Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX2324EUP+T

Overview

MAX2324EUP+T from Maxim Integrated is a silicon germanium (SiGe) dual-band LNA/mixer IC designed for cellular-band CDMA receiver front-ends. It delivers 15 dB high-gain, high-linearity mode conversion gain, +11.5 dBm IIP3, 1.4 dB noise figure, and operates from +2.7V to +3.6V supply at 17–21.5 mA typical current. Used in single/dual-mode cellular handsets requiring low-noise, high-linearity RF signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the MAX2324EUP+T datasheet, MAX2324EUP+T pinout, MAX2324EUP+T application, or MAX2324EUP+T equivalent, key selection criteria include cellular-band LNA/mixer performance trade-offs between gain, linearity (IIP3), noise figure, supply current, and digital control logic compatibility (GAIN, BAND, SHDN, BUFFEN).

Technical Context

The MAX2324EUP+T integrates a high-linearity cellular-band LNA with selectable gain modes (high-gain/high-linearity, low-gain/high-linearity, paging), a differential CDMA mixer with 50–400 MHz IF output, and independent LO buffer enable (BUFFEN). It supports cellular-band RF input (800–1000 MHz) and LO input (700–1150 MHz), with no frequency doubler or divider-unlike MAX2321/MAX2326 variants.

Control logic includes GAIN (pin 8), BAND (pin 6), SHDN (pin 5), and BUFFEN (pin 15) inputs; MODEOUT (pin 4) provides FM-mode status. The device uses external bias resistors (RBIAS on pin 1, RLNA on pin 3) to set LNA operating point and linearity in high-gain modes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX2324EUP+T is housed in a 20-pin TSSOP-EP package (6 mm × 6.3 mm) with exposed thermal paddle for enhanced heat dissipation in compact handset PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-band LNA/mixer applications.

Compared with MAX2320EUP+T and MAX2326EUP+T, the MAX2324EUP+T provides cellular-band-optimized performance with simplified control (no LOX2 or BAND switching overhead), lower active current in paging mode, and reduced external component count-making it the most cost-effective and power-efficient choice for dedicated 800–1000 MHz CDMA receiver designs.

Availability

MAX2324EUP+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CDMA handset manufacturing, wireless local loop terminals, and RF test equipment requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for MAX2324EUP+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) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for communications, computing, and industrial markets.

The MAX2320 family-including MAX2324EUP+T-is engineered for ultra-low-current, high-linearity RF front-ends in battery-powered CDMA/TDMA handsets, emphasizing noise figure, IIP3, and intelligent power management via digital control pins.

FAQ

What is the primary RF frequency range supported by the MAX2324EUP+T?

The MAX2324EUP+T is specified for cellular-band operation from 800 MHz to 1000 MHz, covering the standard CDMA2000 1x uplink (824–849 MHz) and downlink (869–894 MHz) bands. It does not support PCS-band frequencies; that function is handled by other members of the MAX2320 family such as MAX2320EUP+T or MAX2326EUP+T. Performance data in the datasheet is validated within this 800–1000 MHz range.

Does the MAX2324EUP+T include an LO frequency doubler or divider?

No, the MAX2324EUP+T does not incorporate an LO frequency doubler or divider. Unlike the MAX2321EUP+T (which includes a doubler) or MAX2326EUP+T (which includes a divider), the MAX2324EUP+T is a cellular-band-optimized variant with fixed LO path architecture. Its LO inputs (LOLIN and LOHIN) accept fundamental frequencies in the 700–1150 MHz range, and the LOX2 pin is not implemented-confirming absence of doubler functionality per the MAX2324-specific ordering table and pin description.

How does the GAIN pin affect LNA performance in the MAX2324EUP+T?

The GAIN pin (pin 8) selects between two LNA operating modes: high-gain/high-linearity (GAIN = high, 15 dB gain, +11.5 dBm IIP3, 17–21.5 mA) and low-gain/high-linearity (GAIN = low, –1.5 dB gain, +12.5 dBm IIP3, 15–19.5 mA). This trade-off allows system designers to prioritize sensitivity or linearity based on deployment conditions-e.g., high-interference urban cells benefit from the higher IIP3 of low-gain mode, while rural links favor maximum gain.

What is the purpose of the RLNA pin on the MAX2324EUP+T?

The RLNA pin (pin 3) connects an external resistor to set the LNA's transconductance and thus its linearity in high-gain modes. A 20 kΩ resistor to ground establishes nominal bias; increasing resistance lowers current and improves IIP3 at the expense of gain and noise figure. This analog tuning enables fine-grained optimization of the LNA's OIP3/NF/current triangle without changing digital control states-critical for production calibration and binning.

Can the MAX2324EUP+T be used in FM radio receiver applications?

No, the MAX2324EUP+T is not designed or characterized for FM radio reception. While some MAX2320-family parts (e.g., MAX2320, MAX2321) include an FM mixer with single-ended output and 991 MHz LO support, the MAX2324EUP+T datasheet omits FM-mode specifications, pin functionality (e.g., no VMODEOUT behavior defined), and AC performance data for FM frequencies. Its AC characteristics, pin descriptions, and selector guide explicitly limit operation to cellular-band CDMA/TDMA applications.