General Description
The MAX2659 high-gain, low-noise amplifier (LNA) is
designed for GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS applications.
Designed in Maxim’s advanced SiGe process, the
device achieves a 20.5dB gain and an ultra-low-noise
figure of 0.8dB while maximizing the input-referred 1dB
compression point and the 3rd-order intercept point at
-12dBm and -5dBm, respectively.
The MAX2659 operates from a +1.6V to +3.6V single
supply and consumes only 4.1mA. The shutdown fea-
ture in the device reduces the supply current to be less
than 1µA. The MAX2659 is available in a very small,
lead-free, RoHS-compliant, 1.5mm x 1.0mm x 0.75mm,
6-pin µDFN package.
.
Applications
Automotive Navigation
Location-Enabled Mobile Devices
Telematics (Asset Tracking and Management)
Personal Navigation Device (PND)
Cellular Phones with GPS
Notebook PC/Ultra-Mobile PC
Recreational, Marine Navigation
Avionics
Features
oHigh-Power Gain: 20.5dB
oUltra-Low-Noise Figure: 0.8dB
oIntegrated 50ΩOutput Matching Circuit
oLow Supply Current: 4.1mA
oWide Supply Voltage Range: 1.6V to 3.6V
oLow Bill of Materials
oSmall Footprint: 1.5mm x 1.0mm
oThin Profile: 0.75mm
oLead-Free and RoHS-Compliant Package
MAX2659
GPS/GNSS Low-Noise Amplifier
________________________________________________________________
Maxim Integrated Products
1
1
2
3
6
5
4
RFIN
GND
+
GND
RFOUT
BIAS
SHDN
RF
OUTPUT
LOGIC
CONTROL
VCC
RF
INPUT
L1 = 6.8nH
C1 = 470pF
C2 = 33nF
L1
C1 C2
VCC
MAX2659
Pin Configuration/Functional Diagram/Typical Application Circuit
Ordering Information
19-0797; Rev 4; 8/11
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
+
Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
/V denotes an automotive qualified part.
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX2659ELT+ -40°C to +85°C 6 µDFN
MAX2659ELT/V+ -40°C to +85°C 6 µDFN
EVALUATION KIT
AVAILABLE
MAX2659
GPS/GNSS Low-Noise Amplifier
2 _______________________________________________________________________________________
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(MAX2659 EV kit; VCC = 1.6V to 3.6V, TA= -40°C to +85°C, no RF signals are applied. Typical values are at VCC = 2.85V and
TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
Note 1: Min and Max limits guaranteed by test at TA= +25°C and guaranteed by design and characterization at TA= -40°C and
TA= +85°C.
Note 2: Guaranteed by design and characterization.
Note 3: Measured with the two tones located at 5MHz and 10MHz offset from the center of the GPS band with -40dBm/tone.
Note 4: Measured with a tone located at 5MHz offset from the center of the GPS band.
VCC to GND...........................................................-0.3V to +4.2V
Other Pins to GND Except RFIN .....-0.3V to (+ Operating VCC + 0.3V)
RFIN to GND .........................................................................+1V
Maximum RF Input Power .............................................+10dBm
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA= +70°C)
6-Pin µDFN (derates 2.1mW/°C above +70°C)............167mW
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +160°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+260°C
Soldering Temperature (reflow) .......................................+260°C
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Supply Voltage 1.6 2.85 3.6 V
SHDN = high 4.1 5.6 mA
Supply Current Shutdown mode, SHDN = low 1 µA
Digital Input-Logic High 1.1 V
Digital Input-Logic Low 0.4 V
Digital Input Current 1 µA
RFIN DC Voltage SHDN = high 0.83 V
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(MAX2659 EV kit; VCC = 1.6V to 3.6V, TA= -40°C to +85°C, fRFIN = 1575.42MHz. Typical values are at VCC = 2.85V and TA= +25°C,
unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
RF Frequency L1 band 1575.42 MHz
VCC = 2.85V 17 20.5
Power Gain VCC = 1.6V 16.5 20.5 dB
Noise Figure (Note 2) 0.8 dB
3rd-Order Input Intercept Point (Note 3) -5 dBm
Input 1dB Compression point (Note 4) -12 dBm
Input Return Loss (Note 2) 10 15 dB
Output Return Loss (Note 2) 10 25 dB
Reverse Isolation (Note 2) 32 dB
CAUTION! ESD SENSITIVE DEVICE
MAX2659
GPS/GNSS Low-Noise Amplifier
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2659 toc01
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
3.0 3.22.62.42.2
3.7
3.9
4.1
4.3
4.5
3.5
1.6 1.8 2.0 3.4
2.8
+85°C
+25°C
-40°C
GAIN vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2659 toc02
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
GAIN (dB)
2000 225017501250 1500750 1000
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
-10
500 2500
GAIN vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2659 toc03
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
GAIN (dB)
2.8 3.02.62.2 2.41.8 2.0
20.2
20.4
20.6
20.8
21.0
20.0
1.6 3.43.2
NOISE FIGURE vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX2659 toc04
TEMPERATURE (°C)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
35 6010-15
0.2
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
1.2
0
-40 85
NOISE FIGURE vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2659 toc05
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
2.82.42.0
0.2
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
1.2
0
1.6 3.0 3.22.62.21.8 3.4
INPUT RETURN LOSS
vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2659 toc06
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
INPUT RETURN LOSS |S11| (dB)
175012501000
-25
-20
-10
-15
-5
0
-30
500 2000 22501500750 2500
OUTPUT RETURN LOSS
vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2659 toc07
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
OUTPUT RETURN LOSS |S22| (dB)
175012501000
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-10
-15
-5
0
-45
500 2000 22501500750 2500
REVERSE ISOLATION
vs. RF FREQUENCY
MAX2659 toc08
RF FREQUENCY (MHz)
REVERSE ISOLATION |S12| (dB)
175012501000
-70
-60
-50
-30
-40
-20
-80
500 2000 22501500750 2500
IIP3 vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX2659 toc09
TEMPERATURE (°C)
IIP3 (dBm)
3510-15
-6.0
-5.5
-5.0
-4.0
-4.5
-3.5
-6.5
-40 60 85
TWO TONES LOCATED AT 5MHz AND
10MHz OFFSET WITH -40dBm/TONE
Typical Operating Characteristics
(MAX2659 EV kit; Typical values are at VCC = 2.85V, TA= +25°C, and fRFIN = 1575.42MHz, unless otherwise noted.)
MAX2659
GPS/GNSS Low-Noise Amplifier
4 _______________________________________________________________________________________
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX2659 EV kit; Typical values are at VCC = 2.85V, TA= +25°C, and fRFIN = 1575.42MHz, unless otherwise noted.)
IIP3 vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2659 toc10
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
IIP3 (dBm)
2.6 2.82.42.22.01.8
-7
-6
-4
-5
-3
-8
1.6 3.0 3.2 3.4
TWO TONES LOCATED AT 5MHz AND
10MHz OFFSET WITH -40dBm/TONE
INPUT P1dB COMPRESSION
vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX2659 toc11
TEMPERATURE (°C)
P1dB COMPRESSION (dBm)
3510-15
-14
-13
-10
-11
-12
-9
-15
-40 60 85
INPUT P1dB COMPRESSION
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX2659 toc12
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
P1dB COMPRESSION (dBm)
2.82.4 2.61.8 2.0 2.2
-18
-16
-10
-12
-14
-8
-20
1.6 3.0 3.2 3.4
INPUT P1dB COMPRESSION
vs. JAMMER FREQUENCY
MAX2659 toc13
JAMMER FREQUENCY (MHz)
P1dB COMPRESSION (dBm)
17501500750 1000 1250
-25
-20
-5
-10
-15
0
-30
500 2000 2250 2500
NF vs. JAMMER POWER AT 850MHz
MAX2659 toc14
JAMMER POWER (dBm)
NF (dB)
-15-25 -20
0.5
1.0
1.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
3.5
0
-30 -10 -5
NF vs. JAMMER POWER AT 1850MHz
MAX2659 toc15
JAMMER POWER (dBm)
NF (dB)
-15-25 -20
0.5
1.0
1.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
3.5
0
-30 -10
Detailed Description
The MAX2659 is an LNA designed for GPS L1,
GALILEO, and GLONASS applications. The device fea-
tures a power-shutdown control mode to eliminate the
need for an external supply switch. The device
achieves a 20.5dB gain and an ultra-low-noise figure of
0.8dB. The MAX2659 consumes approximately 4.1mA
while providing a IP1dB of -12dBm and an IIP3 of -5dBm.
Input and Output Matching
The MAX2659 requires an off-chip input matching. Only
a 6.8nH inductor in series with a DC-blocking capacitor
is needed to form the input matching circuit. The
Typical Application Circuit
diagram shows the recom-
mended input-matching network. These values are
optimized for the best simultaneous gain, noise figure,
and return loss performance. Table 1 lists typical
device S11 values. The MAX2659 integrates an on-chip
output matching to 50Ωat the output, eliminating the
need for external matching components.
Shutdown
The MAX2659 includes a shutdown feature to turn off
the entire chip. Apply a logic high to SHDN pin to place
the part in the active mode and a logic low to place the
part in the shutdown mode.
Applications Information
A properly designed PC board (PCB) is essential to any
RF microwave circuit. Use controlled-impedance lines
on all high-frequency inputs and outputs. Bypass VCC
with decoupling capacitors located close to the device.
For long VCC lines, it may be necessary to add decou-
pling capacitors. Locate these additional capacitors
further away from the device package. Proper ground-
ing of the GND pins is essential. If the PCB uses a top-
side RF ground, connect it directly to the GND pins. For
a board where the ground is not on the component
layer, connect the GND pins to the board with multiple
vias close to the package.
Chip Information
PROCESS: SiGe BiCMOS
MAX2659
GPS/GNSS Low-Noise Amplifier
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 5
Pin Description
PIN NAME FUNCTION
1, 2 GND Ground. Connect to the PCB ground plane.
3 RFIN RF Input. Requires a DC-blocking capacitor and external matching components.
4 VCC Supply Voltage. Bypass to ground with a 33nF capacitor as close as possible to the IC.
5SHDN Shutdown Input. A logic-low disables the device.
6 RFOUT RF Output. RFOUT is internally matched to 50and incorporates an internal DC-blocking capacitor.
Table 1. Typical S11 Values
FREQUENCY (MHz) REAL S11 IMAGINARY S11
1000 -0.58 -j0.52
1100 -0.68 -j0.356
1200 -0.74 -j0.16
1300 -0.74 j0.036
1400 -0.676 j0.22
1500 -0.56 j0.36
1575 -0.47 j0.415
1600 -0.44 j0.43
1700 -0.36 j0.467
1800 -0.3 j0.51
1900 -0.228 j0.567
2000 -0.14 j0.622
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns
(footprints), go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages. Note that a
“+”, “#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status only.
Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but
the drawing pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
PACKAGE
TYPE
PACKAGE
CODE
OUTLINE
NO.
LAND
PATTERN NO.
6 µDFN L611+2 21-0147 90-0084
MAX2659
GPS/GNSS Low-Noise Amplifier
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600 _____________________
6
© 2011 Maxim Integrated Products Maxim is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES
CHANGED
0 4/07 Initial release —
1 5/08 Updated Digital Input-Logic High specification and added RFIN DC
Voltage specification in DC Electrical Characteristics table 2
2 9/09 Added MAX2659ELT/V+ to Ordering Information 1
3 1/11 Updated maximum supply voltage specification to 3.6V 1, 2
4 8/11 Updated Absolute Maximum Ratings to reflect correct RFIN voltage 2
