Operational transconductance amplifiers with non-linear component current amplifiers

摘要

Operational transconductance amplifiers are described in which the balanced output currents of a preliminary amplifier stage are applied to the input connections of first and second current amplifiers. A third current amplifier has an input connection to which the output connection of the second current amplifier is connected and has an output connection connected to an output signal terminal to which the output connection of the first current amplifier also connects. At least one of the current amplifiers is a non-linear current amplifier with current gain as between its input and output connections that increases with increasing input current. This increases the capability of the amplifier to source or sink output current without increasing quiescent power consumption.