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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4473ETA
- Part No.:
- MAX4473ETA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 8-WDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX4473ETA.pdf
- Description:
- IC OPAMP GP 1 CIRCUIT 8TDFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,651
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Product details
Overview
The MAX4473ETA from Maxim Integrated is a voltage-controlled, unidirectional high-side current-setting amplifier designed for closed-loop bias control of GSM power amplifiers. It delivers precise PA supply current regulation via external sense/gain resistors, features rail-to-rail PC input and error amplifier output, operates from 2.7V to 6.5V, draws 1.2mA typical supply current, and supports fast 0.9µs enable/disable timing - enabling accurate transmit burst shaping in TDMA cellular handsets.
For engineers reviewing the MAX4473ETA datasheet, MAX4473ETA pinout, MAX4473ETA application, or MAX4473ETA equivalent, this device is critical for GSM/DECT PA bias control where supply-voltage-independent current setting, shutdown-mode active pull-down, and 1V–VCC common-mode sensing range are required.
Technical Context
The MAX4473ETA implements a three-stage analog signal path: an input buffer (A1) scales the PC voltage by 1/4; a V-to-I converter (A2 + Q1 + RG3) generates a reference current; and a rail-to-rail error amplifier (A3) compares SR1/SR2 voltages to regulate PA gain. Its architecture decouples PA current from supply voltage via the equation ICCPA = (VPC × RG1) / (4 × RSENSE × RG3).
It supports true shutdown with sub-1µA quiescent current and active N-FET pull-down on OUT, while maintaining 1.5µs guaranteed enable/disable times. The error amplifier exhibits no phase reversal over 0V to VCC common-mode input and delivers 500Ω/300pF drive capability with 2MHz gain-bandwidth product and 1.8V/µs slew rate.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 2.7V to 6.5V single supply - enables direct integration into battery-powered GSM handset rails without LDO. |
| Supply Current | 1.2mA typical - minimizes system-level power budget impact during active PA control. |
| Shutdown Current | <1µA - ensures negligible standby drain in sleep modes of mobile devices. |
| Enable/Disable Time | 0.9µs typical - meets GSM burst timing requirements with minimal dead time between transmit slots. |
| Error Amp CM Range | 1V to VCC - allows sensing across full PA supply range including low-VCC battery droop conditions. |
| PC Input Bandwidth | 2MHz - supports fast dynamic power ramping during GSM burst transitions. |
| Output Drive | 500Ω + 300pF - directly interfaces with typical PA gain-control pins without external buffering. |
Pinout & Package
MAX4473ETA is housed in an 8-pin, 3mm × 3mm, 0.8mm-thick thin QFN package with exposed thermal pad (package code T833-1), optimized for space-constrained RF front-end modules.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (SR1) | Inverting input of error amplifier; drain node of V-to-I FET Q1 | Connects to supply side of RSENSE via RG1; sets feedback reference for PA current regulation. |
| 2 (SR2) | Noninverting input of error amplifier | Connects to load side of RSENSE via RG2; senses actual PA current drop for closed-loop comparison. |
| 3 (SHDN) | Active-low shutdown control | Pulling below 0.4V disables all internal amplifiers, turns off Q1, and actively pulls OUT to GND. |
| 4 (PC) | Power control voltage input | DC voltage input scaled 1:4 internally; determines final PA supply current independent of VCC. |
| 5 (GND) | Analog ground reference | Common return for all internal circuitry and external resistors; must be low-impedance RF ground. |
| 6 (SR3) | Inverting input of V-to-I converter; source of Q1 | Connected to GND via RG3; sets reference current that defines gain scaling factor in control loop. |
| 7 (OUT) | Error amplifier output | Rail-to-rail output driving PA gain-control pin; provides active pull-down in shutdown mode. |
| 8 (VCC) | Positive supply input | 2.7V–6.5V supply; requires local 0.1µF ceramic bypass capacitor to GND for RF stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| GSM-optimized timing | Guaranteed ≤1.5µs enable/disable and 2MHz PC bandwidth ensure compliance with GSM burst envelope specifications. |
| Rail-to-rail PC input & OUT | Full dynamic range utilization from 0V to VCC enables maximum control resolution with low-voltage supplies. |
| No phase reversal | Stable operation with common-mode inputs from 0V to VCC prevents erratic PA behavior during supply transients. |
| External resistor programmability | RG1, RG2, RG3, and RSENSE allow precise tailoring of current range, accuracy, and efficiency per PA design. |
| Active shutdown pull-down | On-chip N-FET pulls OUT to GND during SHDN, eliminating need for external pulldown and ensuring defined PA bias state. |
Applications
| GSM Cellular Handset PA Control | DECT Cordless Phone Transmitter |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Regulating transmit power during 577µs GSM time slots with strict ±2dB tolerance across battery voltage range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side current-setting amplifier performing closed-loop bias control of RF power amplifier via gain pin. Use Value: Enables accurate, supply-voltage-independent PA current setting using external resistors, meeting ETSI GSM power mask requirements. |
Use Scenario: Dynamic power adjustment in DECT base station transmitter during handover and link adaptation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled constant-current source modulating PA supply current in response to baseband power commands. Use Value: Delivers 0.9µs enable/disable response and rail-to-rail output swing to support DECT's 10ms frame timing and fast power ramping. |
| Precision RF Power Amplifier Bias | High-Frequency Servo Loop Reference |
|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing output power of narrowband ISM-band PAs under temperature and supply drift. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Analog feedback controller converting DC power command voltage into regulated high-side current source. Use Value: Achieves <±0.5mV input offset and 80dB CMRR to maintain PA bias accuracy despite PCB noise and thermal gradients. |
Use Scenario: Providing stable, low-drift current reference in closed-loop RF detector circuits or automatic gain control loops. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision V-to-I converter with 10µV/°C offset drift and 2MHz bandwidth serving as servo reference generator. Use Value: Supports high-frequency servo stability with 60° phase margin and 2MHz GBW, avoiding oscillation in fast AGC paths. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PA power control applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX4472ETA | Same pinout and architecture but lacks rail-to-rail PC input; PC common-mode range limited to 0.5V–VCC–0.5V. | Suitable only where PC voltage stays within mid-supply range; not recommended for full-rail control in low-VCC GSM operation. | Select MAX4472ETA only if PC drive circuitry cannot reach rail limits and layout constraints prevent redesign. |
| LMV7231MF | Single rail-to-rail op amp with 1.25MHz GBW and 1.5V/µs slew; no integrated V-to-I converter or shutdown logic. | Requires external discrete V-to-I stage, gain resistors, and shutdown MOSFET - increases BOM count and layout complexity. | Choose LMV7231MF only when custom topology is needed and board area permits added components. |
Compared with MAX4473ETA, MAX4472ETA sacrifices full-rail PC flexibility for marginal cost reduction, while LMV7231MF trades integration for configurability - making MAX4473ETA the optimal choice for production GSM/DECT designs requiring guaranteed burst timing, shutdown safety, and minimal external components.
Availability
MAX4473ETA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GSM cellular handsets, DECT cordless systems, and precision RF power amplifier biasing requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for MAX4473ETA 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, computing, and industrial markets.
The MAX4473ETA belongs to Maxim's RF power control IC product line, engineered specifically for TDMA-based wireless transmitters where accurate, low-latency, supply-independent PA bias control is essential.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the MAX4473ETA in a GSM transmitter?
The MAX4473ETA functions as a voltage-controlled, high-side current-setting amplifier that regulates the supply current delivered to a GSM power amplifier via closed-loop feedback. It converts a DC power control voltage (PC) into a precise, supply-voltage-independent current through external resistors, enabling accurate transmit burst shaping and meeting ETSI GSM power mask requirements. This core functionality is implemented in the MAX4473ETA's integrated error amplifier, V-to-I converter, and rail-to-rail output stage.
Does the MAX4473ETA support rail-to-rail operation on both input and output?
Yes, the MAX4473ETA features rail-to-rail operation on both its power control (PC) input and error amplifier (OUT) output. The PC input accepts voltages from 0V to VCC, and the OUT pin swings from GND to VCC under load. This full-range operation maximizes control resolution and ensures compatibility with low-voltage microcontroller DAC outputs and PA gain-control pins, a key design advantage confirmed in the MAX4473ETA's electrical characteristics table and functional description.
How does the MAX4473ETA achieve supply-voltage-independent PA current control?
The MAX4473ETA achieves supply-voltage-independent PA current control through its unique three-stage architecture: the PC input voltage is divided by four, then used to set a reference current through RG3; that current flows through RG1 to establish a voltage drop, which the error amplifier forces across RSENSE. Because the resulting PA current ICCPA = (VPC × RG1) / (4 × RSENSE × RG3) contains no VCC term, it remains stable across battery voltage variations - a defining feature of the MAX4473ETA validated in its typical operating circuit and applications information.
What happens to the OUT pin during MAX4473ETA shutdown mode?
During MAX4473ETA shutdown mode (SHDN < 0.4V), the internal error amplifier is disabled and an on-chip N-channel FET actively pulls the OUT pin to GND. This active pull-down ensures a defined low-impedance state at the PA gain-control pin, preventing undefined PA bias and potential RF leakage - a safety-critical behavior explicitly specified in the MAX4473ETA's features list and shutdown mode description, distinct from passive pull-down solutions requiring external components.
Can the MAX4473ETA be used outside GSM/DECT applications?
Yes, the MAX4473ETA is applicable beyond GSM/DECT, including precision RF power amplifier biasing in ISM-band transmitters and high-frequency servo loops requiring stable, low-drift current references. Its 2MHz PC bandwidth, 60° phase margin, 80dB CMRR, and 10µV/°C offset drift support demanding analog control tasks - as confirmed in the MAX4473ETA's "Precision Current Control" and "High-Frequency Servo Loops" listed applications and electrical characteristics.
MAX4473ETA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-WDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Amplifier Type:
- General Purpose
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Output Type:
- Rail-to-Rail
- Slew Rate:
- 1.8V/µs
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- -
- -3db Bandwidth:
- -
- Current - Input Bias:
- 400 nA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 500 µV
- Current - Supply:
- 1.2mA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 20 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 2.7 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 6.5 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-TDFN-EP (3x3)
MAX4473ETA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX4473ETA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX4473ETA 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 MAX4473ETA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX4473ETA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX4473ETA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX4473ETA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX4473ETA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX4473ETA?
MAX4473ETA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX4473ETA 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 MAX4473ETA?
For technical support, including MAX4473ETA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX4473ETA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX4473ETA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX4473ETA 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 MAX4473ETA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX4473ETA?
All MAX4473ETA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX4473ETA, 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 MAX4473ETA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX4473ETA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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