Abstract: This module uses the highly integrated MAX2830 RF transceiver. It is a complete RF front-end solution that meets the WLAN IEEESM 802.11b/g standard. The transmitter can deliver more than 15dBm Tx power at EVM < 5.6% with a 54Mbps OFDM 802.11g signal. The receiver can provide an IQ signal EVM < 9% with a -74.5dBm 54Mbps OFDM 802.11g signal.
Figure 1. The reference design board shows the MAX2830 in an 802.11b/g RF front-end module.
Important Design Features
Cascaded Receive Noise Figure of 6dB
Low Phase Noise of -95dBc/Hz at 10kHz Offset
Rx EVM < 9% at -74.5dBm with an 802.11g 54Mbps OFDM Signal
95dB Receive Gain Control Range (32dB RF and 63dB BB VGA)
Tx EVM < 5.6% at 15dBm Output Power with an 802.11g 54Mbps OFDM Signal
25dB Transmit Gain Control Range
Supports Full-Range 802.11b/g Data Rates
Small 11mm x 16mm Size
Low BOM Cost
Figure 2. Block diagram for the 802.11 b/g RF module.
Lab Measurements
DC Performance
VBATT = +3.3V, VCC = +2.85V, TA = +25°C
Parameter
Test Condition
Meas.
Unit
Shutdown Supply Current
10
µA
Standby Supply Current
PLL, VCO, LO Generator ON
28
mA
Receive Supply Current
65
mA
Transmit Supply Current
POUT = 15dBm
289
mA
Receive Summary
VBATT = +3.3V, VCC = +2.85V, fRF = 2437MHz, RF input = 802.11a, 64QAM, 54MBps at antenna,
VOUT = 112mVRMS at RXI and RXQ baseband outputs, RXHP = 0, TA = +25°C
Parameter
Test Condition
Meas.
Unit
Frequency Range
2.4 to 2.5
GHz
Receive EVM
Max Gain, VGA adjusted for VOUT = 112mVRMS, PIN = -65dBm
3.9
%
Mid Gain, VGA adjusted for VOUT = 112mVRMS, PIN = -45dBm
2.5
Min Gain, VGA adjusted for VOUT = 112mVRMS, PIN = -10dBm
Figure 3. Phase noise plot of the reference design.
Detailed Description
The MAX2830 is a single-chip, single-band, Dual Mode™ direct-convert transceiver designed for a 2.4GHz 802.11b/g (OFDM and CCK) WLAN application. The device integrates all the circuitry required to implement the complete RF transceiver function: PA, T/R switch, antenna diversity switch, LNA, 50Ω matching components, sigma-delta fractional synthesizer, crystal oscillator, and unique I/Q amplitude and phase-error calibration circuits. The device also eliminates the need for external SAW filters by implementing on-chip monolithic filters for both receiver and transmitter. The baseband Tx and Rx filters are optimized to meet the 802.11g IEEE standard. With an additional RF filter and several passive components, one can form a complete 802.11b/g WLAN RF front-end solution that delivers high performance within a small form factor and low price.
Dual Mode is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
IEEE is a registered service mark of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.