Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX2232EEE+T
- Part No.:
- MAX2232EEE+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- RF Amplifiers
- Package:
- 16-LSSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX2232EEE+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF AMP ISM 800MHZ-1GHZ 16QSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX2232EEE+T from Maxim Integrated is a 900MHz ISM-band silicon RF power amplifier designed for constant-envelope modulation (FM/FSK/GMSK) in battery-powered wireless transmitters. It delivers +24dBm (250mW) output power at 915MHz from a +3.6V supply, achieves 44% power-added efficiency, provides 24dB gain with analog voltage-controlled gain adjustment, and operates from +2.7V to +5.5V - enabling direct use with single-cell Li-Ion or 3-cell NiCd batteries.
For engineers reviewing the MAX2232EEE+T datasheet, MAX2232EEE+T pinout, MAX2232EEE+T application, or MAX2232EEE+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 24dB analog gain-control range, programmable output power ramping via external capacitor, thermal shutdown with timeout control, low 0.2µA shutdown current, and PQSOP-16 package with thermally enhanced slug for high-power RF operation.
Technical Context
The MAX2232EEE+T integrates a variable-gain amplifier (VGA), driver stage, and open-collector output power transistor in a single monolithic IC. Its analog gain control (CTRL pin) enables continuous 24dB gain adjustment across 0.6V–2.2V, while shutdown (SHDN) and standby modes are controlled independently to maintain input VSWR stability during idle periods.
Thermal protection uses an on-die sensor and external TSET capacitor to set a user-defined timeout period before re-enabling after overtemperature events. Output power autoramping is implemented via internal bias circuitry and an external RAMP+/RAMP− capacitor pair, eliminating need for external sequencing controllers in TDMA or burst-mode systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 902MHz to 928MHz - fully specified and characterized across entire 900MHz ISM band for European (868MHz) and North American operation. |
| Output Power | +24dBm (250mW) at 915MHz, +3.6V - sufficient for Class 1.5 ETSI-compliant FM transmitters and digital cordless phone PA stages. |
| Power-Added Efficiency | 44% at +24dBm - reduces thermal load and extends battery life in portable 900MHz transmitters. |
| Gain Control Range | 24dB continuous analog range - enables precise transmit power regulation without digital DAC or microcontroller intervention. |
| Shutdown Current | 0.2µA typical - supports ultra-low-power sleep states in time-division systems like TDMA base stations or handhelds. |
| Input VSWR Change | 1.2:1 in standby mode - preserves VCO stability by minimizing impedance pulling when PA is inactive but biased. |
| Thermal Shutdown Temp | 145°C - protects die under sustained high-power or poor heatsinking conditions; timeout programmable via TSET capacitor. |
Pinout & Package
The MAX2232EEE+T is housed in a thermally enhanced 16-pin power-QSOP (PQSOP) package featuring an exposed metal slug on the bottom for direct soldering to PCB ground plane, providing low-inductance RF grounding and improved heat dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RFIN (Pin 1) | RF Input Port | AC-coupled 50Ω input requiring external matching network; nominal 1.5:1 VSWR during operation. |
| SHDN (Pin 3) | Shutdown Control | Logic input: <0.6V = shutdown (0.2µA ICC), >2.0V = enabled; independent of gain control. |
| CTRL (Pin 4) | Analog Gain Control | Voltage input (0.6V–2.2V) sets output power continuously; <0.4V = standby, >2.2V = max gain. |
| RAMP+ / RAMP− (Pins 13, 14) | Power Autoramp Terminals | Differential capacitor connection point to program rise/fall time of output power during enable/disable transitions. |
| TSET (Pin 10) | Thermal Timeout Control | Connect capacitor to ground to set thermal shutdown hold-off period (e.g., 0.22µF = 900ms). |
| RFOUT (Pin 8) | Open-Collector RF Output | Requires external pull-up inductor to VCC and output matching network for +24dBm delivery. |
| GND (Pins 2, 5, 6, 7, 15) | Multipoint Ground | Separate low-inductance vias required per GND pin; SLUG (exposed bottom) must be soldered to ground plane. |
| VCC (Pins 11, 12, 16) | Supply Inputs | Three dedicated VCC pins for multi-stage bypassing: use 0.1µF, 10nF, and 100pF in parallel per pin. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Programmable Output Power Autoramping | External CRAMP capacitor sets smooth RF power ramp-up/down timing - eliminates spectral splatter and meets FCC/ETSI transmit mask requirements without firmware control. |
| Thermal Shutdown with Timeout | On-die temperature sensor + external CTSET capacitor prevents thermal cycling damage - ensures safe recovery only after die cools *and* timeout expires. |
| Standby Mode with Constant Input Impedance | VGA remains biased while driver/output stages disable - maintains 1.2:1 ∆VSWR to prevent VCO pulling in direct-modulated transmitter architectures. |
| Ultra-Low Shutdown Current | 0.2µA typical ICC in shutdown - enables multi-day battery life in intermittent transmission applications such as wireless sensors or remote controls. |
| Integrated Interstage Matching | On-chip matching networks between VGA and driver optimize power transfer - reduces external component count and layout sensitivity at 900MHz. |
Applications
| FM Analog Transmitters | Digital Cordless Phones |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Low-cost FM voice transmission in consumer audio devices, wireless microphones, or telemetry links operating in 900MHz ISM band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage RF power amplifier delivering regulated +24dBm output with analog gain control for volume-dependent transmit power. Use Value: 44% PAE and 0.2µA shutdown current extend alkaline battery life beyond 100 hours in intermittent-use scenarios. | Use Scenario: DECT-compatible or proprietary 900MHz cordless handsets requiring burst-mode transmit capability with fast power ramping. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transmit PA supporting TDMA slot timing; SHDN pin synchronized to baseband controller for precise on/off switching. Use Value: Programmable autoramping (via CRAMP) meets ETSI spectral mask requirements for transient emissions during slot transitions. |
| Wireless Data Modules | 868MHz European ISM Systems |
Use Scenario: Short-range telemetry, sensor networks, or industrial remote I/O using FSK/GMSK modulation in license-free 900MHz band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency PA stage interfacing with baseband IC; CTRL pin driven by DAC for adaptive output power control. Use Value: 24dB analog gain range allows dynamic link budget optimization across varying path loss conditions without hardware change. | Use Scenario: EU-compliant home automation, smart metering, or alarm systems operating in 868MHz sub-band with strict ERP limits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Regulated output power amplifier meeting EN 300 220 ERP ≤ 500mW and spurious emission requirements. Use Value: Thermal shutdown + timeout prevents overheating in sealed enclosures; 1.2:1 ∆VSWR in standby avoids antenna mismatch issues during receive intervals. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF power amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX2233EEE+T | Digital 2-bit gain control (D0/D1) with three discrete power levels vs. analog CTRL; identical pinout and package. | Requires logic-level control instead of analog voltage; no autoramping - uses fixed-step power transitions. | Select MAX2233EEE+T when system uses digital baseband control and does not require smooth power ramping. |
| SX1231IMLTRT | Integrated transceiver (PA + LNA + synthesizer); lower output power (+17dBm); 3.3V-only supply; different package (QFN-28). | Replaces discrete PA + separate radio IC; adds RX functionality but lacks standalone PA flexibility and thermal timeout control. | Select SX1231IMLTRT when consolidating transceiver functions is prioritized over maximum RF output and thermal robustness. |
Compared with MAX2233EEE+T, the MAX2232EEE+T offers smoother transmit power regulation and built-in autoramping for spectral compliance, while SX1231IMLTRT trades PA performance for integration - making MAX2232EEE+T optimal for high-efficiency, thermally demanding 900MHz transmitter stages where analog control and thermal resilience are critical.
Availability
MAX2232EEE+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital cordless phones, wireless data modules, FM analog transmitters, and 868MHz European ISM systems requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX2232EEE+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 industrial, communications, and consumer applications - emphasizing high reliability, small form factor, and power efficiency.
The MAX2232EEE+T belongs to Maxim's RF power amplifier product line, engineered specifically for battery-operated 900MHz ISM-band transmitters requiring high efficiency, thermal resilience, and analog gain programmability without external controllers.
FAQ
What is the recommended capacitor value for autoramping on the MAX2232EEE+T?
The MAX2232EEE+T datasheet specifies a 0.22µF capacitor between RAMP+ and RAMP− pins for standard autoramping behavior. This value yields ~0.9ms rise time and ~3.2ms fall time under typical conditions. Adjustments can fine-tune transient response, but deviation may impact spectral mask compliance in regulated bands.
Does the MAX2232EEE+T support 868MHz European ISM band operation?
Yes, the MAX2232EEE+T is fully characterized from 902MHz to 928MHz and performs reliably at 868MHz. Measured output power at 868MHz is within 1dB of 915MHz specs, and harmonic suppression meets EN 300 220 requirements when used with proper output matching.
How is thermal shutdown timeout configured on the MAX2232EEE+T?
The MAX2232EEE+T uses an external capacitor from TSET (Pin 10) to ground to set thermal shutdown timeout. A 0.22µF capacitor yields ~900ms timeout; timeout scales linearly with capacitance. This prevents rapid thermal cycling if overheating persists, ensuring safe recovery only after both temperature drop and timeout completion.
Can the MAX2232EEE+T operate from a 2.7V supply while delivering full output power?
No - at +2.7V supply, the MAX2232EEE+T delivers +22dBm (150mW), not the full +24dBm. The datasheet specifies +24dBm only at +3.6V. Operation at +2.7V is valid and supported, but output power and PAE decrease predictably, as confirmed in AC Electrical Characteristics tables.
What is the purpose of the exposed metal slug on the MAX2232EEE+T PQSOP package?
The exposed metal slug on the MAX2232EEE+T serves two critical functions: it provides a low-inductance RF ground path for the output stage, and enhances thermal conduction from the die to the PCB ground plane. Maxim requires soldering the slug directly to a solid ground copper area to ensure stable RF performance and reliable thermal management at 250mW output.
MAX2232EEE+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-LSSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Frequency:
- 800MHz ~ 1GHz
- P1dB:
- -
- Gain:
- 23.9dB
- Noise Figure:
- -
- RF Type:
- ISM
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Current - Supply:
- 20.3mA ~ 25mA
- Test Frequency:
- 915MHz
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QSOP-EP
MAX2232EEE+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX2232EEE+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX2232EEE+T 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 MAX2232EEE+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX2232EEE+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX2232EEE+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX2232EEE+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX2232EEE+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX2232EEE+T?
MAX2232EEE+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX2232EEE+T 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 MAX2232EEE+T?
For technical support, including MAX2232EEE+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX2232EEE+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX2232EEE+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX2232EEE+T 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 MAX2232EEE+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX2232EEE+T?
All MAX2232EEE+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX2232EEE+T, 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 MAX2232EEE+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX2232EEE+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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