATOR

SETTING vs. RF FREQUENCY

0

-10

16dB, 31dB

-20

-30

OUTPUT MATCH OVER ATTENUATOR SETTING (dB)

-40

1dB, 4dB, 8dB

0dB

0 1000

2dB

800600400200

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

MAX2063 toc08

6

Dual 50MHz to 1000MHz High-Linearity,

Serial/Parallel-Controlled Digital VGA

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(Typical Application Circuit, V
driven from 50ω sources, AMPSET = 0, PD_1 = PD_2 = 0, P

CC

= V

CC_AMP_1

= V

CC_AMP_2

IN

= V

CC_RG

= -20dBm, f

= 5V, attenuators are set for maximimum gain, RF ports are

= 350MHz, T

RF

= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

C

MAX2063

REVERSE GAIN OVER ATTENUATOR

SETTING vs. RF FREQUENCY

-30

-40

-50

-60

-70

REVERSE GAIN OVER ATTENUATOR SETTING (dB)

-80
50 1050

ATTEN 0dB

ATTEN 31dB

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CHANNEL ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY

(MINIMUM GAIN)

75

65

55

45

CHANNEL ISOLATION (dB)

35

25

RELATIVE POWERS AT RF OUTPUTS

CH1 TO CH2

CH2 TO CH1

50 1050

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

ATTENUATOR PHASE CHANGE

BETWEEN STATES vs. RF FREQUENCY

60

REFERENCED TO HIGH GAIN STATE

50

MAX2063 toc09

850650450250

POSITIVE PHASE = ELECTRICALLY SHORTER

40

30

20

10

0

-10

-20

-30
50 1050

ATTENUATOR PHASE CHANGE BETWEEN STATES (DEGREES)

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

850650450250

MAX2063 toc10

NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY

9

MAX2063 toc12

850650450250

8

7

6

NOISE FIGURE (dB)

5

4

3

50 1050

TC = +85°C

TC = +25°C

TC = -40°C

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

MAX2063 toc13

850650450250

CHANNEL ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY

(MAXIMUM GAIN)

75

65

55

45

CHANNEL ISOLATION (dB)

35

25

RELATIVE POWERS AT RF OUTPUTS

CH1 TO CH2

50 1050

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

CH2 TO CH1

NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY

9

8

7

6

NOISE FIGURE (dB)

5

4

3

50 1050

VCC = 4.75V, 5.00V, 5.25V

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

MAX2063 toc11

850650450250

MAX2063 toc14

850650450250

OUTPUT P

22

20

18

(dBm)

1dB

TC = +85°C

16

OUTPUT P

14

12

50 1050

vs. RF FREQUENCY

1dB

TC = -40°C

TC = +25°C

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

OUTPUT P

22

MAX2063 toc15

850650450250

20

18

(dBm)

1dB

VCC = 4.75V

16

OUTPUT P

14

12

50 1050

vs. RF FREQUENCY

1dB

VCC = 5.25V

VCC = 5.00V

RF FREQUENCY (MHz)

MAX2063 toc16

850650450250

7