P(1dB) Characterization for the MAX2116 Satellite Tuner

Abstract

P1db measurement data is provided for the MAX2116 at particular combinations of RF and baseband gain settings throughout their ranges. The MAX2116/MAX2118 low-cost, direct-conversion tuner ICs are designed for use in digital direct broadcast satellite (DBS) television applications, professional VSAT systems, and two-way Internet through satellite applications. They directly convert L-band signals to baseband using a broadband I/Q downconverter. The operating frequency range extends from 925MHz to 2175MHz.

Introduction

P1db measurement data is provided for the MAX2116 at particular combinations of RF and baseband gain settings throughout their ranges. This data is valuable for selecting gain-control settings that properly distribute front-end and back-end gain for adequate P1db performance. In conjuction with noise figure data, these measurements are useful for optimizing the dynamic range of the receiver system.

For large received signals, high P1db is required to avoid saturation of the tuner. By adjusting the RF variable-gain amplifier for lower gain, the P1db is increased significantly for reception of large signals. Since this RF gain reduction increases tuner noise figure, careful system design tradeoffs are required between P1db and the noise figure. This application note is a tool to facilitate these tradeoffs.

Operational Overview

Figure 1 shows a typical operating circuit for the MAX2116/MAX2118. Pins 4 and 5 are the differential RF inputs. At large input signal levels, the output amplifiers will limit C/N. One of the limiting factors is P1db. At low input signal levels, system noise figure will limit the carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N) of the tuner.

Figure 1. MAX2116/MAX2118 typical operating circuit.

Figure 1. MAX2116/MAX2118 typical operating circuit.

Pin 7 (GC1) is the variable gain control for the RF front-end. The gain-control line is typically controlled by a filtered PWM signal that is generated by a baseband demodulator IC. In a closed-loop system, the filtered PWM output forces a constant amplitude signal on the MAX2116 I/Q output.

Pins 37 and 34 on the MAX2116 are the I/Q outputs. The single-ended output amplifier gains can be set to deliver 800mVP-P at the output.

After the mixer there is variable-gain baseband amplifier. This amplifier's gain is set by register GC2. GC2 is adjustable from 0 to 31 (decimal). System P1db is set by the specific combination of GC1 and GC2.

Figure 2. MAX2116 Input P1db vs. GC2 code.

Figure 2. MAX2116 Input P1db vs. GC2 code.

Figure 2 shows the P1db of the MAX2116 for different RF and baseband gain-control settings. The trend of increasing P1db as the front-end and back-end gains decrease is evident, with the front-end impact dominating. The P1db limit of about +3.5dBm is reached for any GC2 setting at a minimum front-end gain setting of 2.6V. The data in Figure 2 is measured with a midband CW RF input at 1550MHz, and an IF frequency of 5MHz.

Figure 3. MAX2116 voltage gain vs. GC2 code.

Figure 3. MAX2116 voltage gain vs. GC2 code.

Figure 3 shows the MAX2116 voltage gain at different gain-control settings corresponding to those shown in Figure 2. The maximum gain is 76dB, the GC1 range is 72dB, and the GC2 range is 22dB. Each of these is near the typical datasheet values.

Conclusion

P1db data is presented throughout the ranges of the RF and baseband gain-control settings of the MAX2116. This data is useful for identifying the possible RF and baseband gain distributions that provide adequate P1db performance.


Further Information