MAX2120:Complete, Direct-Conversion Tuner for DVB-S and Free-to-Air Applications

3.3V Satellite Tuner Provides Low Noise Figure and High Linearity at Only 330mW

The MAX2120 low-cost, direct-conversion tuner IC is designed for satellite set-top and VSAT applications. The IC is intended for QPSK, Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-S), DSS, and free-to-air applications. The MAX2120 directly converts the satellite signals from the LNB to baseband using a broadband I/Q downconverter. The operating frequency range extends from 925MHz to 2175MHz. The device includes an LNA and an RF variable-gain amplifier, I and Q downconverting mixers, and baseband lowpass filters with programmable cutoff frequency control and digitally controlled baseband variable-gain amplifiers. Together, the RF and baseband variable-gain amplifiers provide more than 80dB of gain-control range. The IC is compatible with virtually all QPSK demodulators. The MAX2120 includes fully monolithic VCOs, as well as a complete frequency synthesizer. Additionally, an on-chip crystal oscillator is provided along with a buffered output for driving additional tuners and demodulators. Synthesizer programming and device configuration are accomplished with a 2-wire serial interface. The IC features a VCO autoselect (VAS) function that automatically selects the proper VCO. For multituner applications, the device can be configured to have one of two 2-wire interface addresses. A low-power standby mode is available whereupon the signal path is shut down while leaving the reference oscillator, digital interface, and buffer circuits active, providing a method to reduce power in single and multituner applications. The MAX2120 is the most advanced DBS tuner available today. The low noise figure eliminates the need for an external LNA. A small number of passive components are needed to form a complete DVB, DBS, or VSAT RF front-end solution. The tuner is available in a very small 28-pin thin QFN package.

Key Features
  • 925MHz to 2175MHz Frequency Range
  • Monolithic VCO: No Calibration Required
  • -75dBm to 0dBm High Dynamic Range
  • 4MHz to 40MHz Integrated Variable BW LP Filters
  • Single +3.3V ±5% Supply
  • Low-Power Standby Mode
  • Address Pin for Multituner Applications
  • Differential I/Q Interface
  • I²C 2-Wire Serial Interface
  • Very Small 28-Pin Thin QFN Package
MAX2120: Typical Operating Circuit
MAX2120: Typical Operating Circuit
Applications/Uses
  • DirecTV and Dish Network DBS
  • DVB-S
  • Free-to-Air
  • Two-Way Satellite Systems
  • VSATs
DataSheet
titleDownload file
MAX2120 Data SheetMAX2120.pdf
Parametrics
Part NumberRef. Clock Freq.
(MHz)
Input Frequency
(MHz)
IF Output Freq.
(MHz)
Noise Figure
(dB)
VSUPPLY
(V)
ISUPPLY
(mA)
ApplicationsFootprint
(mm x mm)
Oper. Temp.
(°C)
Package/PinsBudgetary
Price
typSee Notes
MAX21204 to 8925 to 21754083.13 to 3.47100DVB-S5.0 x 5.00 to +70TQFN/28$1.96 @1k
Design kits & evaluation modules
Quality and Environmental Data
Ordering Information
Part NumberStatusRecommended ReplacementPackageTempRoHS
MAX2120CTI+ActiveTQFN,;28 pin;26 mm²0°C to +70°CLead Free
MAX2120CTI+TActiveTQFN,;28 pin;26 mm²0°C to +70°CLead Free
MAX2120.pdf MAX2120
MAX2120_cn.pdf MAX2120
MAX2120.pdf MAX2120
MAX2120_cn.pdf MAX2120
MAX2120.pdf MAX2120
General Layout Guidelines for RF and Mixed-Signal PCBs MAX5862
MAX2120.pdf MAX2120