Fast settling variable gain amplifier with dc offset cancellation

Abstract

A variable gain amplifier includes circuit elements that may be partially powered down during transmit modes of operation and that may be powered back up whenever the radio transceiver receives a data packet within a specified settle time even for high throughput RF communications. The radio transceiver circuit may be powered down even in high throughput communications during a transmit mode to reduce power consumption. A DC offset cancellation block is operably coupled to the variable gain block to substantially remove any DC offset from the amplified output. The variable gain amplifier is further able to provide DC offset cancellation within the required settle time by holding the offset value during a dormant mode of operation. Further, the variable gain amplifier transitions from a first gain control value to a second gain control value and further modifies its internal settle time from a first value to a second value to enable the variable gain amplifier to reach a steady state within the required settle time whenever required. The settle time transitions from the second value back to the first value after a specified period of time.