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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX2538ETI+
- Part No.:
- MAX2538ETI+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 28-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX2538ETI+.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER CELL/PCS/GPS 28TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
MAX2538ETI+ from Maxim Integrated is a quadruple-mode, triple-band LNA/mixer IC supporting cellular (869–894 MHz), PCS (1930–1990 MHz), and GPS (1575.42 MHz) bands in a single 28-pin QFN package. It integrates three independent signal paths with configurable gain/linearity modes, delivers 0.9 dB cellular LNA noise figure, 1.0 dB GPS LNA noise figure, and supports dual IF routing (IF0/IF1) for flexible baseband filtering in CDMA/GSM/E911 handsets.
For engineers reviewing the MAX2538ETI+ datasheet, MAX2538ETI+ pinout, MAX2538ETI+ application, or MAX2538ETI+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated GPS LNA/mixer path, internal LO divider architecture (0.5× PCS VCO for cellular band), ultra-low current mode (<7.7 mA in ULG), and differential GIF+/GIF− output for E911 location services.
Technical Context
The MAX2538ETI+ implements three physically separate RF signal chains: cellular (4-LNA modes), PCS (2-LNA modes), and GPS (single-mode LNA + mixer), each with dedicated IF outputs. Its LO generation uses an internal divider to derive cellular-band LO from a PCS-band VCO - eliminating need for dual VCOs or external dividers.
Each band's mixer features multiple linearity modes (HL/LL/LG), and LNA gain states (HGHL/HGLL/MG/LG/ULG) are controlled via G1, G2, MODE, and BAND logic inputs. IF routing is managed by IF_SEL, enabling dynamic assignment of cellular/PCS IF to either IF0 or IF1 port while GPS IF remains fixed on GIF+/GIF−.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Bands | Cellular (869–894 MHz), PCS (1930–1990 MHz), GPS (1575.42 MHz) - enables single-chip triple-band front-end |
| LNA Noise Figure | Cellular: 0.9 dB, PCS: 1.2 dB, GPS: 1.0 dB - ensures high sensitivity across all bands |
| LO Architecture | Internal ÷2 divider (PCS VCO → cellular LO); fractional scaler for GPS - eliminates external VCO duplication |
| Supply Current (ULG) | 7.7 mA typical (cellular), 7.4 mA (PCS), 23 mA (GPS) - extends battery life during idle/receive-strong-signal conditions |
| IF Outputs | Differential IF0±, IF1± (shared cellular/PCS), GIF± (GPS-dedicated) - supports dual-IF filter architectures |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (5 mm × 5 mm, exposed pad) - compact footprint for space-constrained handset PCBs |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial and mobile end-equipment environments |
Pinout & Package
MAX2538ETI+ is housed in a 28-pin thin QFN-EP package (5 mm × 5 mm) with exposed thermal pad soldered to PCB ground plane for RF and thermal stability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 CLNA_OUT | Cellular LNA output | Internally matched 50Ω output with on-chip DC-blocking capacitor - reduces external matching components |
| 4 CLNA_IN | Cellular LNA input | Requires external DC-blocking cap and LC match - optimized for low-noise, high-return-loss interface |
| 6 GLNA_IN | GPS LNA input | DC-blocking cap required; used with on-chip resonant tank for SAW-free GPS image rejection |
| 8 GLNA_OUT | GPS LNA output | Internally matched 50Ω output - simplifies GPS signal chain layout |
| 10 GMIX_IN | GPS mixer input | DC-blocking capacitor required - interfaces directly with GPS LNA output |
| 14 LO_IN | LO input | Internally matched 50Ω with on-chip DC-blocking cap - accepts -10 dBm LO drive without external matching |
| 16 LO_OUT | Cellular/PCS LO output | AC-coupled buffer output - drives transmit upconverter in TDD systems while RX is active or shut down |
| 17 VCC | Power supply | 2.7V–3.3V supply; requires local 100 pF bypass capacitor - critical for noise and stability |
| 18–19 IF0+/IF0− | Differential IF port 0 | Inductively pulled to VCC; 3.3 kΩ load recommended - routes cellular/PCS IF when IF_SEL = low |
| 20–21 GIF+/GIF− | GPS IF output | Inductively pulled to VCC; 8.2 kΩ load recommended - dedicated path for GPS baseband processing |
| 22–23 IF1+/IF1− | Differential IF port 1 | Inductively pulled to VCC; 3.3 kΩ load recommended - routes cellular/PCS IF when IF_SEL = high |
| 26 IF_SEL | IF port select | Logic control: low → IF0, high → IF1 - enables dynamic IF path switching without hardware change |
| 27 BAND | Band selection | Logic input defining active RF path (cellular/PCS/GPS) - coordinates LNA/mixer enable and LO routing |
| EP | Exposed pad | RF and DC ground connection - must be soldered to solid ground plane with ≥4 thermal vias |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Triple-band, quadruple-mode operation | Simultaneous support for cellular, PCS, and GPS bands with 5 LNA gain states per cellular/PCS path - enables single-chip solution for global multi-mode handsets |
| No external GPS VCO or SAW filter | On-chip fractional scaler generates GPS LO; integrated resonant tanks replace external SAW - reduces BOM count and board area |
| Dual IF routing capability | IF_SEL pin selects between IF0 and IF1 ports for cellular/PCS signals - allows use of narrowband IF filter on one port and wideband on the other |
| Ultra-low current mode | <7.7 mA average supply current in cellular ULG mode - extends standby time in CDMA phones where strong signals dominate |
| Integrated LO divider architecture | Derives cellular LO from PCS VCO via on-chip ÷2 divider - eliminates need for separate cellular VCO or external divider IC |
Applications
| Cellular/PCS Dual-IF Handset Front-End | E911 Location-Aware Mobile Devices |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Multi-mode smartphone receives simultaneous cellular voice and PCS data while maintaining GPS position lock during emergency call initiation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX2538ETI+ acts as unified RF front-end, routing cellular signal to narrowband IF0 filter (30 kHz) and PCS signal to wideband IF1 filter (200 kHz), while GPS path feeds dedicated GIF output to baseband processor. Use Value: Eliminates need for discrete LNAs, mixers, and LO synthesizers - reduces component count by up to 35 parts and PCB area by >30%. | Use Scenario: Portable navigation device operates in vehicle with weak GPS signal and strong cellular interference near cell tower. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX2538ETI+ GPS LNA/mixer provides 1.0 dB noise figure and on-chip image-reject tank, while cellular/PCS paths remain active for communication. Use Value: Achieves reliable GPS acquisition under high-interference conditions without external SAW filters - meets FCC E911 accuracy requirements. |
| CDMA/GSM Tri-Band Feature Phone | Traveler Assistance Telematics Unit |
Use Scenario: Low-cost tri-band handset supports legacy GSM, CDMA, and emerging LTE coexistence in roaming scenarios. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX2538ETI+ switches between cellular and PCS bands using BAND and MODE pins; GPS path remains powered for location tagging during SMS-based traveler alerts. Use Value: Single IC replaces three discrete front-ends - lowers bill-of-materials cost by ~$0.42/unit and simplifies inventory management. | Use Scenario: In-vehicle telematics system provides real-time roadside assistance with automatic crash detection and GPS location reporting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX2538ETI+ delivers continuous GPS tracking (GIF output) while monitoring cellular control channel (IF0) for network-initiated emergency commands. Use Value: Enables always-on GPS + cellular monitoring with <23 mA total current draw - supports >72-hour battery backup in disconnected mode. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LNA/mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX2530ETI+ | Uses dual-band VCO (cellular + PCS); no internal divider; GPS LO = (2/3)×VCO | Requires separate cellular and PCS VCOs - higher BOM cost and layout complexity | Select when dual-VCO architecture is already implemented and GPS LO flexibility is prioritized over integration |
| MAX2537ETI+ | Supports cellular + GPS only; PCS path omitted; same ÷2 divider architecture | Lacks PCS band - unsuitable for North American or dual-mode PCS/cellular deployments | Select for cost-sensitive GPS + cellular-only designs where PCS is not required |
Compared with MAX2530ETI+, MAX2538ETI+ reduces VCO count by one via integrated ÷2 divider, lowering system cost and layout risk; versus MAX2537ETI+, it adds full PCS support enabling true tri-band operation - critical for global roaming handsets.
Availability
MAX2538ETI+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for triple-band cellular handsets, E911-enabled mobile devices, and GPS-assisted traveler assistance systems requiring stable component supply across automotive-grade temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX2538ETI+ 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 MAX2538ETI+ belongs to Maxim's quadruple-mode LNA/mixer product line, designed specifically to consolidate cellular, PCS, and GPS receive paths into a single IC for space- and power-constrained mobile handsets and location-aware IoT devices.
FAQ
What is the primary RF function of the MAX2538ETI+?
The MAX2538ETI+ is a highly integrated triple-band LNA/mixer IC that simultaneously processes cellular (869–894 MHz), PCS (1930–1990 MHz), and GPS (1575.42 MHz) signals. It provides independent low-noise amplification and downconversion for each band, with configurable gain/linearity modes and dual IF routing - making it ideal for compact, multi-standard mobile front-ends.
Does the MAX2538ETI+ require an external GPS VCO or SAW filter?
No. The MAX2538ETI+ eliminates both: its GPS LO is generated by an on-chip fractional frequency scaler, and GPS image rejection is achieved using integrated resonant tanks between pins 8 (GLNA_OUT) and 10 (GMIX_IN), removing the need for external SAW filters - a key differentiator confirmed in the datasheet's "Features" and "GPS Interstage" sections.
How does the MAX2538ETI+ handle LO generation for cellular and PCS bands?
The MAX2538ETI+ uses an internal ÷2 divider to generate the cellular-band LO from the PCS-band VCO - meaning only one VCO is required for both bands. This architecture is explicitly defined in Table 3 ("LO Frequency Plan") and distinguishes MAX2538ETI+ from MAX2530ETI+ (dual-VCO) and MAX2531ETI+ (×2 multiplier).
What are the supply current values for MAX2538ETI+ in ultra-low-gain (ULG) mode?
In ULG mode, the MAX2538ETI+ draws 7.7 mA (cellular), 7.4 mA (PCS), and 23 mA (GPS) typical supply current - values confirmed in the "DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table under "Operating Supply Current" for each band. These low currents significantly extend battery life during idle or strong-signal reception.
Can the MAX2538ETI+ route cellular and PCS IF signals to separate baseband filters?
Yes. The MAX2538ETI+ supports dynamic IF routing via the IF_SEL pin: logic low directs cellular/PCS IF to IF0±, logic high routes them to IF1±. This allows independent filtering - e.g., narrowband IF0 for voice and wideband IF1 for data - a capability verified in the "Signal Paths and Operation Modes" section and Pin Description table.
MAX2538ETI+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- Cellular, GPS, PCS
- Frequency:
- -
- Number of Mixers:
- 3
- Gain:
- 16dB
- Noise Figure:
- 9dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- 32mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 3.3V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-TQFN (5x5)
MAX2538ETI+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX2538ETI+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX2538ETI+ 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 MAX2538ETI+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX2538ETI+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX2538ETI+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX2538ETI+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX2538ETI+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX2538ETI+?
MAX2538ETI+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX2538ETI+ 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 MAX2538ETI+?
For technical support, including MAX2538ETI+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX2538ETI+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX2538ETI+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX2538ETI+ 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 MAX2538ETI+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX2538ETI+?
All MAX2538ETI+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX2538ETI+, 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 MAX2538ETI+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX2538ETI+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX2538ETI+ Tags
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