For free samples & the latest literature: http://www.maxim-ic.com, or phone 1-800-998-8800.

For small orders, phone 1-800-835-8769.

General Description

The MAX2232/MAX2233 low-voltage, silicon RF power

amplifiers (PAs) are designed for use in the 900MHz

ISM band. They operate from a single +2.7V to +5.5V

supply, allowing them to be powered directly from a 3-

cell NiCd or a 1-cell Lithium-Ion battery. The devices

typically deliver 250mW (+24dBm) of output power at

915MHz from a single +3.6V supply, or 150mW

(+22dBm) from a single +2.7V supply. At +24dBm out-

put power, power-added efficiency (PAE) is 44%.

The MAX2232/MAX2233 provide 24dB of gain, which is

adjustable over a continuous 24dB span via the analog

gain-control pin of the MAX2232 or in two 10dB steps

via the 2-bit programmable gain-control DAC of the

MAX2233. An external capacitor sets the RF output

power envelope ramp time, reducing spurious emis-

sions during power-up and power-down by providing a

gradual change in output power (MAX2232).

The MAX2232/MAX2233 feature a low-power shutdown

mode, which typically draws less than 1µA of supply

current, saving power during “idle slots” in time-division

multiple-access (TDMA) systems. The

∆VSWR of the RF

input in shutdown mode relative to normal operation is

1.2:1. The devices also feature a thermal shutdown

function, enabling the PA to protect itself from excessive

temperature conditions that could damage the IC. A

capacitor to ground limits thermal cycling by setting a

thermal shutdown timeout period.

The MAX2232/MAX2233 are available in a space-sav-

ing, thermally enhanced 16-pin power-QSOP (PQSOP)

package.

Applications

900MHz ISM Band

Digital Cordless Phones

Wireless Data

FM Analog Transmitters

868MHz European ISM Band

Features

o 800MHz to 1000MHz Frequency Range

o 250mW (+24dBm) Output Power at 915MHz from

+3.6V Supply

o +2.7V to +5.5V Single-Supply Operation

o 44% Power-Added Efficiency

o 24dB Power Gain

o 24dB Analog Gain-Control Range (MAX2232)

o Three Levels of Digitally Programmed Power Gain

in 10dB Steps (MAX2233)

o Programmable RF Power Envelope Ramping

(MAX2232)

o Thermal Shutdown

o Programmable Thermal Shutdown Timeout Period

o 0.2µA Low-Power Shutdown Mode

o Low

∆VWSR in Standby and Shutdown Modes

900MHz ISM-Band, 250mW Power Amplifiers

with Analog or Digital Gain Control

________________________________________________________________

Maxim Integrated Products

1

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

RFIN

GND

RAMP+ (N.C.)

RAMP- (N.C.)

TSET

N.C.

TOP VIEW

MAX2232

MAX2233

PQSOP

GND

SHDN (D1)

GND

CTRL (D0)

GND

GND

RFOUT

GROUND OF OUTPUT STAGE CONNECTED TO PACKAGE SLUG.

( ) ARE FOR MAX2233.

19-1470; Rev 0; 4/99

PART

MAX2232EEE

MAX2233EEE

-40°C to +85°C

-40°C to +85°C

TEMP. RANGE

PIN-PACKAGE

16 PQSOP

16 PQSOP

Pin Configuration

Ordering Information

Functional Diagram appears at end of data sheet.