MAX19792:500MHz to 4000MHz Dual Analog Voltage Variable Attenuator with On-Chip 10-Bit SPI-Controlled DAC

High-Performance RF VVA Features 46dB of Linearly Controlled Dynamic Range and Excellent Attenuation Flatness

The MAX19792 dual general-purpose analog voltage variable attenuator (VVA) is designed to interface with 50Ω systems operating in the 500MHz to 4000MHz frequency range. The device includes a patented control circuit that provides 23.2dB of attenuation range with a typical linear control slope of 8.5dB/V. Both attenuators share a common analog control and can be cascaded together to yield 46.4dB of total attenuation range with a typical combined linear control slope of 17dB/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 reprogramming the SPI interface. The MAX19792 is a monolithic device designed using one of Maxim's proprietary SiGe BiCMOS processes. The part operates from a single +5V supply or alternatively 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 -40°C to +100°C extended temperature range.

Key Features
  • Wideband Coverage
    • 500MHz to 4000MHz RF Frequency Range
  • High Linearity
    • Greater Than +37.9dBm IIP3 Over the Full Attenuation Range
    • +22.7dBm Input P1dB
  • Integrates Two Analog Attenuators in One Monolithic Device
  • Two Convenient Control Options
    • Single Analog Voltage
    • On-Chip SPI-Controlled 10-Bit DAC
  • Step-Up/Down Pulse Command Inputs
  • Flexible Attenuation Control Ranges
    • 23.2dB (Per Attenuator)
    • 46.4dB (Both Attenuators Cascaded)
  • Linear dB/V Analog Control Response Curve Simplifies Automatic Leveling Control and Gain-Trim Algorithms
  • Excellent Attenuation Flatness Over Wide Frequency Ranges and Attenuation Settings
  • On-Chip Comparator (for Successive Approximation Measurement of Attenuator Control Voltage)
  • Low 13mA Supply Current
  • Single 5V or 3.3V Supply Voltage
  • Pin-Compatible with the MAX19791 and MAX19793
  • Pin-Compatible with the MAX19794 with Addition of Two Shunt Capacitors
  • PCB-Compatible with the MAX19790
  • Lead(Pb)-Free Package
MAX19792: Typical Application Circuit
MAX19792: Typical Application Circuit
Applications/Uses
  • Automatic Level Control (ALC)
  • Broadband System Applications, Including Wireless Infrastructure Digital and Spread-Spectrum Communication Systems
  • General Test Equipment
  • Lineup Gain Trim
  • Microwave Point-to-Point Systems
  • Receiver Gain Control
  • Temperature-Compensation Circuits
  • Transmitter Gain Control
  • VSAT/Satellite Modems
  • WCDMA/LTE, TD-SCDMA/TD-LTE, WiMAX®, cdma2000®, GSM/EDGE and MMDS Base Stations
DataSheet
titleDownload file
MAX19792 Data SheetMAX19792.pdf
Parametrics
Part NumberGain Cntl.ChannelsRF Freq.
(MHz)
RF Freq.
(MHz)
Analog Attenuation RangeDigital Attenuation Range
(dB)
Gain
(dB)
HD2
(dBc)
HD3
(dBc)
VCC
(V)
ISUPPLY
(mA)
Footprint
(mm x mm)
Package/PinsOper. Temp.
(°C)
minmaxmax
MAX19792Analog + Digital1
2
500400046.446.4-5.2-73.4-101.73.15 to 3.45
4.75 to 5.25
136.0 x 6.0TQFN/36-40 to +100
Related Products
  • MAX19791:50MHz to 4000MHz Dual Analog Voltage Variable Attenuator with On-Chip 10-Bit SPI-Controlled DAC
  • MAX19793:1500MHz to 6000MHz Dual Analog Voltage Variable Attenuator with On-Chip 10-Bit SPI-Controlled DAC
  • MAX19794:10MHz to 500MHz Dual Analog Voltage Variable Attenuator with On-Chip 10-Bit SPI-Controlled DAC
  • MAX19790:250MHz to 4000MHz Dual, Analog Voltage Variable Attenuator
Ordering Information
Part NumberStatusRecommended ReplacementPackageTempRoHS
MAX19792ETX+ActiveTQFN,;36 pin;37.2 mm²-40°C to +85°CLead Free
MAX19792ETX+TActiveTQFN,;36 pin;37.2 mm²-40°C to +85°CLead Free
MAX19792EVKIT#ActiveEVKIT;-40°C to +85°CSee data sheet
MAX19792.pdf MAX19792
MAX19792_cn.pdf MAX19792