Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX2388EGC+
- Part No.:
- MAX2388EGC+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 12-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX2388EGC+.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER 2.11-2.17GHZ 12QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,319
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Product details
Overview
The MAX2388EGC+ from Maxim Integrated is a W-CDMA low-noise amplifier and downconverter mixer IC optimized for 2110MHz–2170MHz cellular front-ends, featuring 15dB LNA high-gain mode, 7dB SSB mixer noise figure, 6dBm mixer IIP3, and ultra-low 9.9mA operating current at +2.7V. It integrates LNA, mixer, and LO buffer in a single 12-pin QFN package for Japanese ARIB and ETSI-UMTS baseband receiver designs.
For engineers reviewing the MAX2388EGC+ datasheet, MAX2388EGC+ pinout, MAX2388EGC+ application, or MAX2388EGC+ equivalent, this page delivers verified RF performance metrics, gain-mode behavior, thermal supply-current curves, differential IF output configuration, and validated alternative parts for W-CDMA transceiver front-end redesigns.
Technical Context
The MAX2388EGC+ implements a silicon germanium-based monolithic LNA-mixer architecture with integrated LO buffer, supporting both single-ended and differential LO drive. Its LNA offers two digitally selectable gain modes (15dB high / –2.8dB low), while the wideband single-balanced mixer delivers 8.5–11.5dB conversion gain across 150–400MHz IF bandwidth.
RF input matching is external for LNA_IN and LNA_OUT; MIX_IN is internally matched to 50Ω. The IF+ and IF– open-collector outputs require external inductor biasing to VCC, and LO+ / LO– pins feature internal 100Ω termination with 200Ω differential impedance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LNA High-Gain Mode | 15dB typical at 2140MHz - sets RF signal amplification level before mixer stage |
| Mixer Noise Figure (SSB) | 7dB typical - directly impacts receiver sensitivity in 2110–2170MHz band |
| Mixer IIP3 | 6dBm typical - determines third-order intermodulation rejection for adjacent-channel interference |
| Operating Supply Current | 9.9mA typical at +2.7V - enables low-power operation in battery-powered handsets |
| Shutdown Current | <1µA - reduces power during idle periods without external circuitry |
| LO Input Drive | –10dBm typical for LO buffer - defines required oscillator output level for optimal mixer linearity |
| Package | 12-pin 3mm × 3mm QFN - supports compact RF layout with exposed thermal pad |
Pinout & Package
MAX2388EGC+ is housed in a 12-pin, 3mm × 3mm leadless QFN package with exposed thermal pad (GND-connected). Pin 11 is dedicated ground; pins 7 and 8 are open-collector differential IF outputs requiring external inductor biasing to VCC.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 LNA_OUT | RF output of LNA stage | Requires external matching network to 50Ω; feeds MIX_IN via off-chip filter |
| 2 GAIN | Digital gain control input | High = 15dB LNA gain; low = –2.8dB LNA gain; TTL-compatible logic level |
| 3 MIX_IN | RF input of mixer stage | Internally matched to 50Ω; accepts filtered LNA output |
| 4 SHDN | Shutdown enable input | Low = full shutdown (<1µA); high or VCC = normal operation |
| 5 LO+ | Noninverting LO input | 200Ω differential impedance; AC-coupled; grounded for single-ended LO |
| 6 LO– | Inverting LO input | 200Ω differential impedance; used with LO+ for differential LO drive |
| 7 IF– | Inverting IF output | Open-collector; requires external inductor to VCC for DC bias |
| 8 IF+ | Noninverting IF output | Open-collector; forms differential IF pair with IF– for balanced filtering |
| 9 VCC | Supply voltage input | +2.7V to +3.3V; requires local 10nF + 10µF decoupling near pin |
| 10 LNA_IN | RF input of LNA stage | Requires external matching network to 50Ω; connects to antenna or BPF |
| 11 GND | Ground reference | Primary analog ground; connects to exposed thermal pad |
| 12 BIAS | LNA/mixer bias setting | 24kΩ ±1% resistor to GND sets nominal quiescent current |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low operating current | 9.9mA at +2.7V - extends battery life in portable W-CDMA handsets |
| Dual LNA gain modes | 15dB high / –2.8dB low - enables dynamic range optimization across signal conditions |
| Integrated LO buffer | Improves LO-to-RF/IF isolation - reduces LO leakage without external components |
| Internally matched mixer input | 50Ω MIX_IN - eliminates external matching, simplifying PCB layout |
| Differential open-collector IF outputs | IF+/IF– with 200Ω differential impedance - supports balanced IF filtering and SAW coupling |
Applications
| W-CDMA Cellular Handset Front-End | Dual-Mode W-CDMA/GSM Handset |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Primary receive path in 3G mobile phone supporting 2110–2170MHz UMTS Band I. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LNA-mixer signal chain element providing first-stage amplification and frequency downconversion to 190MHz IF. Use Value: 2.3dB cascaded noise figure and 6dBm mixer IIP3 ensure compliant sensitivity and blocking performance per ETSI TS 125 series standards. | Use Scenario: Shared RF front-end architecture where W-CDMA and GSM bands are time-multiplexed. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: W-CDMA-specific LNA/mixer activated only during UMTS TDD/FDD receive slots; shutdown between frames. Use Value: <1µA shutdown current minimizes average power draw during GSM-only operation, preserving battery runtime. |
| ARIB-Compliant Japanese Base Station Receiver | Compact W-CDMA Test Equipment Front-End |
Use Scenario: Low-noise receive channel in small-cell or femtocell base station complying with ARIB STD-T66. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First active component after antenna switch and bandpass filter; provides gain and noise optimization before ADC sampling. Use Value: 15dB LNA gain and 7dB mixer NF maintain SNR margin under weak-signal conditions while meeting ARIB linearity requirements. | Use Scenario: Portable spectrum analyzer or signal generator calibration module requiring repeatable RF gain and noise performance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-gain, calibrated downconversion stage delivering stable IF output across temperature and supply variation. Use Value: ±0.5dB gain stability over –40°C to +85°C and <±0.3dB supply ripple sensitivity enable traceable lab-grade measurements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LNA/mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX2387EGC+ | Includes same LNA/mixer core but adds 32dB LNA gain step and higher 10.7mA supply current | Better suited for ultra-low-signal environments requiring maximum gain before mixer | Select when >15dB LNA gain is mandatory and higher current is acceptable |
| MAX2389EGC+ | Omits LO buffer; lower 7.9mA supply current; optimized for –4dBm LO drive instead of –10dBm | Preferred in space-constrained designs where LO isolation is managed externally | Select when board-level LO shielding is implemented and lowest possible current is critical |
Compared with MAX2387EGC+, the MAX2388EGC+ trades 32dB gain flexibility for lower current and identical LO buffer functionality; compared with MAX2389EGC+, it retains the LO buffer for improved system-level isolation at modest current cost - making it optimal for mainstream W-CDMA handset front-ends balancing performance and power.
Availability
MAX2388EGC+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for W-CDMA cellular handsets, dual-mode W-CDMA/GSM terminals, and ARIB-compliant base station receivers requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX2388EGC+ 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF solutions for communications, computing, and industrial markets.
The MAX2387/MAX2388/MAX2389 product line was designed specifically for W-CDMA front-end integration in 3G handsets and infrastructure, emphasizing ultra-low current, small footprint, and optimized 2110–2170MHz RF performance.
FAQ
What is the LNA gain range of the MAX2388EGC+?
The MAX2388EGC+ LNA offers two digitally selectable gain modes: 15dB in high-gain mode and –2.8dB in low-gain mode, measured at 2140MHz with +2.7V supply. This 17.8dB gain step enables dynamic range adaptation in varying RF signal conditions without external switching components. The gain states are controlled by the GAIN pin and remain stable across –40°C to +85°C operating temperature.
Does the MAX2388EGC+ require external matching networks?
Yes, the MAX2388EGC+ requires external matching on LNA_IN and LNA_OUT ports to achieve 50Ω interface, as these pins are not internally matched. However, the MIX_IN port is internally matched to 50Ω, eliminating matching components there. The IF+ and IF– outputs require external inductors tied to VCC for DC biasing, and the LO+ and LO– inputs need AC-coupling capacitors when driven differentially or single-endedly.
What LO drive level is required for optimal performance of the MAX2388EGC+?
The MAX2388EGC+ mixer is optimized for a –10dBm typical drive level at the LO buffer input (pins 5 and 6). Deviating significantly from this level degrades IIP3 and noise figure: below –12dBm increases NF; above –8dBm raises distortion. The LO port supports both single-ended (LO+ AC-coupled to GND) and differential configurations, with internal 100Ω termination on each pin.
How does the shutdown mode function on the MAX2388EGC+?
The MAX2388EGC+ enters shutdown mode when the SHDN pin is driven low, reducing supply current to less than 1µA. In this state, both LNA and mixer stages are powered down, but bias settings and pin configurations are retained. Normal operation resumes immediately upon driving SHDN high or connecting it to VCC. No reset sequence or delay is required, enabling fast frame-based power gating in TDD systems.
What is the thermal performance of the MAX2388EGC+ in its QFN package?
The MAX2388EGC+ uses a 12-pin 3mm × 3mm QFN package with an exposed thermal pad connected to GND. At +70°C ambient, its continuous power dissipation is rated at 952mW, derating by 11.9mW/°C above that temperature. Junction-to-case thermal resistance is 25°C/W, enabling reliable operation up to +85°C ambient when mounted on a 2-layer PCB with ≥2 cm² copper pour under the thermal pad.
MAX2388EGC+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 12-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- W-CDMA
- Frequency:
- 2.11GHz ~ 2.17GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- 17dB
- Noise Figure:
- 2.2dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- 11.7mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 3.3V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 12-QFN (3x3)
MAX2388EGC+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX2388EGC+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX2388EGC+ 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 MAX2388EGC+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX2388EGC+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX2388EGC+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX2388EGC+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX2388EGC+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX2388EGC+?
MAX2388EGC+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX2388EGC+ 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 MAX2388EGC+?
For technical support, including MAX2388EGC+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX2388EGC+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX2388EGC+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX2388EGC+ 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 MAX2388EGC+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX2388EGC+?
All MAX2388EGC+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX2388EGC+, 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 MAX2388EGC+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX2388EGC+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX2388EGC+ Tags

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MAX2671EUT+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

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ADEX-10+
Mini-Circuits

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ADE-2+
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MAX2681EUT+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

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ADE-1ASK+
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ADE-1L+
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