WiMAX transceiver comes in ultrasmall package

Maxim Integrated Products claims the industry's first single-chip, 2.3GHz to 2.7GHz, WiMAX MIMO RF transceiver in a 3.5mm x 5.1mm WLP. The MAX2839AS builds on the success of the MAX2839 (QFN package), enabling ultrasmall WiMAX modules for compact fixed and mobile applications.

Using a dual-receiver architecture to mitigate RF channel fading by as much as 10dB compared to a single-receiver architecture, the transceiver maximises data throughput in nomadic and mobile WiMAX subscriber applications such as notebook computers, express/PC cards, USB dongles, smart phones, and in-home desktop CPE modems. The MAX2839AS is suitable for mobile WiMAX, WiBro and other OFDM-based wireless broadband systems.

Designed using Maxim's high-performance SiGe BiCMOS process, the MAX2839AS features the low noise figure at 2.3dB, -81dBm sensitivity for a 64-QAM signal at a 5MHz channel bandwidth, and a 95dB gain control range that is digitally controlled in 1dB steps. Each device is factory calibrated to achieve better than -35dB EVM, -45dBc of sideband suppression, and carrier leakage of -40dBc.

The transmitter features a 62dB gain control range, digitally controlled in 1dB steps. It delivers a 0dBm linear output with a 64-QAM signal, greater than -45dBc of sideband suppression, and more than -36dB EVM, while meeting a -70dBr spectral mask.

The MAX2839AS operates from a 2.7V to 3.6V supply. A low-power shutdown mode reduces current consumption to 10µA to save power in system-sleep/standby mode. Pricing starts at Rs.420.79 ($8.62) for 1,000-up, FOB USA.