MAX19792
500MHz to 4000MHz Dual Analog Voltage Variable
Attenuator with On-Chip 10-Bit SPI-Controlled DAC
19-6382; Rev 1; 9/12
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
For related parts and recommended products to use with this part,
refer to www.maximintegrated.com/MAX19792.related.
EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
General Description
The MAX19792 dual general-purpose analog voltage
variable attenuator (VVA) is designed to interface with
50I systems operating in the 500MHz to 4000MHz
frequency range. The device includes a patented control
circuit that provides 23.2dB of attenuation range (per
attenuator) with a typical linear control slope of 8.5dB/V.
Both attenuators share a common analog control and
can be cascaded together to yield 46.4dB of total attenu-
ation range with a typical combined linear control slope
of 17dB/V (5V operation).
Alternatively, the on-chip 4-wire SPI-controlled 10-bit
DAC can be used to control both attenuators. In addi-
tion, a step-up/down feature allows user-programmable
attenuator stepping through command pulses without
reprogramming the SPI interface.
The MAX19792 is a monolithic device designed using
one of Maxims proprietary SiGe BiCMOS processes. The
part operates from a single +5V supply or alternatively
from a single +3.3V supply. It is available in a compact
36-pin TQFN package (6mm x 6mm x 0.8mm) with an
exposed pad. Electrical performance is guaranteed over
the -40NC to +100NC extended temperature range.
Applications
Broadband System Applications, Including
Wireless Infrastructure Digital and
Spread-Spectrum Communication Systems
WCDMA/LTE, TD-SCDMA/TD-LTE, WiMAX?
cdma2000
M
, GSM/EDGE, and
MMDS Base Stations
VSAT/Satellite Modems
Military Systems
Microwave Point-to-Point Systems
Lineup Gain Trim
Temperature-Compensation Circuits
Automatic Level Control (ALC)
Transmitter Gain Control
Receiver Gain Control
General Test Equipment
Features
S Wideband Coverage
?500MHz to 4000MHz RF Frequency Range
S High Linearity
?Greater Than +37.9dBm IIP3 Over the Full
  Attenuation Range
?+22.7dBm Input P
1dB
S Integrates Two Analog Attenuators in One
Monolithic Device
S Two Convenient Control Options
?Single Analog Voltage
?On-Chip SPI-Controlled 10-Bit DAC
S Step-Up/Down Pulse Command Inputs
S Flexible Attenuation Control Ranges
?  23.2dB (Per Attenuator)
?  46.4dB (Both Attenuators Cascaded)
S Linear dB/V Analog Control Response Curve
Simplifies Automatic Leveling Control and
Gain-Trim Algorithms
S Excellent Attenuation Flatness Over Wide
Frequency Ranges and Attenuation Settings
S On-Chip Comparator (for Successive
Approximation Measurement of Attenuator
Control Voltage)
S Low 13mA Supply Current
S Single 5V or 3.3V Supply Voltage
S Pin-Compatible with the MAX19791 and MAX19793
S Pin-Compatible with the MAX19794 with Addition
of Two Shunt Capacitors
S PCB-Compatible with the MAX19790
S Lead(Pb)-Free Package
WiMAX?is a registered certification mark and registered service mark of WiMAX Forum.
cdma2000 is a registered trademark of Telecommunications Industry Association.
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct
at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxims website at www.maximintegrated.com.