Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3544CTL+

Overview

MAX3544CTL+ from Maxim Integrated is a broadband single-conversion multiband digital television tuner IC designed for DVB-T, DVB-C, DTMB/GB20600, and ATSC receivers. It receives 47MHz–862MHz RF input, converts to a 36.15MHz differential IF output, integrates a fractional-N PLL with 20-bit resolution, delivers 70dB image rejection, and features 4dB noise figure - enabling high-sensitivity terrestrial TV reception in compact set-top boxes and integrated digital TVs.

For engineers reviewing the MAX3544CTL+ datasheet, MAX3544CTL+ pinout, MAX3544CTL+ application, or MAX3544CTL+ equivalent, key selection criteria include full-band RF tuning range (47–862MHz), dual RF inputs (RFINL/RFINH) with automatic band switching, integrated RF/IF VGA gain control (0.5V–3.0V), crystal oscillator buffer output (fXTAL or fXTAL/4), and I²C-programmable tracking filter configuration for DVB-T/DVB-C/DTMB compliance.

Technical Context

The MAX3544CTL+ implements a single-conversion architecture with an RF tracking filter, image-rejecting mixer, and on-chip 36.15MHz IF bandpass filter. Its fractional-N PLL uses a 16MHz crystal reference, supports phase-detector frequencies of 8–10.5MHz (fXTAL/2) or 16–21MHz (fXTAL/1), and achieves fast lock with low phase noise to support 256QAM modulation.

It integrates two independent voltage-controlled gain stages: RF VGA (53dB control range) and IF VGA (41dB range, 19–60dB gain), both controlled by analog DC voltages (0.5V–3.0V). The device includes dual power detectors (wideband/narrowband), programmable register-based VCO autoselect, and configurable IF output modes (differential IFOUT1 or single-ended SAW-switch).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX3544CTL+ is housed in a 40-pin, 6mm × 6mm, 0.5mm pitch thin QFN package with exposed paddle (EP) for thermal and electrical grounding. Pin numbering follows standard QFN layout with pins 1–20 on top row (left-to-right), 21–40 on bottom row (right-to-left); EP must be soldered to PCB ground plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multiband television tuner applications.

Compared with Si2151-A10-GM and MT2063DN, the MAX3544CTL+ offers superior integration (on-chip crystal oscillator, dual RF inputs, programmable tracking filter) and tighter IF spurious performance (<−70dBc), making it optimal for space-constrained, multistandard DVB-T2/DTMB receivers requiring minimal external components.

Availability

MAX3544CTL+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DVB-T2 set-top boxes, DTMB digital TVs, and ATSC broadcast receivers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX3544CTL+ 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 consumer electronics.

The MAX3544CTL+ belongs to Maxim's multiband TV tuner product line, engineered specifically for global digital broadcast standards (DVB-T/C/T2, DTMB, ATSC) with emphasis on single-chip integration, low-noise RF conversion, and I²C-based system-level configurability.

FAQ

What is the primary RF input frequency range supported by the MAX3544CTL+?

The MAX3544CTL+ supports a full-band RF input range from 47MHz to 862MHz, divided across two dedicated inputs: RFINL covers 47–345MHz (VHF-L), and RFINH covers 345–862MHz (VHF-H/UHF). Band selection is controlled via the R05[RFIN] register bit, and the internal tracking filter automatically adjusts for optimal image rejection across the entire range. This enables direct reception of all DVB-T, DVB-C, DTMB, and ATSC broadcast channels without external RF switching.

Does the MAX3544CTL+ include an integrated crystal oscillator?

Yes, the MAX3544CTL+ integrates a precision crystal oscillator circuit with XTALE and XTALB pins. It operates with a 16MHz fundamental-mode crystal (supporting 16–32MHz range per datasheet), and its REFOUT pin delivers either fXTAL or fXTAL/4 (16MHz or 4MHz) to drive the baseband demodulator clock. The REFDIV pin and R09[XODIV] register configure the output division ratio, eliminating the need for an external crystal buffer or clock divider IC in DVB-T2 and DTMB designs.

How does the MAX3544CTL+ achieve image rejection, and what is the guaranteed performance?

The MAX3544CTL+ achieves image rejection through a combination of integrated RF tracking filter, image-rejecting mixer topology, and calibrated IF bandpass filtering. Guaranteed performance is >70dB for 47–470MHz (VHF-L/H) and >65dB for 470–862MHz (UHF), measured with image applied 77.8MHz above the desired channel center frequency. This meets ETSI EN 300 744 and GB/T 20600-2006 requirements and is validated across temperature (0°C to +70°C) using Maxim's evaluation kit and reference layout.

What interface does the MAX3544CTL+ use for configuration, and what are its timing limits?

The MAX3544CTL+ uses a standard I²C-compatible 2-wire serial interface with SDA and SCL pins. It supports clock rates up to 400kHz, uses a 7-bit slave address configurable via the ADDR pin (three options: 0xC0/0xC2/0xC4 for write), and requires external ~5kΩ pull-up resistors. Communication includes START/STOP conditions, ACK/NACK handshaking, and supports both single-register and burst writes/reads - enabling full initialization of VCO, tracking filter, and AGC registers within 100µs after power-up.

What is the IF output configuration of the MAX3544CTL+, and how is it selected?

The MAX3544CTL+ provides dual-mode IF output: differential IFOUT1 (pins 6/7) or single-ended IFOUT1 with SAW bandwidth switching (pin 7). Mode selection is controlled by bits R05[IFSEL1:0]; setting IFSEL=00 configures IFOUT1A/IFOUT1B as a differential 36.15MHz output for LC bandpass filters, while IFSEL=01 configures IFOUT1A as single-ended IF and IFOUT1B as a SAW switch control. This flexibility allows direct interface to either differential demodulators or legacy single-ended SAW-based architectures.