METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MUTING THE OUTPUT OF AMPLIFIER CIRCUITS

摘要

Methods and apparatus for muting the output of amplifier circuits. For normal operation, the amplifiers are connected as feedback amplifiers having a gain set by the signal input and feedback circuits connected to the inverting input to the amplifier. For muting, the signal input is disconnected from the inverting input to the amplifier and the amplifier output is connected to the inverting input, making the amplifier a unity gain amplifier with respect to the input to the non-inverting input. In one embodiment, the signal input is disconnected from the inverting input to the amplifier and the amplifier output is connected to the inverting input using switching devices. In another embodiment, the amplifier output is permanently connected to the inverting input through an impedance element.