The TRF1020 is a single-chip radio frequency (RF) downconverter suitable for 900-MHz GSM applications. It combines in one small package an LNA, an RF mixer, an IF mixer, two IF amplifiers, an I and Q mixer, and one buffered VCO. The TRF1020 requires few external components. The LNA has a nominal gain of 12.4 dB and noise figure of 2.1 dB. The first RF mixer has a conversion gain of 13.4 dB and a single-sideband (SSB) noise figure of 8.3 dB. The IF amplifiers have combined variable gain from 0 to 84 dB in approximately 3-dB steps. The IF amplifier frequency range is 40 to 180 MHz for the first IF amplifier and 10 to 180 MHz for the second IF amplifier. The local oscillator of the I and Q mixer operates at four times the last frequency of the IF mixer. Power consumption is kept to a minimum and can be further reduced by dynamically placing selected functions in standby power-down mode when not required. Power-down control is provided through the three-line digital serial interface.