Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, Serial / Parallel Control
31.5 dB, 0.7 - 6.0 GHz
Rev. V2
MAAD-000523
1
• North America Tel: 800.366.2266 • Europe Tel: +353.21.244.6400
• India Tel: +91.80.43537383 • China Tel: +86.21.2407.1588
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to make
changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
ADVANCED: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology Solutions
is considering for development. Performance is based on target specifications, simulated results,
and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.
PRELIMINARY: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology
Solutions has under development. Performance is based on engineering tests. Specifications are
typical. Mechanical outline has been fixed. Engineering samples and/or test data may be available.
Commitment to produce in volume is not guaranteed.
Features
Integrated CMOS/TTL Compatible Driver
Parallel & Serial (P/S) Control with power-up
state selection
Insertion Loss: 1.6 dB typical @ 2.1 GHz
IP3: 50 dBm typical @ 2 GHz
Attenuation Accuracy:
+/-(0.4 + 4% of attenuation setting) dB
0.5-dB Attenuation Steps to 31.5 dB
Useable from 0.4 to 8.0 GHz
Lead-Free 4 mm 24-Lead PQFN Package
Halogen-Free “Green” Mold Compound
RoHS* Compliant and 260°C Re-flow Compatible
Small Relative Phase Variation per Bit
Description
The MAAD-000523 is a 6-bit, 0.5-dB step GaAs
MMIC digital attenuator in a lead-free 4 mm 24 lead
PQFN surface mount plastic package. This device is
ideally suited for use where high accuracy, very low
power consumption and low intermodulation
products are required. Typical applications include
Cellular Basestation RX/TX Line-up, Femtocells, and
other gain / level control circuits.
This attenuator is controlled with either a SPI
compatible serial interface or a 6 bit parallel word.
Functional Schematic 3,4
3. Blocking capacitors are required on all RF ports.
4. For optimum RF performance all N/C’s should be terminated
to GND.
Ordering Information 1
Part Number Package
MAAD-000523-TR1000 1000 piece reel
MAAD-000523-001SMB Sample Board
MAAD-000523-TR3000 3000 piece reel
* Restrictions on Hazardous Substances, European Union Directive 2002/95/EC.
1. Reference Application Note M513 for reel size information.
2. All sample boards include 5 loose parts.
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
VC0.5
VC4
VC1
VC8
VC2
VC16
Pin Configuration
Pin No. Function Pin No. Function
1 P/S 13 RF_OUT
2 CLK 14 No Connection
3 Serial IN 15 Serial OUT
4 LE 16 PUP2
5 Ground 17 PUP1
6 RF_IN 18 VDD
7 No Connection 19 VC16
8 No Connection 20 VC8
9 No Connection 21 VC4
10 No Connection 22 VC2
11 No Connection 23 VC1
12 No Connection 24 VC0.5
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, Serial / Parallel Control
31.5 dB, 0.7 - 6.0 GHz
Rev. V2
MAAD-000523
2
• North America Tel: 800.366.2266 • Europe Tel: +353.21.244.6400
• India Tel: +91.80.43537383 • China Tel: +86.21.2407.1588
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to make
changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
ADVANCED: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology Solutions
is considering for development. Performance is based on target specifications, simulated results,
and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.
PRELIMINARY: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology
Solutions has under development. Performance is based on engineering tests. Specifications are
typical. Mechanical outline has been fixed. Engineering samples and/or test data may be available.
Commitment to produce in volume is not guaranteed.
Parameter Test Conditions Units Min. Typ. Max.
Reference Insertion Loss
0.7 GHz
2.1 GHz
4.0 GHz
6.0 GHz
dB
—
—
—
—
1.3
1.6
2.0
2.5
—
2.3
—
—
Attenuation Accuracy 0.7 - 6.0 GHz ± (0.4 + 4% of attenuation setting) dB typ.
VSWR 0.7 - 6.0 GHz Ratio — 1.2:1 —
Trise, Tfall 10% to 90% RF, 90% to 10% RF ns — 70 —
Ton, Toff 50% Control to 90% RF,
50% Control to 10% RF ns — 100 —
Transients In Band mV — 50 —
Input P1dB 2.0 GHz dBm — 25 —
IP2 2-Tone, +10 dBm/tone, 1 MHz Spacing
2.0 - 6.0 GHz dBm — 75 —
IP3 2-Tone, +10 dBm/tone, 1 MHz Spacing
2.0 - 6.0 GHz dBm — 50 —
IDD V
DD = 5V µA 0 — 600
Settling Time Loss Delta
(Gate Lag)
RF Loss Difference within 30 µs to 500 µs
@ 2 GHz and 500 µs Pulse dB — 0.2 —
5. External DC blocking capacitors are required on all RF ports. Loss varies at 0.003 dB/°C.
Truth Table 6
VC16 VC4 VC2 VC1 Attenuation (dB)
1 1 1 1 Reference IL
1 1 0 1 2
1 0 1 1 4
1 1 1 1 8
0 1 1 1 16
0 0 0 0 31.5
VC8
1
1
1
0
1
0
VC0.5
1
1
1
1
1
0
1 1 1 1 0 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 0 0.5
6. 0 = 0 to 0.8V, 1 = 2 to 5V.
Absolute Maximum Ratings 7,8
Parameter Absolute Maximum
Input Power
700 - 6000 MHz +27 dBm
Control Voltage -0.5 V < VC < 5.5 V
Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C
Storage Temperature -65°C to +150°C
Operating Voltage 6 V
Junction Temperature +150°C
7. Exceeding any one or combination of these limits may cause
permanent damage to this device.
8. M/A-COM Technology Solutions does not recommend
sustained operation near these survivability limits.
Electrical Specifications 5: TA = 25°C, Z0 = 50 Ω, VDD = 5 V, VC = 0/+5 V6
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, Serial / Parallel Control
31.5 dB, 0.7 - 6.0 GHz
Rev. V2
MAAD-000523
3
• North America Tel: 800.366.2266 • Europe Tel: +353.21.244.6400
• India Tel: +91.80.43537383 • China Tel: +86.21.2407.1588
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to make
changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
ADVANCED: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology Solutions
is considering for development. Performance is based on target specifications, simulated results,
and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.
PRELIMINARY: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology
Solutions has under development. Performance is based on engineering tests. Specifications are
typical. Mechanical outline has been fixed. Engineering samples and/or test data may be available.
Commitment to produce in volume is not guaranteed.
Typical Performance Curves
Relative Attenuation across all major states
Insertion Loss
Input Return Loss, across all attenuation states Output Return Loss, across all attenuation states
Step Error vs. State over Frequency IP3
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
012345678
0.5 dB
1 dB
2 dB
4 dB
8 dB
16 dB
31.5 dB
Frequency (GHz)
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
012345678
+25°C
-40°C
+85°C
Frequency (GHz)
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
012345678
0.5 dB
1 dB
2 dB
4 dB
8 dB
16 dB
31.5 dB
Frequency (GHz)
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
012345678
0.5 dB
1 dB
2 dB
4 dB
8 dB
16 dB
31.5 dB
Frequency (GHz)
-2.5
-2.0
-1.5
-1.0
-0.5
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
0 4 8 121620242832
0.7 GHz
1 GHz
2 GHz
3 GHz
4 GHz
5 GHz
6 GHz
State (dB)
- - - - +/- (0.3 + 3%ATT) dB
- - - - +/- (0.3 + 4%ATT) dB
30
40
50
60
70
80
012345678
Frequency (GHz)
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, Serial / Parallel Control
31.5 dB, 0.7 - 6.0 GHz
Rev. V2
MAAD-000523
4
• North America Tel: 800.366.2266 • Europe Tel: +353.21.244.6400
• India Tel: +91.80.43537383 • China Tel: +86.21.2407.1588
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to make
changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
ADVANCED: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology Solutions
is considering for development. Performance is based on target specifications, simulated results,
and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.
PRELIMINARY: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology
Solutions has under development. Performance is based on engineering tests. Specifications are
typical. Mechanical outline has been fixed. Engineering samples and/or test data may be available.
Commitment to produce in volume is not guaranteed.
Handling Procedures
Please observe the following precautions to avoid
damage:
Static Sensitivity
Gallium Arsenide Integrated Circuits are sensitive
to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and can be
damaged by static electricity. Proper ESD control
techniques should be used when handling these
devices.
Lead Free 4 mm 24-Lead PQFN†
† Reference Application Note S2083 for lead-free solder reflow recommendations.
Meets JEDEC moisture sensitivity level 1 requirements.
Plating is 100% matte tin over copper.
Typical Performance Curve:
Relative Phase Variation vs. Frequen cy an d all states
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
40
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0
Frequency (GHz)
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, Serial / Parallel Control
31.5 dB, 0.7 - 6.0 GHz
Rev. V2
MAAD-000523
5
• North America Tel: 800.366.2266 • Europe Tel: +353.21.244.6400
• India Tel: +91.80.43537383 • China Tel: +86.21.2407.1588
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to make
changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
ADVANCED: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology Solutions
is considering for development. Performance is based on target specifications, simulated results,
and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.
PRELIMINARY: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology
Solutions has under development. Performance is based on engineering tests. Specifications are
typical. Mechanical outline has been fixed. Engineering samples and/or test data may be available.
Commitment to produce in volume is not guaranteed.
Functionality
Modes of Operation: Serial, Direct Parallel, and Latched Parallel
Mode Truth Table
P/S LE Mode
1 X Serial
0 Constant High Direct Parallel
0 Pulsed Latched Parallel
Serial Mode
Direct Parallel Mode
Latched Parallel Mode
The serial control interface (SERIN, CLK, LE, SEROUT) is compatible with the SPI protocol. SPI mode is
activated when P/S is kept high. The 6-bit serial word must be loaded with the MSB first. After shifting in the 6 bit
word, bringing LE high will set the attenuator to the desired state. While LE is high the CLK is masked to protect
the data while implementing the change. SEROUT is the SERIN delayed by 6 clock cycles.
When P/S is low, the serial control interface is disabled and the serial input register is loaded asynchronously with
parallel digital inputs.
For all modes of operations, the outputs will stay constant while LE is kept low.
The parallel mode is enabled when P/S is set to low. In the direct parallel mode, the attenuator is controlled by the
parallel control inputs directly. The LE must be at logic high to control the attenuator in this mode.
In the latched parallel mode, the parallel control inputs will be buffered by registers, and loaded to the outputs
when LE is high. The outputs shall not change states when LE is low.
Power-up States
The power-up (PUP) states will work in both serial and parallel modes, and initiate the attenuator according to the
PUP truth table. During power up, the digital inputs shall be held constant for at least 1 μs after VCC reaches 90%
of final value. For serial mode, the PUP states will only work when LE is held low. The PUP state shall be locked
out after the first LE pulse.
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, Serial / Parallel Control
31.5 dB, 0.7 - 6.0 GHz
Rev. V2
MAAD-000523
6
• North America Tel: 800.366.2266 • Europe Tel: +353.21.244.6400
• India Tel: +91.80.43537383 • China Tel: +86.21.2407.1588
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to make
changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
ADVANCED: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology Solutions
is considering for development. Performance is based on target specifications, simulated results,
and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.
PRELIMINARY: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology
Solutions has under development. Performance is based on engineering tests. Specifications are
typical. Mechanical outline has been fixed. Engineering samples and/or test data may be available.
Commitment to produce in volume is not guaranteed.
Functionality
Modes of Operation: Serial, Direct Parallel, and Latched Parallel
PUP Truth Table
Inputs
Gain Relative to Max. Gain Notes
PS LE PUP2 PUP1
0 0 0 0 -31.5 dB
0 0 0 1 -24 dB
0 0 1 0 -16 dB
0 0 1 1 Insertion Loss
0 1 X X 0 to –31.5 dB (Set VC0.5 - VC16)
1 0 X X 0 to –31.5 dB (Set VC0.5 - VC16) Serial Mode
1 1 X X No Definition
Parallel Mode
Serial Interface Timing Characteristics
Symbol Parameter
Typical Performance
Units
-40°C 25°C +85°C
tSCK Min. Serial Clock Period 100 100 100 ns
tCS Min. Control Set-up Time 20 20 20 ns
tCH Min. Control Hold Time 20 20 20 ns
tLS Min. LE Set-up Time 10 10 10 ns
tLEW Min. LE Pulse Width 10 10 10 ns
tLH Min. Serial Clock Hold Time from LE 10 10 10 ns
tLES Min. LE Pulse Spacing 630 630 630 ns
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, Serial / Parallel Control
31.5 dB, 0.7 - 6.0 GHz
Rev. V2
MAAD-000523
7
• North America Tel: 800.366.2266 • Europe Tel: +353.21.244.6400
• India Tel: +91.80.43537383 • China Tel: +86.21.2407.1588
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to make
changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
ADVANCED: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology Solutions
is considering for development. Performance is based on target specifications, simulated results,
and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.
PRELIMINARY: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology
Solutions has under development. Performance is based on engineering tests. Specifications are
typical. Mechanical outline has been fixed. Engineering samples and/or test data may be available.
Commitment to produce in volume is not guaranteed.
tLH
LE
tLEW
30ns Minimum
tLS
Parallel Control Word
Serial Input Interface Timing Diagram
Functionality
Modes of Operation: Serial, Direct Parallel, and Latched Parallel
