EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
MAX2181A
FM Automotive Low-Noise Amplifier
General Description
Features
The MAX2181A is a highly integrated FM variable-gain
low-noise amplifier ideal for use in automotive FM and
FM-diversity active antenna applications. The device
features an FM signal path, providing 30dB of gain range,
controlled by an on-chip power detector. The FM signal
path covers 76MHz to 162.5MHz.
The device is available in a small, 3mm x 3mm, TQFN
package and operates over the extended industrial temperature range (-40ºC to +85ºC).
Applications
● Automotive Active Antenna
● Automotive Head Unit
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
● +5V Supply Voltage
● Integrated AGC Function Eliminates
External Pin Diodes
● High Dynamic Range
● Low-Noise, Sub 3dB Noise Figure
● Low External BOM
● Small Package (3mm x 3mm TQFN)
● Integrated Power Detector
Simplified Block Diagram
VCC
MAX2181A
For related parts and recommended products to use with this part, refer
to www.maximintegrated.com/MAX2181A.related.
DET
19-6612; Rev 0; 2/13
FM
OUTPUT
MAX2181A
FM Automotive Low-Noise Amplifier
Absolute Maximum Ratings
VDD, FMBYPASS, FMOUT......................................-0.5V to +6V
Short-Circuit Protection FMOUT................................... Indefinite
FMIN.............................................................................. 130dBµV
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70ºC)
16 TQFN (derate 20.8mW/ºC above +70ºC)...........1666.7mW
θJC (Junction to Case) (Note 1).........................................7ºC/W
θJA (Junction to Ambient) (Note 1)..................................48ºC/W
Operating Temperature Range...........................-40ºC to +105ºC
Junction Temperature....................................................... +150ºC
Storage Temperature Range..............................-65ºC to +165ºC
Lead Temperature (TQFN only, soldering, 10s)............... +300ºC
Soldering Temperature (reflow)........................................ +260ºC
Note 1: Package thermal resistances were obtained using the method described in JEDEC specification JESD51-7, using a four-layer
board. For detailed information on package thermal considerations, refer to www.maximintegrated.com/thermal-tutorial.
CAUTION! ESD SENSITIVE DEVICE
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation of the device at these
or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect
device reliability.
DC Electrical Characteristics
(MAX2181A Typical Application Circuit as shown, VDD = 4.75V to 5.25V, TA = -40ºC to +85ºC, unless otherwise noted. Typical values
are at VDD = 5V, TA = +25ºC.) (Note 2)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
4.75
5
5.25
V
56
68
mA
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (VDD)
VDD
Operational range
Supply Current
GAIN CONTROL AND AGC CONTROL (FMDET, FMGAIN, FMAGC)
FMDET
Ground
VDD
Ground
FMGAIN
-65
50
-50
Open
FMAGC
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Ground
VDD
µA
2.5
VDD
µA
V
50
-50
50
µA
µA
Maxim Integrated │ 2
MAX2181A
FM Automotive Low-Noise Amplifier
AC Electrical Characteristics
(MAX2181A Typical Application Circuit, VDD = 4.75V to 5.25V, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at VDD = 5V,
load impedance = 50Ω, FM gain connected to ground, tuned for 87MHz to 108MHz, TA = +25°C.) (Note 2)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
Frequency Range
Power Gain Maximum
Gain Flatness
MIN
TYP
76
MAX
UNITS
162.5
MHz
fIN = 97MHz, FMGAIN connected to VDD
6
8.3
10
fIN = 97MHz, FMGAIN = open
5
7.2
9
fIN = 97MHz, FMGAIN = connected to ground
4
6
8
76MHz to 90MHz (Notes 3, 4)
0.5
87MHz to 108MHz (Note 3)
0.5
162.5MHz relative to 97MHz
3.2
dB
dB
Noise Figure
fIN = 97MHz, TA = +25ºC
2.5
dB
Input Return Loss
50Ω source
10
dB
Output Return Loss
50Ω load
Gain-Control Range
fIN = 97MHz
IMD3
VIN = +120dBµV/tone, +100dBµV AGC threshold,
99.5MHz and 100.5MHz tones
AGC Threshold (See Table 2)
AGC Threshold Variation
28
15
dB
32
dB
66
dBc
Minimum output threshold
92
Maximum output threshold
107
Relative to 97MHz tone (76MHz to 108MHz)
±0.3
dBµV
dB
Note 2:Min and max values are production tested at TA = -40ºC, +25ºC, and +85ºC.
Note 3: Guaranteed by design and characterization.
Note 4: Tuned for 76MHz to 90MHz
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Maxim Integrated │ 3
MAX2181A
FM Automotive Low-Noise Amplifier
Typical Operating Characteristics
(MAX2181A Typical Application Circuit, VDD = 5V, tuned for 87MHz - 108MHz, FM gain connected to ground, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
7
6
VDD = 5.25V
VDD = 5.0V
53
4
VDD = 4.75V
-50
-25
0
25
50
75
100
2
125
50
100
2.8
VFMGAIN = 5V
MAX2181A toc05
T = -40°C
5
T = +25°C
FMGAIN = HI-Z
150
2
200
VFMGAIN = 5V
7
6
5
4
150
FMGAIN = HI-Z
3
2
200
VFMGAIN = 0V
50
100
150
200
FREQUENCY (MHz)
NOISE FIGURE vs. FREQUENCY
76MHz TO 90MHz TUNING
AGC ATTACK POINT vs. FREQUENCY
87MHz TO 108MHz TUNING
OUTPUT POWER, IM2, AND IM3
vs. INPUT POWER CLOSED LOOP
110
3.2
3.0
2.8
2.6
2.4
150
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104
200
R = 71kΩ
R = 62kΩ
102
R = 51kΩ
100
R = 43kΩ
98
R = 33kΩ
96
92
VFMGAIN = 5V
FREQUENCY (MHz)
106
94
FMGAIN = HI-Z
100
108
ATTACK POINT (dBµV)
VFMGAIN = 0V
50
100
200
GAIN vs. FREQUENCY
76MHz TO 90MHz TUNING
8
T = +85°C
50
150
FREQUENCY (MHz)
3.6
2.2
100
FREQUENCY (MHz)
3.8
3.4
50
9
T = +105°C
3
MAX2181A toc07
4.0
100
VFMGAIN = 0V
10
90
R = 22kΩ
R = 13kΩ
R = 0Ω
85
90
95
100
FREQUENCY (MHz)
105
110
120
OUTPUT POWER, IM2, AND IM3 (dBµV)
50
FMGAIN = HI-Z
FREQUENCY (MHz)
4
2.6
2.4
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
200
GAIN (dB)
GAIN (dB)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
3.0
2.0
2
6
3.2
2.0
150
7
3.4
2.2
5
3
GAIN vs. FREQUENCY
76MHz TO 90MHz TUNING
8
MAX2181A toc04
VFMGAIN = 0V
3.6
6
FREQUENCY (MHz)
NOISE FIGURE vs. FREQUENCY
87MHz TO 108MHz TUNING
3.8
7
4
T = +85°C
TEMPERATURE (ºC)
4.0
8
T = +105°C
3
MAX2181A toc08
51
T = +25°C
5
VFMGAIN = 5V
MAX2181A toc09
52
T = -40°C
9
GAIN (dB)
54
GAIN (dB)
55
10
MAX2181A toc02
56
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
8
MAX2181A toc01
57
GAIN vs. FREQUENCY
87MHz TO 108MHz TUNING
MAX2181A toc03
GAIN vs. FREQUENCY
87MHz TO 108MHz TUNING
MAX2181A toc06
SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. TEMPERATURE
OUTPUT POWER
100
80
INPUT TONES AT
99MHz AND 100MHz
60
IM3
40
20
0
IM2 (A-B)
75
85
95
105
115
125
INPUT POWER (dBµV)
Maxim Integrated │ 4
MAX2181A
FM Automotive Low-Noise Amplifier
FMDET
FMOUT
N.C.
TOP VIEW
FMBYPASS
Pin Configuration
12
11
10
9
VDD 13
N.C. 14
MAX2181A
N.C. 15
1
2
3
4
FMIN
GND
FMGAIN
+
RBIAS
N.C. 16
8
FMAGC
7
N.C.
6
N.C.
5
N.C.
TQFN
Pin Description
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
1
RBIAS
2
FMIN
FM Input. AC couple to FM input bandpass filter.
3
GND
Ground
4
FMGAIN
5–7, 9, 14–16
N.C.
Connect a 1% tolerance 20kΩ resistor to ground.
FM Gain Trim. Connect to ground, leave open, or connect to VDD for the desired FM gain.
No Connection to Die. Suggested thermal path on Layer 1 of PCB for packages exposed pad
to thermal sink.
8
FMAGC
FM AGC Control Line. Connect a 1µF capacitor to ground.
10
FMOUT
FM VGA Output
11
FMDET
FM Attack Point Trim. Connect the desired resistor to ground.
12
FMBYPASS
13
VDD
—
EP
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Connect a 10µF and 1000pF capacitor to ground.
Supply Voltage
Exposed Pad. Ground.
Maxim Integrated │ 5
MAX2181A
Detailed Description
Setting Signal Path Gain
and AGC Attack Point
The MAX2181A allows independent variation of the gain
and AGC attack points on the FM signal path. Gain and
attack point are adjusted by changing the conditions on
the FMGAIN and FMDET pins.
FM Signal Path
Typical FM gain can be set using the FMGAIN pin as shown in
Table 1. The output attack point of the FM signal path is adjusted
by changing the resistor RFMDET, connected to the FMDET pin.
Table 2 shows the attack point associated with several resistor
values.
FM Automotive Low-Noise Amplifier
Table 1. FM Signal Path Gain
PIN FMGAIN
FM GAIN (dB, TYP)
Ground
6.0
Open
7.2
VDD
8.3
Table 2. FM Signal Path Attack Point
RFMDET (kΩ)
FM OUTPUT ATTACK
POINT (dBµV, TYP)
0
92
13
93.5
For best performance, the device must be mounted on a
PCB that is designed for a low thermal resistance. The
backside ground of the MAX2181A should be connected
to a thermal ground plane on the PCB using at least nine
plated through holes.
22
95
33
97
43
99
51
101.5
Refer to www.maximintegrated.com for the MAX2181A
Evaluation Kit schematic, Gerber data, PADS layout file,
and BOM information.
62
104
71
107
Layout Recommendations
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Maxim Integrated │ 6
MAX2181A
FM Automotive Low-Noise Amplifier
Typical Application Circuit
FM
OUTPUT
C2
51pF
FMBYPASS
105Ω
FMBYPASS
VDD
62Ω
L1
470µH
10µF
470pF
12
N.C.
N.C.
13
8
14
7
MAX2181A
15
16
6
5
+
RBIAS
1
3
2
20kΩ
C1
FMAGC
1µF
N.C.
N.C.
N.C.
4
FMGAIN
N.C.
9
GND
N.C.
10
11
FMIN
VDD
FMOUT
FMDET
FMBYPASS
0.1µF
TUNING
FOR 87MHz TO 108MHz
C1 = 27pF
L2 = 82nH
FOR 76MHz TO 90MHz
C1 = 33pF
L2 = 100nH
L2
FM INPUT
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Maxim Integrated │ 7
MAX2181A
FM Automotive Low-Noise Amplifier
Ordering Information
PART
Package Information
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX2181AETE+
-40°C to +85°C
16 TQFN-EP*
MAX2181AETE/V+
-40°C to +85°C
16 TQFN-EP*
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
*EP = Exposed pad.
/V denotes an automotive qualified part.
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For the latest package outline information and land patterns
(footprints), go to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note
that a “+”, “#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status
only. Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but
the drawing pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
PACKAGE
TYPE
PACKAGE
CODE
OUTLINE
NO.
LAND
PATTERN NO.
16 TQFN
T1633+2
21-0136
90-0030
Maxim Integrated │ 8
MAX2181A
FM Automotive Low-Noise Amplifier
Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE
0
2/13
DESCRIPTION
Initial release
PAGES
CHANGED
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For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim Integrated’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
Maxim Integrated cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim Integrated product. No circuit patent licenses
are implied. Maxim Integrated reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and max limits)
shown in the Electrical Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.
Maxim Integrated and the Maxim Integrated logo are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
© 2013 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. │ 9