Maxim Integrated Products has launched a cutting-edge SiGe I/Q modulator and digital RF variable gain amplifier (VGA) chipset tailored for GSM/EDGE base station applications. The MAX2021/MAX2023 I/Q modulators paired with the MAX2058/MAX2059 VGA offer superior noise performance and linearity, outperforming other direct conversion (Zero IF) transmitter solutions in the market. This combination is ideal for high-performance wireless infrastructure systems where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are critical.
In the wireless infrastructure industry, there's growing pressure to maintain or even enhance system performance while reducing costs. Engineers are constantly seeking more efficient and compact designs that minimize component count, board space, and overall complexity. For GSM/EDGE base transceiver stations, a direct baseband-to-RF (zero-IF) architecture is often the most cost-effective approach. However, due to strict spectral mask requirements, this architecture was historically limited to lower-performance handheld devices.
With the release of the MAX2021/MAX2023 I/Q modulators and MAX2058/MAX2059 RF digital VGAs, the performance limitations of zero-IF architectures in GSM base stations have been overcome. When combined with Maxim’s dual-channel DAC, MAX5873, and quad-channel amplifier, MAX4395, these components form the industry’s first digital baseband-to-RF VGA chipset designed for single-carrier GSM850/900 and DCS1800/PCS1900 EDGE base stations. This solution meets all the necessary spectral masking and noise requirements.
By integrating the entire chipset, the system achieves +15dBm output power, +32dBm OIP3, and an ultra-low output noise level of < -156dBc/Hz under 6MHz. The LO leakage after zeroing is below -40dBc across the extended temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. The SPI-controlled RF digital VGA provides full gain control, along with two on-chip attenuators offering 12dB static control, 30dB dynamic control, and over 10dB compensation.
Excellent modulator performance is a key highlight of the chipset. The new MAX2021/MAX2023 zero-IF I/Q modulators deliver exceptional noise and linearity. Their output noise density is as low as -174dBm/Hz, nearly reaching the theoretical thermal limit. These results are 10dB better than previous high-end modulator/demodulator solutions. Additionally, the OIP2, OIP3, and OP1dB levels of the MAX2021/MAX2023 reach 57.9dBm/61dBm, 22.3dBm/23.5dBm, and 16.7dBm/14.3dBm respectively. After factoring in noise and P1dB values, the total dynamic range exceeds 190.7dB/188.3dB, surpassing competitors by 16.7dB/14.3dB. These improvements directly enhance the spectral mask performance of BTS transmitters, allowing the MAX2021/MAX2023 to meet stringent GSM/EDGE requirements without expensive transmit stencil filters, which can cost up to $2 each.
The MAX2058/MAX2059 RF digital VGAs also deliver impressive performance. They offer a total adjustment range of 62dB/56dB, +15dBm output power, and OIP3 of 32.3dBm/31.8dBm. Their spurious emissions are as low as -39.2dBc/-39.1dBc at 200kHz. What makes them stand out is their high level of integration. Along with two digital attenuators and two-stage RF amplifiers, they include an on-chip SPI decoder, two loopback switches, and a sophisticated loopback mixer. When used with the MAX9491 synthesizer, the loopback mixer allows for easy frequency adjustment, enabling the transmitted signal to fall directly into the receive band. This feature enables real-time diagnostic monitoring of both transmit and receive links.
The MAX2021/MAX2023 and MAX2058/MAX2059 chipset significantly reduces component count and cost compared to traditional zero-IF or two-upconversion architectures. It replaces multiple components and functions, cutting costs by 65% compared to alternatives. The solution occupies only 26mm x 27mm of board space, saving 50% of the area needed for similar functions. These savings make it ideal for next-generation GSM/EDGE designs where cost and space efficiency are crucial.
The MAX2021 and MAX2023 are available in 36-pin TQFN packages, while the MAX2058 and MAX2059 come in 40-pin TQFN packages. Pricing starts at $4.98 (for orders over 1,000 units, FOB USA) for the MAX2021/MAX2023, and $7.96 for the MAX2058/MAX2059. These cost-effective solutions are well-suited for modern base station applications requiring high performance, low noise, and minimal footprint.
Qiuck deatail:
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Guangzhou Chengwen Photoelectric Technology co.,ltd , https://www.cwleddisplay.com