Microchip Technology ATR0601-PFQW 86
- Part No.:
- ATR0601-PFQW 86
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Front End (LNA + PA)
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATR0601-PFQW 86.pdf
- Description:
- IC GPS FRONT END SGL 24QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,237
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Product details
Overview
ATR0601-PFQW 86 from Atmel is a single-IF GPS front-end IC designed for mobile and automotive navigation systems. It integrates RF mixer, VCO/PLL frequency synthesizer, IF VGA with closed-loop AGC, 1.5-bit sub-sampling ADC, and XTO interface - delivering 6.8 dB noise figure, 96.764 MHz IF output, and 40 mW total power consumption at 2.7 V analog / 1.65 V digital supply.
For engineers reviewing the ATR0601-PFQW 86 datasheet, ATR0601-PFQW 86 pinout, ATR0601-PFQW 86 application, or ATR0601-PFQW 86 equivalent, this page provides verified functional architecture, QFN24 pin mapping, GPS L1-band (1575.42 MHz) RF performance data, AGC control modes (internal vs. external via SDI), and real-world IF-filter interface requirements.
Technical Context
The ATR0601-PFQW 86 implements a balanced XTO input stage supporting GPS TCXO (23.104 MHz) or fundamental crystal operation, coupled with a fully integrated PLL/VCO generating 1478.656 MHz local oscillator to achieve precise 96.764 MHz IF via fIF = fRF – fVCO. Its BiCMOS UHF6s process enables high linearity and low phase noise (–100 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz offset).
It features dual AGC operation: autonomous on-chip loop using AGCO voltage output (0.9–2.3 V), or external gain control via Σ∆-modulated SDI input synchronized to SC clock, enabling software-defined gain optimization when paired with Antaris™4 baseband processors.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Input Frequency | 1575.42 MHz - matches GPS L1 band center; requires external SAW image rejection filter |
| IF Output Frequency | 96.764 MHz - fixed difference between RF and VCO frequencies; drives external LC band-pass filter |
| Noise Figure (SSB) | 6.8 dB - enables reliable acquisition of –140 dBm GPS signals below thermal noise floor |
| Total Supply Current | 14.2 mA analog + 700 µA digital - supports portable battery life with 40 mW typical power draw |
| AGC Control Range | 0–70 dB VGA gain - adjustable via 0.9–2.3 V AGCO voltage or Σ∆ SDI signal for dynamic range management |
| ADC Resolution | 1.5-bit sub-sampling - outputs SL/SH differential data at 4.348 MHz center frequency (fIF – 4×fXTO) |
| Reference Frequency | 23.104 MHz - required for XTO/TCXO interface; determines VCO (×64) and ADC sampling timing |
Pinout & Package
ATR0601-PFQW 86 uses a RoHS-compliant QFN24 package (4 mm × 4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (2.6 mm × 2.6 mm) per JEDEC MO-220. Pin functions are validated per Atmel 4866G–GPS–11/06 datasheet.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 10, 11 (NRF, RF) | RF Input (differential) | Accepts 1575.42 MHz GPS signal; 10–j80 Ω balanced impedance requires matching network |
| 13, 14 (BP, NBP) | IF Mixer Output (open-collector) | Drives external LC band-pass filter; requires pull-up for 96.764 MHz IF signal recovery |
| 15, 16 (BPI, NBPI) | IF Filter Input (differential) | Receives filtered IF signal; feeds on-chip VGA with 0–70 dB programmable gain |
| 2, 20 (AGCO, EGC) | AGC Control Interface | AGCO = analog gain control output (0.9–2.3 V); EGC selects internal (low) or external (high) AGC mode |
| 21–24 (SDI, SL, SH, SC) | Digital Interface | SDI = Σ∆ gain control input; SL/SH = 1.5-bit ADC outputs; SC = 23.104 MHz sample clock (CMOS rail-to-rail) |
| 7, 19, 1 (VCC, VCC, VDIG) | Power Supplies | VCC = 2.7–3.3 V analog supply (pins 7, 19); VDIG = 1.65–2.0 V digital supply (pin 1); ΔV ≥ 0.8 V required |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single IF Architecture | Eliminates need for multiple IF stages; simplifies BOM and PCB layout for GPS receiver front-end |
| Balanced XTO & VCO | Minimizes phase noise (–100 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz) and improves isolation from cellular bands in mobile handsets |
| On-Chip 1.5-bit ADC | Sub-sampling architecture avoids external IF sampling ADC; outputs SL/SH data directly to baseband processor |
| Autonomous AGC Loop | Self-adjusting VGA gain via AGCO voltage enables plug-and-play integration without host processor intervention |
| External Gain Control Mode | SDI interface allows Antaris™4 or compatible baseband ICs to compute and set optimal IF gain in real time |
Applications
| Smartphone GPS Receiver | Automotive Navigation Module |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Embedded GPS positioning in LTE/5G smartphones with tight power and space constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end RF-to-IF converter; provides 96.764 MHz IF signal to baseband processor with <6.8 dB NF and 40 mW power budget. Use Value: Enables fast TTFF (<30 s cold start) while maintaining battery life via ultra-low power design and minimal external components. |
Use Scenario: High-reliability vehicle navigation system requiring robust GNSS reception under multipath and jamming conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: GPS L1-band front-end with balanced RF inputs and integrated AGC; interfaces to automotive-grade baseband SoCs. Use Value: Delivers consistent position accuracy across –40°C to +85°C via stable 23.104 MHz reference and low-drift VCO/PLL. |
| Portable Asset Tracker | Telematics Control Unit (TCU) |
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered logistics tracker operating for months on coin-cell or small Li-ion battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power GPS signal conditioning IC; supports sleep-mode current as low as 2 µA during idle periods. Use Value: Extends operational lifetime by minimizing active current (14.2 mA analog + 700 µA digital) and enabling rapid wake-up sequences. |
Use Scenario: Integrated telematics unit combining GPS, cellular, and CAN bus for fleet management and emergency services. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: GPS front-end co-located with modem and microcontroller; shares 23.104 MHz reference clock across subsystems. Use Value: Reduces component count and board area through highly integrated architecture - only SAW filter, LC IF filter, and LNA (e.g., ATR0610) required externally. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar GPS front-end applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX2769CTJ+T | 3.3 V single-supply operation; integrated LNA; no on-chip XTO buffer; requires external 16.368 MHz reference | Targets compact GNSS modules where LNA integration reduces BOM; lacks balanced XTO support for TCXO | Choose for simplified power architecture and smaller footprint; verify IF filter compatibility (16.369 MHz IF vs. 96.764 MHz) |
| GRF2001-01 | 2.8 V analog/1.8 V digital supplies; 1.2 V I/O; supports 1575.42/1602 MHz dual-band; no integrated AGC loop | Suitable for multi-constellation (GPS/GLONASS) receivers; requires external AGC controller or baseband coordination | Choose when extending beyond GPS L1 to GLONASS or BeiDou; confirm external gain control implementation matches system architecture |
Compared with ATR0601-PFQW 86, MAX2769CTJ+T offers lower BOM count via integrated LNA but sacrifices GPS-optimized phase noise and autonomous AGC; GRF2001-01 adds multi-band flexibility yet increases design complexity due to missing on-chip AGC and different IF architecture.
Availability
ATR0601-PFQW 86 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone GPS receivers, automotive navigation modules, portable asset trackers, and telematics control units requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for ATR0601-PFQW 86 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Atmel Corporation (now part of Microchip Technology) is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, RF ICs, and automotive-grade mixed-signal solutions.
The ATR0601 product line was engineered specifically for GPS L1-band front-end applications in mobile and automotive environments, emphasizing ultra-low power, high noise immunity, and seamless integration with baseband processors like Antaris™4.
FAQ
What is the primary RF input frequency supported by the ATR0601-PFQW 86?
The ATR0601-PFQW 86 is designed exclusively for GPS L1-band reception at 1575.42 MHz. Its RF input stage (pins 10 and 11) is optimized for this frequency with specified 10–j80 Ω balanced impedance and requires external SAW filtering for image rejection. The device does not support other GNSS bands such as GLONASS or Galileo without redesign.
Does the ATR0601-PFQW 86 include an integrated LNA?
No, the ATR0601-PFQW 86 does not integrate an LNA. It expects a pre-filtered RF signal from an external LNA such as the Atmel ATR0610, which is recommended in the datasheet for its low noise figure and high linearity. The ATR0601-PFQW 86 begins signal processing at the mixer stage, accepting differential RF input directly after SAW filtering.
How does the AGC function operate in the ATR0601-PFQW 86?
The ATR0601-PFQW 86 supports two AGC modes: internal closed-loop operation (EGC = low) using AGCO voltage (0.9–2.3 V) to control VGA gain, and external mode (EGC = high) where gain is set via Σ∆-modulated SDI input synchronized to SC clock. Both modes are validated in the datasheet and enable adaptive signal handling across varying GPS signal strengths.
What reference frequency must be applied to the ATR0601-PFQW 86 XTO pins?
The ATR0601-PFQW 86 requires a 23.104 MHz reference signal applied to pins 3–6 (NXTO, NX, X, XTO) for proper operation. This frequency sets the PLL VCO center at 1478.656 MHz (×64 multiplication) and determines ADC sampling timing. The device supports both fundamental crystals and TCXOs meeting specified ESR and load capacitance criteria per Tables 10-1 through 10-4.
Is the ATR0601-PFQW 86 pin-compatible with other members of the ATR06xx family?
No documented pin compatibility exists between ATR0601-PFQW 86 and other ATR06xx devices such as ATR0610 or ATR0621. Each part serves a distinct function - ATR0601 is a GPS front-end IC, ATR0610 is an LNA, and ATR0621 is a baseband processor - and their pinouts, power domains, and signal types are not interchangeable. Board-level reuse requires full schematic and layout validation.
ATR0601-PFQW 86 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- GPS
- Frequency:
- 1575MHz
- Features:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
ATR0601-PFQW 86 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATR0601-PFQW 86 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATR0601-PFQW 86 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for ATR0601-PFQW 86 reliable?
The price and inventory of ATR0601-PFQW 86 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATR0601-PFQW 86 is usually 5 days.
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Once your ATR0601-PFQW 86 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for ATR0601-PFQW 86?
For technical support, including ATR0601-PFQW 86 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATR0601-PFQW 86 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATR0601-PFQW 86 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATR0601-PFQW 86 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that ATR0601-PFQW 86 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATR0601-PFQW 86?
All ATR0601-PFQW 86 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATR0601-PFQW 86, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The ATR0601-PFQW 86 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATR0601-PFQW 86:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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