Highest Linearity, Downconverting SiGe Mixer for WCS, LTE, WiMAX, and MMDS Base Stations

• The MAX19996 is a fully integrated, 2000MHz to 3000MHz, downconverting mixer with an on-chip LO buffer.
• This device delivers an unparalleled combination of linearity, noise performance, and component integration.
• To achieve these benchmarks, the MAX19996 is designed using a proprietary, monolithic SiGe process that has been optimized for high linearity.
• The MAX19996 is designed specifically for 2.3GHz to 2.8GHz WCS, LTE, WiMAX, and MMDS wireless-infrastructure applications.

SUNNYVALE, CA—October 2, 2008—Maxim Integrated Products (PINK OTC MARKETS: MXIM) introduces the MAX19996, a fully integrated, 2000MHz to 3000MHz, downconverting mixer with an on-chip LO buffer. Designed using Maxim's proprietary, monolithic SiGe process, this device delivers an unparalleled combination of linearity, noise performance, and component integration. This single IC provides a fully integrated downconversion channel with +24.5dBm (typ) IIP3, 8.7dB (typ) conversion gain, and 9.6dB (typ) noise figure. Additionally, the MAX19996 offers an industry-best 2RF-2LO spurious rejection of 69dBc for an RF level of -10dBm, and 64dBc for a level of -5dBm. The MAX19996 is designed specifically for 3G/4G wireless-infrastructure applications in which high linearity and a low noise figure are critical for enhanced receiver sensitivity and blocker immunity. It is ideal for 2.3GHz to 2.8GHz WCS, LTE, WiMAX™, and MMDS base stations.

As a complete SiGe downconverter, the MAX19996 integrates a state-of-the-art mixer core, two amplifiers, two baluns, and dozens of discrete components. The device's 8.7dB conversion gain enables the elimination of a complete IF amplifier stage within the receiver lineup. The MAX19996's outstanding 2RF-2LO performance can also ease the filtering requirements of close-in harmonics, thus leading to simpler and more cost-effective filter designs. Through this combination of integration and performance, the device reduces downconverter solution size by a factor of 2x and the discrete part count by 34%.

The MAX19996 is packaged in a compact, 5mm x 5mm, 20-pin TQFN that is pin compatible with the MAX19996A* (a 2300MHz to 3900MHz single mixer). It is also pin similar to the MAX9993/MAX9994/MAX9996 (1700MHz to 2200MHz mixers) and the MAX9984/MAX9986 (400MHz to 1000MHz mixers). This entire family of downconverters is ideal for applications in which a common PCB layout is used for multiple frequency bands. Prices start at $6.90 (1000-up, FOB USA).

Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells over $2 billion of high-performance semiconductor products annually. It was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To date, Maxim has developed over 5800 products serving the industrial, communications, consumer, and computing markets.

2.5GHz, Downconverting Mixer Sets Benchmarks for Performance and Integration