More Information - Wireless Home - Application Notes and Tutorials - EV Kit Software - Technical Support   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 2.7 Sensitivity Receive EVM = 9% Antenna 1 -73 dBm Antenna 2 -74.5 Transmit Summary VBATT = +3.3V, VCC = +2.85V, fRF = 2437MHz, baseband inputs = 110mVRMS, 802.11a, 64QAM, 54MBps, Tx output measured at Antenna 1, RXHP = 0, TA = +25°C Parameter Test Condition Meas. Unit Maximum Transmit Output Tx VGA adjusted for EVM = 5.6%, Tx VGA = -4dB 15 dBm ACPR Tx VGA set for EVM < 5.6%, channel BW = 20MHz fOFFSET = 20MHz 36 dBc fOFFSET = 40MHz 55 fOFFSET = 60MHz 60 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. Application Note Links Application note 3630, "Power Supply and Ground Design for a WiFi Transceiver" Dual Mode is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. IEEE is a registered service mark of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. We Want Your Feedback! Automatic Updates Would you like to be automatically notified when new application notes are published in your areas of interest? Sign up for EE-Mail™. More Information   APP 4156: Mar 27, 2008 MAX2830 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 802.11g/b RF Transceiver with PA and Rx/Tx/Diversity Switch   Download, PDF Format (106kB)  AN4156, AN 4156, APP4156, Appnote4156, Appnote 4156