WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

For additional information and latest specifications, see our website:

www.triquint.com

Electrical Characteristics

TQ9203

DATA SHEET

Low-Current Cellular

Band Downconverter IC

Features

+5-V single supply

Internal buffer amplifier on mixer
LO port

On-chip matching to 50

Two selectable RF inputs

Low-cost SO-14 plastic package

21dB system gain

-10dBm typical input intercept point

2.5dB typ. system noise figure

10.5mA typ. operating current

Applications

Cellular Communications

Spread-Spectrum Receivers

Cordless Phones

Product Description

The TQ9203 RFIC Downconverter is a multifunction RF front end designed for the
high dynamic range cellular communications standards. The design of the TQ9203
provides a 2.5dB system noise figure for excellent sensitivity, and a good signal
range with 10dBm input IP3. Its low current consumption, single +5V operation and
small, plastic surface-mount package are ideally suited for cost-competitive, space-
limited and portable applications. In addition, two selectable RF inputs simplify
implementation of "antenna diversity" in applications such as CDPD. The TQ9203 is
specified over a RF frequency range of 800 to 1000MHz, and therefore may be used
for any of the cellular and cordless telephony standards.

Electrical Specifications

Parameter

Min

Typ

Max

Units

Frequency

800

1000

MHz

Gain

21.0

Noise Figure

2.5

Input 3

Order Intercept

-10.0

dBm

DC supply Current

10.5

Note

1. Test Conditions: Vdd=5V, Ta=25C, filter IL=3.0dB, RF=881MHz, LO=966MHz, IF=85MHz,
LO input=-6dBm
2. Specified with external noise-matching circuit elements, with image-stripping BPF IL=3dB
3. Frequency separation of the two signals is 500KHz; BPF IL=3dB

Mixer
LO In

LNA

IN0

Mixer

IF out

Mixer
RF In

LNA

out

VDD

GND

LO Tune

Select

LNA

IN1

TQ9203

Data Sheet

For additional information and latest specifications, see our website:

www.triquint.com

Parameter

Conditions

Min.

Typ/Nom

Max.

Units

RF Frequency

Tuned external match

800

1000

MHz

LO Frequency

Tuned external match

700

1300

MHz

IF Frequency

Tuned external match

300

MHz

LO input level

-6

dBm

Supply voltage

4.5

5.0

5.5

Gain (LNA IN1)
Gain (LNA IN0)

LO=-6dBm, RF=-35dBm
LO=-6dBm, RF=-35dBm

18.0

21.0
21.0

dB
dB

Noise Figure

LNA IN0 Pin; SSB

LNA IN1 Pin; SSB

2.8

2.5

3.0

Input 3

Order Intercept

Frequency Sep. = 500KHz

-10.0

dBm

Return Loss

Mixer RF input
Mixer LO input
LNA OUT Return Loss

10
10
20

dB
dB
dB

Supply Current

10.5

Note

1. Test Conditions:, Vdd=5.0V, Ta=25C, filter IL=3.0dB, RF=881MHz, LO=966MHz, IF=85MHz, LO input=-6dBm: unless otherwise specified.
2. Conversion gain, noise figure, and IP3 assume an image stripping band-pass filter between the LNA section and the Mixer section with a 3dB insertion loss.

Electrical Characteristics-LNA section only

Parameter

Conditions

Min.

Typ/Nom

Max.

Units

Gain

RF=-40dBm

18.0

Noise Figure

LNA0 Active
LNA1 Active

2.1
1.8

dB
dB

Input 3

Order Intercept

Separation: 500KHz

+13.0

dBm

Output Gain Compression

1.5

dBm

Off Isolation, LNA In1/Out

Off Isolation, LNA In0/Out

Select=0V, LNAo On

Select=5C, LNA1 On

-7

-5

Reverse Isolation

38.0

Supply Voltage

4.5

5.0

5.5

Supply Current

Mixer Off

(2)

Powered down

8.8

Note

1. Test Conditions:, Vdd=5.0V, Ta=25C, RF=881MHz.
2. Vdd pin supplies connect to both the LNA and the LO buffer amps. Mixer cannot operate without Vdd connection. Mixer Vdd through the IF pin connects
only to the mixer FET.

TQ9203

Data Sheet

For additional information and latest specifications, see our website:

www.triquint.com

Typical Performance

Test Conditions

(Unless Otherwise Specified): Vdd=5.0V, Ta=25C, filter IL=3.0dB, RF=881MHz, LO=996MHz, IF=85MHz, LO input=-6dBm

Conversion Gain vs. Freq. vs. Temp.

869 872 875 878 881 884 887 890 893

Freq. (MHz)

Gain (dB)

-40C

+25C

+85C

Input IP3 vs. Freq. vs. Temp.

-12

-11

-10

-9

-8

-7

-6

869

872

875

878

881

884

887

890

893

Freq. (MHz)

Input IP3 (dB)

-40C

+25C

+85C

Noise Figure vs. Freq. vs. Temp.

0.5

1.5

2.5

3.5

869

872

875

878

881 884

887

890

893

Freq (MHz)

Noise Figure (dB)

+85C

+25C

-40C

LNA Performance

Noise Figure vs. Freq. vs. Temp.

0.5

1.5

2.5

869

872

875

878

881

884

887

890

893

Freq. (MHz)

Noise Figure (dB)

+85C

+25C

-40C

LNA Performance

Gain vs. Freq. vs. Temp.

869

872

875

878

881

884

887

890

893

Freq. (MHz)

Gain (dB)

-40C

+25C

+85C

LNA Performance

IP3 vs. Freq. vs. Temp.

11.5

12.5

13.5

869

872

875

878

881

884

887

890

893

Freq. (MHz)

Input IP3 (dB)

-40C
+25C
+85C

TQ9203
Data Sheet

For additional information and latest specifications, see our website:

www.triquint.com

LNA Performance

Gain vs. Vdd vs. Freq.

14.5

15.5

16.5

17.5

4.5

5.5

Vdd (V)

Gain (dB)

820MHz

881MHz

947MHz

LNA Performance

IP3 vs. Vdd vs. Freq.

4.5

5.5

Vdd (V)

Output IP3 (dB)

820MHz
881MHz
947MHz

Mixer Performance

Gain vs. Freq. vs. Temp.

869

872

875

878

881

884

887

890

893

Freq. (MHz)

Gain (dB)

-40C

+25C

+85C

Mixer Performance

Noise Figure vs. Freq. vs. Temp.

869

872

875

878

881

884

887

890

893

Freq. (MHz)

Noise Figure (dB)

-40C

+25C

+85C

Mixer Performance

IP3 vs. Freq. vs. Temp.

869

872

875

878

881

884

887

890

893

Freq. (MHz)

Input IP3 (dB)

-40C

+25C

+85C

Mixer Performance

Gain vs. Input IP3 vs. LO Power

-8

-6

-4

-2

LO Power (dBm)

Gain (dB): Input IP3 (dBm)

Gain 881MHz

IP3 881MHz

TQ9203

Data Sheet

For additional information and latest specifications, see our website:

www.triquint.com

LNA

S-Parameters, VDD=5.0V

Freq

|S11|

<S11

|S21|

<S21

|S12|

<S12

|S22|

<S22

800

0.76

-39

4.30

0.0033

-161

0.25

-110

825

0.75

-40

4.42

-2

0.0034

-158

0.16

-120

850

0.74

-41

4.50

-8

0.0038

-160

0.10

-138

875

0.73

-42

4.54

-13

0.0044

-164

0.05

167

900

0.72

-43

4.58

-22

0.0047

-170

0.07

925

0.71

-43

4.57

-28

0.0051

-174

0.12

950

0.71

-44

4.53

-34

0.0054

-178

0.18

975

0.70

-46

4.50

-38

0.0056

178

0.23

1000

0.70

-47

4.43

-45

0.0062

174

0.29

LNA

S-Parameters, Vdd=5.0V

Freq

|S11|

<S11

|S21|

<S21

|S12|

<S12

|S22|

<S22

800

0.82

-40

4.55

0.0058

171

0.30

-94

825

0.82

-41

4.70

0.0061

166

0.23

-98

850

0.82

-42

4.82

0.0067

161

0.16

-100

875

0.81

-43

4.92

-2

0.0069

156

0.09

-99

900

0.81

-45

4.97

-8

0.0075

151

0.03

-69

925

0.80

-46

5.00

-13

0.0078

150

0.05

950

0.80

-47

4.99

-19

0.0079

145

0.11

975

0.79

-48

4.97

-24

0.0078

142

0.16

1000

0.79

-49

4.94

-29

0.0085

142

0.21

LNA

Noise Parameters, Vdd=5.0V

LNA

Noise Parameters, Vdd=5.0V

Freq

(MHz)

Fmin

(dB)

opt

(mag)

opt

(ang)

Rnoise

(

)

820

1.51

0.65

26.5

40.1

881

1.54

0.65

29.0

40.0

915

1.57

0.64

30.5

39.9

947

1.60

0.64

32.0

39.9

Freq

(MHz)

Fmin

(dB)

opt

(mag)

opt

(ang)

Rnoise

(

)

820

1.30

0.67

27.4

38.9

881

1.33

0.66

30.4

39.9

915

1.36

0.66

31.5

39.9

947

1.39

0.66

32.7

38.7

TQ9203

Data Sheet

For additional information and latest specifications, see our website:

www.triquint.com

Application/Test Circuit

Bill of Material for TQ9203 Receiver Application/Test Circuit

Component

Reference Designator

Part Number

Value

Size

Manufacturer

Receiver IC

TQ9203

SO-14

TriQuint Semiconductor

Capacitor

1.5pF

0402

Capacitor

C3, C8

0.01

0402

Capacitor

C5, C6

33pF

0402

Capacitor

5.6pF

0402

Inductor

L1, L3, L4

12nH

0402

Inductor

470nH

0402

Resistor

R1, R2

10 ohm

0603

*Component values for L5, C6, and C7 depend upon the IF frequency and the IF filter impedance. R1 and R2 are optional. Here they
are chosen for an 85MHz IF and 50W load.

Vdd

RF In

Mixer
LO In

LNA out

Mixer IF Out

Mixer RF In

Vdd

TQ9203
Data Sheet

For additional information and latest specifications, see our website:

www.triquint.com

TQ9203 Product Description

The TQ9203 efficiently integrates a low-noise amplifier and
high-intercept mixer, with performance equal to a discrete
implementation, though use of circuit techniques from monolithic
and discrete design practices. The LNA consists of two
cascaded common-source amplifier stages, using a "DC-
stacked" topology, in which the same DC current flows through
both stages. An external noise match is used to achieve
optimum noise figure. Matching is performed with PC board
microstrip lines or lumped-elements surface-mount components,
using simple, well understood networks. The output on-chip
impedance is matched to 50 ohms.

The mixer is implemented as a "cascode" stage operating like a
dual-gate FET mixer. A common-gate LO buffer provides the
necessary gain to drive the mixer FET gate and establishes a
good input match. The on-chip buffer amplifier allows for direct
connection to a commercial VCO at drive levels down to 6dBm.
An "open collector" IF output allows for flexibility, matching to
various Ifs and filter types.

The two topologies efficiently use the supply current for low-
power operation, approximately 10mA with a 5V supply. The
overall circuit provides a distinct performance edge over silicon
monolithic designs in terms of input intercept, noise figure and
gain. Specifically, the circuit was intended for use in the
following applications: cellular (AMPS, NADC, GSM, JDC,
ETACS, etc.) and ISM band (902 928MHz).

In addition, two selectable LNA inputs are available. They are
implemented through the use of two independent first stages,
each connected to the second-stage input. A SELECT pin
controls which input is active by steering the current through the
selected input stage and cutting it off from the other. This
provides the optional functionality of a diversity switch in front of
the LNA, but without the insertion loss and noise figure penalty
from the switch.

Operation

Please refer to the test circuit above.

Power Supply Connection

The TQ9203 was designed to operate within specifications over
the power supply range of 4.5 to 5.5V, although it will function
over a range of 4.0 to 6.0V. The internal biasing maintains
stable operating points with varying supply voltage. However,
the electrical parameters do vary slightly with supply voltage.
Internally, the downconverter has 50pF of capacitance from Vdd
to ground for RF decoupling of the supply line. This should be
augmented with additional decoupling capacitance: 1000pF
connected externally within 5mm of the package pin. A 10-ohm
series resistor in the Vdd line may also be added (optionally) to
provide some filtering of supply line noise. Connections to
ground should go directly to a low-impedance ground plane.
Therefore, it is recommended that multiple via holes to the
ground plane occur within 2mm on the inside of the package
pins.

LNA Input Interfacing

The TQ9203 LNA was designed for low-noise operation. It
makes use of an optimum noise-matching network at the input,
not a conjugate match, as would be used for maximum power
transfer (although gamma optimum is near the conjugate
match). Gamma optimum is referenced from the LNA input into
the noise-match network in series with 50 ohms. The gamma
optimum and the noise parameters for selected frequencies are
shown in the LNA Noise Parameters table.

There are several options for the physical realization of gamma
optimum: a series-shunt microstrip transmission line network, a
series capacitor/shunt inductor, and a series inductor. Ideal
values for these components are included in the Noise
Parameters table. The microstrip transmission lines can easily
be constructed on FR-4 or G-10 circuit boards, using standard
design techniques. The lumped-element components are
surface-mount elements designed for RF use. Slight
adjustments in the actual values of the elements are likely, due
to the effects of component parasitics. It is important that the
board-level circuit establishes an impedance of gamma
optimum, measure at the solder pad of pin 6. Proper board
design for gamma optimum eliminates the need for tuning
adjustments and produces a low-noise circuit, which is tolerant
of component variations.

TQ9203

Data Sheet

For additional information and latest specifications, see our website:

www.triquint.com

LNA Output (Pin 9)

The LNA output is internally matched to 50 ohms over the 800
to 1000MHz frequency band and it is internally DC-blocked.
Therefore, direct connections may be made to pin 9.

Mixer RF Input

The mixer RF input is matched close to 50 ohms and is
internally DC-blocked. Pin 11 may be directly connected to the
filter output. The filter must be as close as possible to the mixer
RF input to maintain the proper termination impedance at the
LO frequency. Include a shunt inductor of 22nH at the mixer RF
input to improve the mixer noise performance by providing a
short to ground at the IF frequency. This provides a secondary
benefit of slightly improved input match.

Mixer LO Input

The mixer LO input is matched close to 50 ohms and is
internally DC-blocked. Pin 1 may be directly connected to the
LO input signal. A level greater than 6dBm is recommended.
Standard VCO outputs of 2dBm work well.

LO Tuning (Pin 13)

A shunt L on pin 13 resonates with some internal capacitance to
produce a bandpass frequency response of the LO buffer
amplifier. This attenuates noise at +/- one IF frequency away
from the LO frequency. The approximate value of L is
determined by the following equation:

L=1/C (2

, where C=2.2pF

In practice, the value (and/or placement) of L should be
empirically determined for a particular layout, since stray
capacitance on the PCB layout can move the resident frequency
from the expected ideal. The actual value of L should be
adjusted until the buffer response (pin 1-> pin 13) produces a
peak at the LO frequency. A measurement of the response may
be accomplished with a simple coaxial probe "sniffer," in which
the end is positioned 50 100 mils from the inductor at pin 13.
The frequency response of the LO buffer amplifier (pin 13) is
directly measured on the network analyzer as the LO input (pin
1) is swept in frequency. The LO drive level should be set at
approximately the operating level (-6 to 3dBm) for this
measurement. This "tuning" needs to be done only in design,
not in production.

Mixer IF Interfacing

The mixer IF port is a high-impedance, open-drain output. The
impedance is a few K ohms in parallel with less than 1pF
capacitance. The IF port S-parameters (S11) are listed in the
table over the frequency range of 45MHz to 250MHz. It is
possible to use Ifs above and below this range: however, at low
frequencies the noise increases, and at high frequencies the
LO/IF, RF/IF isolation decreases.

The open-drain output permits matching to any chosen filter
impedance. In general, a conjugate impedance match is
recommended on this port to achieve best power gain, noise
figure and output 3

-order intercept. It is also important to

properly center the tuned circuit at the desired IF. This
maximizes circuit robustness to component tolerances. For
proper mixer operation, pin 14, the open-drain output, must also
be biased to Vdd. A practical matching network, which includes
biasing, is shown.

Vdd

TQ9203

Z Load

Vdd

TQ9203

Z Load

TQ9203
Data Sheet

For additional information and latest specifications, see our website:

www.triquint.com

Package Pinout

Pin Descriptions

Pin Name

Pin #

Description and Usage

Mixer LO IN

Buffered LO port. There is an internal DC block on this port, which is matched to 50

Vdd

Supply voltage for bias circuitry and LNA. This pin draws 8mA, typically. Decouple with 0.01uF within 0.25 inch of
package.

LNA IN0

LNA IN0 is an auxiliary input and has characteristics similar to the LNA IN1 input port. Best performance is achieved
with external noise-matching network. Internally DC blocked.

Select

Input port selection switch. CMOS-compatible drive, switches input ports from LNA IN1 to LNA IN0. Low=IN0,
High=IN1.

LNA IN1

LNA IN1 is the primary input port. Best performance is achieved with external noise-matching network. Internally DC
blocked.

LNA Out

Output port from switched LNA section. Internally matched to 50

. Internally DC blocked.

Mixer RF IN

Mixer RF Input port. Image stripping band pass filtering before Mixer section improves noise and spurious performance.
No return to ground is required. Shunt L recommended for IF suppression.

LO Tune

LO buffer tuning, inductor to ground.

Mixer IF Out

Mixer IF signal port. Open "collector-" type output requires connection to Vdd and impedance matching to load.

GND

2,7,8,
10,12

Ground connection. Keep physically short for stability and performance. Use several via holes immediately adjacent to
the pins down to backside ground plane.

Mixer LO input

GND

Vdd

LNA IN0

Select

LNA IN1

GND

LNA Output

GND

Mixer RF Input

GND

LO Tune

Mixer IF Output

TQ9203

TQ9203

Data Sheet

Additional Information

For latest specifications, additional product information, worldwide sales and distribution locations, and information about TriQuint:

Web: www.triquint.com

Tel: (503) 615-9000

Email: info_wireless@tqs.com

Fax: (503) 615-8900

For technical questions and additional information on specific applications:

Email: info_wireless@tqs.com

The information provided herein is believed to be reliable; TriQuint assumes no liability for inaccuracies or omissions. TriQuint assumes no responsibility for the use of
this information, and all such information shall be entirely at the user's own risk. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. No patent rights or
licenses to any of the circuits described herein are implied or granted to any third party.
TriQuint does not authorize or warrant any TriQuint product for use in life-support devices and/or systems.
Copyright © 1998 TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revision F, March 23, 1999

For additional information and latest specifications, see our website:

www.triquint.com

Package Type: SO-14 Plastic Package

Ð­Ð»ÐµÐºÑ‚Ñ€Ð¾Ð½Ð½Ñ‹Ð¹ ÐºÐ¾Ð¼Ð¿Ð¾Ð½ÐµÐ½Ñ‚: TQ9203

ÐÐ»ÐµÐºÑ‚Ñ€Ð¾Ð½Ð½Ñ‹Ð¹ ÐºÐ¾Ð¼Ð¿Ð¾Ð½ÐµÐ½Ñ‚: TQ9203