Product category: Communications ICs (Wireless)
News Release from: Maxim Integrated Products | Subject: MAX1479
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 25 August 2004
Low-power radio transmitter shrinks to
3mm square
The MAX1479 is claimed to be the world's smallest VHF/UHF PLL-based ASK/FSK transmitter to deliver more than +10dBm output.
The MAX1479 is the world's smallest VHF/UHF PLL-based ASK/FSK transmitter to deliver more than +10dBm output It is housed in a small, 3 x 3mm, 16-pin thin QFN package
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 27 Aug 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Speedy DAC claims dynamic superiority for comms
The MAX5195 is a 14bit 260Msample/s DAC claimed to provide the world's best dynamic performance in spurious-free dynamic range, intermodulation distortion and signal to noise ratio.
Low-power serial ADC runs up to 200Ksample/s
New from Maxim Integrated Products, the MAX1162 serial-interface 16bit A/D convertor connects directly to SPI, QSPI and Microwire devices without additional interface logic.
This transmitter is perfect for low-cost, high-volume applications where space is critical, such as tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), keyfobs, security products, garage door openers, and remote sensors operating in the 300 to 450MHz band.
The MAX1479 has a simple data interface and a divider-programmable clock-out feature that eliminates the need for an MCU resonator.
The MAX1479 is designed to run directly off a lithium cell, and will operate down to 2.1V, consuming only 0.2nA of current in standby mode.
The output power of the MAX1479 can be adjusted from -10dBm to +10dBm into a 50ohm load by using an external resistor.
At the +10dBm power level, the MAX1479 consumes 6.7mA of current at 315MHz when using a 50% duty-cycle encoding scheme, such as Manchester.
Current consumption is only 4.5mA at 0dBm output.
The part can transmit at daterates up to 100Kbit/s in ASK and 20Kbit/s in FSK (both Manchester encoded).
Once the enable pin of the MAX1479 is activated, it takes only 200us for the PLL and crystal to settle and be available to transmit.
As the device is targeted at small, portable applications, the MAX1479 accepts crystal frequencies from 9 to 15MHz, widely available in inexpensive, surface-mount packages.
Further, Maxim has established relationships with crystal suppliers who can provide reference samples of crystals on request.
Because the MAX1479 uses a crystal-based PLL, most of the problems of an LC or SAW-based transmitter are eliminated.
The inherent accuracy of the crystal frequency allows a narrower IF bandwidth in the receiver to improve system sensitivity.
Used with a receiver like Maxim's MAX1470, MAX1471 or MAX1473, the MAX1479 transmitter can improve overall system sensitivity 9dB simply by narrowing the IF bandwidth from 600 to 50kHz.
Improved sensitivity translates directly to greater range or more reliable transmissions.
The MAX1479 operates over the automotive temperature range (-40 to +125C).
Prices start at $0.99 (10,000-up, FOB USA).
Evaluation kits are available to speed designs.
• Maxim Integrated Products: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
