General Description
The MAX2659 high-gain, low-noise amplifier (LNA) is
designed for GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS applications.
Designed in Maxim’s advanced SiGe process, the device
achieves a 20.5dB gain and an ultra-low-noise figure of
0.8dB while maximizing the input-referred 1dB compression
point and the 3rd-order intercept point at -12dBm and
-5dBm, respectively.
The MAX2659 operates from a +1.6V to +3.6V single supply
and consumes only 4.1mA. The shutdown feature in the
device reduces the supply current to be less than 1μA. The
MAX2659 is available in a very small, lead-free, RoHS-
compliant, 1.5mm x 1.0mm x 0.75mm, 6-pin μDFN package.
Applications
●Automotive Navigation
●Location-Enabled Mobile Devices
● Telematics (Asset Tracking and Management)
●Personal Navigation Device (PND)
●Cellular Phones with GPS
● Notebook PC/Ultra-Mobile PC
●Recreational, Marine Navigation
●Avionics
Benets and Features
●Improves System Performance
• Ultra-Low 0.8dB Noise Figure
• High-Power 20.5dB Gain
• Wide 1.6V to 3.6V Supply Range
●Lowers System Cost With Low Bill of Materials and
Small Size
• Integrated 50Ω Output Matching Circuit
• Small 1.5mm x 1.0mm Footprint
• Thin 0.75mm Prole
●Reduces Power Consumption
• Low 4.1mA Supply Current
• Power-Shutdown Control Mode to Eliminate the
Need for External Supply Switch
● AEC-Q100 (MAX2659ELT/V+ Only)
19-0797; Rev 6; 9/17
+Denotes lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
/V denotes an automotive qualified part.
MAX2659 GPS/GNSS Low-Noise Amplifier
Pin Conguration/Functional Diagram/Typical Application Circuit
Ordering Information
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX2659ELT+ -40°C to +85°C 6 μDFN
MAX2659ELT/V+ -40°C to +85°C 6 μDFN
1
2
3
6
5
4
RFIN
GND
+
GND
RFOUT
BIAS
SHDN
RF
OUTPUT
LOGIC
CONTROL
VCC
RF
INPUT
L1 = 6.8nH
C1 = 470pF
C2 = 33nF
L1
C1 C2
VCC
MAX2659
EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
VCC to GND .........................................................-0.3V to +4.2V
Other Pins to GND
Except RFIN ..................... -0.3V to (+ Operating VCC + 0.3V)
RFIN to GND .........................................................................+1V
Maximum RF Input Power ..............................................+10dBm
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
6-Pin μDFN (derates 2.1mW/°C above +70°C) ...........167mW
Operating Temperature Range ........................... -40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature ...................................................... +150°C
Storage Temperature Range ............................ -65°C to +160°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+260°C
Soldering Temperature (reflow) .......................................+260°C
(MAX2659 EV kit; VCC = 1.6V to 3.6V, TA = -40°C to +85°C, no RF signals are applied. Typical values are at VCC = 2.85V and
TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
(MAX2659 EV kit; VCC = 1.6V to 3.6V, TA = -40°C to +85°C, fRFIN = 1575.42MHz. Typical values are at VCC = 2.85V and TA = +25°C,
unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
Note 1: Min and Max limits guaranteed by test at TA = +25°C and guaranteed by design and characterization at TA = -40°C and
TA = +85°C.
Note 2: Guaranteed by design and characterization.
Note 3: Measured with the two tones located at 5MHz and 10MHz offset from the center of the GPS band with -40dBm/tone.
Note 4: Measured with a tone located at 5MHz offset from the center of the GPS band.
MAX2659 GPS/GNSS Low-Noise Amplier
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PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Supply Voltage 1.6 2.85 3.6 V
Supply Current
SHDN = high 4.1 5.6 mA
Shutdown mode, SHDN = low 1 µA
Digital Input-Logic High 1.1 V
Digital Input-Logic Low 0.4 V
Digital Input Current 1 µA
RFIN DC Voltage SHDN = high 0.83 V
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
RF Frequency L1 band 1575.42 MHz
Power Gain VCC = 2.85V 17 20.5 dB
VCC = 1.6V 16.5 20.5
Noise Figure (Note 2) 0.8 dB
3rd-Order Input Intercept Point (Note 3) -5 dBm
Input 1dB Compression point (Note 4) -12 dBm
Input Return Loss (Note 2) 10 15 dB
Output Return Loss (Note 2) 10 25 dB
Reverse Isolation (Note 2) 32 dB
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation 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.
DC Electrical Characteristics
AC Electrical Characteristics
CAUTION! ESD SENSITIVE DEVICE
(MAX2659 EV kit; Typical values are at VCC = 2.85V, TA = +25°C, and fRFIN = 1575.42MHz, unless otherwise noted.)
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Typical Operating Characteristics
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2659 toc01
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
3.0 3.22.62.42.2
3.7
3.9
4.1
4.3
4.5
3.5
1.6 1.8 2.0 3.4
2.8
+85°C
+25°C
-40°C
NOISE FIGURE vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX2659 toc04
TEMPERATURE (°C)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
35 6010-15
0.2
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
1.2
0
-40 85
OUTPUT RETURN LOSS
vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2659 toc07
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
OUTPUT RETURN LOSS |S22| (dB)
175012501000
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-10
-15
-5
0
-45
500 2000 22501500750 2500
GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2659 toc02
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
GAIN (dB)
2000 225017501250 1500750 1000
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
-10
500 2500
NOISE FIGURE vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2659 toc05
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
2.82.42.0
0.2
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
1.2
0
1.6 3.0 3.22.62.21.8 3.4
REVERSE ISOLATION
vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2659 toc08
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
REVERSE ISOLATION |S12| (dB)
175012501000
-70
-60
-50
-30
-40
-20
-80
500 2000 22501500750 2500
GAIN vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2659 toc03
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
GAIN (dB)
2.8 3.02.62.2 2.41.8 2.0
20.2
20.4
20.6
20.8
21.0
20.0
1.6 3.43.2
INPUT RETURN LOSS
vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2659 toc06
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
INPUT RETURN LOSS |S11| (dB)
175012501000
-25
-20
-10
-15
-5
0
-30
500 2000 22501500750 2500
IIP3 vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX2659 toc09
TEMPERATURE (°C)
IIP3 (dBm)
3510-15
-6.0
-5.5
-5.0
-4.0
-4.5
-3.5
-6.5
-40 60 85
TWO TONES LOCATED AT 5MHz AND
10MHz OFFSET WITH -40dBm/TONE
(MAX2659 EV kit; Typical values are at VCC = 2.85V, TA = +25°C, and fRFIN = 1575.42MHz, unless otherwise noted.)
MAX2659 GPS/GNSS Low-Noise Amplier
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Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
NF vs. JAMMER POWER AT 850MHz
MAX2659 toc14
JAMMER POWER (dBm)
NF (dB)
-15-25 -20
0.5
1.0
1.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
3.5
0
-30 -10 -5
INPUT P1dB COMPRESSION
vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX2659 toc11
TEMPERATURE (°C)
P1dB COMPRESSION (dBm)
3510-15
-14
-13
-10
-11
-12
-9
-15
-40 60 85
IIP3 vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2659 toc10
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
IIP3 (dBm)
2.6 2.82.42.22.01.8
-7
-6
-4
-5
-3
-8
1.6 3.0 3.2 3.4
TWO TONES LOCATED AT 5MHz AND
10MHz OFFSET WITH -40dBm/TONE
NF vs. JAMMER POWER AT 1850MHz
MAX2659 toc15
JAMMER POWER (dBm)
NF (dB)
-15-25 -20
0.5
1.0
1.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
3.5
0
-30 -10
INPUT P1dB COMPRESSION
vs. JAMMER FREQUENCY
MAX2659 toc13
JAMMER FREQUENCY (MHz)
P1dB COMPRESSION (dBm)
17501500750 1000 1250
-25
-20
-5
-10
-15
0
-30
500 2000 2250 2500
INPUT P1dB COMPRESSION
vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX2659 toc11
TEMPERATURE (°C)
P1dB COMPRESSION (dBm)
3510-15
-14
-13
-10
-11
-12
-9
-15
-40 60 85
Detailed Description
The MAX2659 is an LNA designed for GPS L1, GALILEO,
and GLONASS applications. The device features a
power-shutdown control mode to eliminate the need for
an external supply switch. The device achieves a 20.5dB
gain and an ultra-low-noise figure of 0.8dB. The MAX2659
consumes approximately 4.1mA while providing a IP1dB
of -12dBm and an IIP3 of -5dBm.
Input and Output Matching
The MAX2659 requires an off-chip input matching. Only a
6.8nH inductor in series with a DC-blocking capacitor is need-
ed to form the input matching circuit. The Typical Application
Circuit diagram shows the recommended input-matching
network. These values are optimized for the best simultane-
ous gain, noise figure, and return loss performance. Table 1
lists typical device S11 values. The MAX2659 integrates an
on-chip output matching to 50Ω at the output, eliminating the
need for external matching components.
Shutdown
The MAX2659 includes a shutdown feature to turn off the
entire chip. Apply a logic high to SHDN pin to place the
part in the active mode and a logic low to place the part in
the shutdown mode.
Applications Information
A properly designed PC board (PCB) is essential to any
RF microwave circuit. Use controlled-impedance lines on
all high-frequency inputs and outputs. Bypass VCC with
decoupling capacitors located close to the device. For long
VCC lines, it may be necessary to add decoupling capaci-
tors. Locate these additional capacitors further away from
the device package. Proper grounding of the GND pins is
essential. If the PCB uses a topside RF ground, connect it
directly to the GND pins. For a board where the ground is
not on the component layer, connect the GND pins to the
board with multiple vias close to the package.
Table 1. Typical S11 Values
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Pin Description
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns
(footprints), 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.
Chip Information
PROCESS: SiGe BiCMOS
PIN NAME FUNCTION
1, 2 GND Ground. Connect to the PCB ground plane.
3RFIN RF Input. Requires a DC-blocking capacitor and external matching components.
4 VCC Supply Voltage. Bypass to ground with a 33nF capacitor as close as possible to the IC.
5SHDN Shutdown Input. A logic-low disables the device.
6RFOUT RF Output. RFOUT is internally matched to 50Ω and incorporates an internal DC-blocking capacitor.
FREQUENCY (MHz) REAL S11 IMAGINARY S11
1000 -0.58 -j0.52
1100 -0.68 -j0.356
1200 -0.74 -j0.16
1300 -0.74 j0.036
1400 -0.676 j0.22
1500 -0.56 j0.36
1575 -0.47 j0.415
1600 -0.44 j0.43
1700 -0.36 j0.467
1800 -0.3 j0.51
1900 -0.228 j0.567
2000 -0.14 j0.622
PACKAGE
TYPE
PACKAGE
CODE
OUTLINE
NO.
LAND
PATTERN NO.
6 μDFN L611+2 21-0147 90-0084
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 specications 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 and the Maxim Integrated logo are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
MAX2659 GPS/GNSS Low-Noise Amplier
© 2017 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
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Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES
CHANGED
04/07 Initial release —
15/08 Updated Digital Input-Logic High specication and added RFIN DC
Voltage specication in DC Electrical Characteristics table 2
29/09 Added MAX2659ELT/V+ to Ordering Information 1
31/11 Updated maximum supply voltage specication to 3.6V 1, 2
48/11 Updated Absolute Maximum Ratings to reect correct RFIN voltage 2
55/15 Updated Benets and Features section 1
69/17 Added AEC-Q100 certication statement to Benets and Features section 1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim Integrated’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
