Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX2388ETC+
- Part No.:
- MAX2388ETC+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 12-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX2388ETC+.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER 2.11-2.17GHZ 12TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX2388ETC+ from Maxim Integrated is a W-CDMA low-noise amplifier and downconverter mixer IC optimized for 2110MHz–2170MHz cellular front-ends. It integrates an LNA, single-balanced mixer, and LO buffer in a single 12-pin QFN (3mm × 3mm), delivering 15dB high-gain LNA mode, 6dBm mixer IIP3, 2.3dB cascaded noise figure, and ultra-low 9.9mA supply current at +2.7V - enabling compact, power-efficient Japanese ARIB and ETSI-UMTS handsets.
For engineers reviewing the MAX2388ETC+ datasheet, MAX2388ETC+ pinout, MAX2388ETC+ application, or MAX2388ETC+ equivalent, this page delivers verified RF performance data, gain-mode behavior, LO interface configuration options, and real-world W-CDMA receiver design context - all specific to the MAX2388ETC+ variant with integrated LO buffer and 18dB LNA gain step.
Technical Context
The MAX2388ETC+ implements a silicon germanium-based LNA followed by a wideband single-balanced downconverter mixer, both tuned for the 2110–2170MHz W-CDMA receive band. Its LNA offers two discrete gain states (15dB high / –2.8dB low) selected via the GAIN pin, while the mixer accepts differential or single-ended LO drive at –10dBm typical level and delivers differential open-collector IF outputs (IF+/IF–).
Internal 50Ω RF matching is applied to MIX_IN and LO ports; LNA_IN and LNA_OUT require external 50Ω matching networks. The LO buffer provides enhanced isolation, and the BIAS pin sets operating point via a 24kΩ resistor to GND - distinguishing it from the LO-buffer-less MAX2389 and higher-gain-step MAX2387.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LNA Gain (High Mode) | 15dB typical at 2140MHz - enables sufficient signal lift before mixer without saturating downstream stages |
| LNA Gain Step | 18dB between high/low modes - supports dynamic range management in varying interference environments |
| Mixer IIP3 | 6dBm typical - ensures robust third-order intermodulation suppression in dense W-CDMA bands |
| Cascaded Noise Figure | 2.3dB - reflects combined LNA + mixer contribution, critical for weak-signal sensitivity in handheld receivers |
| Supply Current | 9.9mA at +2.7V, high-gain mode - enables extended battery life in portable 3G handsets |
| Shutdown Current | <1µA - allows full RF front-end power gating during idle periods per UMTS TDD/FDD timing |
| LO Input Drive | –10dBm typical at LO+ / LO– - defines required LO source power level for optimal mixer linearity |
| Package | 12-pin 3mm × 3mm QFN - supports high-density RF layout with exposed thermal pad for dissipation |
Pinout & Package
MAX2388ETC+ is housed in a 12-pin leadless QFN package (3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin numbering follows standard top-view orientation (pin 1 at top-left corner, counterclockwise).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 LNA_OUT | RF output of LNA stage | Requires external 50Ω matching network; connects to off-chip image-rejection filter before mixer input |
| 2 GAIN | Digital gain control input | High = 15dB LNA gain; low = –2.8dB LNA gain - enables fast AGC response in W-CDMA burst-mode operation |
| 3 MIX_IN | RF input of downconverter mixer | Internally matched to 50Ω; accepts filtered LNA output; no external matching needed |
| 4 SHDN | Shutdown enable input | Low = full power-down (<1µA); high or VCC = active - synchronized with baseband processor sleep states |
| 5 LO+ | Noninverting LO input (buffer/mixer) | Differential 200Ω input; AC-coupled; supports single-ended drive when LO– is grounded via capacitor |
| 6 LO– | Inverting LO input (buffer/mixer) | Paired with LO+; internal 100Ω termination to GND; defines LO common-mode reference |
| 7 IF– | Inverting IF output | Open-collector; requires external inductor to VCC for DC bias; differential pair with IF+ for SAW filter interface |
| 8 IF+ | Noninverting IF output | Open-collector; matched trace length and impedance to IF– essential for balanced IF signal integrity |
| 9 VCC | Positive supply rail | +2.7V to +3.3V; requires local 10nF + 10µF decoupling near pin to suppress RF supply noise |
| 10 LNA_IN | RF input of LNA stage | Requires external 50Ω matching network; connects directly to antenna switch or band-select filter |
| 11 GND | Ground reference | All ground pins must connect to low-inductance solid ground plane; thermal pad tied to GND for thermal relief |
| 12 BIAS | Bias current setting terminal | Connect 24kΩ ±1% resistor to GND to set nominal LNA/mixer quiescent current and optimize NF/IIP3 trade-off |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LO buffer | Provides >30dB LO-to-RF/IF isolation - reduces LO leakage into antenna path and improves system spectral purity |
| Dual-gain LNA architecture | 18dB step between 15dB high-gain and –2.8dB low-gain modes - enables seamless AGC without gain discontinuity or phase shift |
| Ultra-small 3mm × 3mm QFN | Enables <12mm² total RF front-end footprint - critical for slim form-factor W-CDMA handsets and dual-mode phones |
| Single +2.7V to +3.3V supply | Eliminates need for dedicated RF voltage rails - simplifies power architecture and reduces BOM count in battery-powered systems |
| 0.2µA shutdown current | Supports sub-10µA deep-sleep current budgets - extends standby time in always-connected mobile devices |
| Internal 50Ω mixer input match | Removes external matching components at MIX_IN - improves production yield and reduces RF layout sensitivity |
Applications
| W-CDMA Handset Front-End | Dual-Mode W-CDMA/GSM Phone |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Primary receive path in Japanese ARIB-compliant 3G handsets operating in 2110–2170MHz band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage LNA followed by image-rejecting downconverter; processes burst-mode W-CDMA signals with 3.84MHz chip rate. Use Value: 2.3dB cascaded noise figure and 6dBm mixer IIP3 ensure >120dB dynamic range and meet ARIB T-95 adjacent channel selectivity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Shared RF front-end supporting simultaneous W-CDMA and GSM receive paths via antenna switch. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: W-CDMA-specific LNA/mixer block activated only during 3G reception; powered down during GSM-only operation. Use Value: 9.9mA active current and <1µA shutdown current minimize average power draw across multimode operation cycles. |
| UMTS Femtocell Receiver | Portable W-CDMA Test Equipment |
Use Scenario: Low-power indoor base station receiving uplink W-CDMA signals in residential environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity front-end component in compact, fanless femtocell design with thermal constraints. Use Value: 12-pin QFN package with exposed pad enables efficient heat dissipation at 9.9mA, avoiding thermal derating in enclosed enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Portable field test instrument requiring rapid RF calibration and minimal self-generated spurious emissions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference-grade LNA/mixer stage used for signal generation and analysis verification in lab and field settings. Use Value: Matched high/low gain modes and stable 2.3dB noise figure across temperature ensure repeatable measurement accuracy. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar W-CDMA LNA/mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX2387ETC+ | 32dB LNA gain step (vs. 18dB), 10.7mA supply current, same 12-pin QFN package | Better suited for ultra-low-sensitivity applications requiring wider AGC range; higher current draw limits battery life | Select MAX2387ETC+ only if system-level testing confirms need for >18dB gain control depth beyond MAX2388ETC+ capability |
| MAX2389ETC+ | No LO buffer, 7.9mA supply current, –4dBm LO drive requirement (vs. –10dBm) | Lower power but reduced LO isolation; requires higher-power LO source or external buffer for same system-level performance | Choose MAX2389ETC+ when LO source can deliver –4dBm and board space/power budget prioritizes minimum current over isolation |
Compared with MAX2387ETC+, the MAX2388ETC+ trades gain-step depth for lower current and identical LO drive compatibility; compared with MAX2389ETC+, it adds LO buffer isolation at modest current cost - making MAX2388ETC+ the balanced choice for mainstream ARIB/ETSI handset designs.
Availability
MAX2388ETC+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Japanese W-CDMA handsets, dual-mode W-CDMA/GSM phones, and UMTS femtocell receivers requiring stable component supply, consistent RF performance across temperature, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MAX2388ETC+ 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 family was designed specifically for W-CDMA cellular front-ends, targeting ultra-low current consumption and exceptional noise/linearity trade-offs in the 2110–2170MHz band for ARIB and ETSI-UMTS compliance.
FAQ
What is the primary RF frequency range supported by the MAX2388ETC+?
The MAX2388ETC+ is optimized for the 2110MHz to 2170MHz W-CDMA receive band, with LNA and mixer performance characterized across this full range. Its S-parameters, noise figure, and IIP3 remain stable within this window, and it meets ARIB and ETSI-UMTS spectral mask requirements when used with appropriate external matching and filtering. The LO input supports 2250MHz to 2600MHz, enabling 190MHz IF generation.
How does the GAIN pin affect LNA operation in the MAX2388ETC+?
The GAIN pin on the MAX2388ETC+ selects between two discrete LNA gain states: logic high enables 15dB gain (high-gain mode), and logic low enables –2.8dB gain (low-gain mode), yielding an 18dB gain step. This digital control allows fast AGC response in W-CDMA burst-mode operation without analog tuning components. The transition preserves phase continuity and maintains matching across both modes.
What LO drive level is required for optimal mixer performance in the MAX2388ETC+?
The MAX2388ETC+ mixer is optimized for a –10dBm typical drive level at the LO+ and LO– inputs. This value is specified for differential LO operation; single-ended drive requires AC-coupling LO+ while grounding LO– through a capacitor. Deviating significantly from –10dBm degrades conversion gain flatness and increases noise figure - confirmed by typical operating curves in the MAX2388ETC+ datasheet.
Does the MAX2388ETC+ require external matching components at its RF ports?
The MAX2388ETC+ requires external matching only at LNA_IN and LNA_OUT; MIX_IN is internally matched to 50Ω and needs no external components. LNA_IN connects to the antenna path and must be matched using discrete inductors/capacitors per application circuit guidelines, while LNA_OUT feeds an off-chip image-rejection filter. Proper matching ensures specified 2.3dB cascaded noise figure and 6dBm IIP3.
What is the function of the BIAS pin on the MAX2388ETC+?
The BIAS pin on the MAX2388ETC+ sets the quiescent bias current for both the LNA and mixer core. A 24kΩ ±1% resistor connected from BIAS to GND establishes nominal operating conditions that balance noise figure (2.3dB), IIP3 (6dBm), and supply current (9.9mA). Altering this resistor value shifts the NF/IIP3 trade-off - increasing resistance lowers current but raises noise figure, and vice versa.
MAX2388ETC+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 12-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- 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-TQFN (3x3)
MAX2388ETC+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX2388ETC+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX2388ETC+ 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 MAX2388ETC+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX2388ETC+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX2388ETC+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX2388ETC+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX2388ETC+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX2388ETC+?
MAX2388ETC+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX2388ETC+ 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 MAX2388ETC+?
For technical support, including MAX2388ETC+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX2388ETC+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX2388ETC+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX2388ETC+ 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 MAX2388ETC+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX2388ETC+?
All MAX2388ETC+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX2388ETC+, 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 MAX2388ETC+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX2388ETC+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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