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MAX2021
  • MAX2021

MAX2021

PRODUCTION

High-Dynamic-Range, Direct Up-/Downconversion 650MHz to 1200MHz Quadrature Mod/Demod Highest Linearity, Lowest Noise, 1GHz ZIF Modulator/Demodulator Enables Four-Carrier WCDMA Tx

Analog Devices MAX2021 Product Info

10 February 2026 7

Features

  • 650MHz to 1200MHz RF Frequency Range
  • Scalable Power: External Current-Setting Resistors Provide Option for Operating Device in Reduced-Power/Reduced-Performance Mode
  • 36-Pin, 6mm x 6mm TQFN Provides High Isolation in a Small Package
Modulator Operation:
  • Meets 4-Carrier WCDMA 65dBc ACLR
  • +21dBm Typical OIP3
  • +58dBm Typical OIP2
  • +16.7dBm Typical OP1dB
  • -32dBm Typical LO Leakage
  • 43.5dBc Typical Sideband Suppression
  • -174dBm/Hz Output Noise Density
  • DC to 550MHz Baseband Input Allows a Direct Launch DAC Interface, Eliminating the Need for Costly I/Q Buffer Amplifiers
  • DC-Coupled Input Allows Ability for Customer Offset Voltage Control
Demodulator Operation:
  • +35.2dBm Typical IIP3
  • +76dBm Typical IIP2
  • > 30dBm IP1dB
  • 9.2dB Typical Conversion Loss
  • 9.3dB Typical NF
  • 0.06dB Typical I/Q Gain Imbalance
  • 0.15° I/Q Typical Phase Imbalance

Part details & applications

The MAX2021 low-noise, high-linearity, direct upconversion/downconversion quadrature modulator/demodulator is designed for RFID handheld and portal readers, as well as single and multicarrier 650MHz to 1200MHz GSM/EDGE, cdma2000®, WCDMA, and iDEN® base-station applications. Direct conversion architectures are advantageous since they significantly reduce transmitter or receiver cost, part count, and power consumption as compared to traditional IF-based double conversion systems.
In addition to offering excellent linearity and noise performance, the MAX2021 also yields a high level of component integration. This device includes two matched passive mixers for modulating or demodulating in-phase and quadrature signals, two LO mixer amplifier drivers, and an LO quadrature splitter. On-chip baluns are also integrated to allow for single-ended RF and LO connections. As an added feature, the baseband inputs have been matched to allow for direct interfacing to the transmit DAC, thereby eliminating the need for costly I/Q buffer amplifiers.
The MAX2021 operates from a single +5V supply. It is available in a compact 36-pin TQFN package (6mm x 6mm) with an exposed pad. Electrical performance is guaranteed over the extended -40°C to +85°C temperature range.

Applications

  • Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS)
  • Digital and Spread-Spectrum Communication Systems
  • Fixed Broadband Wireless Access
  • GSM 850/GSM 900 EDGE Base Stations
  • Microwave Links
  • Military Systems
  • Predistortion Transmitters and Receivers
  • RFID Handheld and Portal Readers
  • Single and Multicarrier cdmaOne™ and cdma2000® Base Stations
  • Single and Multicarrier WCDMA 850 Base Stations
  • Video-on-Demand (VOD) and DO

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