General Description

The MAX2021 low-noise, high-linearity, direct upcon-

version/downconversion quadrature modulator/demod-

ulator is designed for RFID handheld and portal

readers, as well as single and multicarrier 750MHz to

architectures are advantageous since they significantly

reduce transmitter or receiver cost, part count, and

power consumption as compared to traditional IF-based

double conversion systems.

In addition to offering excellent linearity and noise perfor-

mance, the MAX2021 also yields a high level of compo-

nent integration. This device includes two matched

passive mixers for modulating or demodulating in-phase

and quadrature signals, two LO mixer amplifier drivers,

and an LO quadrature splitter. On-chip baluns are also

integrated to allow for single-ended RF and LO connec-

tions. As an added feature, the baseband inputs have

been matched to allow for direct interfacing to the trans-

mit DAC, thereby eliminating the need for costly I/Q

buffer amplifiers.

The MAX2021 operates from a single +5V supply. It is

available in a compact 36-pin thin QFN package (6mm

x 6mm) with an exposed paddle. Electrical perfor-

mance is guaranteed over the extended -40°C to

+85°C temperature range.

Applications

RFID Handheld and Portal Readers

Single and Multicarrier WCDMA 850 Base Stations

Single and Multicarrier cdmaOne™ and cdma2000

Base Stations

GSM 850/GSM 900 EDGE Base Stations

Predistortion Transmitters and Receivers

WiMAX Transmitters and Receivers

Fixed Broadband Wireless Access

Military Systems

Microwave Links

Digital and Spread-Spectrum Communication

Systems

Video-on-Demand (VOD) and DOCSIS Compliant

Edge QAM Modulation

Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS)

Features

♦ 750MHz to 1200MHz RF Frequency Range

♦ Scalable Power: External Current-Setting

Resistors Provide Option for Operating Device in

Reduced-Power/Reduced-Performance Mode

♦ 36-Pin, 6mm x 6mm TQFN Provides High Isolation

in a Small Package

Modulator Operation:

♦ Meets 4-Carrier WCDMA 65dBc ACLR

♦ +21dBm Typical OIP3

♦ +58dBm Typical OIP2

♦ -32dBm Typical LO Leakage

♦ 43.5dBc Typical Sideband Suppression

♦ -174dBm/Hz Output Noise Density

♦ DC to 300MHz Baseband Input Allows a Direct

Launch DAC Interface, Eliminating the Need for

Costly I/Q Buffer Amplifiers

♦ DC-Coupled Input Allows Ability for Customer

Offset Voltage Control

Demodulator Operation:

♦ +35.2dBm Typical IIP3

♦ +76dBm Typical IIP2

♦ 9.2dB Typical Conversion Loss

♦ 9.3dB Typical NF

♦ 0.06dB Typical I/Q Gain Imbalance

♦ 0.15° I/Q Typical Phase Imbalance

High-Dynamic-Range, Direct Up-/Downconversion

750MHz to 1200MHz Quadrature Mod/Demod

________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products

1

Ordering Information

19-3918; Rev 0; 3/06

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.

EVALUATION

KIT AVAILABLE

PART

TEMP RANGE

PIN-PACKAGE

PKG

CODE

MAX2021ETX

-40°C to +85°C

36 Thin QFN-EP*

(6mm x 6mm)

T3666-2

MAX2021ETX-T

-40°C to +85°C

36 Thin QFN-EP*

(6mm x 6mm)

T3666-2

MAX2021ETX+

-40°C to +85°C

36 Thin QFN-EP*

(6mm x 6mm)

T3666-2

MAX2021ETX+T -40°C to +85°C

36 Thin QFN-EP*

(6mm x 6mm)

T3666-2

*EP = Exposed paddle.

+ = Lead free.

-T = Tape-and-reel package.

cdma2000 is a registered trademark of Telecommunications

Industry Association.

iDEN is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc.

cdmaOne is a trademark of CDMA Development Group.