Low power, high linearity log-linear control method and apparatus

摘要

Low power, high linearity log-linear control method and apparatus wherein a master log-linear cell generates a control voltage that is buffered and applied to a slave log-linear cell. By breaking this function up into two pieces, the control loop characteristics are isolated from the signal path. Low impedance buffers can be used to drive the slave log-linear cell control ports, independent of the control loop, providing improved gain control range and linearity. This log-linear control is of particular value in applications that require low harmonic distortion and high gain control range in power or pin-constrained applications. Details of the method are disclosed.