MAX19794
10MHz to 500MHz Dual Analog Voltage Variable
Attenuator with On-Chip 10-Bit SPI-Controlled DAC
1
19-6381; Rev 0; 6/12
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
For related parts and recommended products to use with this part,
refer to www.maxim-ic.com/MAX19794.related.
General Description
The MAX19794 dual general-purpose analog voltage
variable attenuator (VVA) is designed to interface
with 50I systems operating in the 10MHz to 500MHz
frequency range. This device includes a patented control
circuit that provides 22.4dB of attenuation range (per
attenuator) with a typical linear control slope of 8dB/V.
Both attenuators share a common analog control.
They can be cascaded together to yield 44.7dB of
total attenuation range with a typical combined linear
control slope of 16dB/V (5V operation). Alternatively, the
on-chip, 4-wire SPI-controlled 10-bit DAC can be used
to control both attenuators. In addition, a step-up/down
feature allows user-programmable attenuator stepping
through command pulses without re-programming the
SPI interface.
The MAX19794 is a monolithic device designed using
one of Maxims proprietary SiGe BiCMOS processes. The
part operates from a single +5V supply or alternatively
operates 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? 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
Benefits and Features
S Wide Band Coverage
?RF Frequency Range from 10MHz to 500MHz
S High Linearity
  ?Greater than +34.4dBm IIP3 over the Full
Attenuation Range
  ?+21.8dBm 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
?22.4dB (per Attenuator)
?44.7dB (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 Similar with MAX19791, MAX19792, and
MAX19793
S Lead-Free Package
WiMAX is a registered certification mark and regisitered
service mark of WiMAX Forum.
cdma2000 is a registered trademark of Telecommunications
Industry Association.
EV A L U A T I O N K I T A V A I L A B L E
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct
at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxims website at www.maxim-ic.com.