Maxim Integrated Products introduced the MAX1007, a multi-function IC that performs measurement and control of RF signals as part of a wireless-communications chipset. It includes signal-conditioning circuitry and an 8-bit A/D converter (ADC) for receive signal signal-strength intensity (RSSI) and peak-detection measurements. a power-detector circuit compares RSSI measurements over two time periods , and provides an output that indicates which of the two signals was stronger.

Four internal D/A converters (DACs) and a bandgap-derived voltage reference perform various control functions. Double-buffering allows each DAC input to be loaded and updated independently. The 7-bit SDAC and KDAC are used to adjust the power levels of external amplifiers, the 6-bit XDAC controls the varactor diode that tunes an external crystal oscillator, and the 6-bit GDAC controls an external GaAs amplifier. The MAX1007 also provides a logic output for shutting down the bias generator.

Operating from a single supply voltage of 2.85V to 3.6V, the MAX1007 combines high levels of signal integrity with low power dissipation. The wide supply-voltage range allows operation with a direct battery connection even when the battery is being charged. The MAX1007 also has two power-saving shutdown modes. Standby, a partial shutdown in which only the bandgap reference and 2.4V DAC reference remain on, allows a fast 10us wake-up to full operation. Full-shutdown mode lowers the supply current below 10uA and requires a wake-up time of 10ms.

If you can interpret this press release to tell you what this product does you are to be complimented! The IC is a constituent part of Maxim's (maybe the world's?) first PWT1900 chipset. That set consists of four ICs plus an RF amplifier and power control and is, essentially, an easy entry into the DECT marketplace. This particular part combines the analog controls and monitoring into one place. The 8-bit ADC has multiple inputs which, with signal processing, a peak detector and a dual track-and-hold, allow for power sense detection (for both transmit -- allowing output level control -- and receive -- allowing for analysis, RSSI and diversity switching) and for system supervision (such as supply voltages, battery condition and temperature.) The four DACs control the dc levels around the radio and are instructed by a serial interface, and are double-buffered to allow for simultaneous updating of values. Three of the DACs also are output buffered.

I presume the GDAC is titled for GaAs control and XDAC for TXCO but I have no idea what the 'S' and 'K' designations might mean when they refer to the two 7-bit gain-setting DACs.

Although designed for Maxim's chipset this product is most certainly of use with virtually any design of PCS and cell phone and will be adopted as an intelligent solution to a number of problem areas; the flexibility of the part and the inclusion of the essential on-board reference will create markets. The reference is also available as a bias output from the IC and the shutdown modes are also extremely flexible for different users' ideas and/or needs. The MAX1007 is in a 24-pin SSOP and is being priced at $4.01 in 1000-piece lots.