Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX2170ETL+T

Overview

MAX2170ETL+T from Maxim Integrated is a direct-conversion to low-IF tuner IC for digital audio broadcast receivers, supporting VHF-III (168–240MHz), L-Band (1452–1492MHz), and FM (87–108MHz) bands with 3.5dB NF (VHF-III), 3.1dB NF (L-Band), and -100dBm VHF-III sensitivity. It delivers a balanced 2.048MHz baseband output and integrates a sigma-delta fractional-N synthesizer for OFDM-compliant phase noise performance.

For engineers reviewing the MAX2170ETL+T datasheet, MAX2170ETL+T pinout, MAX2170ETL+T application, or MAX2170ETL+T equivalent, key selection considerations include its triple-band RF coverage, on-chip tracking filter, reference clock buffering at crystal frequency, IF-SAW-free architecture, and guaranteed operation from -40°C to +85°C in a 40-pin 6mm × 6mm TQFN.

Technical Context

The MAX2170ETL+T implements a direct-conversion receiver front-end with integrated low-IF bandpass filtering and baseband overload detection for RF AGC control. Its sigma-delta fractional-N PLL achieves optimized close-in (1kHz offset) and wideband phase noise-critical for DAB/T-DMB OFDM demodulation under strong adjacent-channel interference.

It supports three distinct RF input bands via internal switching and tracking filters, with separate noise figure specifications per band (3.5dB VHF-III, 3.1dB L-Band) and differential 2.048MHz low-IF output. The buffered crystal-frequency reference output eliminates external clock buffer requirements in system-level timing design.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX2170ETL+T is housed in a 40-pin thin QFN package (6mm × 6mm) with exposed thermal paddle for enhanced power dissipation in compact tuner-on-board layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar tuner applications.

Compared with MAX2170ETL+T, MAX2171ETL+T offers identical RF specs but a divided reference clock-requiring demodulator clocking redesign-while Si2175-A10-GM trades triple-band support and external IF interface for monolithic L-Band integration, limiting reuse across DAB/FM platforms.

Availability

MAX2170ETL+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DAB portable radios, T-DMB mobile TV receivers, and FM/DAB hybrid tuner modules requiring stable component supply and extended temperature range support.

Supply support for MAX2170ETL+T 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 precision analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs for communications, industrial, and consumer applications.

The MAX2170ETL+T belongs to Maxim's high-performance RF tuner product line, engineered specifically for digital broadcast standards including DAB, T-DMB, and FM with emphasis on integration, low power, and phase-noise-critical OFDM reception.

FAQ

What RF bands does the MAX2170ETL+T support?

The MAX2170ETL+T supports three distinct RF bands: VHF-III (168–240MHz) for DAB, L-Band (1452–1492MHz) for T-DMB, and FM (87–108MHz). Each band has dedicated internal LNA, tracking filter, and gain control-verified in the official datasheet and confirmed across production test reports. This triple-band capability is intrinsic to the MAX2170ETL+T silicon design and cannot be enabled or disabled via configuration.

Does the MAX2170ETL+T require an external IF-SAW filter?

No, the MAX2170ETL+T does not require an external IF-SAW filter. Its low-IF architecture produces a 2.048MHz differential baseband output that connects directly to demodulator ADC inputs. The integrated low-IF bandpass filter and on-chip tracking filters replace all external IF filtering components-confirmed in the MAX2170ETL+T functional block diagram and electrical characteristics table.

What is the reference clock output behavior of the MAX2170ETL+T?

The MAX2170ETL+T outputs a buffered version of the full crystal frequency at the REF_OUT pin-unlike the MAX2171ETL+T, which outputs 1/3rd of the crystal frequency. This full-frequency reference is specified for driving external demodulators or MCUs requiring precise timing alignment, and is validated across the -40°C to +85°C operating range per the MAX2170ETL+T datasheet AC characteristics.

How does the MAX2170ETL+T handle automatic gain control (AGC)?

The MAX2170ETL+T implements a baseband overload detector that monitors the 2.048MHz I/Q output amplitude and generates an analog AGC_CTRL voltage (0.2V–1.2V) for external RF VGA or LNA bias control. This closed-loop AGC path operates independently of host software, enabling real-time gain adjustment during signal fades or impulse noise-documented in the MAX2170ETL+T functional description and timing diagrams.

Is the MAX2170ETL+T pin-compatible with any other Maxim tuner ICs?

The MAX2170ETL+T shares identical pinout and package (40-pin 6mm × 6mm TQFN) with the MAX2171ETL+T, differing only in reference clock output behavior. No other Maxim tuner IC-including MAX2175 or MAX2177-is pin-compatible with the MAX2170ETL+T. This mechanical and electrical compatibility with MAX2171ETL+T allows drop-in substitution where reference clock division is acceptable.