Texas Instruments TRF370417IRGER

Overview

TRF370417 from Texas Instruments is a 50-MHz to 6-GHz direct quadrature modulator implemented as a double-balanced mixer, featuring 1-GHz baseband input bandwidth, –162.3 dBm/Hz noise floor at 2140 MHz, 26.5 dBm OIP3, and 12 dBm P1dB - enabling high-fidelity RF upconversion in cellular base station transceivers and wideband SDR systems.

For engineers reviewing the TRF370417 datasheet, TRF370417 pinout, TRF370417 application, or TRF370417 equivalent, this page delivers verified RF performance metrics, validated I/Q baseband interface requirements, thermal design guidance for VQFN-24 packages, and real-world modulation fidelity data (e.g., –76 dBc WCDMA ACPR at –8 dBm) critical for LTE, WiMAX, and TETRA transmitter design.

Technical Context

The TRF370417 employs SiGe process technology to achieve broadband RF upconversion with integrated differential-to-single-ended RF output stage, eliminating external matching components for 50-Ω loads. Its I/Q inputs require precise 1.7-V common-mode bias for optimal linearity across 50 MHz–6 GHz LO range.

It operates from a single 4.5–5.5-V supply drawing 245 mA typical, supports unadjusted carrier feedthrough down to –38 dBm and sideband suppression to –50 dBc at 2140 MHz, and maintains stable OIP3 >25 dBm across 1.8–2.5 GHz bands - key for multicarrier GSM and LTE-A envelope tracking architectures.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TRF370417 is housed in a thermally enhanced 24-pin VQFN package (4.00 mm × 4.00 mm) with exposed thermal pad, supporting high-power RF operation via low R_θJA = 29.4°C/W on high-K PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quadrature modulator applications.

Compared with ADL5375-05 and MAX2022, TRF370417 offers best-in-class noise floor (–162.3 dBm/Hz) and highest sideband suppression (–50 dBc) in a compact 4-mm VQFN, making it optimal for space-constrained, high-fidelity transmitter designs where external matching must be avoided.

Availability

TRF370417 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, public safety radio, and point-to-point microwave applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for production programs.

Supply support for TRF370417 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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of RF IC innovation for communications infrastructure.

The TRF370417 belongs to TI's high-performance RF modulator product line, designed specifically for wideband, high-linearity transmitter architectures in 4G/5G base stations, mission-critical radios, and broadband test equipment.

FAQ

What is the recommended common-mode voltage for TRF370417 baseband inputs?

The TRF370417 requires a precise 1.7-V common-mode voltage on all I/Q baseband inputs (BBIP, BBIN, BBQP, BBQN) to achieve specified linearity, OIP3 >26 dBm, and sideband suppression >–45 dBc. Deviations beyond ±50 mV degrade ACPR and EVM performance measurably, as confirmed in TI's SLWS213A datasheet Section 7.4.1.

Does TRF370417 require external RF matching components at the RF_OUT pin?

No. The TRF370417 integrates a differential-to-single-ended converter and RF amplifier capable of directly driving a 50-Ω load, as stated in the datasheet description and verified in Section 8.2 typical application circuit. No external baluns, transformers, or matching networks are needed for nominal operation.

What is the maximum baseband input frequency bandwidth supported by TRF370417?

The TRF370417 supports a 1-GHz baseband input bandwidth, as explicitly specified in Section 7.3 Feature Description and Electrical Characteristics Table 6.5. This enables IF-centered signaling and 2-GHz instantaneous RF output bandwidth - critical for wideband SDR and multicarrier LTE deployments.

Can TRF370417 operate at 5.8 GHz for WiMAX applications?

Yes. The TRF370417 is characterized up to 6 GHz, with published performance at 5.8 GHz including 25 dBm OIP3, –36 dBc sideband suppression, and –40 dB EVM for WiMAX 5-MHz carriers at –12 dBm output - all documented in Section 6.6 RF Output Parameters of the SLWS213A datasheet.

How many ground pins does TRF370417 have, and why is this important?

The TRF370417 has 13 dedicated ground pins (Pins 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 23), as shown in the Pin Configuration diagram. This extensive grounding minimizes mutual coupling between RF, LO, and baseband sections - essential for achieving <0.43% EVM and –76 dBc ACPR in production-grade transmitters.