Designing Output-Matching Networks for the MAX1472 ASK Transmitter

Abstract

This application note illustrates a recommended output-matching network and output-matching network component values for the MAX1472, a 300MHz-to-450MHz low-power, crystal-based ASK transmitter. The MAX1472’s architecture eliminates many of the problems with saw transmitters by providing greater modulation depth, faster frequency settling, higher tolerance of the transmit frequency, and reduced temperature dependence. The article also illustrates the output power and efficiency of the MAX1472 when configured with matching networks.

The MAX1472 is a crystal-referenced phase-locked loop transmitter designed to transmit OOK/ASK data in the 300MHz to 450MHz frequency range. It supports data rates up to 100kbps. When matched to a 50Ω system, the MAX1472 PA is capable of delivering more than +10dBm of output power while maintaining an effective efficiency greater than 43%. The crystal-based architecture of the MAX1472 eliminates many of the common problems with saw transmitters by providing greater modulation depth, faster frequency settling, higher tolerance of the transmit frequency, and reduced temperature dependence.

The power amplifier (PA) of the MAX1472 is a high-efficiency open-drain amplifier. With a proper output matching network, the PA can drive a wide range of impedances, including the small loop PC board trace antenna and any 50Ω antenna. Figure 1 shows a recommended matching network for a 50Ω system. The matching network transforms the 50Ω load to a higher impedance at the output of the PA in addition to forming a bandpass filter that provides attenuation for the higher order harmonics.

Figure 1. MAX1472 application circuit.

Table 1 shows the recommended output matching network component values for four widely used operating frequencies. These values were used with the MAX1472 evaluation kit (EV kit). Some fine tunings may be required due to parasitic inductance and capacitance on PCB.

Table 1. Output Matching Network Component Values
	f_RF = 315MHz	f_RF = 345MHz	f_RF = 385MHz	f_RF = 433.92MHz
C1	15pF	10pF	10pF	7pF
C2	22pF	18pF	15pF	12pF
C3	15pF	15pF	12pF	10pF
L1	27nH	27nH	24nH	22nH
L2	22nH	18nH	18nH	15nH
f_XTAL	9.84375MHz	10.78125MHz	12.03125MHz	13.56000MHz

Figures 2, 3, and 4 illustrate the output power and effective efficiency of the MAX1472 when configured with the above matching networks.

Figure 2. Efficiency vs. supply voltage with CW tone.

Figure 3. Efficiency vs. supply voltage with 50% OOK signal.

Figure 4. Output power vs. supply voltage.