Precision Monolithics, Inc.

George Erdi

Daniel J Dooley

Donald T Comer

Paul Raymond Henneuse

There is disclosed a dual mode amplifier for use as the output amplifier of a sample and hold circuit. The dual mode amplifier described by the invention is controlled by a sample and hold gate. In one of its modes the characteristics of the amplifier are optimized for best slew rate and transient performance, while in the other mode the amplifier characteristics are optimized for settling time.

Dual mode output amplifier for a sample and hold circuit

An integrated circuit including an FET and an analog for cancelling input current that would otherwise be required to supply the FET gate leakage current. The analog establishes a leakage current the magnitude of which is a substantially fixed proportion of the FET leakage current over a given operating range, and employs proportional current mirror means referenced to the analog leakage current to supply the FET leakage current and thereby substantially cancel the input bias current. In a preferred embodiment the analog comprises a lateral PNP multi-collector transistor with one collector connected to its base to establish a reference current, another collector providing the cancellation current, and its base voltage tracking the FET gate voltage so that the two leakage currents remain substantially equal. An analog FET may also be employed to cancel gate-to-drain and gate-to-source leakages. A description of the invention as applied to an operational amplifier is given.

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Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

George Erdi