The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 20, 1999
Filed:
Apr. 30, 1997
James W Marsh, Sherwood, OR (US);
Scott Lindsey Williams, Tigard, OR (US);
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Abstract
A variable gain amplifier having improved bandwidth and linearity, and having improved dynamic range by allowing the amplifier to be designed for low noise performance, while retaining the linearity normally lost with low noise designs. The amplifier is of the current steering type, having a differential current steering input stage coupled to a further current steering stage for controlling the gain responsive to a gain control signal. Current is maintained in a pair of common base connected transistors in the output circuit so that these transistors do not create excessive noise or limit the bandwidth and linearity of the amplifier at low gain. Maintaining the current in these transistors responsive to the gain control signal may maintain a substantially constant current in these transistors independent of gain. Exemplary embodiments are disclosed.