MAX19794
10MHz to 500MHz Dual Analog Voltage Variable 
Attenuator with On-Chip 10-Bit SPI-Controlled DAC
   1
19-6381; Rev 0; 6/12
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
For related parts and recommended products to use with this part, 
refer to www.maxim-ic.com/MAX19794.related.
General Description
The  MAX19794  dual  general-purpose  analog  voltage 
variable  attenuator  (VVA)  is  designed  to  interface 
with 50I systems operating in the 10MHz to 500MHz 
frequency range. This device includes a patented control 
circuit  that  provides  22.4dB  of  attenuation  range  (per 
attenuator) with a typical linear control slope of 8dB/V.
Both  attenuators  share  a  common  analog  control. 
They  can  be  cascaded  together  to  yield  44.7dB  of 
total  attenuation  range  with  a  typical  combined  linear 
control slope of 16dB/V (5V operation). Alternatively, the 
on-chip, 4-wire SPI-controlled 10-bit DAC can be used 
to control both attenuators. In addition, a step-up/down 
feature  allows  user-programmable  attenuator  stepping 
through  command  pulses  without  re-programming  the 
SPI interface.
The MAX19794 is a monolithic device designed using 
one of Maxims proprietary SiGe BiCMOS processes. The 
part operates from a single +5V supply or alternatively 
operates  from  a  single  +3.3V  supply.  It  is  available 
in  a  compact  36-pin  TQFN  package  (6mm  x  6mm  x 
0.8mm)  with  an  exposed  pad.  Electrical  performance 
is  guaranteed  over  the  -40NC  to  +100NC  extended 
temperature range.
Applications
Broadband System Applications, Including 
Wireless Infrastructure Digital and Spread-
Spectrum Communication Systems
WCDMA/LTE, TD-SCDMA/TD-LTE, WiMAX? 
cdma2000? GSM/EDGE and MMDS Base 
Stations
VSAT/Satellite Modems
Military Systems
Microwave Point to Point Systems
Lineup Gain Trim
Temperature Compensation Circuits
Automatic Level Control (ALC)
Transmitter Gain Control
Receiver Gain Control
General Test Equipment
Benefits and Features
S Wide Band Coverage 
?RF Frequency Range from 10MHz to 500MHz
S High Linearity
   ?Greater than +34.4dBm IIP3 over the Full 
Attenuation Range
   ?+21.8dBm Input P
1dB
S Integrates Two Analog Attenuators in One 
Monolithic Device
S Two Convenient Control Options 
?Single Analog Voltage 
?On-Chip, SPI-Controlled 10-Bit DAC
S Step-Up/Down Pulse Command Inputs
S Flexible Attenuation Control Ranges 
?22.4dB (per Attenuator) 
?44.7dB (both Attenuators Cascaded)
S Linear dB/V Analog Control Response Curve 
Simplifies Automatic Leveling Control and Gain 
Trim Algorithms
S Excellent Attenuation Flatness over Wide 
Frequency Ranges and Attenuation Settings
S On-Chip Comparator (for Successive 
Approximation Measurement of Attenuator 
Control Voltage)
S Low 13mA Supply Current
S Single +5V or 3.3V Supply Voltage
S Pin Similar with MAX19791, MAX19792, and 
MAX19793
S Lead-Free Package
WiMAX is a registered  certification mark and regisitered  
service mark of WiMAX Forum. 
cdma2000 is a registered trademark of Telecommunications 
Industry Association.
EV A L U A T I O N   K I T   A V A I L A B L E
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct 
at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxims website at www.maxim-ic.com.