Texas Instruments TRF1216IRGPT
- Part No.:
- TRF1216IRGPT
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
TRF1216IRGPT.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER 3.3-3.8GHZ DWN 20QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
TRF1216IRGPT from Texas Instruments is a 3.5-GHz high-dynamic-range RF down-converter IC integrating LNA, balanced mixer, IF amplifier, and LO buffer in a single QFN-20 package. It delivers 28 dB gain with 20 dB analog/digital gain control, 2.5-dB typical noise figure, and supports 3300–3800 MHz RF input for first-stage down-conversion to 400–500 MHz IF in fixed-wireless broadband radios.
For engineers reviewing the TRF1216IRGPT datasheet, TRF1216IRGPT pinout, TRF1216IRGPT application, or TRF1216IRGPT equivalent, key selection criteria include its differential LO/IF interface, 10-dB switchable RF attenuator, on-chip balun, image-reject filter support, and thermal performance under −40°C to +85°C operation.
Technical Context
The TRF1216IRGPT implements a dual-stage LNA followed by a balanced mixer with integrated differential LO buffer and variable-gain IF amplifier. Its architecture includes dedicated RFAGC (0–1.5 V analog control) and RFATTN (TTL digital switch) inputs enabling simultaneous coarse/fine gain management across wide dynamic range.
It features an internal balun converting single-ended RF input to differential mixer input, supports external image-reject filtering via dedicated signal path, and requires 5-V supplies on four independent bias rails (VDD1, VDD2, VDDLO, VDDIF) to optimize noise and linearity per functional block.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 3300–3800 MHz - Directly supports 3.5-GHz licensed band (e.g., WiMAX 3.5 GHz) without external up/down conversion. |
| IF Output Frequency | 400–500 MHz - Matches standard SAW filter passbands and enables second-stage down-conversion with TRF1212. |
| Noise Figure | 2.5 dB typical at VAGC = 0 V, RFATTN disabled - Enables high-sensitivity reception in low-SNR fixed wireless links. |
| Gain Control Range | 10 dB analog + 10 dB digital - Provides 20 dB total adjustable dynamic range for AGC loop implementation. |
| IIP3 | −5 dBm typical at VAGC = 1.5 V, RFATTN disabled - Ensures robust interference rejection in dense RF environments. |
| Supply Current | 200 mA total at 5 V - Dictates thermal design margin and power regulation requirements for multi-rail PCB layout. |
| LO Drive Level | 0 dBm differential - Eliminates need for external LO amplifier when paired with TRF1212 LO output. |
Pinout & Package
RGP package: 20-pin QFN, 4 mm × 4 mm × 0.9 mm body, exposed thermal pad (backside GND), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LNAO (Pin 1) | LNA output | 50-Ω ac-coupled single-ended RF output feeding mixer input; requires external matching network. |
| VDD1 (Pin 2) | LNA1 bias supply | +5 V DC rail for first LNA stage; decoupling critical for noise floor stability. |
| GND (Pins 3,4,6,9,16,19) | Ground reference | Multiple dedicated ground pins reduce impedance and improve isolation between RF/analog/digital sections. |
| LNAI (Pin 5) | RF input | Single-ended 50-Ω RF port requiring dc blocking capacitor and input matching for NF optimization. |
| LOP / LON (Pins 7,8) | Differential LO input | Accepts 0 dBm differential LO signal; internal balun not used - direct differential drive required. |
| VDDLO (Pin 10) | LO buffer bias | +5 V supply for LO buffer stage; separate from LNA/IF rails to prevent LO leakage coupling. |
| IFB (Pin 11) | IF bias adjustment | No-connect pin in standard operation; floating or grounded degrades IF amplifier linearity and gain flatness. |
| VDDIF (Pin 12) | IF amplifier bias | +5 V supply for differential IF VGA; bypassing directly impacts gain control accuracy and distortion. |
| IFON / IFOP (Pins 13,14) | Differential IF output | 100-Ω differential output driving SAW filter; common-mode voltage set internally at ~2.5 V. |
| RFAGC (Pin 15) | Analog gain control | 0–1.5 V input controlling 10 dB of IF VGA range; linear-in-dB response per datasheet curve G003. |
| RFATTN (Pin 17) | Digital attenuator control | TTL-level input enabling/disabling 10 dB RF attenuation; low = attenuator inserted, high = bypassed. |
| MXRI (Pin 18) | Mixer RF input | Differential RF input node post-balun; internal connection from LNAO - external access allows custom filtering. |
| VDD2 (Pin 20) | LNA2 bias supply | +5 V rail for second LNA stage; independent from VDD1 to minimize inter-stage coupling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated dual-stage LNA + mixer + IF VGA | Reduces BOM count and board area vs discrete solutions while maintaining 2.5-dB NF and −5-dBm IIP3. |
| On-chip balun (LNAO → MXRI) | Enables single-ended RF input while preserving differential mixer benefits - eliminates external balun component. |
| External image-reject filter path | Provides dedicated RFAGC/MXRI routing to off-chip filter, improving image rejection beyond on-die capability. |
| Independent 5-V bias rails | Four isolated supplies (VDD1/VDD2/VDDLO/VDDIF) suppress cross-talk and enable optimized power sequencing. |
| Thermally enhanced RGP package | Exposed backside thermal pad with nine vias achieves 9.1°C/W θJC - sustains 200 mA continuous operation at 85°C ambient. |
Applications
| Fixed-Wireless Access Base Station | WiMAX Subscriber Unit Receiver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Outdoor base station receiving 3.5-GHz uplink signals in non-line-of-sight urban deployments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage down-converter performing RF-to-IF translation with 3300–3800 MHz input and 400–500 MHz differential output. Use Value: 2.5-dB NF and −5-dBm IIP3 ensure reliable demodulation under multipath fading and co-channel interference. | Use Scenario: Indoor CPE unit acquiring 3.5-GHz downlink signals with variable signal strength due to building penetration loss. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-dynamic-range front-end providing 20 dB combined gain control (10 dB analog + 10 dB digital) for AGC loop stability. Use Value: RFATTN and RFAGC interfaces allow fast (<1 µs) attenuation switching and smooth VGA ramping during handover events. |
| Point-to-Multipoint Radio Hub | 3.5-GHz Licensed Band Test Equipment |
Use Scenario: Central hub serving multiple remote terminals using TDD/FDD duplexing in spectrum-licensed bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-role receiver front-end supporting both uplink (3.5 GHz) and downlink (3.5 GHz) paths via LO reconfiguration. Use Value: LO leakage <−40 dBc and LNAO-to-MXRI isolation >40 dB prevent self-interference during TDD guard interval transitions. | Use Scenario: Portable RF analyzer requiring calibrated 3.5-GHz down-conversion with repeatable noise and linearity performance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference-grade down-converter stage with production-tested NF, IP3, and gain flatness (±0.4 dB over 6 MHz). Use Value: Guaranteed 2.5-dB NF and ±1 dB gain flatness across full 500-MHz bandwidth enable traceable measurement uncertainty. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF down-converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX2530ETE+ | 3.3–3.8 GHz RF range, 2.2-dB NF, 24 dB gain, no integrated LNA or balun - requires external LNA and balun. | Targeted at lower-cost consumer systems where board space is less constrained and external components acceptable. | Select MAX2530ETE+ only if external LNA/balun integration is feasible and 0.3-dB NF advantage justifies added complexity. |
| ADL5360ACPZ-R7 | 3.3–3.8 GHz RF range, 2.8-dB NF, 22 dB conversion gain, integrated LO buffer but no LNA or IF VGA. | Suited for hybrid architectures where LNA and IF amplification are implemented separately for maximum flexibility. | Choose ADL5360ACPZ-R7 when system-level optimization of LNA noise and IF filtering requires decoupled component selection. |
Compared with MAX2530ETE+ and ADL5360ACPZ-R7, the TRF1216IRGPT uniquely integrates LNA, balun, mixer, and IF VGA in one die - reducing component count, layout risk, and calibration effort for 3.5-GHz fixed-wireless receivers.
Availability
TRF1216IRGPT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for fixed-wireless access base stations, WiMAX subscriber units, point-to-multipoint radio hubs, and 3.5-GHz test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for TRF1216IRGPT 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
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, communications, and consumer markets.
The TRF1216IRGPT belongs to TI's 3.5-GHz radio chipset family, designed specifically for high-performance, cost-sensitive fixed-wireless broadband infrastructure operating in licensed 3.3–3.8 GHz spectrum.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for TRF1216IRGPT?
The TRF1216IRGPT requires a differential LO input of 0 dBm, referenced to 100 Ω, applied to pins LOP and LON. This level is optimized for mixer conversion efficiency and LO leakage suppression. Driving outside ±1 dB of this specification increases noise figure and degrades IIP3. The TRF1216IRGPT is designed to interface directly with the TRF1212 LO output without external amplification.
Does TRF1216IRGPT include an integrated balun, and where is it placed in the signal chain?
Yes, the TRF1216IRGPT includes an on-chip balun between LNAO (pin 1) and MXRI (pin 18). It converts the single-ended LNA output into a differential signal for the mixer core. This eliminates the need for an external balun component and improves layout simplicity and repeatability. The balun is not used for LO or IF paths - those remain fully differential throughout.
How is gain controlled on TRF1216IRGPT, and what is the total adjustable range?
The TRF1216IRGPT provides two independent gain control mechanisms: analog control via RFAGC (pin 15, 0–1.5 V) adjusting IF VGA over 10 dB, and digital control via RFATTN (pin 17, TTL) switching 10 dB of RF attenuation. Combined, they deliver 20 dB of total gain control range. The analog path offers fine-grained adjustment; the digital path enables rapid step changes for AGC or overload protection.
What are the thermal management requirements for TRF1216IRGPT in continuous operation?
The TRF1216IRGPT uses an RGP QFN package with an exposed thermal pad requiring connection to a solid ground plane via ≥9 thermal vias (0.38 mm diameter). With this layout, its junction-to-case thermal resistance is 9.1°C/W. At 200 mA total supply current and 5 V, power dissipation reaches ~1 W - necessitating ≤30°C ambient rise above case to maintain 85°C max junction temperature. No heatsink is required if PCB copper area exceeds 4 cm².
Can TRF1216IRGPT operate without an external image-reject filter?
Yes, the TRF1216IRGPT can operate without an external image-reject filter, but image rejection will be limited to on-die performance (~35–40 dB depending on frequency). The device provides dedicated terminals (RFAGC, MXRI) to route signal through an off-chip filter for improved jammer immunity. Datasheet specifications assume a 2-dB insertion loss in-band filter; omitting it reduces dynamic range and may cause desensitization in spectrally crowded environments.
TRF1216IRGPT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- TRF1216
- Package/Case:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 3.3GHz ~ 3.8GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- 30dB
- Noise Figure:
- -
- Secondary Attributes:
- Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-QFN (4x4)
TRF1216IRGPT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TRF1216IRGPT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TRF1216IRGPT 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 TRF1216IRGPT reliable?
The price and inventory of TRF1216IRGPT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TRF1216IRGPT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TRF1216IRGPT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TRF1216IRGPT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TRF1216IRGPT?
TRF1216IRGPT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TRF1216IRGPT 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 TRF1216IRGPT?
For technical support, including TRF1216IRGPT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TRF1216IRGPT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TRF1216IRGPT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TRF1216IRGPT 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 TRF1216IRGPT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TRF1216IRGPT?
All TRF1216IRGPT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TRF1216IRGPT, 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 TRF1216IRGPT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TRF1216IRGPT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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