Patent ID: 6201443
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: H03G

Abstract:
A variable gain amplifier, comprising:an input terminal;a first gain generating circuit portion connected to the input terminal, wherein said first gain generating circuit portion has a first transconductance;a second gain generating circuit portion connected to the input terminal, and wherein said second gain generating circuit portion has a second transconductance, wherein said first transconductance is larger by a predetermined amount than said second transconductance for a given amount of current, wherein said second gain generating circuit portion is operably connected to said first gain generating portion, and wherein said first and second gain generating circuit portions produce an output signal that is amplified in proportion to said first transconductance and said second transconductance, respectively; and,a current control circuit portion operably connected to said first and second gain generating circuit portions, wherein said current control circuit portion controls the amount of current to said first and second gain generating circuit portions, wherein said current control circuit portion comprises first and second MOSFETs configured as a differential pair.