W-CDMA 2.1-GHz LNA/ Mixers Draw Less Than 8 mA

The MAX2387/MAX2388/MAX2389 low-noise amplifier downconverter mixers are designed for W-CDMA applications, such as single-mode ARIB and dual-mode ETSI-UMTS third generation cell phones. The devices feature ultra-low current consumption, low noise figure, and an ultra-small leadless package. The amplifiers are built on the company's SiGe process and contain a dual-gain LNA with +4 dBm IIP3 and 15 dB gain at its highest gain setting and a current mixer with 10 dB gain and +6 dBm IIP3. While in high-gain mode, the devices draw between 8 and 11 mA, which drops to between 5 and 7 mA in low-gain mode. Since the phone will spend most of the time in low-gain mode, this results in an effective receive standby current consumption of less than 8 mA. Apart from current consumption, the devices differ in gain step size (18 dB or 32 dB) and required LO input power (-10 dBm or -4 dBm). The MAX2387/ MAX2388/ MAX2389 come in a new miniature 12-pin, 3 mm x 3 mm leadless QFN package and are said to require few external components. Prices start at $2.25 each/1,000.