MAX2232:900MHz ISM-Band, 250mW Power Amplifiers with Analog or Digital Gain Control

The MAX2232/MAX2233 low-voltage, silicon RF power amplifiers (PAs) are designed for use in the 900MHz ISM band. They operate from a single +2.7V to +5.5V supply, allowing them to be powered directly from a 3-cell NiCd or a 1-cell Lithium-Ion battery. The devices typically deliver 250mW (+24dBm) of output power at 915MHz from a single +3.6V supply, or 150mW (+22dBm) from a single +2.7V supply. At +24dBm output power, power-added efficiency (PAE) is 44%. The MAX2232/MAX2233 provide 24dB of gain, which is adjustable over a continuous 24dB span via the analog gain-control pin of the MAX2232 or in two 10dB steps via the 2-bit programmable gain-control DAC of the MAX2233. An external capacitor sets the RF output power envelope ramp time, reducing spurious emissions during power-up and power-down by providing a gradual change in output power (MAX2232). The MAX2232/MAX2233 feature a low-power shutdown mode, which typically draws less than 1µA of supply current, saving power during "idle slots" in time-division multiple-access (TDMA) systems. The ΔVSWR of the RF input in shutdown mode relative to normal operation is 1.2:1. The devices also feature a thermal shutdown function, enabling the PA to protect itself from excessive temperature conditions that could damage the IC. A capacitor to ground limits thermal cycling by setting a thermal shutdown timeout period. The MAX2232/MAX2233 are available in a space-saving, thermally enhanced 16-pin power-QSOP (PQSOP) package.

Key Features
  • 800MHz to 1000MHz Frequency Range
  • 250mW (+24dBm) Output Power at 915MHz from +3.6V Supply
  • +2.7V to +5.5V Single-Supply Operation
  • 44% Power-Added Efficiency
  • 24dB Power Gain
  • 24dB Analog Gain-Control Range (MAX2232)
  • Three Levels of Digitally Programmed Power Gain in 10dB Steps (MAX2233)
  • Programmable RF Power Envelope Ramping (MAX2232)
  • Thermal Shutdown
  • Programmable Thermal Shutdown Timeout Period
  • 0.2µA Low-Power Shutdown Mode
  • Low ΔVSWR in Standby and Shutdown Modes
MAX2232, MAX2233: Typical Application Circuit
MAX2232, MAX2233: Typical Application Circuit
Applications/Uses
  • 868MHz European ISM Band
  • 900MHz ISM-Band Applications
  • Digital Cordless Phones
  • FM Analog Transmitters
  • Wireless Data
DataSheet
titleDownload file
MAX2232-MAX2233 Data SheetMAX2232-MAX2233.pdf
Parametrics
Part NumberFreq.
(MHz)
Freq.
(MHz)
POUT
(dBm)
Efficiency (%)Low Pwr. ShutdnFootprint
(mm x mm)
Package/PinsBudgetary
Price
minmaxSee Notes
MAX223280010002444Yes3.9 x 6.0QSOP-EP/16$2.23 @1k
MAX2233-QSOP-EP/16$2.14 @1k
Design kits & evaluation modules
Ordering Information
Part NumberStatusRecommended ReplacementPackageTempRoHS
MAX2232EEENo Longer AvailableMAX2232EEE+QSOP-EP,;16 pin;30.9 mm²-40°C to +85°CNo
MAX2232EEE+ActiveQSOP-EP,;16 pin;30.9 mm²-40°C to +85°CLead Free
MAX2232EEE+TActiveQSOP-EP,;16 pin;30.9 mm²-40°C to +85°CLead Free
MAX2232EEE-TNo Longer AvailableMAX2232EEE+TQSOP;16 pin-40°C to +85°CSee data sheet
MAX2232-MAX2233.pdf MAX2233
RF Basics MAX7060
MAX2232-MAX2233.pdf MAX2233