AVAILABLE
EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
Functional Diagrams
Pin Configurations appear at end of data sheet.
Functional Diagrams continued at end of data sheet.
UCSP is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct
at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
General Description
The MAX2830 direct conversion, zero-IF, RF transceiver
is designed specifically for 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b
WLAN applications. The MAX2830 completely integrates
all circuitry required to implement the RF transceiver
function, providing an RF power amplifier (PA), an Rx/Tx
and antenna diversity switch, RF-to-baseband receive
path, baseband-to-RF transmit path, voltage-controlled
oscillator (VCO), frequency synthesizer, crystal oscillator,
and baseband/control interface. The MAX2830 includes
a fast-settling sigma-delta RF synthesizer with smaller
than 20Hz frequency steps and a digitally tuned crystal
oscillator allowing use of a low-cost crystal. No I/Q cali-
bration is required; however, the device also integrates
on-chip DC-offset cancellation and I/Q errors and carrier
leakage-detection circuits for improved performance.
Only an RF bandpass filter (BPF), crystal, a pair of
baluns, and a small number of passive components are
needed to form a complete 802.11g/b WLAN RF front-
end solution.
The MAX2830 completely eliminates the need for an
external SAW filter by implementing on-chip monolithic fil-
ters for both the receiver and transmitter. The baseband
filters are optimized to meet the IEEE 802.11g standard
and proprietary turbo modes up to 40MHz channel band-
width. These devices are suitable for the full range of
802.11g OFDM data rates (6Mbps to 54Mbps) and
802.11b QPSK and CCK data rates (1Mbps to 11Mbps).
The ICs are available in a small, 48-pin TQFN package
measuring only 7mm x 7mm x 0.8mm.
Applications
Wi-Fi, PDA, VOIP, and Cellular Handsets
Wireless Speakers and Headphones
General 2.4GHz ISM Radios
Features
o2.4GHz to 2.5GHz ISM Band Operation
oIEEE 802.11g/b Compatible (54Mbps OFDM and
11Mbps CCK)
oComplete RF Transceiver, PA, Rx/Tx and Antenna
Diversity Switch, and Crystal Oscillator
Best-in-Class Transceiver Performance
62mA Receiver Current
3.3dB Rx Noise Figure
-75dBm Rx Sensitivity (54Mbps OFDM)
No I/Q Calibration Required
0.1dB/0.35° Rx I/Q Gain/Phase Imbalance
33dB RF and 62dB Baseband Gain Control
Range
60dB Range Analog RSSI per RF Gain Setting
Fast Rx I/Q DC-Offset Settling
Programmable Baseband Lowpass Filter
20-Bit Sigma-Delta Fractional-N PLL with
< 20Hz Step Size
Digitally Tuned Crystal Oscillator
+17.1dBm Transmit Power (5.6% EVM with
54Mbps OFDM)
31dB Tx Gain Control Range
Integrated Power Detector
Fully Integrated RF Input and Output
Matching and DC Blocking
Serial or Parallel Gain-Control Interface
> 40dB Tx Sideband Suppression Without
Calibration
Rx/Tx I/Q Error Detection
oTransceiver Operates from +2.7V to +3.6V
oPA Operates from +2.7V to +4.2V
oLow-Power Shutdown Mode
oSmall 48-Pin TQFN Package
(7mm x 7mm x 0.8mm)
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
Ordering Information
Pin Configuration appears at end of data sheet.
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX2830ETM+T -40°C to +85°C 48 TQFN-EP*
*
EP = Exposed paddle.
+
Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
T = Tape and reel.
Selector Guide
PART INTEGRATED PA INTEGRATED SWITCH
MAX2830 Yes Yes
MAX2831 Yes No
MAX2832 No No
19-0774; Rev 2; 3/11
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.7V to 3.6V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 2.7V to 4.2V, TA= -40°C to +85°C, Rx set to the maximum gain. CS =
high, RXHP = SCLK = DIN = ANTSEL = low, RSSI and clock output buffer are off, no signal at RF inputs, all RF inputs and outputs
terminated into 50Ω, receiver baseband outputs are open. 100mVRMS differential I and Q signals (54Mbps IEEE 802.11g OFDM)
applied to I/Q baseband inputs of transmitter in transmit mode, fREF = 40MHz, and registers set to recommended settings and corre-
sponding test mode, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at VCC = 2.8V, VCCPA = 3.3V, and TA= +25°C, LO frequency =
2.437GHz, unless otherwise noted. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from
EV kit PCB, balun, and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
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.
VCCTXPA, VCCPA, and ANT__ to GND ..................-0.3V to +4.5V
VCCLNA, VCCTXMX, VCCPLL, VCCCP, VCCXTAL, VCCVCO,
VCCRXVGA, VCCRXFL, and VCCRXMX_ to GND...-0.3V to +3.9V
B6, B7, B3, B2, SHDN, B5, CS, SCLK, DIN, B1, TUNE, B4,
ANTSEL, TXBBI_, TXBBQ_, RXHP, RXTX, RXBBI_, RXBBQ_,
RSSI, BYPASS, CPOUT, LD, CLOCKOUT, XTAL,
CTUNE to GND ....................-0.3V to (Operating VCC + 0.3V)
RXBBI_, RXBBQ_, RSSI, BYPASS, CPOUT, LD, CLOCKOUT
Short-Circuit Duration .........................................................10s
RF Input Power ...............................................................+10dBm
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA= +70°C)
48-Pin TQFN (derates 27.8mW/°C above +70°C) .........2.22W
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +160°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
Soldering Temperature (reflow) .......................................+260°C
CAUTION! ESD SENSITIVE DEVICE
PARAMETERS CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
VCC_ 2.7 3.6
Supply Voltage VCCPA, VCCTXPA 2.7 4.2 V
S hutd own m od e,
B7: B1 = 0000000,
r efer ence osci ll ator not
ap pl i ed
TA = +25°C 20 µA
TA = +25°C 28 35
Standby mode TA = -40°C to +85°C 35
TA = +25°C 62 78
Rx mode TA = -40°C to +85°C 82
Transmit section 82 104
Tx mode, TA = +25°C,
VCC = 2.8V, VCCPA =
3.3V (Note 2) P A, P
OU T = + 17.1d Bm 212
Rx calibration mode TA = +25°C 101
Supply Current
Tx calibration mode TA = +25°C 78
mA
Rx I/Q Output Common-Mode
Voltage TA = +25°C at default common-mode setting 0.94 1.2 1.37 V
TA = -40°C (relative to TA = +25°C) -17
Rx I/Q Output Common-Mode
Voltage Variation TA = +85°C (relative to TA = +25°C) 15 mV
Tx Baseband Input Common-
Mode Voltage Operating Range DC-coupled 0.9 1.3 V
Tx Baseband Input Bias Current Source current 22 µA
2
Maxim Integrated
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.7V to 3.6V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 2.7V to 4.2V, TA= -40°C to +85°C, Rx set to the maximum gain. CS =
high, RXHP = SCLK = DIN = ANTSEL = low, RSSI and clock output buffer are off, no signal at RF inputs, all RF inputs and outputs
terminated into 50Ω, receiver baseband outputs are open. 100mVRMS differential I and Q signals (54Mbps IEEE 802.11g OFDM)
applied to I/Q baseband inputs of transmitter in transmit mode, fREF = 40MHz, and registers set to recommended settings and corre-
sponding test mode, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at VCC = 2.8V, VCCPA = 3.3V, and TA= +25°C, LO frequency =
2.437GHz, unless otherwise noted. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from
EV kit PCB, balun, and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
PARAMETERS CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
LOGIC INPUTS: SHDN, RXTX, SCLK, DIN, CS, B7:B1, RXHP, ANTSEL
Digital Input-Voltage High, VIH VCC -
0.4 V
Digital Input-Voltage Low, VIL 0.4 V
Digital Input-Current High, IIH -1 +1 µA
Digital Input-Current Low, IIL -1 +1 µA
LOGIC OUTPUTS: LD, CLOCKOUT
Digital Output-Voltage High, VOH Sourcing 100µA VCC -
0.4 V
Digital Output-Voltage Low, VOL Sinking 100µA 0.4 V
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Rx Mode
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA=+25°C, fRF = 2.439GHz, fLO = 2.437GHz; receiver baseband I/Q out-
puts at 112 mVRMS (-19dBV), fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, RXTX = SCLK = DIN = low, with power matching for the differential
RF pins using the typical applications and registers set to default settings and corresponding test mode, unless otherwise noted.
Unmodulated single-tone RF input signal is used with specifications that normally apply over the entire operating conditions, unless
otherwise indicated. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from EV kit PCB,
balun, and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
RECEIVER SECTION: LNA RF INPUT-TO-BASEBAND I/Q OUTPUTS
RF Input Frequency Range 2.4 2.5 GHz
High RF gain 13
Mid RF gain 16
RF Input Return Loss (ANT1)
Low RF gain 13
dB
High RF gain 21
Mid RF gain 14RF Input Return Loss (ANT2)
Low RF gain 12
dB
TA = +25°C 86 97
Maximum gain, B7:B1 =
1111111 TA = -40°C to +85°C 83
Total Voltage Gain (ANT1)
Minimum gain, B7:B1 =
0000000 TA = +25°C 2 8
dB
Maximum gain, B7:B1 =
1111111 TA = +25°C 96
Total Voltage Gain (ANT2)
Minimum gain, B7:B1 =
0000000 TA = +25°C 2
dB
Maxim Integrated
3
MAX2830
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Rx Mode (continued)
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA=+25°C, fRF = 2.439GHz, fLO = 2.437GHz; receiver baseband I/Q out-
puts at 112 mVRMS (-19dBV), fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, RXTX = SCLK = DIN = low, with power matching for the differential
RF pins using the typical applications and registers set to default settings and corresponding test mode, unless otherwise noted.
Unmodulated single-tone RF input signal is used with specifications that normally apply over the entire operating conditions, unless
otherwise indicated. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from EV kit PCB,
balun, and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
From high-gain mode (B7:B6 = 11) to medium-gain
mode (B7:B6 = 10) -17
RF Gain Steps (Note 3)
From high-gain mode (B7:B6 = 11) to low-gain mode
(B7:B6 = 0X) -33.5
dB
RF Gain-Change Settling Time
Gain change from high gain to medium gain, high gain to
low, or medium gain to low gain; gain settling to within
±2dB of steady state; RXHP = 1
0.2 µs
Baseband Gain Range From maximum baseband gain (B5:B1 = 11111) to
minimum baseband gain (B5:B1 = 00000) 54 62 68 dB
Voltage gain = maximum with B7:B6 = 11 3.3
Voltage gain = 50dB with B7:B6 = 11 3.8
Voltage gain = 45dB with B7:B6 = 10 16.7
DSB Noise Figure (ANT1)
Voltage gain = 15dB with B7:B6 = 0X 34.7
dB
Voltage gain = maximum with B7:B6 = 11 4.0
Voltage gain = 50dB with B7:B6 = 11 4.5
Voltage gain = 45dB with B7:B6 = 10 17.4
DSB Noise Figure (ANT2)
Voltage gain = 15dB with B7:B6 = 0X 35.3
dB
B7:B6 = 11 -41
B7:B6 = 10 -24
In-Band Compression Point
Based on EVM
-19dBVRMS baseband
output EVM degrades to
9% B7:B6 = 0X -6
dBm
In-Band Output P-1dB Voltage gain = 90dB, with B7:B6 = 11 2.5 VP-P
B7:B6 = 11 -12
B7:B6 = 10 -4
Out-of-Band Input IP3 (Note 4)
B7:B6 = 0X 24
dBm
I/Q Phase Error 1 σ variation (without calibration) ±0.35 D eg r ees
I/Q Gain Imbalance 1 σ variation (without calibration) ±0.1 dB
Minimum differential resistance 10 kΩ
RX I/Q Output Load Impedance
(R || C) Maximum differential capacitance 10 pF
Tx-to-Rx Conversion Gain for Rx
I/Q Calibration For receiver gain, B7:B1 = 1101111 (Note 5) 0.5 dB
Baseband VGA Settling Time Gain change from B5:B1 = 10111 to B5:B1 = 00111; gain
settling to within ±2dB of steady state 0.1 µs
I/Q Output DC Step when RXHP
Transitions from 1 to 0 in
Presence of 802.11g Short
Sequence
After switching RXHP to logic 0 from initial logic 1, during
ideal short sequence data at -55dBm input in AWGN
channel, for -19dBV output; normalized to RMS signal on
I and Q outputs; transition point varied from 0 to 0.8µs in
steps of 0.1µs
-5 dBc
4
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Rx Mode (continued)
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA=+25°C, fRF = 2.439GHz, fLO = 2.437GHz; receiver baseband I/Q out-
puts at 112 mVRMS (-19dBV), fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, RXTX = SCLK = DIN = low, with power matching for the differential
RF pins using the typical applications and registers set to default settings and corresponding test mode, unless otherwise noted.
Unmodulated single-tone RF input signal is used with specifications that normally apply over the entire operating conditions, unless
otherwise indicated. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from EV kit PCB,
balun, and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
I/Q Output DC Droop After switching RXHP to 0, D13:D12, Register 7
(A3:A0 = 0111) ±1 V/s
I/Q Static DC Offset RXHP = 1, B7:B1 = 1101110, 1 σ variation ±1 mV
Spurious Signal Emissions from
LNA input RF = 1GHz to 26.5GHz -51 dBm
ANT1 to receiver (in ANT2 mode) 20
ANT to Receiver Isolation
ANT2 to receiver (in ANT1 mode) 47
dB
RECEIVER BASEBAND FILTERS
Gain Ripple in Passband 10kHz to 8.5MHz at baseband ±1.3 dBP-P
G r oup - D el ay Ri p p l e i n P assb and 10kHz to 8.5MHz at baseband ±45 nsP-P
At 8.5MHz 3.2
At 15MHz 27
At 20MHz 50
Baseband Filter Rejection
(Nominal Mode)
At > 40MHz 80
dB
RSSI
RSSI Minimum Output Voltage RLOAD ≥ 10kΩ || 5pF 0.4 V
RSSI Maximum Output Voltage RLOAD ≥ 10kΩ || 5pF 2.4 V
RSSI Slope 30 mV/dB
+32dB signal step 200
RSSI Output Settling Time To within 3dB of steady
state -32dB signal step 600 ns
Maxim Integrated
5
MAX2830
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Tx Mode
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA= +25°C, fRF = 2.439GHz , fLO = 2.437GHz. fREF = 40MHz, SHDN =
RXTX = CS = ANTSEL = high, and SCLK = DIN = low, with power matching for the differential RF pins using the typical applications
circuit. 100mVRMS sine and cosine signal (or 100mVRMS 54Mbps IEEE 802.11g I/Q signals wherever OFDM is mentioned) applied to
baseband I/Q inputs of transmitter (differential DC-coupled). Registers set to recommend settings and corresponding test mode,
unless otherwise noted. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from EV kit PCB,
balun, and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
TRANSMIT SECTION: Tx BASEBAND I/Q INPUTS TO RF OUTPUTS
RF Output Frequency Range 2.4 2.5 GHz
54Mbps 802.11g OFDM
signal
Output power adjusted to
meet 5.6%EVM, and
spectral mask
17.1
Output Power
6Mbits, OFDM, I/Q signals Output power adjusted to
meet spectral mask 20.3
dBm
Gain Control Range B6:B1 = 000000 to 111000 26 dB
Unwanted Sideband Suppression Without I/Q calibration, B6:B1 = 100001 -42 dBc
Carrier Leakage at Center
Frequency of Channel Without DC offset correction -30 dBc
1/3 x fLO -67
< 1GHz -36
> 1GHz -47
2/3 x fLO -64
4/3 x fLO -42
5/3 x fLO -65
8/3 x fLO -55
2 x fLO -27
Transmitter Spurious Signal
Emissions
B6:B1 = 111000,
OFDM signal
3 x fLO -54
dBm/
MHz
RF Output Return Loss O ff- chi p b al un and si ng l e end ed -15 dB
Minimum differential resistance 20 kΩ
Tx I/Q Input Load Impedance
(R || C) Maximum differential capacitance 0.7 pF
Baseband -3dB Corner
Frequency
D1:D0 = 01, Register 8
(A3:A0 = 1000) Nominal mode 11 MHz
Baseband Filter Rejection At 30MHz, in nominal mode 62 dB
Minimum Power-Detector Output
Voltage Short sequence transmitter power = +10dBm 0.35 V
Maximum Power-Detector Output
Voltage Short sequence transmitter power = +20dBm 1.2 V
RF P ow er - D etector Resp onse Ti m e 0.3 µs
6
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Tx Mode (continued)
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA= +25°C, fRF = 2.439GHz , fLO = 2.437GHz. fREF = 40MHz, SHDN =
RXTX = CS = ANTSEL = high, and SCLK = DIN = low, with power matching for the differential RF pins using the typical applications
circuit. 100mVRMS sine and cosine signal (or 100mVRMS 54Mbps IEEE 802.11g I/Q signals wherever OFDM is mentioned) applied to
baseband I/Q inputs of transmitter (differential DC-coupled). Registers set to recommend settings and corresponding test mode,
unless otherwise noted. RF inputs/outputs specifications are referenced to device pins and do not include 1dB loss from EV kit PCB,
balun, and SMA connectors.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
TRANSMITTER LO LEAKAGE AND I/Q CALIBRATION USING LO LEAKAGE AND SIDEBAND DETECTOR
(see the Rx/Tx Calibration Mode section)
Tx BASEBAND I/Q INPUTS TO RECEIVER OUTPUTS
Output at 1 x fTONE (for LO
leakage = -29dBc),
fTONE = 2MHz, 100mVRMS
-34
LO Leakage and Sideband
Detector Output
Calibration register,
D12:D11 = 00,
A3:A0 = 0110 Output at 2 x fTONE (for LO
leakage = -240dBc),
fTONE = 2MHz, 100mVRMS
-44
dBVRMS
Amplifier Gain Range D12:D11 = 00 to D12:D11 = 11, A3:A0 = 0110 30 dB
Lower -3dB Corner Frequency 1 MHz
Maxim Integrated
7
MAX2830
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Frequency Synthesizer
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.7V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA= +25°C, fLO = 2.437GHz, fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, SCLK =
DIN = low, PLL loop bandwidth = 150kHz, and TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER
RF Channel Center Frequency 2.4 2.5 GHz
Channel Center Frequency
Programming Minimum Step Size 20 Hz
Charge-Pump Comparison
Frequency 20 MHz
Reference Frequency Range 20 44 MHz
Reference Frequency Input
Levels AC-coupled to XTAL pin 800 mVP-P
Resistance (XTAL) 5 kΩ
Reference Frequency Input
Impedance (R || C) Capacitance (XTAL) 4 pF
fOFFSET = 1kHz -86
fOFFSET = 10kHz -94
fOFFSET = 100kHz -94
fOFFSET = 1MHz -110
Closed-Loop Phase Noise
fOFFSET = 10MHz -120
dBc/Hz
Closed-Loop Integrated Phase
Noise RMS phase jitter; integrate from 10kHz to 10MHz offset 0.9 D eg r ees
Charge-Pump Output Current 1mA
Reference Spurs 20MHz offset -55 dBc
3µs to 9µs 50
VCO Frequency Error M easur ed fr om Tx- Rx or Rx- Tx
tr ansi ti on > 9µs 1 kHz
VOLTAGE-CONTROLLED OSCILLATOR
Pushing Referred to 2400MHz LO, VCC varies by 0.3V 210 kHz
VTUNE = 0.5V 103
LO Tuning Gain VTUNE = 2.2V 86
MHz/V
8
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Miscellaneous Blocks
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, fLO = 2.437GHZ, fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, SCLK = DIN = low,
and TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
CRYSTAL OSCILLATOR
M axi m um cap aci tance, A3:A0 = 1110, D 6:D 0 = 1111111 15.4
On-Chip Tuning Capacitance
Range M i ni m um cap aci tance, A3:A0 = 1110, D 6:D 0 = 0000000 0.5 pF
On-Chip Tuning Capacitance
Step Size 0.12 pF
ON-CHIP TEMPERATURE SENSOR
TA = -40°C 0.35
TA = +25°C 1Output Voltage A3:A0 = 1000, D 9:D 8 = 01
TA = +85°C 1.6
V
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Timing
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA=+25°C, fLO = 2.437GHz, fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, SCLK =
DIN = low, PLL loop bandwidth = 150kHz, and TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
SYSTEM TIMING (see Figure 3)
Turn-On Time From SHDN rising edge to LO settled within 1kHz using
external reference frequency input 60 µs
Crystal Oscillator Turn-On Time 90% of final output amplitude level 1 ms
Channel Switching Time Loop BW = 150kHz, fRF = 2.5GHz to 2.4GHz 25 µs
Rx to Tx 2
Rx/Tx Turnaround Time
Measured from Tx or Rx
enable rising edge; signal
settling to within ±2dB of
steady state Tx to Rx, RXHP = 1 2
µs
Tx Turn-On Time (from Standby
Mode)
From Tx-enable active rising edge; signal settling to
within ±2dB of steady state 1.5 µs
Tx Turn-Off Time (from Standby
Mode) From Tx-enable inactive rising edge 1 µs
Rx Turn-On Time (from Standby
Mode)
From Rx-enable active rising edge; signal settling to
within ±2dB of steady state 1.9 µs
Rx Turn-Off Time (from Standby
Mode) From Rx-enable inactive rising edge 0.1 µs
Maxim Integrated
9
MAX2830
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS—Timing (continued)
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA=+25°C, fLO = 2.437GHz, fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, SCLK =
DIN = low, PLL loop bandwidth = 150kHz, and TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
3-WIRE SERIAL-INTERFACE TIMING (see Figure 2)
SCLK Rising Edge to CS Falling
Edge Wait Time, tCSO 6ns
Falling Edge of CS to Rising
Edge of First SCLK Time, tCSS 6ns
DIN to SCLK Setup Time, tDS 6ns
DIN to SCLK Hold Time, tDH 6ns
SCLK Pulse-Width High, tCH 6ns
SCLK Pulse-Width Low, tCL 6ns
Last Rising Edge of SCLK to
Rising Edge of CS or Clock to
Load Enable Setup Time, tCSH
6ns
CS High Pulse Width, tCSW 20 ns
Time Between the Rising Edge of
CS and the Next Rising Edge of
SCLK, tCS1
6ns
Clock Frequency, fCLK 20 MHz
Rise Time, tR2ns
Fall Time, tF2ns
Note 1: Min and max limits are guaranteed by test above TA= +25°C and guaranteed by design and characterization at TA= -40°C.
The power-on register settings are not production tested. Recommended register setting must be loaded after VCC is supplied.
Note 2: Guaranteed by design and characterization.
Note 3: The nominal part-to-part variation of the RF gain step is ±1dB.
Note 4: Two tones at +25MHz and +48MHz offset with -35dBm/tone. Measure IM3 at 2MHz.
Note 5: Tx I/Q inputs = 100mVRMS.
10
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
Rx ICC vs. VCC
VCC (V)
ICC (mA)
MAX2830 toc01
2.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
TA = +25°C
TA = -40°C
TA = +85°C
NOISE FIGURE
vs. BASEBAND GAIN SETTINGS
GAIN SETTINGS
NF (dB)
MAX2830 toc02
02468101214161820222426283032
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
LNA = HIGH GAIN
LNA = MEDIUM GAIN
LNA = LOW GAIN
Rx VOLTAGE GAIN
vs. BASEBAND GAIN SETTING
GAIN SETTINGS
GAIN (dB)
MAX2830 toc03
02468101214161820222426283032
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
LNA = LOW GAIN
LNA = MEDIUM GAIN
LNA = HIGH GAIN
Rx IN-BAND OUTPUT P - 1dB vs. GAIN
GAIN (dB)
OUTPUT P - 1dB (dBVRMS)
MAX2830 toc04
15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95
-7
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
LNA MEDIUM/HIGH-
GAIN SWITCH POINT
LNA MEDIUM/LOW-
GAIN SWITCH POINT
Rx EVM vs. PIN
PIN (dBm)
EVM (%)
MAX2830 toc05
-80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
LNA = HIGH GAIN LNA = LOW GAIN
LNA = MEDIUM GAIN
Rx EVM vs. VOUT
VOUT (dBVRMS)
EVM (%)
MAX2830 toc06
-29 -27 -25 -23 -21 -19 -17 -15 -13 -11 -9
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
PIN = -50dBm
LNA = HIGH GAIN
OFDM EVM WITH OFDM JAMMER
vs. OFFSET FREQUENCY
PJAMMER (dBm)
EVM (%)
MAX2830 toc07
-65 -55 -45 -35 -25
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
fOFFSET = 20MHz
fOFFSET = 25MHz
fOFFSET = 40MHz
PIN = -62dBm
Rx EMISSION SPECTRUM, LNA INPUT
MAX2830 toc08
4/3 LO
2 LO
8/3 LO
4 LO
16/3 LO
20/3 LO
dBm
-50
-60
-70
-80
-90
-100
-110
-120
-130
-140
-150
DC 26.5GHz
LNA INPUT RETURN LOSS
vs. RF FREQUENCY (ANT 1)
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
INPUT RETURN LOSS (dB)
MAX2830 toc09
2300 2400 2500 2600
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
MID GAIN
LOW GAIN
HIGH GAIN
Typical Operating Characteristics
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA= +25°C, fLO = 2.437GHz, fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, RXHP =
SCLK = DIN = low.)
Maxim Integrated
11
MAX2830
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA= +25°C, fLO = 2.437GHz, fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, RXHP =
SCLK = DIN = low.)
LNA INPUT RETURN LOSS
vs. RF FREQUENCY (ANT 2)
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
INPUT RETURN LOSS (dB)
MAX2830 toc09a
2300 2400 25002350 2450 2550 2600
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
MID GAIN
LOW GAIN
HIGH GAIN
Rx RSSI OUTPUT vs. INPUT POWER
PIN (dBm)
RSSI OUTPUT (V)
MAX2830 toc10
-120 -100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 20
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
LNA = HIGH GAIN
LNA = MEDIUM GAIN
LNA = LOW GAIN
Rx RSSI STEP RESPONSE
(+32dB LNA GAIN STEP)
3V
0
0.45
1.45V
200ns/div
MAX2830 toc11
Rx RSSI STEP RESPONSE
(-32dB LNA GAIN STEP)
3V
0V
0V
1.5V
200ns/div
MAX2830 toc12
Rx I/Q DC OFFSET SETTLING RESPONSE
(+8dB BB VGA GAIN STEP)
2.0V
5mV
40ns/div
10mV
0V
0V
MAX2830 toc13
Rx I/Q DC OFFSET SETTLING RESPONSE
(-8dB BB VGA GAIN STEP)
MAX2830 toc14
2.5V
5mV
40ns/div
10mV
0V
0mV
Rx I/Q DC OFFSET SETTLING RESPONSE
(-16dB BB VGA GAIN STEP)
3V
MAX2830 toc15
5mV
400ns/div
10mV
0V
0V
Rx I/Q DC OFFSET SETTLING RESPONSE
(-32dB BB VGA GAIN STEP)
3V
MAX2830 toc16
5mV
400ns/div
10mV
0V
0V
I/Q OUTPUT DC ERROR DROOP
(RxHP = 1→0; 100Hz MODE)
3V
MAX2830 toc17
-5mV
20ms/div
0V
0V
-10mV
12
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
Rx BB VGA SETTLING RESPONSE
(+8 GAIN STEP)
500mV
-500mV
3V
0V
0V
MAX2830 toc18
40ns/div
Rx BB VGA SETTLING RESPONSE
(-8 GAIN STEP)
3V
0V
MAX2830 toc19
500mV
-500mV
0V
40ns/div
Rx BB VGA SETTLING RESPONSE
(-16 GAIN STEP)
MAX2830 toc20
500mV
-500mV
3V
0V
0V
40ns/div
Rx BB VGA SETTLING RESPONSE
(-32 GAIN STEP)
MAX2830 toc21
500mV
-500mV
3V
0V
0V
40ns/div
RF LNA SETTLING RESPONSE
(HIGH TO MEDIUM)
MAX2830 toc22
500mV
-500mV
3V
0V
0V
100ns/div
RF LNA SETTLING RESPONSE
(HIGH TO LOW)
MAX2830 toc23
500mV
-500mV
3V
0V
0V
100ns/div
Rx BB FREQUENCY RESPONSE
vs. FINE SETTING (COARSE SETTING = 8.5MHz
)
FREQUENCY (MHz)
dB
MAX2830 toc24
-100
-80
-60
-40
-20
0
20
1 10 100
Rx BB FREQUENCY RESPONSE
vs. COARSE SETTING (FINE SETTING = 010)
FREQUENCY (MHz)
dB
MAX2830 toc25
-120
-100
-80
-60
-40
-20
0
20
110100
Rx BASEBAND FILTER
GROUP DELAY
MAX2830 toc26
FREQUENCY (MHz)
20ns/div
121
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA= +25°C, fLO = 2.437GHz, fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, RXHP =
SCLK = DIN = low.)
Maxim Integrated
13
MAX2830
0
38
19
76
57
95
114
HISTOGRAM: Rx PHASE IMBALANCE
MAX2830 toc29
1σ/div
MEAN: 0.3°
STD: 0.314°
SAMPLE SIZE: 1013
Tx ICC vs. VCC
VCC (V)
ICC (mA)
MAX2830 toc30
2.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6
78
80
82
84
86
88
TA = +25°C
TA = -40°C
TA = +85°C
0
16
8
32
24
40
48
HISTOGRAM: Tx LO LEAKAGE
MAX2830 toc31
1σ/div
MEAN: -33.45dBc
STD: 6.31dB
SAMPLE SIZE: 999
0
26
13
52
39
65
78
HISTOGRAM: Rx STATIC DC OFFSET
MAX2830 toc27
1σ/div
MEAN: 0mV
STD: 0.977mV
SAMPLE SIZE: 1006
0
46
23
92
69
115
138
HISTOGRAM: Rx GAIN IMBALANCE
MAX2830 toc28
1σ/div
MEAN: 0dB
STD: 0.064dB
SAMPLE SIZE: 951
0
24
12
48
36
60
72
HISTOGRAM: Tx SIDEBAND
SUPPRESSION
MAX2830 toc32
1σ/div
MEAN: -42dBc
STD: 1.9dB
SAMPLE SIZE: 1000
-90
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
0.1 1 10 100
Tx BASEBAND FILTER RESPONSE
MAX2830 toc33
BASEBAND FREQUENCY (MHz)
FILTER RESPONSE (dB)
-80
Tx EVM vs. POUT
POUT (dBm)
EVM (%)
MAX2830 toc34
0 5 10 15 20 25
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
VCC = 4.2V
VCC = 3.3V
VCC = 3V
VCC = 2.7V
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA= +25°C, fLO = 2.437GHz, fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, RXHP =
SCLK = DIN = low.)
PA SUPPLY CURRENT vs. POUT
POUT (dBm)
PA SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
MAX2830 toc35
0 5 10 15 20 25
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
330
360
VCCPA = 4.2V
VCCPA = 2.7V, 3.0V, 3.3V
14
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
POWER DETECTOR OVER FREQUENCY
POUT (dBm)
POWER DETECTOR (V)
MAX2830 toc40
0 5 10 15 20 25
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
fRF = 2.4GHz
fRF = 2.5GHz
POWER DETECTOR OVER SUPPLY VOLTAGE
POUT (dBm)
POWER DETECTOR (V)
MAX2830 toc41
0 5 10 15 20 25
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
VCCPA = 2.7V, 3.0V
VCCPA = 3.3V, 4.2V
POWER DETECTOR OVER TEMPERATURE
POUT (dBm)
POWER DETECTOR (V)
MAX2830 toc42
0 5 10 15 20 25
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
TA = +85°C
TA = +25°C,
-40°C
POWER-DETECTOR OUTPUT
100ns/div
MAX2830 toc43
300mV
-300mV
0V
1V
20dB GAIN STEP PA ENVELOPE
POWER DETECTOR
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
TRANSMIT EMISSION MASK
MAX2830 toc38
FREQUENCY/MHz
10dB/div
246724472407 24272387 2487
POUT = +17.1dBm
EVM = 5.6%
802.11g POUT vs. GAIN SETTING
(UPPER GAIN CONTROL RANGE)
GAIN SETTINGS
POUT (dBm)
MAX2830 toc39
40 44 48 52 56 60 64
14
16
18
20
22
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA= +25°C, fLO = 2.437GHz, fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, RXHP =
SCLK = DIN = low.)
Tx GAIN VARIATION vs. FREQUENCY
(B6:B1 = 101001)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
2dB/div
MAX2830 toc36
2.4 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.5
TA = -40°C
TA = +25°C
TA = +85°C
PA OUTPUT ENVELOPE RESPONSE
1
µ
s/div
MAX2830 toc44
-20dBm
0
20dBm
-50mV
50mV
PA ENVELOPE
TX I/Q INPUT
Tx OUTPUT POWER vs. FREQUENCY
FREQUENCY (GHz)
POUT (dBm)
MAX2830 toc37
2.40 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.50
15.0
15.5
16.0
16.5
17.0
17.5
18.0
TA = -40°C
TA = +25°C
TA = +85°C
GAIN ADJUSTED TO ACHIEVE 5.6% EVM
Maxim Integrated
15
MAX2830
PA OUTPUT RETURN LOSS
vs. RF FREQUENCY
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
OUTPUT RETURN LOSS (dB)
MAX2830 toc45
2300 2350 2400 2450 2500 2550 2600
-20
-18
-16
-14
-12
-10
Tx OUTPUT SPURS
MAX2830 toc46
0
-80
-90
10
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
26.5GHzDC
LO
2x LO
3x RF
RBW = 1MHz
802.11g SIGNAL
4
3LO
8
3LO
PLL SETTLING TIME FROM
SHUTDOWN TO STANDBY MODE
50kHz
-50kHz
0 2ms
10kHz/
div
MAX2830 toc50
CHANNEL SWITCHING FREQUENCY
SETTLING (FROM 2500MHz TO 2400MHz)
50kHz
-50kHz
250
µ
s0
10kHz/
div
MAX2830 toc49
LO PHASE NOISE
vs. OFFSET FREQUENCY
OFFSET FREQUENCY (MHz)
PHASE NOISE (dBc/Hz)
MAX2830 toc48
-150
-140
-130
-120
-110
-100
-90
-80
-70
-60
-50
0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10
LO FREQUENCY vs. VTUNE
VTUNE (V)
LO FREQUENCY (MHz)
MAX2830 toc47
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4
2300
2350
2400
2450
2500
2550
2600
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA= +25°C, fLO = 2.437GHz, fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, RXHP =
SCLK = DIN = low.)
PLL SETTLING TIME
FROM STANDBY TO Tx
50kHz
-50kHz
030
µ
s
10kHz/
div
MAX2830 toc51
16
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
Rx-TO-Tx TURNAROUND
PLL SETTLING TIME
25kHz
-25kHz
50
µ
s0
5kHz/
div
MAX2830 toc52
Tx-Rx TURNAROUND PLL SETTLING TIME
5kHz/div
-25kHz
050
µ
s
25kHz
MAX2830 toc53
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX2830 EV kit, VCC_ = 2.8V, VCCPA = VCCTXPA = 3.3V, TA= +25°C, fLO = 2.437GHz, fREF = 40MHz, SHDN = CS = high, RXHP =
SCLK = DIN = low.)
CLOCK OUTPUT
0V
10ns/div
3V
MAX2830 toc54
fCLOCK = 40MHz
CLOAD = 5pF
CRYSTAL-OSCILLATOR OFFSET FREQUENCY
vs. CRYSTAL-OSCILLATOR TUNING BITS
CTUNE (DIGITAL BITS)
CRYSTAL OFFSET FREQUENCY (Hz)
MAX2830 toc55
0 102030405060708090100110120130
-800
-700
-600
-500
-400
-300
-200
-100
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800 KYOCERA
(CX-3225SB)
Maxim Integrated
17
MAX2830
B2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
VCCLNA
B6
GNDRXLNA
ANT1+
ANT1-
B7
VCCPA
ANT2+
ANT2-
SHDN
POWER DETECTOR
SERIAL
INTERFACE
TEMP
SENSOR
AM
DETECTOR
VCCTXPA
B5
CS
RSSI
VCCTXMX
SCLK
DIN
VCCPLL
CLOCKOUT
LD
B1
CPOUT
RXBBQ+
RXBBQ-
RX Q
OUTPUTS
RX/TX GAIN
CONTROL
B4
BYPASS
TUNE
GNDVCO
CTUNE
VCCVCO
XTAL
PLL
%1,2
%1,2
GNDCP
SERIAL INPUTS
VCCXTAL
VCCCP
RXTX
ANTSEL
VCCRXMX
TXBBI+
TXBBI-
TXBBQ+
TXBBQ-
VCCRXFL
RXHP
VCCRXVGA
RXBBI+
RXBBI-
MAX2830
MODE
CONTROL
RX/TX GAIN
CONTROL
RX/TX GAIN
CONTROL
REFERENCE
CLOCK BUFFER
OUTPUT
NOTE: ALL GROUND PINS (PINS 2, 26, AND 31) AND BYPASS CAPACITORS’ GROUND REQUIRE THEIR OWN VIAS TO GROUND.
DO NOT CONNECT THEM TO THE EXPOSED PADDLE GROUND.
RX BASEBAND HPF
CORNER FREQUENCY
CONTROL
B3
RX/TX
GAIN CONTROL
RX INPUT
TX OUTPUT
MODE CONTROL
RX/TX GAIN
CONTROL
RX/TX GAIN
CONTROL
RX GAIN
CONTROL
TX INPUT RX I OUTPUTS
0°
90°
RSSI
MUX
TO RSSI
MUX
RSSI
TEMP
SENSOR
CRYSTAL
OSCILLATOR/
BUFFER
RSSI
TO
RSSI
MUX MUX
IMUX QMUX
MUX
Rx/Tx ANTENNA SWITCH
Block Diagram/Typical Operating Circuit
18
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
Pin Description
PIN NAME FUNCTION
1V
CCLNA LNA Supply Voltage
2GN DRX LNA LNA Ground
3 B6 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic-Input Bit 6
4 ANT1+
5 ANT1-
Antenna 1. Differential Input to LNA in Rx mode. Input is internally AC-coupled and matched to 100Ω
differential. Connect directly to a 2:1 balun.
6 B7 Receiver Gain-Control Logic-Input Bit 7
7V
CCPA Supply Voltage for Second Stage of Power Amplifier
8 B3 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic-Input Bit 3
9 ANT2+
10 ANT2-
Antenna 2. Differential inputs to LNA in diversity Rx mode and to PA differential outputs in Tx mode.
Internally AC-coupled differential outputs and matched to 100Ω differential. Connect directly to a 2:1 balun.
11 B2 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic-Input Bit 2
12 SHDN Active-Low Shutdown and Standby Logic Input. See Table 32 for operating modes.
13 VCCTXPA Supply Voltage for First-Stage of PA and PA Driver
14 B5 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic-Input Bit 5
15 CS Active-Low Chip-Select Logic Input of 3-Wire Serial Interface (see Figure 3)
16 RSSI RSSI, PA Power Detector or Temperature-Sensor Multiplexed Analog Output
17 VCCTXMX Transmitter Upconverter Supply Voltage
18 SCLK Serial-Clock Logic Input of 3-Wire Serial Interface (see Figure 3)
19 DIN Data Logic Input of 3-Wire Serial Interface (see Figure 3)
20 VCCPLL PLL and Registers Supply Voltage. Connect to the supply voltage to retain the register settings.
21 CLOCKOUT Reference Clock Buffer Output
22 LD Lock- D etect Log i c Outp ut of Fr eq uency S ynthesi zer . O utp ut hi g h i nd i cates that the fr eq uency synthesi zer i s
l ocked . Outp ut p r og r am m ab l e as C M O S or op en- d r ai n outp ut. ( S ee Tab l es 17 and 21.)
23 B1 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic-Input Bit 1
24 CPOUT Charge-Pump Output. Connect the frequency synthesizer’s loop filter between CPOUT and TUNE (see the
Block Diagram/Typical Operating Circuit).
25 VCCCP PLL Charge-Pump Supply Voltage
26 GNDCP Charge-Pump Circuit Ground
27 VCCXTAL Crystal Oscillator Supply Voltage
28 XTAL Crystal or Reference Clock Input. AC-couple a crystal or a reference clock to this analog input.
29 CTUNE Connection for Crystal Oscillator Off-Chip Capacitors. When using an external reference clock input, leave
CTUNE unconnected.
30 VCCVCO VCO Supply Voltage
31 GNDVCO VCO Ground
32 TUNE VCO TUNE Input (see the Block Diagram/Typical Operating Circuit)
33 BYPASS On-Chip VCO Regulator Output Bypass. Bypass with a 0.1µF to 1µF capacitor to GND. Do not connect
other circuitry to this point.
34 B4 Receiver and Transmitter Gain-Control Logic-Input Bit 4
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
Maxim Integrated
19
MAX2830
Detailed Description
The MAX2830 single-chip, low-power, direct conversion,
zero-IF transceiver is designed to support 802.11g/b
applications operating in the 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz band.
The fully integrated transceivers include a receive path,
transmit path, VCO, sigma-delta fractional-N synthesizer,
crystal oscillator, RSSI, PA power detector, temperature
sensor, Rx and Tx I/Q error-detection circuitry, baseband-
control interface, linear power amplifier, and an Rx/Tx
antenna diversity switch. The only additional components
required to implement a complete radio front-end solution
are a crystal, a pair of baluns, a BPF, and a small number
of passive components (RCs, no inductors required).
Rx/Tx and Antenna Diversity Switches
The MAX2830 integrates an Rx/Tx switch and an anten-
na diversity switch before the receiver and after the
power amplifier. See Figure 1 for a block diagram of the
switches. The receiver and transmitter enable pin
(RXTX) and the antenna selection pin (ANTSEL) deter-
mine which ports (ANT1 or ANT2) the receiver or trans-
mitter is connected to. See Table 1 for the Rx/Tx and
antenna diversity switches truth table. When RXTX = 0
(receive mode) and ANTSEL = 0, the switch provides a
low-insertion loss path (main) between the ANT1 port
(pins 4 and 5) and the receiver. When RXTX = 0
(receive mode) and ANTSEL = 1, the switch provides
Pin Description (continued)
PIN NAME FUNCTION
35 RXBBQ-
36 RXBBQ+
Receiver Baseband Q-Channel Differential Outputs. In TX calibration mode, these pins are the LO leakage
and sideband detector outputs.
37 RXBBI-
38 RXBBI+
Receiver Baseband I-Channel Differential Outputs. In TX calibration mode, these pins are the LO leakage
and sideband detector outputs.
39 VCCRXVGA Receiver VGA Supply Voltage
40 RXHP Receiver Baseband AC-Coupling High-Pass Corner Frequency Control Logic Input
41 VCCRXFL Receiver Baseband Filter Supply Voltage
42 TXBBQ-
43 TXBBQ+ Transmitter Baseband I-Channel Differential Inputs
44 TXBBI-
45 TXBBI+ Transmitter Baseband Q-Channel Differential Inputs
46 VCCRXMX Receiver Downconverters Supply Voltage
47 ANTSEL Antenna Selection Logic Input. See Table 1 for operation
48 RXTX Rx/Tx Mode Control Logic Input. See Table 32 for operating modes.
—EP
Exposed Paddle. Connect to the ground plane with multiple vias for proper operation and heat dissipation.
Do not share with any other pin grounds and bypass capacitors' ground.
Table 1. Rx/Tx and Antenna Diversity Switches Operation
RXTX ANTSEL MODE ANTENNA
0 0 Rx (main) Ant1_
0 1 Rx (diversity) Ant2_
1 X Tx Ant2_
MAX2830
2
2
ANT1
2
2
LNA
PA
2
ANT2
Figure 1. Simplified Rx/Tx and Antenna Diversity Switch Structure
20
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
an antenna diversity path between the ANT2 port (pins
9 and 10) and the receiver. When RXTX = 1, the PA
and transmit path are automatically connected to the
ANT2 port, regardless of the logic state of ANTSEL. For
solutions not requiring antenna diversity, set ANTSEL
logic-level high, enabling only the ANT2 port for both
receive and transmit modes.
The ANT1 and ANT2 differential ports are internally AC-
coupled and internally matched to 100Ω. Directly con-
nect 2:1 baluns or balanced bandpass filters (BPFs) to
these ports for applications requiring antenna diversity.
For applications not requiring antenna diversity, only a
single balun or balanced BPF is required on the ANT2
port, and the ANT1 port can be left open. Provide elec-
trically symmetrical input traces to the baluns to main-
tain IP2 and RF common-mode noise rejection for the
receiver, and to maintain a balanced load for the PA.
Receiver
After the switch, the receiver integrates an LNA and VGA
with a 95dB digitally programmable gain control range,
direct-conversion downconverters, I/Q baseband low-
pass filters with programmable LPF corner frequencies,
analog RSSI and integrated DC-offset correction circuitry.
A logic-low on the RXTX input (pin 48) and a logic-high on
the SHDN input (pin 12) enable the receiver.
LNA Gain Control
The LNA has three gain modes: max gain, max gain
-16dB, and max gain -33dB. The three LNA gain
modes can be serially programmed through the SPI™
interface by programming bits D6:D5 in Register 11
(A3:A0 = 1011) or programmed in parallel through the
digital logic gain-control pins, B7 (pin 6) and B6 (pin 3).
Set bit D12 = 1 in Register 8 (A3:A0 = 1000) to enable
programming through the SPI interface, or set bit D12 =
0 to enable parallel programming. See Table 2 for LNA
gain-control settings.
Baseband Variable-Gain Amplifier
The receiver baseband variable-gain amplifiers provide
62dB of gain control range programmable in 2dB steps.
The VGA gain can be serially programmed through the
SPI interface by setting bits D4:D0 in Register 11 (A3:A0
= 1011) or programmed in parallel through the digital
logic gain-control pins, B5 (pin 14), B4 (pin 34), B3 (pin
8), B2 (pin 11), and B1 (pin 23). Set bit D12 = 1 in
Register 8 (A3:A0 = 1000) to enable serial programming
through the serial interface or set bit D12 = 0 to enable
parallel programming through the external logic pins.
See Table 3 for the gain-step value and Table 4 for
baseband VGA gain-control settings.
Receiver Baseband Lowpass Filter
The receiver integrates lowpass filters that provide an
upper -3dB corner frequency of 8.5MHz (nominal mode)
with 50dB of attenuation at 20MHz, and 45ns of group
delay ripple in the passband (10kHz to 8.5MHz). The
upper -3dB corner frequency is tightly controlled on-chip
and does not require user adjustment. However, provi-
sions are made to allow fine tuning of the upper -3dB
Table 3. Receiver Baseband VGA Gain-
Step Value (Pins B5:B1 or Register D4:D0,
A3:A0 = 1011)
Table 4. Baseband VGA Gain-Control
Settings in Receiver Gain-Control Register
(Pin B5:B1 or Register D4:D0, A3:A0 = 1011)
Table 5. Receiver LPF Coarse -3dB
Corner Frequency Settings in Register
(A3:A0 = 1000)
PIN/BIT GAIN STEP (dB)
B1/D0 2
B2/D1 4
B3/D2 8
B4/D3 16
B5/D4 32
B5:B1 OR D4:D0 GAIN
11111 Max
11110 Max - 2dB
11101 Max - 4dB
::
00000 Min
BITS (D1:D0) -3dB CORNER
FREQUENCY (MHz) MODE
00 7.5 11b
01 8.5 11g
10 15 Turbo 1
11 18 Turbo 2
Table 2. LNA Gain-Control Settings (Pins
B7:B6 or Register A3:A0 = 1011, D6:D5)
B7 OR D6 B6 OR D5 NAME DESCRIPTION
1 1 High Max gain
1 0 Medium Max gain - 16dB (typ)
0 X Low Max gain - 33dB (typ)
SPI is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
Maxim Integrated
21
MAX2830
corner frequency. In addition, coarse frequency tuning
allows the -3dB corner frequency to be set to 7.5MHz
(11b mode), 8.5MHz (11g mode), 15MHz (turbo 1 mode),
and 18MHz (turbo 2 mode) by programming bits D1:D0
in Register 8 (A3:A0 = 1000). See Table 3. The coarse
corner frequency can be fine-tuned approximately ±10%
in 5% steps by programming bits D2:D0 in Register 7
(A3:A0 = 0111). See Table 6 for receiver LPF fine -3dB
corner frequency adjustment.
Baseband Highpass Filter
and DC Offset Correction
The receiver implements programmable AC and near-
DC coupling of I/Q baseband signals. Temporary AC-
coupling is used to quickly remove LO leakage and
other DC offsets that could saturate the receiver out-
puts. When DC offsets have settled, near DC-coupling
is enabled to avoid attenuation of the received signal.
AC-coupling is set (-3dB highpass corner frequency of
600kHz) when a logic-high is applied to RXHP (pin 40).
Near DC-coupling is set (-3dB highpass corner fre-
quency of 100Hz nominal) when a logic-low is applied
to RXHP. Bits D13:D12 in Register 7 (A3:A0 = 0111)
allow the near DC-coupling -3B highpass corner fre-
quency to be set to 100Hz (D13:D12 = 00), 4kHz
(D13:D12 = X1), or 30kHz (D13:D12 = 10). See Table 7.
Receiver I/Q Baseband Outputs
The differential outputs (RXBBI+, RXBBI-, RXBBQ+,
RXBBQ-) of the baseband amplifiers have a differential
output impedance of ~300Ω, and are capable of dri-
ving differential loads up to 10kΩ|| 10pF. The outputs
are internally biased to a common-mode voltage of
1.2V and are intended to be DC-coupled to the in-
phase (I) and quadrature (Q) analog-to-digital data
converter inputs of the accompanying baseband IC.
Additionally, the common-mode output voltage can be
adjusted from 1.2V to 1.5V through programming bits
D11:D10 in Register 15 (A3:A0 = 1111).
Received Signal-Strength Indicator (RSSI)
The RSSI output (pin 16) can be programmed to multi-
plex an analog output voltage proportional to the
received signal strength, the PA output power, or the
die temperature. Set bits D9:D8 = 00 in Register 8
(A3:A0 = 1000) to enable the RSSI output in receive
mode (off in transmit mode). Set bit D10 = 1 to enable
the RSSI output when RXHP = 1, and disable the RSSI
output when RXHP = 0. Set bit D10 = 0 to enable the
RSSI output independent of RXHP. See Table 8 for a
summary of the RSSI output vs. register programming
and RXHP.
The RSSI provides an analog voltage proportional to
the log of the sum of the squares of the I and Q chan-
nels, measured after the receive baseband filters and
before the variable-gain amplifiers. The RSSI analog
output voltage is proportional to the RF input signal
level and LNA gain state over a 60dB range, and is not
dependent upon VGA gain. See the Rx RSSI Output vs.
Input Power graph in the
Typical Operating
Characteristics
for further details.
Table 8. RSSI Pin Truth Table
INPUT CONDITIONS
A3:A0 = 1000,
D9:D8
A3:A0 = 1000,
D10 RXHP RSSI OUTPUT
X 0 0 No signal
00 0 1 RSSI
01 0 1 Temperature
sensor
10 0 1 Power detector
00 1 X RSSI
01 1 X Temperature
sensor
10 1 X Power detector
Table 6. Receiver LPF Fine -3dB Corner
Frequency Adjustment in Register
(A3:A0 = 0111)
BITS (D2:D0) % ADJUSTMENT RELATIVE TO
COARSE SETTING
000 90
001 95
010 100
011 105
100 110
Table 7. Receiver Highpass Filter -3dB
Corner Frequency Programming
RXHP A3:A0 = 0111,
D13:D12
-3dB HIGHPASS CORNER
FREQUENCY (Hz)
1 XX 600k
0 00 100 (recommended)
0X1 4k
0 10 30k
X = Don’t care. X = Don’t care.
22
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
Transmitter
The transmitter integrates baseband lowpass filters,
direct-upconversion mixers, a VGA, a PA driver, and a lin-
ear RF PA with a power detector. A logic-high on the
RXTX input (pin 48) and a logic-high on the SHDN input
(pin 12) enable the transmitter. The PA outputs are routed
to ANT2, regardless of the state at ANTSEL.
Transmitter I/Q Baseband Inputs
The differential analog inputs of the transmitter baseband
amplifier I/Q inputs (TXBBI+, TXBBI-, TXBBQ+, TXBBQ-)
have a differential impedance of 20kΩ|| 1pF. The inputs
require an input common-mode voltage of 0.9V to 1.3V,
which is provided by the DC-coupled I and Q DAC out-
puts of the accompanying baseband IC.
Transmitter Baseband Lowpass Filtering
The transmitter integrates lowpass filters that can be
tuned to -3dB corner frequencies of 8MHz (11b),
11MHz (11g), 16.5MHz (turbo 1 mode), and 22.5MHz
(turbo 2 mode) through programming bits D1:D0 in
Register 8 (A3:A0 = 1000) and bit D5:D3 in Register 7
(A3:A0 = 0111). The -3dB corner frequency is tightly
controlled on-chip and does not require user adjust-
ment. Additionally, provisions are made to fine tune the
-3dB corner frequency through bits D5:D3 in the Filter
Programming register (A3:A0 = 0111). See Tables 9
and 10.
Transmitter Variable-Gain Amplifier
The variable-gain amplifier of the transmitter provides
31dB of gain control range programmable in 0.5dB
steps over the top 8dB of the gain control range and in
1dB steps below that. The transmitter gain can be pro-
grammed serially through the SPI interface by setting
bits D5:D0 in Register 12 (A3:A0 = 1100) or in parallel
through the digital logic gain-control pins B6:B1 (pins
3, 6, 8, 11, 14, 23, and 34, respectively). Set bit D10 =
0 in Register 9 (A3:A0 = 1001) to enable parallel pro-
gramming, and set bit D10 = 1 to enable programming
through the 3-wire serial interface. See Table 11 for the
transmitter VGA gain-control settings.
Table 11. Transmitter VGA Gain-Control
Settings
NO. D5:D0 OR
B6:B1 OUTPUT SIGNAL POWER
63 111111 Max
62 111110 Max - 0.5dB
61 111101 Max - 1.0dB
:: :
49 110001 Max - 7dB
48 110000 Max - 7.5dB
47 101111 Max - 8dB
46 101110 Max - 8dB
45 101101 Max - 9dB
44 101100 Max - 9dB
:: :
5 000101 Max - 29dB
4 000100 Max - 29dB
3 000011 Max - 30dB
2 000010 Max - 30dB
1 000001 Max - 31dB
0 000000 Max - 31dB
Table 9. Transmitter LPF Coarse -3dB
Corner Frequency Settings in Register
(A3:A0 = 1000)
BITS (D1:D0) -3dB CORNER
FREQUENCY (MHz) MODE
00 8 11b
01 11 11g
10 16.5 Turbo 1
11 22.5 Turbo 2
Table 10. Transmitter LPF Fine -3dB
Corner Frequency Adjustment in
Register (A3:A0 = 0111)
BITS (D5:D3) % ADJUSTMENT RELATIVE TO
COARSE SETTING
000 90
001 95
010 100
011 105
100 110 (11g)
101 115
101–111 Not used
Maxim Integrated
23
MAX2830
Power-Amplifier Bias and Enable Delay
The MAX2830 integrates a 2-stage PA, providing
+17.1dBm of output power at 5.6% error vector magni-
tude (EVM) (54Mbps OFDM signal) in 802.11g mode
while exceeding the 802.11g spectral mask require-
ments. The first and second stage PA bias currents are
set through programming bits D2:D0 and bits D6:D3 in
Register 10 (A3:A0 = 1010), respectively. An adjustable
PA enable delay, relative to the transmitter enable (RXTX
low-to-high transition), can be set from 200ns to 7µs
through programming bits D13:D10 in Register 10 (A3:A0
= 1010).
Power Detector
The MAX2830 integrates a voltage-peak detector at the
PA output and before the switch to provide an analog
voltage proportional to PA output power. See the Power
Detector over Frequency and Power Detector over
Supply Voltage graphs in the
Typical Operating
Characteristics
. Set bits D9:D8 = 10 in Register 8 (A3:A0
= 1000) to multiplex the power-detector analog output
voltage to the RSSI output (pin 16).
Synthesizer Programming
The MAX2830 integrates a 20-bit sigma-delta fractional-
N synthesizer, allowing the device to achieve excellent
phase-noise performance (0.9° RMS from 10kHz to
10MHz), fast PLL settling times, and an RF frequency
step-size of 20Hz. The synthesizer includes a divide-by-
1 or a divide-by-2 reference frequency divider, an 8-bit
integer portion main divider with a divisor range pro-
grammable from 64 to 255, and a 20-bit fractional por-
tion main-divider. Bit D2 in Register 5 (A3:A0 = 0101)
sets the reference oscillator divider ratio to 1 or 2. Bits
D7:D0 in Register 3 (A3:A0 = 0011) set the integer por-
tion of the main divider. The 20-bit fractional portion of
the main-divider is split between two registers. The 14
MSBs of the fractional portion are set in Register 4
(A3:A0 = 0100), and the 6 LSBs of the fractional portion
of the main divider are set in Register 3 (A3:A0 = 0011).
See Tables 12 and 13.
Calculating Integer and Fractional Divider Ratios
The desired integer and fractional divider ratios can be
calculated by dividing the RF frequency (fRF) by fCOMP.
For nominal 802.11g/b operation, a 40MHz reference
oscillator is divided by 2 to generate a 20MHz compari-
son frequency (fCOMP). The following method can be
used when calculating divider ratios supporting various
reference and comparison frequencies:
LO Frequency Divider = fRF / fCOMP = 2437MHz /
20MHz = 121.85
Integer Divider = 121 (d) = 0111 1001 (binary)
Fractional Divider = 0.85 x (220 - 1) = 891289 (decimal)
= 1101 1001 1001 1001 1001
See Table 14 for integer and fractional divider ratios for
802.11g/b systems using a 20MHz comparison frequency.
Table 12. Integer Divider Register (A3:A0 = 0011)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D8 000000 6 LSBs of 20-Bit Fractional Portion of Main Divider
D7:D0 01111001 8-Bit Integer Portion of Main Divider. Programmable from 64 to 255.
Table 13. Fractional Divider Register (A3:A0 = 0100)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D0 11011001100110 14 MSBs of 20-Bit Fractional Portion of Main Divider
24
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
Crystal Oscillator
The crystal oscillator has been optimized to work with
low-cost crystals (e.g., Kyocera CX-3225SB). See
Figure 2. The crystal oscillator frequency can be fine
tuned through bits D6:D0 in Register 14 (A3:A0 = 1110),
which control the value of CTUNE from 0.5pF to 15.4pF in
0.12pF steps. See the Crystal-Oscillator Offset
Frequency vs. Crystal-Oscillator Tuning Bits graph in the
Typical Operating Characteristics
. The crystal oscillator
can be used as a buffer for an external reference fre-
quency source. In this case, the reference signal is AC-
coupled to the XTAL pin, and capacitors C1 and C2 are
not connected. When used as a buffer, the XTAL input
pin has to be AC-coupled. The XTAL pin has an input
impedance of 5kΩ|| 4pF, (set D6:D0 = 0000000 in
Register 14 A3:A0 = 1110).
Reference Clock Output Divider/Buffer
The reference oscillator of the MAX2830 has a divider
and a buffered output for routing the reference clock to
the accompanying baseband IC. Bit D10 in Register 14
(A3:A0 = 1110) sets the buffer divider to divide by 1 or
2, independent of the divide ratio for the reference fre-
quency provided to the PLL. Bit B9 in the same register
enables or disables the reference buffer output. See
the Clock Output waveform in the
Typical Operating
Characteristics
.
Loop Filter
The PLL charge-pump output, CPOUT (pin 24), con-
nects to an external third-order, lowpass RC loop-filter,
which in turn connects to the voltage tuning input,
TUNE (pin 32), of the VCO, completing the PLL loop.
The charge-pump output sink and source current is
1mA, and the VCO tuning gain is 103MHz/V at 0.5V
tune voltage and 86MHz/V at 2.2V tune voltage. The RC
loop-filter values have been optimized for a loop band-
width of 150kHz, to achieve the desired Rx/Tx turn-
around settling time, while maintaining loop stability
and good phase noise. Refer to the MAX2830 EV kit
schematic for the recommended loop-filter component
values. Keep the line from this pin to the tune input as
short as possible to prevent spurious pickup.
Lock-Detector Output
The PLL features a logic lock-detect output. A logic-high
indicates the PLL is locked, and a logic-low indicates
the PLL is not locked. Bit D5 in Register 5 (A3:A0 =
0101) enables or disables the lock-detect output. Bit
Figure 2. Crystal Oscillator Schematic
XTAL
CTUNE
5.9kΩ
CTUNE
C2
C1
FOR EXTERNAL REFERENCE CLOCK SET, C1 = C2 = OPEN
1.35kΩ
28
29
MAX2830
Table 14. IEEE 802.11g/b Divider-Ratio Programming Words
INTEGER DIVIDER FRACTIONAL DIVIDER
fRF
(MHz) (fRF / fCOMP)A3:A0 = 0011, D7:D0 A3:A0 = 0100, D13:D0 A3:A0 = 0011, D13:D8
2412 120.6 0111 1000b 2666h 1Ah
2417 120.85 0111 1000b 3666h 1Ah
2422 121.1 0111 1001b 0666h 1Ah
2427 121.35 0111 1001b 1666h 1Ah
2432 121.6 0111 1001b 2666h 1Ah
2437 121.85 0111 1001b 3666h 1Ah
2442 122.1 0111 1010b 0666h 1Ah
2447 122.35 0111 1010b 1666h 1Ah
2452 122.6 0111 1010b 2666h 1Ah
2457 122.85 0111 1010b 3666h 1Ah
2462 123.1 0111 1011b 0666h 1Ah
2467 123.35 0111 1011b 1666h 1Ah
2472 123.6 0111 1011b 2666h 1Ah
2484 124.2 0111 1100b 0CCCh 33h
Maxim Integrated
25
MAX2830
*
The power-on register settings are not production tested. Recommended register settings must be loaded after VCC is supplied.
Table 15. Recommended Register Settings*
DATA ADDRESS
REGISTER D13 D12 D11 D10 D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 (A3:A0) TABLE
0 01011101000000 0000 15
1 01000110011010 0001 16
2 01000000000011 0010 17
3 00000001111001 0011 18
4 11011001100110 0100 19
5 00000010100100 0101 20
6 00000001100000 0110 21
7 01000000100010 0111 22
8 10000000100001 1000 23
9 00001110110101 1001 24
10 01110110100100 1010 25
11 00000001111111 1011 26
12 00000101000000 1100 27
13 00111010010010 1101 28
14 00001100111011 1110 29
15 00000101000101 1111 30
BIT 16BIT 2BIT 1 BIT 24BIT 23BIT 15
tCH
DIN
tCSS
SCLK
tCSO
tDS
tDH
tCL
tCSW
tCSH
t
CS1
CS
Figure 3. 3-Wire SPI Serial-Interface Timing Diagram
D12 in Register 1 (A3:A0 = 0001) configures the lock-
detect output as a CMOS or open-drain output. In open-
drain output mode, bit D9 in Register 5 (A3:A0 = 0101)
enables or disables an internal 30kΩpullup resistor
from the open-drain output.
Programmable Registers and
3-Wire SPI-Interface
The MAX2830 includes 16 programmable, 18-bit reg-
isters. The 14 most significant bits (MSBs) are used
for register data. The 4 least significant bits (LSBs) of
each register contain the register address. See Table
15 for a summary of the registers and recommended
register settings.
Register data is loaded through the 3-wire SPI/
MICROWIRE™-compatible serial interface. Data is
shifted in MSB first and is framed by CS. When CS is
low, the clock is active, and data is shifted with the ris-
ing edge of the clock. When CS transitions high, the
shift register is latched into the register selected by the
contents of the address bits. See Figure 3. Only the last
18 bits shifted into the device are retained in the shift
register. No check is made on the number of clock
pulses. For programming data words less than 14 bits
long, only the required data bits and the address bits
need to be shifted, resulting in faster Rx and Tx gain
control where only the LSBs need to be programmed.
MICROWIRE is a trademark of National Semiconductor Corp.
26
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
Table 21. Register 5 (A3:A0 = 0101)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D10 0000 Set to recommended value.
D9 0
Lock-Detect Output Internal Pullup Resistor Enable. Set to 1 to enable internal 30kΩ pullup
resistor or set to 0 to disable the resistor. Only available when lock-detect, open-drain output
is selected (A3:A0 = 0001, D12 = 1).
D8:D6 010 Set to recommended value.
D5 1 Lock-Detect Output Enable. Set to 1 to enable the lock-detect output or set to 0 to disable the
output. The output is high impedance when disabled.
D4:D3 00 Set to recommended value.
D2 1 Reference Frequency Divider Ratio to PLL. Set to 0 to divide by 1. Set to 1 to divide by 2.
D1:D0 00 Set to recommended value.
Table 16. Register 0 (A3:A0 = 0000)
DATA BITS RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D11 000 Set to recommended value.
D10 1 Fractional-N PLL Mode Enable. Set 1 to enable the fractional-N PLL or set 0 to enable the
integer-N PLL.
D9:D0 1101000000 Set to recommended value.
Table 17. Register 1 (A3:A0 = 0001)
DATA BITS RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13 0 Set to recommended value.
D12 1
Lock-Detector Output Select. Set to 1 for CMOS Output. Set to 0 for open-drain output. Bit D9
in register (A3:A0 = 0101) enables or disables an internal 30kΩ pullup resistor in open-drain
output mode.
D11:D0 000110011010 Set to recommended value.
Table 18. Register 2 (A3:A0 = 0010)
DATA BITS RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D0 01000000000011 Set to recommended value.
This register contains the 8-bit integer portion and 6 LSBs of the fractional portion of the divider ratio of the synthesizer.
Table 19. Register 3 (A3:A0 = 0011)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D8 00000 6 LSBs of 20-Bit Fractional Portion of Main Divider
D7:D0 01111001 8-Bit Integer Portion of Main Divider. Programmable from 64 to 255.
Table 20. Register 4 (A3:A0 = 0100)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D0 11011001100110 14 MSBs of 20-Bit Fractional Portion of Main Divider
Maxim Integrated
27
MAX2830
Table 22. Register 6 (A3:A0 = 0110)
DATA BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13 0 Set to recommended value.
D12:D11 00 Tx I/Q Calibration LO Leakage and Sideband Detector Gain-Control Bits. D12:D11 = 00: 9dB;
01 19dB; 10: 29dB; 11: 39dB.
D10:D7 0000 Set to recommended value.
D6 1 Power-Detector Enable in Tx Mode. Set to 1 to enable the power detector or set to 0 to
disable the detector.
D5:D2 1000 Set to recommended value.
D1 0 Tx Calibration Mode. Set to 1 to place the device in Tx calibration mode or 0 to place the
device in normal Tx mode when RXTX is set to 1 (see Table 32).
D0 0 Rx Calibration Mode. Set to 1 to place the device in Rx calibration mode or 0 to place the
device in normal Rx mode when RXTX is set to 0 (see Table 32).
Table 23. Register 7 (A3:A0 = 0111)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D12 01 Receiver Highpass Corner Frequency Setting for RXHP = 0. Set to 00 for 100Hz, X1 for 4kHz,
and 10 for 30kHz.
D11:D6 000000 Set to recommended value.
D5:D3 100 Transmitter Lowpass Filter Corner Frequency Fine Adjustment (Relative to Coarse Setting).
See Table 9. Bits D1:D0 in A3:A0 = 1000 provide the lowpass filter corner coarse adjustment.
D2:D0 010 Receiver Lowpass Filter Corner Frequency Fine Adjustment (Relative to Coarse Setting). See
Table 6. Bits D1:D0 in A3:A0 = 1000 provide the lowpass filter corner coarse adjustment.
Table 24. Register 8 (A3:A0 = 1000)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13 1 Set to recommended value.
D12 0
Enable Receiver Gain Programming Through the Serial Interface. Set to 1 to enable
programming through the 3-wire serial interface (D6:D0 in Register A3:A0 = 1011). Set to 0 to
enable programming in parallel through external digital pins (B7:B1).
D11 0 Set to recommended value.
D10 0 RSSI Operating Mode. Set to 1 to enable RSSI output independent of RXHP. Set to 0 to
disable RSSI output if RXHP = 0, and enable the RSSI output if RXHP = 1.
D9:D8 00
RS S I, P ow er D etector , or Tem p er atur e S ensor O utp ut S el ect. S et to 00 to enab l e the RS S I
outp ut i n r ecei ve m od e. S et to 01 to enab l e the tem p er atur e sensor outp ut i n r ecei ve and
tr ansm i t m od es. S et to 10 to enab l e the p ow er - d etector outp ut i n tr ansm i t m od e. S ee Tab l e 7.
D7:D2 001000 Set to recommended value.
D1:D0 01 Receiver and Transmitter Lowpass Filter Corner Frequency Coarse Adjustment. See Tables 4
and 7.
28
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
Table 27. Register 11 (A3:A0 = 1011)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D7 0000000 Set to recommended value.
D6:D5 11 LNA Gain Control. Set to 11 for high-gain mode. Set to 10 for medium-gain mode, reducing
LNA gain by 16dB. Set to 0X for low-gain mode, reducing LNA gain by 33dB.
D4:D0 11111 Receiver VGA Control. Set D4:D0 = 00000 for minimum gain and D4:D0 = 11111 for
maximum gain.
Table 28. Register 12 (A3:A0 = 1100)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D6 00000101 Set to recommended value.
D5:D0 000000 Transmitter VGA Gain Control. Set D5:D0 = 000000 for minimum gain, and set D5:D0 =
111111 for maximum gain.
Table 29. Register 13 (A3:A0 = 1101)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D10 0011 Set to recommended value.
D9:D6 1010 Set to recommended value.
D5:D0 010010 Set to recommended value.
Table 26. Register 10 (A3:A0 = 1010)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D10 0111 P ow er - Am p l i fi er E nab l e D el ay. S ets a d el ay b etw een RX TX l ow - to- hi g h tr ansi ti on and i nter nal P A
enab l e. P r og r am m ab l e i n 0.5µs step s. D 13:D 10 = 0001 ( 0.2µs) and D 13:D 10 = 1111 ( 7µs) .
D9:D7 011 Set to recommended value.
D6:D3 0100 Second-Stage Power-Amplifier Bias Current Adjustment. Set to XXXX for 802.11g/b.
D2:D0 100 First-Stage Power-Amplifier Bias Current Adjustment. Set to XXX for 802.11g/b.
Table 25. Register 9 (A3:A0 = 1001)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D11 000 Set to recommended value.
D10 0
Enable Transmitter Gain Programming Through the Serial or Parallel Interface. Set to 1 to
enable programming through the 3-wire serial interface (D5:D0 in Register A3:A0 = 1011).
Set to 0 to enable programming in parallel through external digital pins (B6:B1).
D9:D0 1110110101 Set to recommended value.
Maxim Integrated
29
MAX2830
Modes of Operation
The modes of operation for the MAX2830 are shutdown,
standby, transmit, receive, transmitter calibration, and
receiver calibration. See Table 32 for a summary of the
modes of operation. The logic-input pins, SHDN (pin 12)
and RXTX (pin 48), control the various modes.
Shutdown Mode
The MAX2830 features a low-power shutdown mode
that disables all circuit blocks, except the serial-inter-
face and internal registers, allowing the registers to be
loaded and values maintained, as long as VCC is
applied. Set SHDN and RXTX logic-low to place the
device in shutdown mode. After a supply voltage ramp
up, supply current in shutdown mode could be high.
Program the default value to SPI register 0 to eliminate
high shutdown current.
Standby Mode
The standby mode is used to enable the frequency syn-
thesizer block while the rest of the device is powered
down. In this mode, the PLL, VCO, and LO generators
Table 30. Register 14 (A3:A0 = 1110)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D11 000 Set to recommended value.
D10 0 Reference Clock Output Divider Ratio. Set 1 to divide by 2 or set 0 to divide by 1.
D9 1 Refer ence C l ock Outp ut E nab l e. S et 1 to enab l e the r efer ence cl ock outp ut or set 0 to d i sab l e.
D8:D7 10 Set to recommended value.
D6:D0 XXXXXXX Crystal-Oscillator Fine Tune. Tunes crystal oscillator over ±20ppm to within ±1ppm.
Table 31. Register 15 (A3:A0 = 1111)
BIT RECOMMENDED DESCRIPTION
D13:D12 00 Set to recommended value.
D11:D10 00 Receiver I/Q Output Common-Mode Voltage Adjustment. Set D11:D10 = 00: 1.1V,
01: 1.2V, 10: 1.3V, 11: 1.45V.
D9:D0 0101000101 Set to recommended value.
Table 32. Operating Mode Table
LOGIC PINS REGISTER
SETTINGS CIRCUIT BLOCK STATES
MODE
SHDN RXTX D1:D0
(A3:A0 = 0110) Rx PATH Tx PATH
PLL, VCO,
LO GEN,
AUTOTUNER
CALIBRATION
SECTIONS ON
Shutdown 0 0 00 Off Off Off None
Standby 0 1 00 Off Off On None
Rx 1 0 X0 On Off On None
Tx 1 1 0X Off On On None
Rx Calibration 1 0 X1 On
(except LNA) Upconverters On Cal tone, RF phase
shift, Tx filter
Tx Calibration 1 1 1X Off On (except PA
driver and PA) On AM detector,
Rx I/Q buffers
X = Don’t care.
Note: See Table 1 for Rx/Tx and antenna diversity operating mode.
X = Don’t care.
30
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
are on, so that Tx or Rx modes can be quickly enabled
from this mode. Set SHDN to a logic-low and RXTX to a
logic-high to place the device in standby mode.
Receive (Rx) Mode
The complete receive signal path is enabled in this
mode. Set SHDN to logic-high and RXTX to logic-low to
place the device in Rx mode.
Transmit (Tx) Mode
The complete transmitter signal path is enabled in this
mode. Set SHDN and RXTX to logic-high to place the
device in Tx mode.
Rx/Tx Calibration Mode
The MAX2830 features Rx/Tx calibration modes to detect
I/Q imbalances and transmit LO leakage. In the Tx cali-
bration mode, all Tx circuit blocks, except the PA driver
and external PA, are powered on and active. The AM
detector and receiver I and Q channel buffers are also
on, along with multiplexers in the receiver side to route
this AM detector’s signal. In this mode, the LO leakage
calibration is done only for the LO leakage signal that is
present at the center frequency of the channel (i.e., in the
middle of the OFDM or QPSK spectrum). The LO leakage
calibration includes the effect of all DC offsets in the
entire baseband paths of the I/Q modulator and direct
leakage of the LO to the I/Q modulator output.
The LO leakage and sideband detector output are
taken at the receiver I and Q channel outputs during
this calibration phase.
During Tx LO leakage and I/Q imbalance calibration, a
sine and cosine signal (f = fTONE) is input to the base-
band I/Q Tx pins from the baseband IC. At the LO leak-
age and sideband-detector output, the LO leakage
corresponds to the signal at fTONE and the sideband
suppression corresponds to the signal at 2 x fTONE. The
output power of these signals vary 1dB for 1dB of vari-
ation in the LO leakage and sideband suppression. To
calibrate the Tx path, first set the power-detector gain
to 9dB using D12:D11 in Register 6 (see Table 22).
Adjust the DC offset of the baseband inputs to mini-
mize the signal at fTONE (LO leakage). Then, adjust the
baseband input relative magnitude and phase offsets
to reduce the signal at 2 x fTONE.
In Rx calibration mode, the calibrated Tx RF signal is
internally routed to the Rx inputs. In this mode, the
VCO/LO generator/PLL blocks are powered on and
active except for the low-noise amplifier (LNA).
Applications Information
Layout Issues
The MAX2830 EV kit can be used as a starting point for
layout. For best performance, take into consideration
grounding and RF, baseband, and power-supply routing.
Make connections from vias to the ground plane as short
as possible. Do not connect the device ground pin to the
exposed paddle ground. Keep the buffered clock output
trace as short as possible. Do not share the trace with the
RF input layer, especially on or interlayer or back side of
the board. On the high-impedance ports, keep traces
short to minimize shunt capacitance. EV kit Gerber files
can be requested at www.maxim-ic.com.
Power-Supply Layout
To minimize coupling between different sections of the
IC, a star power-supply routing configuration with a
large decoupling capacitor at a central VCC node is
recommended. The VCC traces branch out from this
node, each going to a separate VCC node in the circuit.
Place a bypass capacitor as close as possible to each
supply pin. This arrangement provides local decoupling
at each VCC pin. Use at least one via per bypass
capacitor for a low-inductance ground connection. Do
not share the capacitor ground vias with any other
branch and the exposed paddle ground.
Maxim Integrated
31
MAX2830
SCLK
POWER SUPPLY
ON
IREF
SHUTDOWN
MODE
STANDBY
MODE
DIN
SHUTDOWN
SCLK (CLOCK)
DIN (DATA)
RXTX
RECEIVE
MODE
TRANSMIT
MODE
INTERNAL PA
ENABLED PA ENABLE
(DRIVES POWER RAMP CONTROL)
3-WIRE SERIAL INTERFACE AVAILABLE
POWER
SPI:
CHANNEL FREQUENCY, PA BIAS, TRANSMITTER LINEARITY,
RECEIVER RSSI OPERATION, CALIBRATION MODE, ETC.
MAC SPI MAC
0 TO 7µs
CS
SHDN
CS (SELECT)
MAX2830
Figure 4. Timing Diagram
Pin Configuration
TOP VIEW
MAX2830
GNDCP
EP*
*EXPOSED PADDLE
SHDN
B2
ANT2-
ANT2+
B3
VCCPA
B7
ANT1-
ANT1+
B6
+
GNDRXLNA
VCCLNA
CPOUT
B1
LD
CLOCKOUT
VCCPLL
DIN
SCLK
VCCTXMX
RSSI
CS
B5
VCCTXPA
RXBBI-
RXBBI+
VCCRXVGA
RXHP
VCCRXFL
TXBBQ-
TXBBQ+
TXBBI-
TXBBI+
VCCRXMX
ANTSEL
RXTX
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
RXBBQ+
RXBBQ-
B4
BYPASS
TUNE
GNDVCO
VCCVCO
CTUNE
XTAL
VCCXTAL
VCCCP
THIN QFN
Chip Information
PROCESS: BiCMOS
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns
(footprints), go to www.maxim-ic.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.
PACKAGE
TYPE
PACKAGE
CODE OUTLINE NO. LAND
PATTERN NO.
48 TQFN-EP T4877+4 21-0144 90-0130
32
Maxim Integrated
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
MAX2830
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver, PA,
and Rx/Tx/Antenna Diversity Switch
Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES
CHANGED
0 3/07 Initial release —
1 7/09 Corrected Table 12 24
2 3/11
Corrected conditions for Rx I/Q Output Common-Mode Voltage Variation in the DC
Electrical Characteristics; corrected Tables 15 and 31; added text to Shutdown Mode
section
2, 26, 30
33
Maxim Integrated 160 Rio Robles, San Jose, CA 95134 USA 1-408-601-1000
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. 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.
© 2011 Maxim Integrated The Maxim logo and Maxim Integrated are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
MAX2830
