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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX2388ETC+T
- Part No.:
- MAX2388ETC+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 12-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX2388ETC+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER 2.11-2.17GHZ 12TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,835
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Product details
Overview
MAX2388ETC+T from Maxim Integrated is a W-CDMA low-noise amplifier and downconverter mixer IC optimized for 2110–2170 MHz RF front-ends in ARIB/ETSI-UMTS systems. It integrates LNA, mixer, and LO buffer; delivers 15 dB high-gain mode LNA gain, 7 dB SSB mixer noise figure, and 6 dBm mixer IIP3 at 9.9 mA supply current. Used in Japanese 3rd-gen cellular handsets requiring ultra-low power and compact RF signal conditioning.
For engineers reviewing the MAX2388ETC+T datasheet, MAX2388ETC+T pinout, MAX2388ETC+T application, or MAX2388ETC+T equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world W-CDMA receiver use cases, and validated alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.
Technical Context
The MAX2388ETC+T implements a silicon germanium-based LNA followed by a wideband single-balanced downconverter mixer, both optimized for the 2110–2170 MHz W-CDMA band. Its LNA offers selectable high/low-gain modes (15 dB / −2.8 dB) via the GAIN pin, and its mixer features differential IF outputs (IF+/IF−) with open-collector configuration requiring external VCC biasing inductors.
Mixer performance is calibrated for −10 dBm LO drive at the LO buffer input (pins 5/6), supporting both single-ended and differential LO excitation. The LO port uses internal 100 Ω termination, and the mixer's RF input (MIX_IN) is internally matched to 50 Ω, eliminating external matching components on that path.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LNA Gain (High) | 15 dB - sets RF signal amplification level before mixing; enables sensitivity in weak-signal W-CDMA reception |
| LNA Gain (Low) | −2.8 dB - reduces gain to prevent saturation under strong interferers; maintains linearity in dense RF environments |
| Mixer NF (SSB) | 7 dB - directly impacts cascaded receiver noise figure; contributes to 2.3 dB total system NF when paired with antenna filter |
| Mixer IIP3 | 6 dBm - determines third-order intermodulation rejection capability; critical for adjacent-channel interference suppression |
| Supply Current | 9.9 mA (typ, high-gain) - enables battery-efficient operation in portable W-CDMA handsets with tight thermal budgets |
| Shutdown Current | <1 µA - allows full power-down during idle periods to extend handset standby time |
| RF Frequency Range | 2110–2170 MHz - precisely matches UMTS Band I uplink band; no external tuning required |
Pinout & Package
MAX2388ETC+T is housed in a 3 mm × 3 mm, 12-pin leadless QFN package with exposed thermal pad (ETC suffix). Pin numbering follows standard top-view orientation with pin 1 at top-left corner.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 LNA_OUT | RF output of LNA stage | Requires external 50 Ω matching network; connects to off-chip image-rejection filter before mixer input |
| 2 GAIN | Digital control input | High = 15 dB LNA gain; low = −2.8 dB LNA gain; TTL-compatible logic threshold |
| 3 MIX_IN | RF input of mixer stage | Internally matched to 50 Ω; accepts filtered LNA output; no external matching needed |
| 4 SHDN | Global shutdown enable | Low = full power-down (<1 µA); high or tied to VCC = active operation |
| 5 LO+ | Noninverting LO buffer input | Differential 200 Ω input; AC-coupled; supports single-ended drive via LO+–GND path |
| 6 LO− | Inverting LO buffer input | Paired with LO+; forms fully differential LO interface; improves LO–RF/LO–IF isolation |
| 7 IF− | Inverting IF output | Open-collector; requires external inductor to VCC for DC bias; differential pair with IF+ |
| 8 IF+ | Noninverting IF output | Open-collector; must be used with IF−; drives external IF SAW filter or baseband ADC interface |
| 9 VCC | Positive supply rail | +2.7V to +3.3V single supply; requires local 10 nF + 10 µF decoupling per layout guidelines |
| 10 LNA_IN | RF input of LNA stage | Requires external 50 Ω matching network; connects directly to antenna or bandpass filter output |
| 11 GND | Ground reference | Low-inductance connection required; ties to PCB ground plane under exposed thermal pad |
| 12 BIAS | Current-setting bias node | Connects to GND via 24 kΩ ±1% resistor to set nominal LNA/mixer bias current |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low operating current | 9.9 mA typical in high-gain mode - extends battery life in handheld W-CDMA terminals without sacrificing RF performance |
| Integrated LO buffer | On-chip open-collector LO driver - increases LO-to-RF/IF isolation, reducing spurious emissions and improving receiver selectivity |
| Dual-gain LNA architecture | Selectably 15 dB or −2.8 dB gain - enables dynamic range adaptation across varying signal conditions while preserving noise match |
| Internally matched mixer input | 50 Ω RF input impedance - eliminates external matching components at MIX_IN, simplifying board layout and reducing BOM count |
| Differential IF outputs | Open-collector IF+/IF− - supports balanced IF filtering and noise rejection; compatible with standard SAW filters and differential ADC inputs |
Applications
| W-CDMA Cellular Handset Front-End | Dual-Mode W-CDMA/GSM Handset |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Primary receive path in Japanese 3G handsets compliant with ARIB T-95 standards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LNA/mixer signal chain element providing first-stage amplification and frequency translation from 2140 MHz RF to 190 MHz IF. Use Value: 2.3 dB cascaded noise figure and 6 dBm mixer IIP3 meet stringent ARIB adjacent-channel selectivity requirements while consuming only 9.9 mA. | Use Scenario: Shared RF front-end supporting simultaneous W-CDMA and GSM operation via fast switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: W-CDMA-specific LNA/mixer block activated only during UMTS mode; shut down during GSM-only operation. Use Value: <1 µA shutdown current enables seamless mode switching without compromising GSM battery life or thermal profile. |
| UMTS Band I Base Station Receiver Module | Portable W-CDMA Test Equipment |
Use Scenario: Low-power, high-linearity receive path in small-cell or femtocell base station units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First active component after antenna duplexer; conditions signal prior to IF processing and demodulation. Use Value: 7 dB SSB mixer noise figure and −2.8 dB low-gain LNA mode allow operation under strong out-of-band interferers common in dense urban deployments. | Use Scenario: Compact field-deployable spectrum analyzer or signal generator calibration module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference-grade downconversion stage enabling accurate 2140 MHz signal analysis with minimal added noise. Use Value: 15 dB high-gain LNA mode ensures sufficient SNR for low-level signal detection; 3 mm × 3 mm QFN eases integration into handheld test form factors. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LNA/mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX2387ETC+T | Includes same LNA/mixer core but adds 32 dB LNA gain step (vs. 18 dB in MAX2388ETC+T); draws 10.7 mA vs. 9.9 mA | Higher gain step better suited for low-SNR base station receivers; less ideal for handset power budget constraints | Select MAX2387ETC+T when >30 dB total LNA gain is required and current budget allows +0.8 mA |
| MAX2389ETC+T | Omits LO buffer; optimized for −4 dBm LO drive (vs. −10 dBm); draws 7.9 mA - lowest current in family | Suitable where LO source has higher drive capability and system-level LO isolation is managed externally | Select MAX2389ETC+T when minimizing current is critical and LO driver can deliver −4 dBm without buffer assistance |
Compared with MAX2387ETC+T and MAX2389ETC+T, the MAX2388ETC+T strikes a balance: it retains the LO buffer for robust isolation like the MAX2387ETC+T but consumes less current, and it maintains the −10 dBm LO drive compatibility of the MAX2387ETC+T while offering lower current than both alternatives - making it optimal for mainstream W-CDMA handset designs.
Availability
MAX2388ETC+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Japanese 3rd-generation W-CDMA cellular phones, dual-mode W-CDMA/GSM handsets, and portable RF test equipment requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term production support.
Supply support for MAX2388ETC+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 fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs for communications, computing, and industrial markets.
The MAX2387/MAX2388/MAX2389 product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, high-integration W-CDMA receiver front-ends targeting ARIB and ETSI-UMTS compliance in space-constrained mobile devices.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for MAX2388ETC+T?
The MAX2388ETC+T mixer is optimized for −10 dBm typical drive at the LO buffer input (pins 5/6). This level balances conversion gain, noise figure, and IIP3 across temperature and supply voltage. Driving outside −12 dBm to −8 dBm may degrade linearity or increase noise; the datasheet specifies −10 dBm as the nominal calibration point for all AC electrical characteristics of MAX2388ETC+T.
Does MAX2388ETC+T support differential or single-ended LO input?
Yes, MAX2388ETC+T supports both configurations. Pins 5 (LO+) and 6 (LO−) form a 200 Ω differential input pair. For single-ended drive, AC-couple the LO signal to LO+ and connect LO− to ground through a capacitor. Internal 100 Ω termination on each pin ensures proper impedance matching in either mode - a key design feature confirmed in the MAX2388ETC+T functional description and pin table.
What is the function of the BIAS pin on MAX2388ETC+T?
Pin 12 (BIAS) sets the quiescent current for both the LNA and mixer stages. It must be connected to GND via a 24 kΩ ±1% resistor to achieve nominal biasing and specified performance (e.g., 9.9 mA ICC, 7 dB mixer NF). Omitting or misvaluing this resistor causes gain shift, increased noise, or unstable operation - a requirement explicitly defined in the MAX2388ETC+T datasheet's Pin Description and Absolute Maximum Ratings sections.
Can MAX2388ETC+T operate from a 2.5V supply?
No. MAX2388ETC+T is specified for +2.7V to +3.3V single-supply operation only. Operation below 2.7V violates the Absolute Maximum Ratings and results in undefined behavior: LNA gain drops sharply, mixer conversion gain collapses, and shutdown functionality becomes unreliable. The datasheet's DC Electrical Characteristics table lists ICC min/max only within the 2.7–3.3 V range - confirming 2.5V is outside MAX2388ETC+T's validated operating envelope.
How does the GAIN pin affect MAX2388ETC+T performance?
The GAIN pin (pin 2) selects between two LNA operating modes: high-gain (15 dB) when driven high, and low-gain (−2.8 dB) when driven low. This selection directly controls LNA transconductance and bias current, altering noise figure, IIP3, and −1 dB compression point. All MAX2388ETC+T AC specs - including cascaded noise figure (2.3 dB) and mixer IIP3 (6 dBm) - are guaranteed only with the correct GAIN pin state per mode, as verified in the AC Electrical Characteristics tables.
MAX2388ETC+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 12-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX2388ETC+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX2388ETC+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 MAX2388ETC+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX2388ETC+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX2388ETC+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX2388ETC+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX2388ETC+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX2388ETC+T?
MAX2388ETC+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX2388ETC+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 MAX2388ETC+T?
For technical support, including MAX2388ETC+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX2388ETC+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX2388ETC+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX2388ETC+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 MAX2388ETC+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX2388ETC+T?
All MAX2388ETC+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX2388ETC+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 MAX2388ETC+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX2388ETC+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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