Patent ID: 6650182
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: H03F

Abstract:
A non-linear transconductance amplifier, comprising:a differential input stage, the differential input stage including first and second inputs forming a non-inverting input and an inverting input, respectively, of the amplifier for receiving an input differential signal; and a non-linear transconductance stage operatively coupled to the differential input stage, the non-linear transconductance stage generating an output of the amplifier having a linear transconductance when the input differential signal is within a predetermined range and a non-linear transconductance when the input differential signal is outside the predetermined range, the non-linear transconductance stage including a threshold circuit for operatively controlling a threshold region of the amplifier wherein the output of the amplifier exhibits a linear transconductance; wherein the non-linear transconductance stage comprises first and second load transistors, the threshold circuit being operatively coupled between the load transistors.