Q: Should the MAX2771 be used with passive or active GPS antennas?
A: The MAX2771 provides enough gain to be used with a passive antenna. The previous generation MAX2769 provided two separate signal paths. LNA1 was intended to be used with a passive antenna, while LNA2 had less gain and a lower noise figure, as well as an internal 50 ohm match, and it was intended for active antennas. The high band LNA in the MAX2771 has similar gain specs to LNA1 from the MAX2769, and is intended to be used with passive antennas without any other amplification needed.