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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4473ESA
- Part No.:
- MAX4473ESA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- RF Power Controller ICs
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX4473ESA.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF PWR CNTRL AMP PA GSM 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,967
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Product details
Overview
MAX4473ESA from Maxim Integrated is a voltage-controlled, unidirectional high-side current-setting amplifier for closed-loop GSM power amplifier bias control. It delivers accurate PA supply current regulation via external sense/gain resistors, features rail-to-rail PC input and error amplifier output, operates from 2.7V–6.5V, draws 1.2mA typical supply current, and supports fast 0.9µs enable/disable timing in TDMA burst applications.
For engineers reviewing the MAX4473ESA datasheet, MAX4473ESA pinout, MAX4473ESA application, or MAX4473ESA equivalent, this device is selected for precision GSM transmit-power shaping, low-voltage PA gain control, and space-constrained mobile RF front-end designs requiring stable current feedback with shutdown capability.
Technical Context
The MAX4473ESA integrates an input buffer (A1), voltage-to-current converter (A2), and rail-to-rail error amplifier (A3) to implement a V-to-I controlled constant-current source architecture. Its unique topology sets PA current independent of supply voltage using the equation ICCPA = (VPC · RG1) / (4 · RSENSE · RG3), with external RG1/RG2/RG3 and RSENSE enabling programmable gain and sensing.
It supports closed-loop bias control in GSM/DECT TDMA systems by comparing sensed voltage across RSENSE against a scaled PC-derived reference. The error amplifier drives the PA gain control pin while maintaining 1V to VCC common-mode input range, no phase reversal from GND to VCC, and active pull-down at OUT during shutdown.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7V to 6.5V - enables direct integration into single-supply GSM handset rails without level-shifting. |
| Supply Current (Active) | 1.2mA typical - minimizes quiescent power draw in battery-powered RF sections. |
| Shutdown Current | <1µA - ensures negligible standby drain during TDMA idle slots. |
| Enable/Disable Time | 0.9µs typical - supports precise burst-on/burst-off timing alignment in GSM 577µs frames. |
| Error Amp CMVR | 1V to VCC - accommodates wide dynamic range of sense resistor voltage drops without clipping. |
| PC Input Bandwidth | 2MHz - preserves fidelity of fast power-control voltage transitions during burst ramp-up/down. |
| Output Drive | 500Ω + 300pF - directly interfaces with typical PA gain control pins without external buffering. |
Pinout & Package
The MAX4473ESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package per package code S8-2, with 1.27mm pitch, 4.9mm × 3.9mm body, and standard JEDEC MS-012 footprint.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 SR1 | Inverting input of error amplifier; drain of V-to-I FET Q1 | Connects to supply side of RSENSE via RG1 - forms one leg of current-sense differential pair. |
| 2 SR2 | Noninverting input of error amplifier | Connects to load side of RSENSE via RG2 - completes differential sensing; RG2 = RG1 for bias cancellation. |
| 3 SHDN | Active-low shutdown control | Pulls OUT to GND and disables all amplifiers when <0.4V - reduces supply current to <1µA. |
| 4 PC | Power control voltage input | DC voltage setting target PA current; divided by 4 internally to set RG1 voltage drop. |
| 5 GND | Analog and power ground reference | Common return for sense path, bias network, and supply decoupling capacitor. |
| 6 SR3 | Inverting input to V-to-I converter; source of Q1 | Connects to GND via RG3 - establishes reference current for V-to-I conversion stage. |
| 7 OUT | Error amplifier output | Rail-to-rail drive signal applied to PA gain control pin; actively pulled low in shutdown. |
| 8 VCC | Positive supply input | 2.7V–6.5V analog supply; requires 0.1µF bypass capacitor to GND for stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| GSM-optimized timing response | Guaranteed 0.9µs enable/disable supports strict 577µs GSM burst envelope requirements. |
| Rail-to-rail PC input and OUT | Full supply-range compatibility eliminates need for external level shifters in 2.7–6.5V systems. |
| Active output pull-down in shutdown | Ensures PA gain control pin is held low during idle, preventing unintended RF output. |
| No phase reversal over 0–VCC CM range | Prevents output polarity inversion during startup, shutdown, or transient overdrive conditions. |
| External resistor programmability | RG1/RG2/RG3 and RSENSE allow full customization of current range, accuracy, and efficiency trade-offs. |
Applications
| GSM Cellular Handsets | Cordless Phone Base Stations |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulating transmit power during time-division bursts in dual-band GSM handsets operating at 900/1800MHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side current-setting amplifier providing closed-loop PA bias control synchronized to GSM frame timing. Use Value: Enables accurate ±0.5dB transmit power control across temperature and battery voltage variation using only four external resistors. | Use Scenario: Maintaining consistent output power in DECT 1.88–1.90GHz cordless phone base station PAs during voice transmission. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled constant-current source for PA supply current regulation in TDMA-based DECT systems. Use Value: Delivers stable 1.2mA quiescent operation and sub-1µA shutdown current to extend base station standby life. |
| Precision RF Power Control | High-Frequency Servo Loops |
Use Scenario: Calibrating and stabilizing RF output power in portable test equipment with variable PA loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Programmable current regulator interfacing between DAC output and PA gain control pin. Use Value: Achieves 0.1% current-setting accuracy with 2MHz PC input bandwidth, supporting fast calibration sweeps. | Use Scenario: Closed-loop current control in RF front-end modules requiring rapid response to dynamic load changes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Error amplifier driving PA gain with 1.8V/µs slew rate and 2MHz gain-bandwidth product. Use Value: Supports servo loop bandwidths up to 200kHz while maintaining 60° phase margin with 300pF capacitive load. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PA power control applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX4473EUA | Identical electrical specs; packaged in 8-pin µMAX (U8-1) instead of SO (S8-2) | Smaller 3mm × 3mm footprint vs. SO's 4.9mm × 3.9mm; higher thermal resistance (4.10mW/°C derating) | Select MAX4473EUA for ultra-compact PCB layouts where board area is constrained. |
| MAX2362 | Dedicated GSM PA controller with integrated DAC, 3-wire serial interface, and wider 2.7–5.5V range; no external gain resistors required | Replaces discrete resistor network with digital control; adds SPI configuration but increases BOM count | Select MAX2362 when digital programmability, factory calibration, or multi-PA channel coordination is needed. |
Compared with MAX4473EUA, the MAX4473ESA offers identical performance in a standard SO package for easier assembly and thermal management; compared with MAX2362, it provides lower-cost analog-only control with minimal external components but lacks digital configurability.
Availability
MAX4473ESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GSM cellular handsets, cordless phone base stations, and precision RF power control applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX4473ESA 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 ICs for communications, computing, and industrial markets.
The MAX4473 product line delivers low-cost, low-voltage PA power control amplifiers optimized for GSM/DECT TDMA timing constraints and closed-loop RF transmit power accuracy.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the MAX4473ESA in a GSM transmitter?
The MAX4473ESA functions as a voltage-controlled, high-side current-setting amplifier that regulates power amplifier supply current in closed-loop GSM systems. It compares the voltage across an external sense resistor to a scaled version of the PC input voltage and adjusts the PA gain control pin accordingly. This enables precise transmit power control during TDMA bursts, ensuring compliance with GSM spectral mask and power ramp requirements. The MAX4473ESA achieves this using its internal error amplifier, V-to-I converter, and rail-to-rail output stages.
How does the MAX4473ESA achieve supply-voltage-independent current setting?
The MAX4473ESA implements a unique architecture where the PC input voltage is divided by four internally, then used to set a reference current through RG3. That current flows through RG1, establishing a voltage drop that defines the target voltage across RSENSE. Because both the reference and sense paths scale with VCC, the resulting PA current ICCPA = (VPC · RG1) / (4 · RSENSE · RG3) remains independent of supply voltage variations. This design ensures consistent transmit power across battery discharge profiles in handheld devices using the MAX4473ESA.
What are the key differences between MAX4473ESA and MAX4473EUA?
The MAX4473ESA and MAX4473EUA share identical electrical specifications, pinout, and functional behavior. Their sole difference is packaging: MAX4473ESA uses an 8-pin SO (S8-2) package with 1.27mm pitch and 4.9mm × 3.9mm body, while MAX4473EUA uses the smaller 8-pin µMAX (U8-1) package measuring 3mm × 3mm. The SO package offers better thermal dissipation (471mW at +70°C vs. 330mW) and standard surface-mount assembly compatibility. Engineers select MAX4473ESA when board-level manufacturability or thermal performance outweighs size constraints.
Can the MAX4473ESA be used outside GSM applications?
Yes - the MAX4473ESA is applicable in any system requiring precision, programmable, closed-loop current control with fast enable/disable timing. Its rail-to-rail inputs/outputs, 2.7–6.5V operation, and 2MHz PC bandwidth support use cases such as DECT cordless phones, RF test equipment, high-frequency servo loops, and general-purpose analog current sources. While optimized for GSM timing (e.g., 0.9µs enable time), its core architecture - high-side current regulation via external resistors - remains effective in non-TDMA systems where accurate, low-quiescent-current bias control is needed.
What external components are required for basic operation of the MAX4473ESA?
Four external resistors and one capacitor are required: RG1 and RG2 (matched, typically 1kΩ) set gain and cancel input bias currents; RG3 (e.g., 2.5kΩ) defines the V-to-I conversion ratio; RSENSE (e.g., 100Ω) converts PA current to a measurable voltage; and a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor bypasses VCC to GND. No additional active components are needed - the MAX4473ESA integrates all amplifiers, FETs, and logic required for closed-loop PA bias control. These components establish the current-setting equation ICCPA = (VPC · RG1) / (4 · RSENSE · RG3).
MAX4473ESA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- GSM
- Frequency:
- -
- Features:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX4473ESA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX4473ESA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX4473ESA 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 MAX4473ESA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX4473ESA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX4473ESA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX4473ESA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX4473ESA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX4473ESA?
MAX4473ESA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX4473ESA 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 MAX4473ESA?
For technical support, including MAX4473ESA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX4473ESA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX4473ESA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX4473ESA 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 MAX4473ESA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX4473ESA?
All MAX4473ESA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX4473ESA, 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 MAX4473ESA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX4473ESA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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