MAX9993
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products 1
19-2596; Rev 0; 10/02
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
General Description
The MAX9993 high-linearity down-conversion mixer
provides 8.5dB of gain, +23.5dBm IIP3, and 9.5dB NF
for UMTS, DCS, and PCS base-station applications.
The MAX9993 integrates baluns in the RF and LO ports,
a dual-input LO selectable switch, an LO buffer, a dou-
ble-balanced mixer, and a differential IF output amplifi-
er. The MAX9993 requires a typical LO drive of +3dBm,
and supply current is guaranteed to below 230mA.
The MAX9993 is available in a compact 20-pin thin
QFN package (5mm ✕5mm) with an exposed pad.
Electrical performance is guaranteed over the extended
-40°C to +85°C temperature range.
The MAX9993 EV kit is available; contact the factory for
more information.
Applications
UMTS and 3G Base Stations
DCS1800 and EDGE Base Stations
PCS1900 Base Stations
Point-to-Point Microwave Systems
Wireless Local Loop
Private Mobile Radio
Military Systems
Features
♦+23.5dBm Input IIP3
♦1700MHz to 2200MHz RF Frequency Range
♦40MHz to 350MHz IF Frequency Range
♦1400MHz to 2000MHz LO Frequency Range
♦8.5dB Conversion Gain
♦9.5dB Noise Figure
♦Integrated LO Buffer
♦Switch-Selectable (SPDT), Two LO Inputs
♦Low 0 to +6dBm LO Drive
♦40dB LO1-to-LO2 Isolation
Ordering Information
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX9993ETP-T -40°C to 85°C 20 Thin QFN-EP*
*EP = Exposed pad.
20
19
18
17
16
13
12
11
14
15
4
3
2
1
5
6
7
8
9
10
TOP VIEW
THIN QFN
VCC
RF
TAP
GND
VCC
LOBIAS
LO1
GND
GND
LO2
LOSEL
LEXT
IFBIAS
IF+
IF-
GND
VCC
GND
GND
GND
MAX9993
Pin Configuration/Functional Diagram
MAX9993
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
2 _______________________________________________________________________________________
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.
VCC ..........................................................................-0.3V to 5.5V
RF (RF is DC shorted to GND through balun).....................50mA
LO1, LO2 to GND ...............................................................±0.3V
TAP, IF+, IF- to GND ..................................-0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
LOSEL to GND ................................-0.3V to (VCC (pin 8) + 0.3V)
LOBIAS, IFBIAS, LEXT to GND ..................-0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
RF and LO Input Power ..................................................+22dBm
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA= +70°C)
20-Lead Thin QFN
(derate 30.3mW/°C above TA= +70°C) ....................2200mW
θJA....................................................................................33°C/W
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(Typical Operating Circuit as shown, no input RF or LO signals applied. VCC = 4.75V to 5.25V, TA= -40°C to +85°C. Typical values are
at VCC = 5.0V and TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Supply Voltage VCC 4.75 5.00 5.25 V
Total supply current 202 230
VCC (pin 8) 87 105Supply Current ICC
IF+/IF- (total of both) 103 133
mA
LOSEL Input High Voltage VIH 2.0 V
LOSEL Input Low Voltage VIL 0.8 V
LOSEL Input Current IIL and IIH -5 +5 µA
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(Typical Operating Circuit, 4.75V < VCC < 5.75V, -40°C < TA< +85°, RF and LO ports are driven from 50Ωsources, 0dBm < PLO <
+6dBm, PRF = -5dBm, 1700MHz < fRF < 2200MHz, 1400MHz < fLO < 2000MHz, fIF = 200MHz. Typical values are for TA= +25°C
VCC = 5.0V, PLO = +3dBm, fRF = 1900MHz, fLO = 1700MHz, 200MHz IF.) (Notes 1, 2)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
RF Frequency fRF 1700 2200 MHz
LO Frequency fLO (Note 6) 1400 2000 MHz
IF Frequency fIF 50 350 MHz
Conversion Gain GC(Note 3) 8.5 dB
Gain Variation Over Temperature TA = -40°C to +85°C 0.0012 dB/°C
Gain Variation from Nominal (3σ)0.45 dB
Input Compression Point P1dB 12.6 dBm
Two RF tones: -5dBm each at 1950MHz
and 1951MHz, LO: +3dBm at 1750MHz 24
Input Third-Order Intercept Point
(Note 3) IIP3
Two RF tones: -5dBm each at 2200MHz
and 2201MHz, LO: +3dBm at 2000MHz 23
dBm
MAX9993
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(Typical Operating Circuit, 4.75V < VCC < 5.75V, -40°C < TA< +85°, RF and LO ports are driven from 50Ωsources, 0dBm < PLO <
+6dBm, PRF = -5dBm, 1700MHz < fRF < 2200MHz, 1400MHz < fLO < 2000MHz, fIF = 200MHz. Typical values are for TA= +25°C
VCC = 5.0V, PLO = +3dBm, fRF = 1900MHz, fLO = 1700MHz, 200MHz IF.) (Notes 1, 2)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
IIP3 Variation Over Temperature TA = -40°C to +85°C ±0.5 dB
Noise Figure NF fRF = 1950MHz, fLO = 1750MHz,
measured single-side band 9.5 dB
Required LO Drive PLO 0 3 6 dBm
PLO = +3dBm 65
2 ✕ 2
2 RF - 2 LO
PRF = -5dBm
fRF = 1950MHz
fLO = 1750MHz
fSPUR = 1850MHz PLO = +6dBm 70
PLO = +3dBm 67
Spurious Response at IF
3 ✕ 3
3 RF - 3 LO
PRF = -5dBm
fRF = 1950MHz
fLO = 1750MHz
fSPUR = 1816.66MHz
PLO = +6dBm 68
dBc
Maximum LO-to-RF Leakage PLO = 0dBm to +6dBm,
fLO = 1400MHz to 2000MHz -19 dBm
Maximum LO-to-IF Leakage PLO = 0dBm to +6dBm,
fLO = 1400MHz to 2000MHz -21 dBm
Minimum RF-to-IF Isolation fRF = 1700MHz to 2200MHz 37 dB
Conversion Loss, LO to IF PLO = +0dBm, inject -20dBm at 200MHz
into LO port, measure 200MHz at IF 28 dB
LO Switching Time 50% of LOSEL to IF settled to within
2 degrees <50 ns
LO1-to-LO2 Isolation (Note 4) 40 dB
RF Return Loss 19 dB
LO port selected 15
LO Return Loss LO port unselected 14 dB
IF Return Loss RF terminated, PLO = +3dBm (Note 5) 15 dB
Note 1: Guaranteed by design and characterization.
Note 2: All limits reflect losses of external components. Output measurements taken at IFOUT of the Typical Application Circuit.
Note 3: Production tested.
Note 4: Measured at IF port at IF frequency. fLO1 and fLO2 are offset by 1MHz, PLO1 = PLO2 = +3dBm.
Note 5: IF return loss can be optimized by external matching components.
Note 6: Operation outside this range is possible, but with degraded performance of some specifications.
MAX9993
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
4 _______________________________________________________________________________________
Typical Operating Characteristics
(MAX9993 EV Kit, VCC = 5.0V, PRF = -5dBm, PLO = +3dBm, LO is low-side injected for a 200MHz IF, TA= +25°C. For high-side LO
injection curves, LO frequency is beyond maximum specified range, and is shown for completeness.)
INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-09
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
INPUT IP3 (dBm)
22
23
24
25
26
21
TA = +85°C
TA = +25°C
TA = -40°C
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
2 LO - 2 RF RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY
HIGH-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-08
2 LO - 2 RF RESPONSE (dBc)
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
45
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
TA = -40°C
TA = +25°C
TA = +85°C
PRF = -5dBm
2 RF - 2 LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-07
2 RF- 2 LO RESPONSE (dBc)
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
45
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
VCC = 5.25V
VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V
PRF = -5dBm
2 RF - 2 LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-06
2 RF- 2 LO RESPONSE (dBc)
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
45
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
PLO = +6dBm
PLO = +3dBm
PLO = 0dBm
PRF = -5dBm
2 RF - 2 LO RESPONSE vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-05
2 RF- 2 LO RESPONSE (dBc)
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
45
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
TA = +85°C
TA = -40°C
TA = +25°C
PRF = -5dBm
CONVERSION GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY
HIGH-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-04
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
CONVERSION GAIN (dB)
7
8
9
10
11
6
TA = +85°CTA = +25°CTA = -40°C
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
CONVERSION GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-03
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
CONVERSION GAIN (dB)
7
8
9
10
11
6
VCC = 4.75V, 5.0V, 5.25V
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
CONVERSION GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-02
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
CONVERSION GAIN (dB)
7
8
9
10
11
6
PLO = 0dBm, +3dBm, +6dBm
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
CONVERSION GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-01
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
CONVERSION GAIN (dB)
7
8
9
10
11
6
TA = +85°CTA = +25°CTA = -40°C
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
MAX9993
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 5
MAX9993 toc18
LO SWITCH ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
LO SWITCH ISOLATION (dB)
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
34
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
PLO = +6dBm
PLO = 0dBm, +3dBm PLO1 = PLO2
∆fLO = 1MHz
LO SWITCH ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993 toc17
LO SWITCH ISOLATION (dB)
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
34
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
TA = +25°C
TA = +85°C
TA = -40°C
PLO1 = PLO2 = +3dBm
∆fLO = 1MHz
MAX9993 toc16
INPUT P1dB (dBm)
11
12
13
14
15
10
INPUT P1dB vs. RF FREQUENCY
HIGH-SIDE INJECTION
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
TA = -40°C
TA = +25°C
TA = +85°C
MAX9993 toc15
INPUT P1dB (dBm)
11
12
13
14
15
10
INPUT P1dB vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
VCC = 4.75V
VCC = 5.0V
VCC = 5.25C
INPUT P1dB vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993 toc14
INPUT P1dB (dBm)
11
12
13
14
15
10
PLO = 0dBm
PLO = +3dBm, +6dBm
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
INPUT P1dB vs. RF REQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993 toc13
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
INPUT P1dB (dBm)
215021002050200019501900185018001750
11
12
13
14
15
10
1700 2200
TA = -40°C
TA = +85°C
TA = +25°C
INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY
HIGH-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-12
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
INPUT IP3 (dBm)
22
23
24
25
26
21
TA = +85°CTA = +25°C
TA = -40°C
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-11
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
INPUT IP3 (dBm)
22
23
24
25
26
21
VCC = 5.25V
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
VCC = 5.0V VCC = 4.75V
INPUT IP3 vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993-10
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
INPUT IP3 (dBm)
22
23
24
25
26
21
PLO = +6dBm
PLO = +3dBm
PLO = 0dBm
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX9993 EV Kit, VCC = 5.0V, PRF = -5dBm, PLO = +3dBm, LO is low-side injected for a 200MHz IF, TA= +25°C. For high-side LO
injection curves, LO frequency is beyond maximum specified range, and is shown for completeness.)
MAX9993
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
6 _______________________________________________________________________________________
RF-TO-IF ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX9993 toc27
RF-TO-IF ISOLATION (dB)
215021002000 20501800 1850 1900 19501750
37.5
40.0
42.5
45.0
47.5
50.0
52.5
55.0
57.5
35.0
1700 2200
LO FREQUENCY (MHz)
213820561892 19741564 1646 1728 181014821400 2220
V
CC
= +4.75V, +5.0V, +5.25V
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
RF-TO-IF ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX9993 toc26
RF-TO-IF ISOLATION (dB)
215021002000 20501800 1850 1900 19501750
37.5
40.0
42.5
45.0
47.5
50.0
52.5
55.0
57.5
35.0
1700 2200
LO FREQUENCY (MHz)
213820561892 19741564 1646 1728 181014821400 2220
P
LO
= 0dBm, +3dBm, +6dBm
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
RF-TO-IF ISOLATION vs. FREQUENCY
MAX9993 toc25
RF-TO-IF ISOLATION (dB)
215021002000 20501800 1850 1900 19501750
37.5
40.0
42.5
45.0
47.5
50.0
52.5
55.0
57.5
35.0
1700 2200
LO FREQUENCY (MHz)
213820561892 19741564 1646 1728 181014821400 2220
TA = +85°C
TA = -40°C
TA = +25°C
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
LO LEAKAGE AT RF PORT
vs. LO FREQUENCY
MAX9993 toc24
LO LEAKAGE (dBm)
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-40
IF PORT
TERMINATED IN 50Ω
PLO = +6dBm
PLO = +3dBm
LO FREQUENCY (MHz)
2300220021002000190018001700160015001400 2400
PLO = 0dBm
MAX9993 toc23
LO FREQUENCY (MHz)
LO LEAKAGE (dBm)
2100200019001800170016001500
-45
-40
-35
-30
-50
1400 2200
LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT
vs. LO FREQUENCY
VCC = 4.75V
VCC = 5.0V
VCC = 5.25V
MAX9993 toc22
LO FREQUENCY (MHz)
LO LEAKAGE (dBm)
2100200019001800170016001500
-45
-40
-35
-30
-50
1400 2200
LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT
vs. LO FREQUENCY
PLO = +3dBm
PLO = +6dBm
PLO = 0dBm
MAX9993 toc21
LO FREQUENCY (MHz)
LO LEAKAGE (dBm)
2100200019001800170016001500
-45
-40
-35
-30
-50
1400 2200
LO LEAKAGE AT IF PORT
vs. LO FREQUENCY
TA = -40°C
TA = +25°C
TA = +85°C
MAX9993 toc20
LO SWITCH ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY
HIGH-SIDE INJECTION
LO SWITCH ISOLATION (dB)
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
34
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
PLO1 = PLO2 = +3dBm
∆fLO = 1MHz
TA = +85°C
TA = +25°C
TA = -40°C
MAX9993 toc19
LO SWITCH ISOLATION vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
LO SWITCH ISOLATION (dB)
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
34
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
2150210020502000195019001850180017501700 2200
VCC = 4.75, 5.00, 5.25V
PLO1 = PLO2 = +3dBm
∆fLO = 1MHz
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX9993 EV Kit, VCC = 5.0V, PRF = -5dBm, PLO = +3dBm, LO is low-side injected for a 200MHz IF, TA= +25°C. For high-side LO
injection curves, LO frequency is beyond maximum specified range, and is shown for completeness.)
MAX9993
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 7
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX9993 toc36
TEMPERATURE (°C)
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
603510-15
185
190
195
200
205
180
-40 85
VCC = 5.25V
VCC = 5.0V
VCC = 4.75V
LO RETURN LOSS vs. LO FREQUENCY
MAX9993 toc35
LO FREQUENCY (MHz)
LO RETURN LOSS (dB)
230022002100200019001800170016001500
15
10
5
0
20
1400 2400
LO INPUT UNSELECTED
P
LO
= 0dBm, +3dBm, +6dBm
LO RETURN LOSS vs. LO FREQUENCY
MAX9993 toc34
LO FREQUENCY (MHz)
LO RETURN LOSS (dB)
230022002100200019001800170016001500
15
10
5
0
20
1400 2400
PLO = +6dBm
PLO = +3dBm
PLO = 0dBm
LO INPUT SELECTED
IF RETURN LOSS vs. IF FREQUENCY
MAX9993 toc33
IF FREQUENCY (MHz)
IF RETURN LOSS (dB)
32530027525022520017515012510075
20
15
10
5
0
25
50 350
VCC = 4.75V
VCC = 5.0V
VCC = 5.25V
MAX9993 EV KIT
(TUNED FOR 70MHz - 100MHz IF)
SET BY EXTERNAL MATCHING COMPONENTS
RF RETURN LOSS vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX9993 toc32
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
RF RETURN LOSS (dB)
215021001750 1800 1850 1950 20001900 2050
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
40
1700 2200
PLO = +6dBm
PLO = +3dBm
PLO = 0dBm
LOW-SIDE
INJECTION LO FOR
200MHz IF
NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY
HIGH-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993 toc31
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
215021002050200019501900185018001750
7
8
9
10
11
12
6
1700 2200
TA = +25°C
TA = -40°C
TA = +85°C
NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993 toc30
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
215021002050200019501900185018001750
7
8
9
10
11
12
6
1700 2200
PLO = +6dBm
PLO = +3dBm
PLO = 0dBm
NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993 toc29
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
215021002050200019501900185018001750
7
8
9
10
11
12
6
1700 2200
VCC = 4.75V
VCC = 5.25V
VCC = 5.0V
NOISE FIGURE vs. RF FREQUENCY
LOW-SIDE INJECTION
MAX9993 toc28
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
215021002050200019501900185018001750
7
8
9
10
11
12
6
1700 2200
TA = +25°C
TA = -40°C
TA = +85°C
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX9993 EV Kit, VCC = 5.0V, PRF = -5dBm, PLO = +3dBm, LO is low-side injected for a 200MHz IF, TA= +25°C. For high-side LO
injection curves, LO frequency is beyond maximum specified range, and is shown for completeness.)
MAX9993
Detailed Description
The MAX9993 high-linearity down-conversion mixer pro-
vides 8.5dB of gain and +23.5dBm IIP3, with a 9.5dB
noise figure (typ). Integrated baluns and matching cir-
cuitry allow 50Ωsingle-ended interfaces to the RF and
LO ports. A single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) LO switch
provides 50ns switching time between LO inputs, with
typically 40dB LO-to-LO isolation. Furthermore, the inte-
grated LO buffer provides a high drive level to the mixer
core, reducing the LO drive required at the MAX9993’s
inputs to 0dBm to +6dBm range. The IF port incorpo-
rates a differential output, which is ideal for providing
enhanced IIP2 performance.
Specifications are guaranteed over broad frequency
ranges to allow for use in UMTS and 2G/2.5G/3G
DCS1800 and PCS1900 base stations. The MAX9993 is
specified to operate over an RF input range of
1700MHz to 2200MHz, an LO range of 1400MHz to
2000MHz, and an IF range of 40MHz to 350MHz. This
device can operate in high-side LO injection applica-
tions with an extended LO range, but performance
degrades gently as fLO continues to increase. See the
Typical Operating Characteristics for measurements
taken with fLO up to 2400MHz. This device is available
in a compact 5mm ✕5mm 20-pin thin QFN package
with an exposed pad.
RF Input and Balun
The MAX9993 has one input (RF) that is internally
matched to 50Ω, requiring no external matching com-
ponents. A DC-blocking capacitor is required, because
the input is internally DC shorted to ground through the
on-chip balun. Input return loss is better than 15dB over
the entire RF frequency range of 1700MHz to 2200MHz.
LO Input, Switch, Buffer, and Balun
The mixer can be used for either high-side or low-side
injection applications with an LO frequency range of
1400MHz to 2000MHz. An internal LO SPDT switch
selects one of two single-ended LO ports. This allows
the external oscillator to settle on a particular frequency
before it is switched in. LO switching time is guaran-
teed to be less than 50ns. This switch is controlled by a
digital input (LOSEL): logic low selects LO1, logic high
selects LO2. LO1 and LO2 inputs are internally
matched to 50Ω, requiring only a 22pF DC-blocking
capacitor.
A two-stage internal LO buffer allows a wide input power
range for the LO drive. All guaranteed specifications are
for an LO signal power from 0dBm to +6dBm. A low-loss
balun along with an LO buffer drives the double-balanced
mixer. All interfacing and matching from the LO inputs to
the IF outputs are integrated on-chip.
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
8 _______________________________________________________________________________________
PIN NAME FUNCTION
1, 6, 8 VCC Power Supply Connections. See the Typical Application Circuit.
2RF
Single-Ended 50Ω RF Input. This port is internally matched and DC shorted to GND through a
balun. Provide a DC-blocking capacitor if required.
3 TAP Center Tap of the Internal RF Balun. Bypass with capacitors close to the IC, as shown in the
Typical Application Circuit.
4, 5, 10, 12,
13, 14, 17, EP GND Ground. Connect to supply ground. Provide multiple vias in the PC board to create a low-
inductance connection between the exposed paddle (EP) and the PC board ground.
7 LOBIAS LO Output Bias Resistor for LO Buffer. Connect a 383Ω (±1%) from LOBIAS to GND.
9 LOSEL LO Select. Logic control input for selecting LO1 or LO2.
11 LO1 Local Oscillator Input. LO1 selected when LOSEL is low.
15 LO2 Local Oscillator Input. LO2 selected when LOSEL is high.
16 LEXT External Inductor Connection. Connect a low-ESR 10nH inductor from LEXT to GND. This inductor
carries approximately 100mA DC current.
18 IF- Noninverting IF Output. Requires external bias to VCC through an RF choke (see the Typical
Application Circuit).
19 IF+ Inverting IF Output. Requires external bias to VCC through an RF choke (see the Typical
Application Circuit).
20 IFBIAS IF Bias Resistor Connection for IF Amplifier. Connect a 523Ω (±1%) from IFBIAS to GND.
Pin Description
High-Linearity Mixer
The core of the MAX9993 is a double-balanced, high-
performance passive mixer. Exceptional linearity is pro-
vided by the large LO swing from the on-chip LO
buffer; IIP3 is typically +23.5dBm, IIP2 is typically
+60dBm, and total cascaded NF is 9.5dB.
Differential IF Output Amplifier
The MAX9993 mixer has an IF frequency range of 40MHz
to 350MHz. The differential, open-collector IF output ports
require external pullup inductors to VCC. Single-ended IF
applications require a 4:1 balun to transform the 200Ω
differential output impedance to a 50Ωsingle-ended out-
put. After the balun, VSWR is typically 1.5:1.
Applications Information
Input and Output Matching
The RF and LO inputs are internally matched to 50Ω.
No matching components are required. Return loss at
the RF port is better than 15dB over the entire input
range, 1700MHz to 2200MHz, and return loss at LO1
and LO2 is better than 10dB from 1400MHz to
2000MHz. RF and LO inputs require only DC-blocking
capacitors for interfacing. These DC-blocking capaci-
tors can be part of the matching circuit.
The IF output impedance is 200Ωdifferential out of the
IC. An external low-loss 4:1 balun brings this imped-
ance down to a 50Ωsingle-ended output (see the
Typical Application Circuit).
Bias Resistors
Bias currents for the LO buffer and the IF amplifier were
optimized by fine-tuning the resistors at LOBIAS and
IFBIAS during characterization at the factory. These cur-
rents should not be adjusted. If the 383Ω(±1%) and/or
523Ω(±1%) resistor values are not readily available,
substitute standard ±5% values: 390Ωand 520Ω,
respectively.
Layout Considerations
A properly designed PC board is an essential part of
any RF/microwave circuit. Keep RF signal lines as short
as possible to reduce losses, radiation, and induc-
tance. For best performance, route the ground pin
traces directly to the exposed pad underneath the
package. This pad should be connected to the ground
plane of the board by using multiple vias under the
device to provide the best RF/thermal conduction path.
Solder the exposed pad on the bottom of the device
package to a PC board exposed pad.
Power Supply Bypassing
Proper voltage supply bypassing is essential for high-
frequency circuit stability. Bypass each VCC pin and
TAP with the capacitors shown in the typical application
circuit. Place the TAP bypass capacitor to ground with-
in 100 mils of the TAP pin.
Chip Information
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 989
PROCESS: SiGe BiCMOS
MAX9993
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9
COMPONENT VALUE SIZE DESCRIPTION
C1 4pF 0603 Microwave capacitor
C2, C6, C7, C9, C10 22pF 0603 Microwave capacitors
C3, C5, C8 0.01µF 0603 Capacitors
C4 10pF 0603 Microwave capacitor
C11, C12, C13 150pF 0603 Microwave capacitors
L1, L2 470nH 1008 Wire-wound high-Q inductors
L3 10nH 0805 Wire-wound high-Q inductor
R1 523Ω0603 ±1% resistor
R2 383Ω0603 ±1% resistor
R3, R4 7.2Ω1206 ±1% resistors
R5 200Ω0603 ±5% resistor
T1 4:1 (200:50) —IF balun
Table 1. Component List
MAX9993
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
10 ______________________________________________________________________________________
20
19
18
17
16
13
12
11
14
15
4
3
2
1
5
6
7
8
9
10
VCC
RF
TAP
GND
V
CC
LOBIAS
LO1
GND
GND
LO2
L3
L1
L2
L02
L01
LO SELECT
LOSEL
LEXT
IFBIAS
R1
R4
5.0V
5.0V 5.0V
RFIN
C11
C2
C3
C13
C10
C9
C12
IF+
IF-
GND
V
CC
GND
GND
GND
MAX9993
R3
R2
R5 C5
5.0V
C7
C8
C6
C4
C1
T1
IF OUT
4:1 (200:50)
TRANSFORMER
63
2
14
Typical Application Circuit
MAX9993
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
______________________________________________________________________________________ 11
Package Information
(The package drawing(s) in this data sheet may not reflect the most current specifications. For the latest package outline information,
go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.)
QFN THIN.EPS
D2
(ND-1) X e
e
D
C
PIN # 1
I.D.
(NE-1) X e
E/2
E
0.08 C
0.10 C
A
A1 A3
DETAIL A
0.15 C B
0.15 C A
DOCUMENT CONTROL NO.
21-0140
PACKAGE OUTLINE
16, 20, 28, 32L, QFN THIN, 5x5x0.8 mm
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
APPROVAL
TITLE:
C
REV.
2
1
E2/2
E2
0.10 M C A B
PIN # 1 I.D.
b
0.35x45
L
D/2 D2/2
L
C
L
C
e e
L
CC
L
k
k
L
L
MAX9993
High-Linearity 1700MHz to 2200MHz Down-
Conversion Mixer with LO Buffer/Switch
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
12 ____________________Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600
© 2002 Maxim Integrated Products Printed USA is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products.
Package Information (continued)
(The package drawing(s) in this data sheet may not reflect the most current specifications. For the latest package outline information,
go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.)
2
2
21-0140
REV.DOCUMENT CONTROL NO.APPROVAL
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
TITLE:
COMMON DIMENSIONS EXPOSED PAD VARIATIONS
1. DIMENSIONING & TOLERANCING CONFORM TO ASME Y14.5M-1994.
2. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS. ANGLES ARE IN DEGREES.
3. N IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TERMINALS.
4. THE TERMINAL #1 IDENTIFIER AND TERMINAL NUMBERING CONVENTION SHALL CONFORM TO JESD 95-1
SPP-012. DETAILS OF TERMINAL #1 IDENTIFIER ARE OPTIONAL, BUT MUST BE LOCATED WITHIN THE
ZONE INDICATED. THE TERMINAL #1 IDENTIFIER MAY BE EITHER A MOLD OR MARKED FEATURE.
5. DIMENSION b APPLIES TO METALLIZED TERMINAL AND IS MEASURED BETWEEN 0.25 mm AND 0.30 mm
FROM TERMINAL TIP.
6. ND AND NE REFER TO THE NUMBER OF TERMINALS ON EACH D AND E SIDE RESPECTIVELY.
7. DEPOPULATION IS POSSIBLE IN A SYMMETRICAL FASHION.
8. COPLANARITY APPLIES TO THE EXPOSED HEAT SINK SLUG AS WELL AS THE TERMINALS.
9. DRAWING CONFORMS TO JEDEC MO220.
NOTES:
10. WARPAGE SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.10 mm.
C
PACKAGE OUTLINE
16, 20, 28, 32L, QFN THIN, 5x5x0.8 mm
