Combined input stage for transconductance amplifier having gain linearity over increased input voltage range

摘要

First and second transconductance amplifier input stages having first and second gain characteristics, respectively, are combined. The resulting combined input stage has a third gain characteristic with a linear range that is larger than a linear range of either of the first and second gain characteristics.

主权项

1. An input stage for a transconductance amplifier, comprising:
a first transconductance amplifier input stage having a first differential input signal gain characteristic that decreases with absolute value of a differential input signal; and a second transconductance amplifier input stage having a second differential input signal gain characteristic different from said first differential signal gain characteristic and which increases with absolute value of the differential input signal; wherein said first input stage is coupled to said second input stage for summing the gain characteristics of the first and second transconductance amplifier input stages to form a combined input stage having a third differential input signal gain characteristic with a linear range that is larger than a linear range of either of the first and second gain characteristics.