
07/2005
ARA2004
Reverse Amplifier with Step Attenuator
Data Sheet - Rev 2.1
FEATURES
Low Cost Integrated Amplifier with Step
Attenuator
Attenuation Range: 0-58 dB, adjustable in 1 dB
increments via a 3 wire serial control
Meets DOCSIS distortion requirements at +60
dBmV output signal level
Low distortion and low noise
Frequency range: 5-100 MHz
5 Volt operation
-40 to +85
o
C temperature range
RoHS Compliant Package Option
APPLICATIONS
MCNS/DOCSIS Compliant Cable Modems
CATV Interactive Set-Top Box
Telephony over Cable Systems
OpenCable Set-Top Box
Residential Gateway
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The ARA2004 is designed to provide the reverse path
amplification and output level control functions in a
CATV Set-Top Box or Cable Modem. It incorporates
a digitally controlled precision step attenuator that is
preceded by an ultra low noise amplifier stage, and
followed by an ultra-linear output driver amplifier. This
device uses a balanced circuit design that exceeds
the MCNS/DOCSIS requirement for harmonic
Figure 1: Cable Modem or Set Top Box Application Diagram
S12 Package
28 Pin SSOP
with Heat Slug
Diplexer
ARA2004
SAW
Filter
Double-
Conversion
Tuner
MAC
Upstream
QPSK/16QAM
Modulator
QAM Receiver
with FEC
Balun
Low Pass
Filter
Transmit Enable/Disable
Enable
Data
Clock
Microcontroller
with Ethernet
MAC
RAM
ROM
10Base-T
Transceiver
RJ45
Connector
Clock
Clock
Data
Data
54-860 MHz
44 MHz
5-42 MHz
performance at a +60 dBmV output level while only
requiring a single polarity +5 V supply. Both the input
and output are matched to 75 ohms with an
appropriate transformer. The precision attenuator
provides up to 58 dB of attenuation in 1 dB increments
via a three-wire serial interface. With external passive
components, this device meets IEC 1000-4-12 and
ANSI/IEEE C62.41-1991 100KHz ringwave tests, as
well as IEC1000-4-5 1.2/50
μ
S surge tests. The
ARA2004 is offered in a 28-pin SSOP package
featuring a heat slug on the bottom of the package.