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

The MAX19996A provides a fully integrated downconversion channel, with +24.5dBm (typ) IIP3, 8.7dB (typ) conversion gain, and 9.8dB (typ) noise figure. Additionally, it features an industry-best 2LO-2RF spurious rejection of 67dBc for an RF level of -10dBm, and 62dBc for a level of -5dBm. The MAX19996A 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. This device supports both high- and low-side LO injection architectures for 2.3GHz to 2.9GHz WCS, LTE, WiMAX(TM), and MMDS base stations; in addition, the MAX19996A can be configured for 3.1GHz to 3.9GHz WiMAX and LTE low-side injection architectures as well.

As a complete SiGe downconverter, the MAX19996A integrates a state-of-the-art mixer core, two amplifiers, two baluns, and dozens of discrete components. This device's 8.7dB conversion gain enables the elimination of a complete IF amplifier stage within the receiver lineup. The MAX19996A's outstanding 2LO-2RF performance can also ease the filtering requirements of close-in harmonics, thus leading to simpler, more cost-effective filter designs. Through this combination of integration and performance, this device reduces downconverter solution size by a factor of 2x, and the discrete part count by 34%.

The MAX19996A is packaged in a compact, 5mm x 5mm, 20-pin TQFN that is pin compatible with the MAX19996 (a 2000MHz to 3000MHz 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.