EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
MAX19794
10MHz to 500MHz Dual Analog Voltage Variable
Attenuator with On-Chip 10-Bit SPI-Controlled DAC
General Description
Benefits and Features
The MAX19794 dual general-purpose analog voltage
variable attenuator (VVA) is designed to interface
with 50I systems operating in the 10MHz to 500MHz
frequency range. This device includes a patented control
circuit that provides 22.4dB of attenuation range (per
attenuator) with a typical linear control slope of 8dB/V.
S Wide Band Coverage
RF Frequency Range from 10MHz to 500MHz
S High Linearity
Greater than +34.4dBm IIP3 over the Full
Attenuation Range
+21.8dBm Input P
1dB
Both attenuators share a common analog control.
They can be cascaded together to yield 44.7dB of
total attenuation range with a typical combined linear
control slope of 16dB/V (5V operation). Alternatively, the
on-chip, 4-wire SPI-controlled 10-bit DAC can be used
to control both attenuators. In addition, a step-up/down
feature allows user-programmable attenuator stepping
through command pulses without re-programming the
SPI interface.
S Integrates Two Analog Attenuators in One
Monolithic Device
S Two Convenient Control Options
Single Analog Voltage
On-Chip, SPI-Controlled 10-Bit DAC
S Step-Up/Down Pulse Command Inputs
S Flexible Attenuation Control Ranges
22.4dB (per Attenuator)
44.7dB (both Attenuators Cascaded)
The MAX19794 is a monolithic device designed using
one of Maxim’s proprietary SiGe BiCMOS processes. The
part operates from a single +5V supply or alternatively
operates from a single +3.3V supply. It is available
in a compact 36-pin TQFN package (6mm x 6mm x
0.8mm) with an exposed pad. Electrical performance
is guaranteed over the -40NC to +100NC extended
temperature range.
S Linear dB/V Analog Control Response Curve
Simplifies Automatic Leveling Control and Gain
Trim Algorithms
S Excellent Attenuation Flatness over Wide
Frequency Ranges and Attenuation Settings
S On-Chip Comparator (for Successive
Approximation Measurement of Attenuator
Control Voltage)
Applications
S Low 13mA Supply Current
Broadband System Applications, Including
Wireless Infrastructure Digital and Spread-
Spectrum Communication Systems
S Single +5V or 3.3V Supply Voltage
S Pin Similar with MAX19791, MAX19792, and
MAX19793
WCDMA/LTE, TD-SCDMA/TD-LTE, WiMAX®,
cdma2000®, GSM/EDGE and MMDS Base
Stations
S Lead-Free Package
VSAT/Satellite Modems
Microwave Point to Point Systems
Lineup Gain Trim
Temperature Compensation Circuits
Automatic Level Control (ALC)
Transmitter Gain Control
Receiver Gain Control
WiMAX is a registered certification mark and regisitered
service mark of WiMAX Forum.
cdma2000 is a registered trademark of Telecommunications
Industry Association.
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
General Test Equipment
For related parts and recommended products to use with this part,
refer to www.maximintegrated.com/MAX19794.related.
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct
at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
19-6381; Rev 1; 5/15