Patent ID: 7760021
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: A61B,G01S,H03F,H03G

Abstract:
1. A variable gain amplifier for use in an ultrasound diagnostic device, comprising: an attenuator including resistor strings, each resistor string having a plurality of resistors connected in series to each other and to a gain control unit, the gain control unit having tap inputs taken from a plurality of junctions between a first resistor string receiving a first input signal and a second resistor string receiving a second input signal, wherein the gain control unit provides an attenuated differential input signal based on the tap inputs; and an amplifying unit including a feedback amplifying section configured to amplify the attenuated differential input signal to output a first amplified signal and a clipping amplifying section configured to amplify the first amplified signal to output a second amplified signal falling within a predetermined voltage range.