Patent ID: 7990217
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: G01S,H03F,H03G

Abstract:
1. A continuously interpolated variable gain amplifier comprising: an attenuator having a first series of tap points and a second series of tap points to generate a series of differential outputs at corresponding pairs of the first and second series of tap points in response to an input signal; a first series of interpolated gm cells having outputs combined to generate a first output signal, each of the first gm cells having a first input coupled to one of the first series of tap points, and a second input coupled to receive a first feedback signal; and a second series of interpolated gm cells having outputs combined to generate a second output signal, each of the second gm cells having a first input coupled to one of the second series of tap points, and a second input coupled to receive a second feedback signal; where each gm cell of the first series is arranged to form a distributed gm cell with a corresponding gm cell of the second series; and where each gm cell of the first series is arranged to operate as a multi-tanh cell with the corresponding gm cell of the second series, such that each gm cell of the first series has an input offset that is different than the input offset of the corresponding gm cell of the second series.