Article

FM Audio Transmitter

To keep the circuit simple as well as compact, it was decided to use a chip made by Maxim Integrated Products, the MAX2606. This IC from the MAX2605-MAX2609 series has been specifically designed for low-noise RF applications with a fixed frequency. The VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) in this IC uses a Colpitts oscillator circuit. The variable-capacitance (varicap) diode and feedback capacitors for the tuning have also been integrated on this chip, so that you only need an external inductor to fix the central oscillator frequency.

Downloading of this magazine article is reserved for registered users only.

Login | Register now!

Materials

080727-PCB.pdf

Gerber file

CAM/CAD data for the PCB referred to in this article is available as a Gerber file. Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can exclusively download these files for free as part of their membership. Gerber files allow a PCB to be produced on an appropriate device available locally, or through an online PCB manufacturing service.

Elektor recommends the Elektor PCB Service service from its business partner Eurocircuits or AISLER as the best services for its own prototypes and volume production.

The use of our Gerber files is provided under a modified Creative Commons license. Creative Commons offers authors, scientists, educators and other creatives the freedom to handle their copyright in a more free way without losing their ownership.

PCB

Download Gerber file: 080727-1-V10

Extra info / Update

Characteristics

* Easy to build thanks to the use of a MAX2606
* Can be powered from a USB port on a computer
* Current consumption of just 2 to 4 mA, supply voltage of 2.7 to 5.5 V
* Can be expanded with a pre-emphasis circuit

Component list

Resistors (all SMD 0805)
R1,R2 = 22k
R3 = 4kO7
R4,R5 = 1k
R6 = 270
P1 = 10kO preset, SMD (TS53YJ103MR10 Vishay Sfernice, Farnell # 1557933)
P2 = 100kO preset, SMD(TS53YJ104MR10 Vishay Sfernice, Farnell # 1557934)
Capacitors (all SMD 0805)
C1,C2,C5 = 4µF7 10V
C3,C8 = 100nF
C4,C7 = 2nF2
C6 = 470nF
Inductors
L1 = 390nF, SMD 1206 (LQH31HNR39K03L Murata, Farnell # 1515418)
L2 = 2200O @ 100MHz, SMD, common-mode choke, 1206 type(DLW31SN222SQ2L Murata, Farnell # 1515599)
Semiconductors
IC1 = MAX2606EUT+, SMD SOT23-6 (Maxim Integrated Products)
Miscellaneous
K1 = 3.5mm stereo audio jack SMD (SJ1-3513-SMT CUI Inc, DIGI-Key # CP1-3513SJCT-ND)
K2 = 5-pin header (only required in combination wsith 090305-I pre-emphasis circuit)
K3 = USB connector type A, SMD (2410 07 Lumberg, Farnell # 1308875)