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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3518ETP+T
- Part No.:
- MAX3518ETP+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Special Purpose Amplifiers
- Package:
- 20-WQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3518ETP+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC VGAIN AMP 20TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,212
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Product details
Overview
MAX3518ETP+T from Maxim Integrated is a DOCSIS 3.0-compliant upstream RF amplifier IC designed for cable modem transmit paths. It delivers +64dBmV output with -60dBc 3rd-harmonic distortion at 33dB gain, operates from a single +5V supply, dissipates only 1.25W in transmit mode, and supports 5MHz–85MHz input bandwidth with 275MHz 3dB small-signal bandwidth.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3518ETP+T datasheet, MAX3518ETP+T pinout, MAX3518ETP+T application, or MAX3518ETP+T equivalent, this page provides verified functional specifications, SPI-controlled 63dB gain range in 1dB steps, differential input/output architecture, transmit-disable mode current of 5mA, and confirmed 20-pin TQFN-EP package mapping.
Technical Context
The MAX3518ETP+T implements a SiGe BiCMOS programmable-gain amplifier (PGA) with differential Class A output stage optimized for QPSK upstream transmission. Its 6-bit gain control (GC5–GC0) and 2-bit power code (PC1–PC0) are configured via a 3-wire SPI interface operating up to 10MHz, with register updates synchronized to TXEN transitions.
It features automatic bias current scaling per gain code within each power code, enabling dynamic efficiency optimization. Input impedance is 200Ω balanced; output presents 75Ω differential impedance requiring external 1:1 balun for 75Ω coaxial interface, with center-tap bias supplied through a 3Ω resistor.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | +4.75V to +5.25V - ensures stable operation across industrial voltage tolerances |
| Input Frequency Range | 5MHz to 85MHz - covers full DOCSIS 3.0 upstream channel plan |
| Small-Signal Bandwidth | 275MHz (3dB) - provides margin for harmonic suppression and transient fidelity |
| Output Power Capability | +64dBmV into 75Ω - supports four simultaneous QPSK carriers at +58dBmV each |
| Harmonic Distortion | -60dBc (HD3) at +64dBmV - meets DOCSIS 3.0 linearity requirements |
| Transmit-Disable Current | 5mA - minimizes power during burst gaps without compromising return loss |
| Gain Control Range | 63dB in 1dB steps - enables precise level setting across varying cable plant losses |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C - qualified for extended industrial environments in CPE equipment |
Pinout & Package
The MAX3518ETP+T is housed in a 20-pin thin QFN package with exposed pad (TQFN-EP), measuring 5mm × 5mm. Thermal performance relies on soldering the EP to a PCB ground plane via multiple vias.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IN+, IN- | Differential RF Input | Accepts balanced 200Ω input signal; requires anti-alias filtering and transformer coupling |
| OUT+, OUT- | Differential RF Output | Drives 75Ω load via external 1:1 balun; center-tap bias applied through 3Ω resistor |
| SCLK, SDA, CS | SPI Serial Interface | 3-wire CMOS interface (3.3V logic) for gain/power code programming; timing-critical setup/hold |
| TXEN | Transmit Enable Control | Active-high TTL/CMOS input; gain/power changes take effect on high-to-low transition |
| VCC (Pins 10, 17) | Power Supply Rails | Pin 10 powers digital interface; Pin 17 powers RF amplifier core - separate decoupling required |
| GND (Pins 1, 5) | Analog/Digital Ground | Low-impedance reference for both signal and power domains; EP must connect to same ground |
| N.C. (Pins 4, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20) | No Connection | Pins 4 & 11 must remain unconnected; Pins 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20 require grounding per layout guidelines |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| DOCSIS 3.0 Compliance | Validated for four-carrier QPSK transmission at +58dBmV/tone with <−60dBc HD3 and <−55dBc four-tone spurs |
| Ultra-Low Transmit-Disable Dissipation | 25mW typical - reduces thermal load and EMI during idle bursts |
| Dynamic Power Code Selection | Four PC settings (0–3) allow trade-off between distortion and supply current without gain recalibration |
| Low Burst Transient | 25mVP-P max step size at 33dB gain - maintains DOCSIS spectral mask integrity during TXEN switching |
| Integrated Bias Management | Automatic current reduction with decreasing gain code per power code - preserves distortion while optimizing efficiency |
| High Isolation in Disable Mode | 80dB output isolation - prevents upstream leakage into receive path during standby |
Applications
| Cable Modem Upstream Path | VoIP Gateway RF Front-End |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Embedded in DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems to amplify upstream QPSK signals before transmission over coaxial drop cable. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage upstream driver amplifier with digitally controlled gain and burst-mode enable/disable sequencing. Use Value: Enables compliance with DOCSIS 3.0 spectral mask and composite distortion limits while minimizing system power budget. | Use Scenario: Used in residential VoIP gateways with integrated cable modem functionality to condition upstream RF data bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Programmable RF gain block synchronized to DOCSIS MAC-layer transmit scheduling via TXEN. Use Value: Delivers consistent +64dBmV output across temperature and supply variation, reducing need for analog calibration. |
| Set-Top Box DOCSIS Bridge | Embedded CMTS Edge Node |
Use Scenario: Integrated into hybrid set-top boxes supporting two-way interactive services requiring upstream data transmission. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, low-transient upstream amplifier interfacing directly with balun and cable driver stage. Use Value: Achieves −66dBmV noise floor in transmit-disable mode, preventing ingress interference during receive intervals. | Use Scenario: Deployed in compact, fanless edge CMTS nodes where thermal density and power efficiency are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity upstream gain element in multi-channel upstream aggregation modules. Use Value: Supports simultaneous four-carrier operation with <−55dBc four-tone spurs, enabling dense upstream spectrum reuse. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar upstream amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3516ETP+T | Lower 31dB max gain; 1.1W dissipation; identical pinout and SPI interface | Targeted for DOCSIS 2.0 systems with relaxed linearity and lower output requirements | Select when +61dBmV output suffices and thermal envelope is tighter |
| MAX3514ETP+T | Same architecture but fixed 27dB gain; no SPI interface; simplified control | Used in cost-sensitive, non-programmable upstream paths with static gain setting | Choose for BOM simplification where gain adjustment is unnecessary |
Compared with MAX3518ETP+T, MAX3516ETP+T offers reduced power and gain for legacy DOCSIS 2.0, while MAX3514ETP+T eliminates digital control overhead at the expense of programmability - both share the same 20-pin TQFN-EP package and thermal design.
Availability
MAX3518ETP+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems, VoIP gateways, and set-top box designs requiring stable component supply, guaranteed RoHS compliance, and long-term production support.
Supply support for MAX3518ETP+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, mixed-signal, and RF solutions for communications, industrial, and consumer applications.
The MAX3518ETP+T belongs to Maxim's CATV upstream amplifier product line, engineered specifically for energy-efficient, spectrally clean DOCSIS 3.0 upstream transmission in space-constrained customer premises equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum output power of the MAX3518ETP+T and under what conditions is it specified?
The MAX3518ETP+T delivers +64dBmV output power into a 75Ω load at 33dB gain, with power code = 3 and input tone at +33dBmV. This is measured under DOCSIS 3.0-compliant conditions: 5MHz–85MHz input frequency, VCC = +5V, TA = +25°C. The device sustains this level while maintaining −60dBc 3rd-harmonic distortion and 74dBmV output 1dB compression point.
How does the MAX3518ETP+T achieve low distortion in DOCSIS 3.0 upstream transmission?
The MAX3518ETP+T achieves low distortion through its differential Class A output stage, which inherently suppresses even-order harmonics, and SiGe BiCMOS process technology enabling high linearity. At +64dBmV output, it guarantees −60dBc HD3 and −55dBc four-tone spurs with power code = 3. Input return loss ≥15dB and output return loss ≥11dB further minimize reflections that could degrade distortion performance.
What is the role of the TXEN pin in the MAX3518ETP+T and how does it affect gain updates?
The TXEN pin is the active-high transmit enable control for the MAX3518ETP+T. Gain and power code changes programmed via SPI take effect only on the next high-to-low transition of TXEN - not immediately upon register write. This ensures deterministic timing for burst-mode operation in DOCSIS systems. In transmit-disable mode (TXEN = low), supply current drops to 5mA and output isolation reaches 80dB.
Does the MAX3518ETP+T require external components for proper RF operation, and if so, which ones?
Yes, the MAX3518ETP+T requires external components: a 1:1 balun for differential-to-single-ended conversion at the output, a 3Ω resistor connecting VCC_CT to supply for center-tap biasing, and an anti-alias filter preceding the 200Ω differential input. Decoupling capacitors are mandatory on both VCC_DIG (Pin 10) and VCC_RF (Pin 17), and the exposed pad (EP) must be soldered to a PCB ground plane with multiple thermal vias.
What package type and thermal considerations apply to the MAX3518ETP+T?
The MAX3518ETP+T uses a 20-pin thin QFN with exposed pad (TQFN-EP), 5mm × 5mm footprint. Thermal performance depends critically on mounting the EP to a low-thermal-resistance PCB ground plane using an array of plated vias. The datasheet specifies 29mW/°C derating above +70°C ambient, with 2000mW maximum continuous dissipation at TA = +70°C - requiring careful board-level thermal design for sustained 1.25W operation.
MAX3518ETP+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-WQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Variable Gain Amplifier
- Applications:
- CATV
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-TQFN (5x5)
MAX3518ETP+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3518ETP+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3518ETP+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 MAX3518ETP+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3518ETP+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3518ETP+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3518ETP+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3518ETP+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3518ETP+T?
MAX3518ETP+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3518ETP+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 MAX3518ETP+T?
For technical support, including MAX3518ETP+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3518ETP+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3518ETP+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3518ETP+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 MAX3518ETP+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3518ETP+T?
All MAX3518ETP+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3518ETP+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 MAX3518ETP+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3518ETP+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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