RF transceiver offers SPI-compatible interface

Sunnyvale, Calif. —Maxim Integrated Products introduced the MAX2837, a single-chip WiMAX RF transceiver in high-volume production. Designed using a zero-IF architecture, this transceiver requires neither a SAW filter nor extra VCO circuitry, both of which are needed by existing superheterodyne solutions. As a result, the MAX2837 reduces component count and board space. Designed for OFDM-based non-line-of-sight (NLOS) wireless broadband radio systems which operate in the 2.3 GHz to 2.7 GHz band, the MAX2837 is suitable for 802.16d/e fixed and mobile WiMAX, dual-mode WiMAX/Wi-Fi, Korean WiBro, and future 4G LTE systems. An SPI-compatible interface enables electronic programming of channel filtering to support multiple channel bandwidths from 1.75 MHz to 28 MHz.

The MAX2837 integrates a digitally controlled crystal oscillator (DCXO) which enables the use of a low-cost, ±25 ppm or higher crystal in place of an expensive TCXO. Combined with the 25 Hz step-size of the integrated RF synthesizer, the DCXO allows the implementation of digital automatic frequency control (AFC) for improved system range and data-throughput performance.

It features a 2.3 dB receiver noise figure, -11 dBm input IP3, -40 dBc integrated VCO phase noise, and 250 mW power consumption. Receiver EVM is better than -35 dB and sideband suppression is >45dB.

On the transmitter, the MAX2837 delivers 0 dBm linear output with 64-QAM signal, >45dB sideband suppression, and better than -36 dB EVM while meeting a -70 dBr spectral mask. The high linearity of the transmitter output allows this transceiver to be used in WiMAX micro or pico base stations, in addition to subscriber CPE or PC card devices. The MAX2837 operates from a +2.7 V to +3.6 V supply. A 10 microamp low-power shutdown mode helps save power in system-sleep/standby mode.

Availability: Now
Pricing: Begins at $8.38 each in 1,000-piece quantities
More Information: MAX2837 WiMAX RF transceiver

Maxim, 408-737-7194, www.maxim-ic.com