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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3551CGM
- Part No.:
- MAX3551CGM
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3551CGM.pdf
- Description:
- HI-IF BROADBAND TV TUNER
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:279
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Product details
Overview
MAX3551CGM from Maxim Integrated is a dual-conversion broadband TV tuner IC designed for analog/digital cable and terrestrial receivers. It integrates RF front-end, dual synthesizers, HI-IF filter, and IF VGA; operates 50–878 MHz with 44 MHz IF center frequency, 8 dB noise figure, and −86 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10 kHz offset. Used in OpenCable™ set-top boxes requiring high linearity and image rejection.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3551CGM datasheet, MAX3551CGM pinout, MAX3551CGM application, or MAX3551CGM equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2-wire I²C interface (vs. MAX3550's 3-wire SPI), 44 MHz IF output, integrated VCOs eliminating external tuning components, and 48-pin QFN-EP package with exposed paddle for thermal management.
Technical Context
The MAX3551CGM implements a dual-synthesizer architecture: LO1 (1274–2111 MHz) drives upconversion, LO2 (1175–1193 MHz) enables precise HI-IF generation. Its fully integrated HI-IF filter delivers 68 dBc image rejection without external components, while the variable-gain front end achieves +19 dBm IIP3 and +52 dBm IIP2 linearity across temperature.
Configuration uses a 2-wire serial interface with address pins ADDR1/ADDR2 supporting four device addresses (C0h–C7h). The HI-IF filter center frequency is digitally adjustable via register 9 (F1/F0 bits), enabling ±5 MHz shift to avoid beat interference-critical for DVB-T and ATSC coexistence in dense spectral environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| IF Center Frequency | 44 MHz - matches standard SAW filter passband for analog/digital cable demodulation |
| Noise Figure | 7.9 dB - enables high SNR reception of weak 256-QAM signals in noisy CATV plant environments |
| IIP3 / IIP2 | +19 dBm / +52 dBm - supports simultaneous reception of multiple high-power QAM channels without intermodulation distortion |
| Phase Noise | −86 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset - ensures low error vector magnitude (EVM) for 8-VSB and COFDM waveforms |
| Image Rejection | 62–68 dBc - eliminates adjacent-channel interference without external filtering, reducing BOM cost |
| Gain Control Range | 30 dB RF VGA + 40 dB IF VGA - provides full dynamic range compensation for varying cable signal levels |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75–5.25 V - compatible with standard 5 V system rails and tolerant of industrial-grade voltage ripple |
Pinout & Package
MAX3551CGM is housed in a 48-pin QFN-EP (exposed paddle) package, thermally optimized for continuous operation in set-top box chassis with limited airflow. Pin pitch is 0.5 mm; exposed paddle must be soldered to PCB ground plane using ≥9 thermal vias for junction temperature control.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VCC (Pins 1,5,7,15,19,25,27,31,33,37,41,44) | Multi-rail power supply inputs | Dedicated supplies per functional block (LNA, mixers, VCOs, synthesizers, IF VGA, HI-IF filter) minimize crosstalk and enable independent bypassing |
| RFIN+/RFIN− (Pins 2/3) | Differential RF input | Accepts 75 Ω single-ended or balanced source; pin 3 driven with 10 nH/1000 pF matching network for optimal IP2 |
| IFOUT1+/IFOUT1− (Pins 35/36) | Primary differential IF output | Drives standard 75 Ω SAW filter with 200 Ω minimum load; AC-coupled, 44 MHz center |
| IFOUT2+/IFOUT2− (Pins 42/43) | Secondary differential IF output | AC-coupled output for direct connection to QAM demodulator ADC (300 Ω min load) |
| SDA/SCL (Pins 14/13) | 2-wire serial interface | I²C-compatible bus with ADDR1/ADDR2 (Pins 12/11) setting device address; supports read-back of lock status register |
| TUNE1/TUNE2 (Pins 8/30) | VCO tuning voltage inputs | Analog control nodes for third-order loop filters; require low-noise biasing to maintain phase noise performance |
| OSCIN/OSCOUT (Pins 22/21) | Crystal oscillator interface | Accepts 4 MHz fundamental-mode crystal; buffered output enables daisy-chaining to other timing devices |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fully integrated HI-IF filter | 68 dBc image rejection achieved without external LC components-reduces layout area and calibration complexity |
| Dual on-chip synthesizers | LO1 (1274–2111 MHz) and LO2 (1175–1193 MHz) eliminate external VCOs, varactors, and loop-filter tuning |
| 2-wire serial interface | Configurable I²C address (C0h–C7h) enables multi-tuner systems on shared bus without address conflict |
| HI-IF frequency agility | ±5 MHz digital step adjustment (register 9) shifts filter center to avoid LO harmonics-preserves image rejection during channel scan |
| High-linearity IF VGA | 53 dB typical passband gain with 20 dB/V slope enables precise level-setting for ADC input without clipping |
| Thermal-enhanced QFN-EP | Exposed paddle reduces θJA to 27 °C/W-supports 385 mA max supply current at +70°C ambient without derating |
Applications
| Analog/Digital Cable Set-Top Box | OpenCable™ Television Receiver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Receives 50–878 MHz QAM signals from hybrid fiber-coax plant with varying ingress noise and tilt. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-conversion tuner providing 44 MHz IF output to QAM demodulator; HI-IF filter rejects adjacent-channel interference. Use Value: 68 dBc image rejection and +19 dBm IIP3 prevent cross-modulation between high-power DOCSIS upstream carriers and downstream video channels. |
Use Scenario: Certified OpenCable receiver processing encrypted MPEG-2/4 streams with conditional access modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary RF tuner with 2-wire interface enabling host MCU to configure channel scans and lock detection status. Use Value: Read-back register (LD_POR) provides real-time VCO lock status and power-on reset confirmation-critical for CableLabs compliance boot sequence. |
| DVB-T Digital Terrestrial Receiver | ATSC Digital Terrestrial Receiver |
Use Scenario: Indoor/urban rooftop antenna receiving COFDM signals with multipath delay spread up to 100 µs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Broadband tuner delivering clean 44 MHz IF to DVB-T demodulator; phase noise <−86 dBc/Hz minimizes EVM degradation. Use Value: −105 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 kHz offset ensures robust reception of 64-QAM DVB-T payloads under Doppler-shifted mobile conditions. |
Use Scenario: Fixed-location ATSC 1.0/3.0 receiver decoding 8-VSB and OFDM signals in spectrum-contested UHF bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuner with HI-IF agility shifting filter center to avoid 1st-IF beat products from strong FM broadcast interferers. Use Value: Register-controlled ±5 MHz HI-IF step allows dynamic retuning during channel scan-eliminates manual filter alignment in production. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar broadband TV tuner applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3550CGM | 3-wire SPI interface; identical RF/IF specs and pinout; requires CS pin and different register map | Used where host MCU lacks I²C hardware but has SPI peripherals; same 44 MHz IF and thermal profile | Select when legacy SPI firmware exists or board layout already routes CS/SCL/SDA as separate nets |
| MAX3553CGM | 2-wire interface like MAX3551CGM but 36 MHz IF output; different LO2 tuning range (1175–1193 MHz vs. 1175–1193 MHz); same pinout | Targeted at DVB-T systems requiring 36 MHz SAW filters; not interchangeable without IF filter redesign | Select only when system architecture mandates 36 MHz IF-no electrical compatibility with 44 MHz designs |
Compared with MAX3550CGM and MAX3553CGM, the MAX3551CGM uniquely balances I²C simplicity with 44 MHz IF standardization for North American cable systems, avoiding SPI driver overhead while maintaining drop-in compatibility with existing MAX3550-based layouts except for interface routing.
Availability
MAX3551CGM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for analog/digital cable set-top boxes, OpenCable™ television receivers, and DVB-T/ATSC terrestrial receivers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for consumer electronics manufacturing.
Supply support for MAX3551CGM 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 markets.
The MAX355x family was designed specifically for single-chip, low-cost broadband TV tuners-integrating all RF, IF, and synthesis functions to replace multi-chip discrete tuner modules in cost-sensitive consumer video equipment.
FAQ
What interface protocol does the MAX3551CGM use, and how is its device address configured?
The MAX3551CGM uses a 2-wire I²C-compatible serial interface. Its 7-bit device address is set by external pins ADDR1 and ADDR2: Low/Low = C0h (write) or C1h (read), Low/High = C2h/C3h, High/Low = C4h/C5h, High/High = C6h/C7h. This allows up to four MAX3551CGM devices on one I²C bus without address conflict, simplifying multi-tuner system design.
Does the MAX3551CGM support read-back of internal status registers, and which ones are accessible?
Yes, the MAX3551CGM supports read-back of one dedicated status register (LD_POR, register 1) containing LOCK1, LOCK2, POR, OU1, and OU2 bits. This enables real-time monitoring of both VCO lock states, power-on reset completion, and VTUNE over/under conditions-critical for robust channel acquisition and diagnostics in production firmware.
How does the HI-IF filter frequency agility feature work in the MAX3551CGM, and what is its practical benefit?
The MAX3551CGM's HI-IF filter center frequency can be digitally shifted ±5 MHz via F1/F0 bits in register 9 (HI-IF). This adjusts the filter passband to track intentional LO retuning, moving beat frequencies out of the IF band. In practice, this eliminates manual SAW filter alignment during production and enables automatic interference avoidance during channel scanning in congested RF environments.
What are the thermal requirements for reliable operation of the MAX3551CGM at maximum ambient temperature?
The MAX3551CGM is specified for 0°C to +70°C operation and dissipates up to 385 mA at +70°C. Its 48-pin QFN-EP package requires the exposed paddle to be soldered to a solid ground plane with ≥9 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) to maintain junction temperature ≤+150°C. Without proper thermal vias, θJA exceeds specification, risking parametric drift or premature failure.
Can the MAX3551CGM be used as a direct replacement for the MAX3550CGM on an existing PCB?
No-while the MAX3551CGM shares identical pinout, package, and RF/IF specifications with the MAX3550CGM, it uses a 2-wire I²C interface versus the MAX3550CGM's 3-wire SPI. Pin 11 (ADDR2) and Pin 12 (ADDR1) replace CS and SCL functions. Direct replacement requires firmware update and re-routing of interface traces; no change is needed for RF/IF analog sections or power delivery.
MAX3551CGM Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- RF Type:
- DVB
- Frequency:
- 50MHz ~ 878MHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 2
- Gain:
- 38.5dB
- Noise Figure:
- 7.9dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Integrated PLL and VCO
- Current - Supply:
- 320mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.75V ~ 5.25V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 48-QFN (7x7)
MAX3551CGM FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3551CGM through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3551CGM 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 MAX3551CGM reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3551CGM are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3551CGM is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3551CGM?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3551CGM transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3551CGM?
MAX3551CGM orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3551CGM 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 MAX3551CGM?
For technical support, including MAX3551CGM datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3551CGM requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3551CGM is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3551CGM 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 MAX3551CGM meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3551CGM?
All MAX3551CGM units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3551CGM, 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 MAX3551CGM part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3551CGM:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX3551CGM Tags
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MAX2671EUT+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
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ADEX-10+
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ADE-2+
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LTC5562IUC#TRPBF
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MAX2681EUT+T
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ADE-1ASK+
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ADE-1L+
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