Industry's First Production-Ready, Single-Chip, 2.3GHz to 2.7GHz WiMAX RF Transceiver Saves Over 50% BOM Cost
SUNNYVALE, CA-June 13, 2007-Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX2837, the industry's first single-chip WiMAX RF transceiver in high-volume production. Designed using a zero-IF architecture, this transceiver requires neither a costly SAW filter nor extra VCO circuitry, both of which are needed by existing superheterodyne solutions. As a result, the MAX2837 saves over 50% BOM cost, and significantly reduces component count and board space. Specifically defined for OFDM-based non-line-of-sight (NLOS) wireless broadband radio systems that operate in the 2.3GHz to 2.7GHz band, the MAX2837 is ideal for 802.16d/e fixed and mobile WiMAX, dual-mode WiMAX/Wi-Fi, Korean WiBro, and future 4G LTE systems.
Whereas superheterodyne solutions require an external SAW filter for channel filtering, the MAX2837 saves space and BOM cost by integrating monolithic baseband filters for both the receiver and transmitter. An SPI(TM)-compatible interface enables electronic programming of channel filtering to support multiple channel bandwidths from 1.75MHz to 28MHz. This wide range of bandwidth support allows one radio BOM to support virtually all geographic markets where channel bandwidths differ according to each country's spectrum regulations.
To further save BOM cost and enhance performance, the MAX2837 integrates a digitally controlled crystal oscillator (DCXO) that enables the use of a low-cost, ±25ppm or higher crystal in place of an expensive TCXO. Combined with the 25Hz 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.
Designed using Maxim's in-house, high-performance SiGe BiCMOS process, the MAX2837 provides superior receiver noise performance and power consumption. It features a low 2.3dB receiver noise figure, -11dBm input IP3, -40dBc integrated VCO phase noise, and 250mW power consumption. Receiver EVM is better than -35dB and sideband suppression is >45dB.
On the transmitter, the MAX2837 delivers 0dBm linear output with 64-QAM signal, >45dB sideband suppression, and better than -36dB EVM while meeting a -70dBr 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 +2.7V to +3.6V supply. A 10µA low-power shutdown mode helps save power in system-sleep/standby mode. This transceiver is available in a small, 6mm x 6mm, leadless, 48-pin TQFN package. Pricing starts at $8.38 (1000-up, FOB USA). An evaluation kit is available to speed designs. Please contact the factory for complete WiMAX RF and baseband/MAC reference designs.
Editors Contact: PR-USA@maxim-ic.com
Customer Service: 1-800-998-8800
Additional Information: MAX2837
