The MAX2010 adjustable RF predistorter is designed to improve power amplifier (PA) adjacent-channel power rejection (ACPR) by introducing gain and phase expansion in a PA chain to compensate for the PA's gain and phase compression. With its +23dBm maximum input power level and wide adjustable range, the MAX2010 can provide up to 12dB of ACPR improvement for power amplifiers operating in the 500MHz to 1100MHz frequency band. Higher frequencies of operation can be achieved with this IC's counterpart, the MAX2009.

The MAX2010 is unique in that it provides up to 6dB of gain expansion and 21° of phase expansion as the input power is increased. The amount of expansion is configurable through two independent sets of control: one set adjusts the gain expansion breakpoint and slope, while the second set controls the same parameters for phase. With these settings in place, the linearization circuit can be run in either a static set-and-forget mode, or a more sophisticated closed-loop implementation can be employed with real-time software-controlled distortion correction. Hybrid correction modes are also possible using simple lookup tables to compensate for factors such as PA temperature drift or PA loading.

The MAX2010 comes in a 28-pin thin QFN exposed pad (EP) package (5mm x 5mm) and is specified for the extended (-40°C to +85°C) temperature range.