Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX9987/MAX9988, the industry's first integrated +20dBm LO buffers/splitters designed to meet the demanding requirements of today's wireless infrastructure applications. These ICs provide ±1dB output power variance while replacing four discrete amplifiers, a passive splitter and coupler, and dozens of biasing components. This high degree of integration enables the designer to reduce the overall size of the LO drive circuitry by 3 times, while simultaneously cutting amplifier noise and system cost.

The MAX9987/MAX9988 are ideal for cellular/GSM/DCS/PCS and UMTS base station applications where dual, high-level LO drives are required for diversity transmit and receive line-ups. Each component includes a passive two-way splitter with high-isolation input and output buffer amplifiers. These flexible solutions are not only pin compatible, but they also allow the designer to precisely set the output power levels (concurrently on both branches) from +14dBm to +20dBm. The buffers supply an output-to-input isolation of +40dB to prevent LO pulling, and an output-to-output isolation of +30dB to reduce branch-to-branch interference. As an added benefit, both parts feature an on-board PLL amplifier, which provides a convenient +3dBm output for prescaler feedback.

The MAX9987/MAX9988 come in 20-pin 5mm x 5mm QFN packages that are fully qualified for direct printed circuit board mount. Prices start at $7.95 (1000-up, FOB USA).