MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
General Description
The MAX2090 high-linearity analog variable-gain ampli-
fier (VGA) is a monolithic SiGe BiCMOS attenuator,
amplifier, error amplifier, and alarm circuit, designed to
interface with 50I systems operating in the 50MHz to
1000MHz frequency range. An external analog control
voltage controls the analog attenuator. The device fea-
tures a gain range of -10.9dB to +26.1dB, a noise figure
of 4dB, OIP3 linearity of +38dBm, and a wide RF band-
width. Each of these features makes the device an ideal
VGA for numerous receiver and transmitter applications.
In addition, the device operates from a single +5.0V sup-
ply.
This device is available in a compact 20-pin TQFN pack-
age (5mm x 5mm) with an exposed pad. Electrical per-
formance is guaranteed over the extended temperature
range, from TC = -40NC to +95NC.
Applications
Point-to-Point Receivers and Transmitters
RF/IF Variable-Gain Stages
Temperature-Compensation Circuits
Cellular Applications
WiMAX™ Applications
LTE Applications
Fixed Broadband Wireless Access
Wireless Local Loop
Benefits and Features
S Wideband Coverage
50MHz to 1000MHz RF Frequency Range
S High Linearity
+38dBm OIP3 (100MHz)
+17.5dBm Output -1dB Compression Point
(100MHz)
S 26.1dB Gain
S 37dB Attenuator Range
S 4dB Noise Figure (Includes Attenuator Insertion
Loss)
S 0.25dB Gain Variation Over 100MHz Bandwidth
S Analog Attenuator Controlled with External
Voltage
S Alarm Circuit with Adjustable Threshold
S Extended +4.75V to +5.8V Supply Range
S Lead(Pb)-Free Package
S Power-Down Capabilities
19-6034; Rev 2; 5/15
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
WiMAX is a trademark of WiMAX Forum.
For related parts and recommended products to use with this part, refer to: www.maximintegrated.com/MAX2090.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.
2Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
VCC_A, VCC_RF ........................................................-0.3V to +6V
RF_IN, RF_OUT ........................................ -0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
R_BIAS, ALM_THRES, PLVLSET,
AMP OUT ..........................................................-0.3V to +3.6V
CTRL1, CTRL2 .....................................................-0.3V to +3.6V
ALM ......................................................................-0.3V to +3.6V
DET_VIN ..............................................................-0.3V to +3.6V
RF_IN Input Power ........................................................ +15dBm
RF_OUT Output Power ................................................. +20dBm
Continuous Power Dissipation (Note 1) ..............................2.5W
Operating Case Temperature Range (Note 2) .. -40NC to +95NC
Maximum Junction Temperature .....................................+150NC
Storage Temperature Range ............................ -65NC to +150NC
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) ................................+300NC
Soldering Temperature (reflow) ......................................+260NC
TQFN
Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance qJA (Notes 3, 4) ..+29NC/W
Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance qJC (Notes 1, 4) ......... 7NC/W
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
Note 3: Junction temperature TJ = TA + (qJA x VCC x ICC). This formula can be used when the ambient temperature of the PCB is
known. The junction temperature must not exceed +150NC.
Note 4: Package thermal resistances were obtained using the method described in JEDEC specification JESD51-7, using a four-layer
board. For detailed information on package thermal considerations, refer to www.maximintegrated.com/thermal-tutorial.
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional opera-
tion of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute
maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
PACKAGE THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS
DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(Typical Application Circuit, VCC = 4.75V to 5.8V, VGND = 0V, and TC = -40NC to +95NC. Typical values are at VCC = 5.5V,
VPLVLSET = 2.5V, and TC = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 5)
Note 1: Based on junction temperature TJ = TC + (qJC x VCC x ICC). This formula can be used when the temperature of the
exposed pad is known while the device is soldered down to a PCB. See the Applications Information section for details.
The junction temperature must not exceed +150NC.
Note 2: TC is the temperature on the exposed pad of the package. TA is the ambient temperature of the device and PCB.
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Supply Voltage VCC 4.75 5.0 5.8 V
Total Supply Current IDC
CTRL1 = 1, CTRL2 = 1 81 110
mACTRL1 = 1, CTRL2 = 0 71 100
CTRL1 = 0, CTRL2 = 0 5.7 15
CTRL1/CTRL2 Logic-Low Input
Voltage VIL 0.8 V
CTRL1/CTRL2 Logic-High Input
Voltage VIH 2.2 V
CTRL1/CTRL2 Input Logic
Current IIH, IIL -10 +10 FA
PLVLSET Input Resistance RIN 650 kI
PLVLSET Input Voltage Range 0 2.5 V
PLVLSET Minimum Control
Voltage 0 0.1 0.2 V
3Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(Typical Application Circuit with analog attenuator set to minimum attenuation, VCC = 4.75V to 5.8V, fRF = 350MHz, TC = -40NC
to +95NC, and RF ports are connected to 50I sources, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TC = +25NC, VCC = 5.5V,
PRF_IN = -25dBm, VPLVLSET = 2.5V, CTRL1 = 1, CTRL2 = 0. Min/max specifications apply over supply, process, and temperature,
unless otherwise noted.) (Note 8)
DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(Typical Application Circuit, VCC = 4.75V to 5.8V, VGND = 0V, and TC = -40NC to +95NC. Typical values are at VCC = 5.5V,
VPLVLSET = 2.5V, and TC = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 5)
RECOMMENDED AC OPERATING CONDITIONS
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
PLVLSET Maximum Control
Voltage 2.3 2.4 2.5 V
ALM_THRES Input Resistance 90 135 kI
ALM_THRES Input Voltage
Range (Note 6) 0 2.5 V
ALM Output Logic 1 3.135 3.3 3.465 V
ALM Output Logic 0 0.4 V
DET_VIN Input Resistance 175 235 295 kI
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
RF Frequency fRF (Note 7) 50 1000 MHz
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Small-Signal Gain G TC = +25NC, VCC = 5.0V (Note 6) 24.5 26.1 dB
(Note 5) 23.5 26.1
Gain vs. Temperature -0.004 dB/NC
Maximum Gain Variation vs.
Frequency
fRF Q50MHz 0.25
dBfRF Q80MHz 0.4
fRF Q100MHz 0.5
Noise Figure NF (Note 6) 4 5.7 dB
Total Attenuation Range VPLVLSET = 0.2V to 2.5V (Note 5) 35 37 dB
Group-Delay Variation
Within Q50MHz 150
psWithin Q80MHz 250
Within Q100MHz 300
Output Third-Order Intercept
Point (Note 6) OIP3
VPLVLSET = 2.5V, PRF_OUT = 0dBm/tone,
fRF2 - fRF1 = 1MHz 31.8 37.6
dBm
VPLVLSET = 0.7V, PRF_OUT = 0dBm/tone,
fRF2 - fRF1 = 1MHz 31.8 37.6
4Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(Typical Application Circuit with analog attenuator set to minimum attenuation, VCC = 4.75V to 5.8V, fRF = 350MHz, TC = -40NC
to +95NC, and RF ports are connected to 50I sources, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TC = +25NC, VCC = 5.5V,
PRF_IN = -25dBm, VPLVLSET = 2.5V, CTRL1 = 1, CTRL2 = 0. Min/max specifications apply over supply, process, and temperature,
unless otherwise noted.) (Note 8)
Note 5: Production tested and guaranteed at TC = +95NC for worst-case supply voltage. Performance at TC = +25NC and
TC = -40NC are guaranteed by design and characterization for worst-case supply voltage.
Note 6: Guaranteed by design and characterization.
Note 7: Recommended functional range. Not production tested. Operation outside this range is possible, but with degraded
performance of some parameters.
Note 8: All limits include external component losses. Output measurements were taken at the RF_OUT port.
Note 9: It is advisable not to continuously operate the RF_IN input power above 11dBm, and RF_OUT power above 19dBm.
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Output Second-Order Intercept
Point OIP2
PRF_OUT = 0dBm/tone,
fRF2 - fRF1 = 1MHz,
fRF_OUT = fRF2 + fRF1
59.3 dBm
Output Second Harmonic PRF_OUT = 0dBm 65.4 dBc
Output Third Harmonic PRF_OUT = 0dBm 80.5 dBc
Output -1dB Compression Point P1dB (Note 9) 14 17.6 dBm
Average Gain-Control Slope VPLVLSET = 0.5V to 2.0V (Note 6) 16.5 19.5 23.0 dB/V
Maximum Gain-Control Slope VPLVLSET = 0 to 2.5V 25 dB/V
VGA Reverse Isolation 35 dB
Attenuator Response Time
PRF_IN = -15dBm, VPLVLSET = 2.5V to 1.2V,
output settled within Q0.5dB of final value 330
ns
PRF_IN = -15dBm, VPLVLSET =1.2V to 2.5V,
output settled within Q0.5dB final value 220
Insertion Phase Change VPLVLSET = 2.5V to 0V 11 Degrees
RF_IN Return Loss ZS = 50I, over full attenuation range
(Note 6) 13.5 20 dB
RF_OUT Return Loss ZL = 50I over full attenuation range
(Note 6) 13.5 20 dB
ERROR AMPLIFIER AND ALARM CIRCUIT (CTRL1 = CTRL2 = 1)
Maximum AMP_OUT
Capacitance to GND (Note 7) 20 pF
ALM Threshold ALM_THRES open (Input = DET_VIN) 1.35 V
5Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
Typical Operating Characteristics
(Typical Application Circuit with analog attenuator set to minimum attenuation (VPLVLSET = 2.5V), VCC = 5.5V, TC = +25NC, fRF_IN =
350MHz, PRF_IN = -25dBm, RSOURCE = RLOAD = 50I, CTRL1 = 1, CTRL2 = 0, ALM_THRES = ALM = open, unless otherwise noted.)
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. VCC
MAX2090 toc01
VCC (V)
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
5.655.505.355.205.054.90
65
70
75
80
60
4.75 5.80
TC = -40°C
TC = +95°C
TC = +25°C
GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc02
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
GAIN (dB)
23
24
25
26
27
28
22
50 1050
850650450250
TC = +95°C
TC = +25°C
TC = -40°C
GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc03
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
GAIN (dB)
23
24
25
26
27
22
50 1050
850650450250
VCC = 4.75V, 5.00V, 5.50V, 5.80V
GAIN OVER VPLVLSET
vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc04
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
GAIN (dB)
-10
0
10
20
30
-20
50 1050
850650450250
0V
2.5V
VPLVLSET INCREMENT = 0.25V
GAIN vs. VPLVLSET
MAX2090 toc05
VPLVLSET (V)
GAIN (dB)
-10
0
10
20
30
-20
0 2.52.01.51.00.5
1000MHz
50MHz
350MHz, 500MHz
GAIN vs. VPLVLSET
MAX2090 toc06
VPLVLSET (V)
GAIN (dB)
-10
0
10
20
30
-20
0 2.5
2.01.51.00.5
TC = -40°C, +25°C, +95°C
fRF = 350MHz
6Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Typical Application Circuit with analog attenuator set to minimum attenuation (VPLVLSET = 2.5V), VCC = 5.5V, TC = +25NC, fRF_IN =
350MHz, PRF_IN = -25dBm, RSOURCE = RLOAD = 50I, CTRL1 = 1, CTRL2 = 0, ALM_THRES = ALM = open, unless otherwise noted.)
INPUT MATCH vs. VPLVLSET
MAX2090 toc07
S11 (dB)
-30
-20
-10
0
-40
VPLVLSET (V)
0 2.52.01.51.00.5
1000MHz
350MHz
50MHz
500MHz
-30
-20
-10
OUTPUT MATCH vs. VPLVLSET
MAX2090 toc08
S22 (dB)
0
-40
VPLVLSET (V)
0 2.52.01.51.00.5
50MHz
500MHz
1000MHz
350MHz
REVERSE ISOLATION OVER VPLVLSET
vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc09
REVERSE ISOLATION (dB)
30
40
50
60
70
80
20
VPLVLSET = 2.5V
VPLVLSET = 0V
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
50 1050850650450250
S21 PHASE CHANGE vs. VPLVLSET
MAX2090 toc10
S21 PHASE CHANGE (DEG)
-60
-30
0
30
60
90
-90
VPLVLSET (V)
0 2.52.01.51.00.5
350MHz
1000MHz
POSITIVE PHASE = ELECTRICALLY SHORTER
REFERENCED TO
HIGH GAIN STATE
500MHz
50MHz
NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc11
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
3
4
5
6
7
2
50 1050
850650450250
TC = +25°C
TC = +95°C
TC = -40°C
NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc12
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
3
4
5
6
7
2
50 1050
850650450250
VCC = 4.75V, 5.00V, 5.50V, 5.80V
7Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Typical Application Circuit with analog attenuator set to minimum attenuation (VPLVLSET = 2.5V), VCC = 5.5V, TC = +25NC, fRF_IN =
350MHz, PRF_IN = -25dBm, RSOURCE = RLOAD = 50I, CTRL1 = 1, CTRL2 = 0, ALM_THRES = ALM = open, unless otherwise noted.)
OUTPUT P1dB vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc13
OUTPUT P1dB (dBm)
14
16
18
20
12
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
50 1050850650450250
TC = +95°C
TC = -40°C
TC = +25°C
OUTPUT P1dB vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc14
OUTPUT P1dB (dBm)
14
16
18
20
12
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
50 1050850650450250
VCC = 4.75V
VCC = 5.50V, 5.80V
VCC = 5.00V
OUTPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc15
OUTPUT IP3 (dBm)
30
35
40
25
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
50 1050850650450250
TC = +25°C
TC = +95°C
POUT = 0dBm/TONE
TC = -40°C
OUTPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc16
OUTPUT IP3 (dBm)
30
35
40
25
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
50 1050850650450250
POUT = 0dBm/TONE
VCC = 4.75V
VCC = 5.80V
VCC = 5.00V
VCC = 5.50V
OUTPUT IP3 (dBm)
37
42
47
32
OUTPUT IP3 vs. VPLVLSET
MAX2090 toc17
V
PLVLSET
(V)
2.131.761.391.020.65 2.50
POUT = 0dBm/TONE
fRF = 350MHz
TC = -40°C LSB
TC = +95°C LSB
TC = +25°C USB TC = +95°C USB
TC = +25°C LSB,
-40°C USB
2nd HARMONIC vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc18
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2nd HARMONIC (dBc)
50
60
70
80
90
40
50 1050
850650450250
TC = +25°C
TC = +95°C
TC = -40°C
POUT = 0dBm
8Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Typical Application Circuit with analog attenuator set to minimum attenuation (VPLVLSET = 2.5V), VCC = 5.5V, TC = +25NC, fRF_IN =
350MHz, PRF_IN = -25dBm, RSOURCE = RLOAD = 50I, CTRL1 = 1, CTRL2 = 0, ALM_THRES = ALM = open, unless otherwise noted.)
2nd HARMONIC vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc19
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2nd HARMONIC (dBc)
50
60
70
80
90
40
50 1050
850650450250
VCC = 4.75V
VCC = 5.00V
VCC = 5.80V
VCC = 5.50V
POUT = 0dBm
VPLVLSET (V)
1.761.391.020.65 2.502.13
2nd HARMONIC vs. VPLVLSET
MAX2090 toc20
2nd HARMONIC (dBc)
50
60
70
80
90
40
POUT = 0dBm
fRF = 350MHz
TC = +95°C
TC = +25°C
TC = -40°C
3rd HARMONIC vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc21
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
3rd HARMONIC (dBc)
70
80
90
100
110
60
50 1050
850650450250
POUT = 0dBm
TC = +95°C
TC = -40°C
TC = +25°C
3rd HARMONIC vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc22
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
3rd HARMONIC (dBc)
70
80
90
100
110
60
50 1050
850650450250
POUT = 0dBm
VCC = 4.75V, 5.00V, 5.50V, 5.80V
VPLVLSET (V)
0.65 1.02 1.39 1.76 2.13 2.50
3rd HARMONIC vs. VPLVLSET
MAX2090 toc23
3rd HARMONIC (dBc)
70
80
90
100
110
60
POUT = 0dBm
fRF = 350MHz
TC = +25°C
TC = +95°C
TC = -40°C
OIP2 vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc24
OIP2 (dBm)
50
60
70
40
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
50 1050850650450250
POUT = 0dBm/TONE
TC = +95°C
TC = -40°C
TC = +25°C
OIP2 vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2090 toc25
OIP2 (dBm)
50
60
70
40
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
50 1050850650450250
POUT = 0dBm/TONE
VCC = 4.75V
VCC = 5.00V
VCC = 5.50V
VCC = 5.80V
OIP2 vs. VPLVLSET
MAX2090 toc26
OIP2 (dBm)
50
60
70
40
VPLVLSET (V)
0.65 1.02 1.39 1.76 2.13 2.50
POUT = 0dBm/TONE
fRF = 350MHz
TC = +95°C
TC = +25°C
TC = -40°C
9Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
Functional Block Diagram
19
20
+
18
17
7
6
8
PLVLSET VCC_A RF_IN
9
R_BIAS
GND GND GND ALM GND
12
GND
45
EXPOSED PAD
15 14 12 11
RF_OUT
VCC_RF
DET_VIN
GND
AMP_OUT
CTRL2
3
13
CTRL1
16 10 GND
ALM_THRES
MAX2090
GND
10Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
Pin Description
Pin Configuration
PIN NAME FUNCTION
1 R_BIAS Bias Resistor Setting Input. Connect a resistor from this pin to ground.
2 PLVLSET AGC Loop Threshold-Level Input/Attenuator Control
3 CTRL2 Functional Control Bit (see Table 1)
4 VCC_A Power-Supply Input. Bypass to ground with a 10nF capacitor as close as possible to the pin.
5 RF_IN Attenuator Input (50I). Requires a DC-blocking capacitor.
6 AMP_OUT Error Amplifier Output
8 DET_VIN Error Amplifier Input Voltage from an External Detector
7, 9, 10, 11,
13, 14, 15, 18 GND Ground
12 ALM Alarm Logic Output
16 ALM_THRES Alarm Threshold Voltage Input. See the Alarm Operation section for operation details.
17 CTRL1 Functional Control Bit (see Table 1)
19 RF_OUT RF Output (50I). See the Typical Application Circuit for connection details.
20 VCC_RF Driver Amplifier Supply Voltage Input. Bypass to ground with a 10nF capacitor as close as
possible to the pin.
— EP Exposed Pad. Internally connected to ground. Connect to GND for proper RF performance and
enhanced thermal dissipation.
MAX2090
TQFN
(5mm x 5mm)
TOP VIEW
19
20 EP*
EP = EXPOSED PAD
+
18
17
7
6
8
PLVLSET
VCC_A
RF_IN
9
R_BIAS
GND
ALM
GND
GND
12
GND
45
15 14 12 11
RF_OUT
VCC_RF
GND
DET_VIN
GND
AMP_OUT
CTRL2 GND
3
13
CTRL1
16 10 GND
ALM_THRES
11Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
Detailed Description
The MAX2090 is a high-linearity analog VGA designed
to interface with 50I systems operating in the 50MHz
to 1000MHz frequency range. An external analog con-
trol voltage controls the analog attenuator. The device
features a gain range of -10.9dB to +26.1dB, a noise
figure of 4dB, OIP3 linearity of +38dBm, and a wide RF
bandwidth. Each of these features makes the device an
ideal VGA for numerous receiver and transmitter appli-
cations. In addition, the device operates from a single
+5.0V supply.
Applications Information
Modes of Operation
The device can operate in several different modes, as
summarized in Table 1.
VGA-Only Mode Operation
VGA-only mode operation consists of setting CTRL1 =
logic 1 and CTRL2 = logic 0, and applying a DC value to
PLVLSET between 0 and 2.5V DC to manually adjust the
attenuator and subsequently the RF_OUT power to any
desired value. The output power at RF_OUT increases at a
rate of 19.5dB/V as PLVLSET is increased. The error ampli-
fier and alarm are powered off in this mode, reducing the
supply current by 10mA typical. In VGA-only mode, com-
ponents R5, R7, C8, C9, and C16 can be left unpopulated.
Closed-ALC Mode Operation
Closed-ALC mode operation consists of setting CTRL1 =
CTRL2 = logic 1. In this mode, the DET_IN input is driven
from an external detector through R7. Ideally, a power
detector with an output voltage range of 0.1V to 2.4V
DC is recommended, but the MAX2090 operates with
any detector whose output ranges from 0 to 2.5V DC.
PLVLSET is used to set the RF_OUT power by comparing
it to the DET_VIN (pin 8) voltage in the error amplifier. As
PLVLSET increases, the power at RF_OUT also increas-
es. Components R5, C8, and C9 are installed to set the
response time of the loop. See the Typical Application
Circuit. This loops acts to maintain the input power to
the external detector by driving the attenuator in servo
fashion as the power level into RF_IN changes. PLVLSET
can be externally driven to a DC value between 0 and
2.5V, such that the desired power is present at RF_OUT.
Control Inputs
The MAX2090 has four control inputs: CTRL1, CTRL2,
ALM_THRES, and PLVLSET. VCC must be present before
voltages are applied to these pins. In cases where this
is not possible, a 200I resistor must be included in
series with the control inputs to limit on-chip ESD diode
conduction. CTRL1 and CTRL2 are 3V logic controls and
cannot be driven from 5V logic. In the case where no
logic control is available and a logic-high is required, a
voltage-divider can be used from the 5V VCC supply to
produce the 3V logic-high.
Table 1. Mode Control Logic
CTRL1 CTRL2 VGA ERROR
AMPLIFIER ALC LOOP ALARM FUNCTION DESCRIPTION
0 0 Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled Power-down mode
1 1 Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Closed-ALC mode: ALC loop locks
DET_VIN to PLVLSET
1 0 Enabled Disabled Disabled Disabled VGA-only mode
0 1 — — — — Factory test mode (do not use)
12Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
Table 2. Typical Application Circuit Component Values
Note: The checkmarks in the Mode of Operation columns indicate that the component is used within each respective application.
*C14 and R11 form an optional lowpass network to filter out potential noise from the external PLVLSET control source.
Alarm Operation
The alarm ALM output remains in a logic-high state while
DET_VIN is above the 1.35V nominal. ALM_THRES has
135kI input resistance and is set internally to 1.35V
(typ) such that ALM triggers when DET_VIN is below
1.35V. Alternatively, the voltage on ALM_THRES can
be externally driven to allow alternative power-level trip
points. When DET_IN is used to drive the DET_VIN pin
through R7, the nominal value for ALM logic-high is typi-
cally above 1.22V at DET_IN. The ALM comparator has
typical hysteresis of 29mV.
Layout Considerations
The pin configuration of the MAX2090 is optimized to
facilitate a very compact physical layout of the device
and its associated discrete components. The exposed
pad (EP) of the device’s 20-pin TQFN-EP package
provides a low thermal-resistance path to the die. It is
important that the PCB on which the device is mounted
be designed to conduct heat from the EP. In addition,
provide the EP with a low inductance path to electrical
ground. The EP MUST be soldered to a ground plane
on the PCB, either directly or through an array of plated
via holes.
COMPONENT
MODE OF OPERATION
VALUE SIZE SUPPLIER DESCRIPTION
VGA
ONLY
CLOSED
ALC
C1, C5 √ √ 1000pF 0402 Murata C0G dielectric
C2, C3 √ √ 0.01FF0402 Murata X7R dielectric
C8 — √100nF 0603 Murata X7R dielectric
C9 — √820pF 0402 Murata C0G dielectric
C14* — Do not install 0402 — —
C16 — √0.01FF0402 Murata X7R dielectric
L1 √ √ 330nH 0603 Coilcraft Ferrite LS series
5% tolerance
R1 √ √ 1.78kI0402 Panasonic 1% tolerance
R5 — √150I0402 Panasonic 1% tolerance
R7 — √24kI0402 Panasonic 5% tolerance
R11* √ √ 0I0402 Panasonic 1% tolerance
U1 √ √ —
20-pin TQFN
(5mm x
5mm)
Maxim MAX2090ETP+
13Maxim Integrated
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
*EP = Exposed pad.
T = Tape and reel.
Chip Information
PROCESS: SiGe BiCMOS
Ordering Information Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns (foot-
prints), go to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note that a
“+”, “#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status only.
Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but the
drawing pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
Typical Application Circuit
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX2090ETP+ -40NC to +95NC20 TQFN-EP*
MAX2090ETP+T -40NC to +95NC20 TQFN-EP*
PACKAGE
TYPE
PACKAGE
CODE
OUTLINE
NO.
LAND
PATTERN NO.
20 TQFN-EP T2055+5 21-0140 90-0010
19
20
+
18
17
7
6
8
PLVLSET
VCC_A
RF_IN
RF_IN
9
R_BIAS
ALM
GND
12
GND
45
EXPOSED PAD
15 14 12 11
RF_OUT
VCC_RF
DET_VIN DET_IN
AMP_OUT
CTRL2
3
13
CTRL1
16 10 GND
ALM_THRES
C16
R1
R11
VCC
MAX2090
C5
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
C2
C1
C14
RF_OUT
L1
C3
VCC
R7
C8 R5
C9
Maxim Integrated cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim Integrated product. No circuit patent
licenses are implied. Maxim Integrated reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and
max limits) shown in the Electrical Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.
Maxim Integrated 160 Rio Robles, San Jose, CA 95134 USA 1-408-601-1000 14
© 2015 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. Maxim Integrated and the Maxim Integrated logo are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
MAX2090
50MHz to 1000MHz Analog VGA with Threshold
Alarm Circuit and Error Amplifier for Level Control
Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES
CHANGED
0 9/11 Initial release —
1 9/12
Updated existing data sheet to remove references to detector circuit,
added 26 new TOCs, updated Electrical Characteristics table, updated Tables 1
and 2
1–14
2 5/15 Removed military reference from data sheet 1
