Patent ID: 7098732
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: H03G

Abstract:
1. A multi-stage variable gain amplifier, comprising: two or more serially connected gain stages, each gain stage having a gain response with a positive portion and a negative portion with respect to a desired gain level, each gain stage having a control input signal that determines the gain response for the stage, and each control input signal being configured to transition from a minimum value to a maximum value, the serially connected gain stages together forming a combined variable gain amplifier; and control circuitry configured to provide the control input signals to the gain stages such that a positive portion of one of the serially connected gain stages overlaps with a negative portion of another of the serially connected gain stages to produce a combined gain at the desired gain level, the control input signals for the gain stages being generated from a gain control signal for the combined variable gain amplifier.