An amplifier which performs the function of switching on and off its output signal includes an inverted Darlington circuit made up of an input transistor and an output transistor, a first switching circuit connected across the base and the emitter of the output transistor, and a second switching circuit connected between the emitter of the input transistor and the collector of the output transistor. Amplifier also includes means for opening the first switching circuit and closing the second switching circuit to send out an output signal, and for closing the first switching circuit and opening the second switching circuit to stop the output signal. The input and output transistors may be fabricated using vipolar or MOSFET technology because current of a small magnitude flows through the switching circuits, the switching circuits can be formed from elements that are small in size and which have small parasitic capacitance. Consequently, amplifier is capable of operating at high speeds but with low power demands. In addition, amplifier can be miniaturized or formed on a single IC chip.