MAX19794:10MHz to 500MHz 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 MAX19794 dual general-purpose analog voltage variable attenuator (VVA) is designed to interface with 50Ω systems operating in the 10MHz to 500MHz frequency range. This device includes a patented control circuit that provides 22.4dB of attenuation range (per attenuator) with a typical linear control slope of 8dB/V. Both attenuators share a common analog control. They can be cascaded together to yield 44.7dB of total attenuation range with a typical combined linear control slope of 16dB/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 re-programming the SPI interface. The MAX19794 is a monolithic device designed using one of Maxim's proprietary SiGe BiCMOS processes. The part operates from a single +5V supply or alternatively operates 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
  • Wide Band Coverage
    • RF Frequency Range from 10MHz to 500MHz
  • High Linearity
    • Greater than +34.4dBm IIP3 over the Full Attenuation Range
    • +21.8dBm 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
    • 22.4dB (per Attenuator)
    • 44.7dB (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 Similar with MAX19791, MAX19792, and MAX19793
  • Lead-Free Package
MAX19794: Typical Application Circuit
MAX19794: 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
MAX19794 Data SheetMAX19794.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
MAX19794Analog + Digital1
2
1050044.744.7-3-63-973.15 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
  • MAX19792:500MHz to 4000MHz 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
MAX19794ETX+ActiveMAX19791ETX+TQFN,;36 pin;37.2 mm²-40°C to +85°CLead Free
MAX19794ETX+TActiveMAX19791ETX+TTQFN,;36 pin;37.2 mm²-40°C to +85°CLead Free
MAX19794EVKIT#No Longer AvailableMAX19791EVKIT#EVKIT;-40°C to +85°CSee data sheet
MAX19794.pdf MAX19794
MAX19794_cn.pdf MAX19794