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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX19791ETX+
- Part No.:
- MAX19791ETX+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Attenuators
- Package:
- 36-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX19791ETX+.pdf
- Description:
- 50MHZ TO 4000MHZ DUAL ANALOG VOL
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,805
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Product details
Overview
MAX19791ETX+ from Maxim Integrated is a dual analog voltage-variable attenuator (VVA) IC for 50Ω RF systems operating from 50MHz to 4000MHz, featuring two independent 23dB attenuation paths, on-chip 10-bit SPI-controlled DAC, and linear 8dB/V analog control slope at 5V supply. It enables transmitter/receiver gain control in LTE/WCDMA base stations and microwave point-to-point radios.
For engineers reviewing the MAX19791ETX+ datasheet, MAX19791ETX+ pinout, MAX19791ETX+ application, or MAX19791ETX+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-attenuator architecture, 37.4dBm IIP3 linearity, 5V/3.3V single-supply operation, 36-pin TQFN package with exposed pad, and support for both analog voltage and SPI digital control modes.
Technical Context
The MAX19791ETX+ integrates two monolithic SiGe BiCMOS attenuators sharing a common analog control input or independently driven via its internal 10-bit DAC. Its patented control circuit delivers 23dB per path with ±0.4dB S21 linearity deviation over VCTRL = 1.4V–3.1V and maintains >23dB input/output return loss across 50–4000MHz.
It supports three control modes: analog voltage (1V–4V), SPI command (20MHz max clock), and step-up/down pulse (logic-low pulses on UP/DWN pins). Mode selection is handled by the MODE pin, while REF_SEL and REF_IN configure DAC reference sourcing-either internal or external.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 50MHz to 4000MHz - fully functional broadband coverage for WCDMA, LTE, WiMAX, and microwave links |
| Attenuation Range | 23dB per attenuator (46dB cascaded) - enables precise gain management in ALC and lineup trim circuits |
| IIP3 | +37.4dBm (typ, 5V, one attenuator) - ensures high linearity under large-signal conditions in transmitters |
| Supply Voltage | Single +5V or +3.3V - simplifies power design with no dual-rail requirement |
| DAC Resolution | 10-bit monotonic - provides 1024 discrete attenuation steps with predictable monotonic response |
| Package | 36-pin TQFN (6mm × 6mm × 0.8mm) with exposed pad - optimized for RF thermal dissipation and PCB layout compactness |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +100°C case temperature - qualified for extended industrial and outdoor base station environments |
Pinout & Package
MAX19791ETX+ is housed in a 36-pin TQFN package (6mm × 6mm × 0.8mm) with an exposed pad internally connected to GND. The package requires low-inductance grounding via multiple vias under the EP for optimal RF performance and thermal conduction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IN_A / IN_B | RF Input (Attenuator A/B) | 50Ω-matched RF inputs requiring DC blocking; unused pins may be left floating |
| OUT_A / OUT_B | RF Output (Attenuator A/B) | 50Ω-matched RF outputs; must be DC-blocked when used |
| CTRL | Analog Control Voltage Input | Accepts 1V–4V (5V supply) to set attenuation level linearly at ~8dB/V slope |
| UP / DWN | Step Command Inputs | Logic-low pulses increment/decrement attenuation without SPI reprogramming |
| CS / CLK / DIN / DOUT | SPI Interface | 4-wire SPI interface supporting up to 20MHz clock for DAC code loading and status readback |
| MODE | Control Mode Select | Logic-high enables step mode; logic-low enables SPI mode - mutually exclusive operation |
| VCC (Pins 5,13,25,32) | Power Supply | Four dedicated VCC pins: two for analog, one for digital, one for attenuator B - require local bypassing |
| EP | Exposed Pad | Internally tied to GND; must be soldered to PCB ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias for RF stability and thermal management |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual Monolithic Attenuators | Two independent 23dB paths in one die - eliminates inter-stage matching components and reduces board area vs. discrete solutions |
| On-Chip 10-Bit DAC | Integrated SPI-controlled DAC eliminates need for external DAC and associated routing complexity |
| Step-Up/Down Pulse Control | Hardware-level attenuation stepping via UP/DWN pins - enables fast AGC loop response without microcontroller intervention |
| Linear dB/V Analog Response | Typical 8dB/V slope (5V) simplifies analog ALC implementation with standard op-amp integrators |
| High Linearity Performance | +37.4dBm IIP3 and +22.6dBm P1dB ensure minimal distortion in high-power transmit chains |
| Flexible Reference Options | REF_SEL pin selects between internal DAC reference or external precision reference on REF_IN - supports system-level calibration |
Applications
| WCDMA/LTE Base Stations | Microwave Point-to-Point Radios |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dynamic uplink power control in macrocell BTS with varying channel conditions and user count. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-path attenuator implements closed-loop ALC in transmit chain, adjusting gain per antenna branch. Use Value: Maintains EVM compliance across 23dB range while preserving +37.4dBm IIP3 linearity at full output power. | Use Scenario: Gain stabilization in 6–42GHz E-band backhaul radios with wide temperature swings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Temperature-compensated gain trim element placed after PA driver stage. Use Value: Achieves <0.26dB insertion loss variation over −40°C to +100°C, reducing need for recalibration. |
| VSAT Satellite Modems | 5G NR FR1 Active Antenna Systems |
Use Scenario: Receive chain AGC in LNB-based satellite terminals with variable signal strength. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage RF attenuator before LNA, controlled by RSSI feedback loop. Use Value: Enables 46dB total attenuation (cascaded) with <±0.4dB S21 nonlinearity - preserves SNR across full range. | Use Scenario: Per-element gain balancing in massive MIMO active antenna arrays with 32+ TRX channels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital-controlled attenuator in beamforming IC signal path for amplitude weighting. Use Value: SPI interface allows synchronized attenuation updates across all channels using shared CS/CLK lines. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual analog voltage variable attenuator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX19792ETX+ | Pin-compatible variant with identical pinout and electrical specs; differs only in factory-programmed default DAC reference configuration | No functional difference in ALC or gain-trim use cases; same layout and firmware support | Select when internal DAC reference is preferred without external REF_IN routing |
| MAX19794ETX+ | Same core attenuator but requires two 0402 shunt capacitors on pins 4 and 31 to match MAX19791 pin functionality | Used where additional DAC flexibility (e.g., dual reference sources) is required beyond MAX19791 capability | Select when external DAC reference precision exceeds internal reference tolerance requirements |
Compared with MAX19792ETX+, MAX19791ETX+ offers identical RF performance and control flexibility but defaults to external reference mode; versus MAX19794ETX+, it eliminates two BOM components and simplifies layout while retaining full DAC programmability.
Availability
MAX19791ETX+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure, satellite communications, and microwave radio applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX19791ETX+ 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
Maxim Integrated, now part of Analog Devices, designs high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for demanding RF, power, and sensing applications.
The MAX19791ETX+ belongs to Maxim's broadband RF attenuator product line, engineered specifically for gain control and automatic level regulation in 5G, LTE, and satellite communication systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum RF input power rating for MAX19791ETX+?
The MAX19791ETX+ supports continuous RF input power up to +15dBm at its IN_A and IN_B ports under recommended operating conditions. Absolute maximum RF input is +20dBm, but sustained operation above +15dBm may impact linearity and reliability. Derating is advised above +100°C case temperature, and all RF ports must be DC-blocked during operation.
Does MAX19791ETX+ support both 3.3V and 5V supply operation simultaneously?
No, MAX19791ETX+ operates from a single supply rail - either +3.3V or +5V - applied across all VCC pins (5, 13, 25, 32). The device does not support mixed-voltage operation. Supply current ranges from 9.5mA (3.3V, typ) to 20mA (5V, typ), and all logic thresholds scale accordingly with VCC.
How does the step-up/down control mode function on MAX19791ETX+?
In step mode (MODE = high), MAX19791ETX+ increments attenuation on each falling edge of UP and decrements on each falling edge of DWN. A simultaneous low pulse on both UP and DWN resets attenuation to minimum. This hardware-stepping mode operates independently of SPI and enables sub-microsecond gain adjustments without CPU involvement.
What is the purpose of the COMP_OUT pin on MAX19791ETX+?
The COMP_OUT pin on MAX19791ETX+ is a comparator output used for successive approximation measurement of the attenuator control voltage. It aids in closed-loop calibration by comparing CTRL voltage against internal DAC output, enabling precise analog control voltage alignment without external instrumentation.
Is MAX19791ETX+ pin-compatible with MAX19790?
Yes, MAX19791ETX+ is PCB-compatible with MAX19790 - meaning it shares identical footprint and pad layout - but is not electrically pin-compatible due to differences in control interface and internal architecture. Migration requires firmware and schematic updates, though mechanical replacement is feasible with board-level redesign.
MAX19791ETX+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 36-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Attenuation Value:
- 46.2dB
- Frequency Range:
- 50 MHz ~ 4 GHz
- Power (Watts):
- 15dBm
- Impedance:
- 50 Ohms
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX19791ETX+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX19791ETX+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX19791ETX+ 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 MAX19791ETX+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX19791ETX+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX19791ETX+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX19791ETX+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX19791ETX+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX19791ETX+?
MAX19791ETX+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX19791ETX+ 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 MAX19791ETX+?
For technical support, including MAX19791ETX+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX19791ETX+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX19791ETX+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX19791ETX+ 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 MAX19791ETX+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX19791ETX+?
All MAX19791ETX+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX19791ETX+, 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 MAX19791ETX+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX19791ETX+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX19791ETX+ Tags
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