Patent ID: 6545544
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: H03F

Abstract:
A transimpedance amplifier comprising:first and second bipolar transistors, each having an emitter, a base and a collector; a Schottky diode having an anode and a cathode; a load resistance and a feedback resistance; the collector of the second transistor being coupled to a first power supply terminal; the load resistance being coupled between the first transistor; the first transistor having its collector coupled to the base of the second transistor and to a transimpedance, amplifier output, its base coupled to the emitter of the second transistor and to a transimpedance amplifier input, and its emitter coupled to a second power supply terminal; the feedback resistance being coupled between the collector and the base of the first transistor; and, the Schottky diode having its cathode coupled to the collector of the first transistor and its anode coupled to the base of the first transistor to provide a lower limit on the magnitude of the collector-emitter voltage of the first transistor when turned on.