Abstract:
A circuit includes a multi-tanh cell having a common-emitter node to receive a bias current, and an extra transistor coupled to the common-emitter node to dynamically divert a portion of the bias current from the multi-tanh cell. The circuit may be arranged as a multiplier with an input network arranged to apply two or more input signals to the multi-tanh cell. A second multi-tanh cell with an extra transistor may be arranged in a feedback loop where the outputs of the first and second multi-tanh cells are coupled together at an integrating node. A buffer drives the final output and feedback cell to cancel nonlinearities in the multiplier cells.
Abstract:
A variable attenuation system includes a steering core that continuously steers a signal to an attenuator having multiple inputs. An embodiment having an attenuator constructed from discrete components continuously interpolates a signal between the individual inputs of the attenuator. Continuous interpolation between discrete inputs can also be used with attenuators having continuous structures. A fully integrated embodiment achieves continuous input steering by moving a carrier domain along a continuous attenuator. A separate output stage utilizes adaptive biasing to reduce unnecessary current consumption.
Abstract:
An embodiment of a logarithmic circuit may include a logging transistor, a guard circuit arranged to force an input current into an input terminal of the logging transistor, and a positioning circuit arranged to maintain a voltage of the logging transistor. The guard and positioning circuits may include first and second feedback loops, respectively. Another embodiment of a logarithmic circuit may include a logging transistor arranged to generate a logarithmic output in response to an input current, and a feedback loop arranged to provide adaptive compensation to the logging transistor. The feedback loop may be arranged to provide compensation in response to the magnitude of the input current. Another embodiment of a logarithmic circuit may include first and second logging transistors having collectors arranged to receive input currents, and first and second feedback amplifier arranged to drive emitters of the logging transistors.
Abstract:
An amplifier has an input terminal to receive an input signal. The amplifier includes a first gain stage comprising a pair of input transistors and a second gain stage to drive an output stage. The output stage provides inverting and non-inverting differential output signals on inverting and non-inverting output nodes. The amplifier may also include a feedback signal electrically connected between the inverting and non-inverting output nodes to emitters of the input transistors through a resistor network.
Abstract:
The apparatus includes an operational amplifier (56) which has inverting (72) and non-inverting (70) inputs and an output (74) that is a function of the voltage at the inverting and non-inverting inputs (72-70). An attenuator network (54) is connected to the operational amplifier (56). The attenuator network (54) includes circuitry for reducing a voltage of a first value at the inputs (62, 64) of the attenuator network (54) to a voltage that is a fraction of the first value at the output of the attenuator network (54) which voltage is then transmitted to the operational amplifier (56) inputs (70, 72). The attenuator network (54) includes additional circuitry (66) for reducing a common-mode feed-through voltage of a second value at the inputs (62, 64) ot the attenuator network (54) to a common-mode feed-through voltage that is a fraction of the second voltage at the output of the operational amplifier (56).
Abstract:
A radio frequency diode detector has a set of diodes having a differential voltage output, and a current source electrically coupled to the ring of diodes, the current source coupled to provide a forward bias current. This is followed by nonlinear signal processing to create an overall linear detector suitable for use in microwave power measurement.
Abstract:
A control system may be selectively operated in open loop mode, for example, during data bursts. In a power control system, the transmitted power may be selectively held at a constant level, for example, at the end of a ramp period. The forward path gain of a control system may be varied in an inverse-function manner ahead of an integrator. The slope of a measurement signal from a detector may be made to have a complementary polarity.
Abstract:
A multi-stage logarithmic converter of the 'successive-detection' or 'progressive-compression' type including means providing an accurate, temperature-stabilized logarithmic transfer function. The gain stages are DC-coupled throughout, though each also employs a demodulator comprising a full-wave rectifier, allowing operation in both baseband and demodulating modes. The signal path is differential and is balanced, including the demodulators. Each gain stage is based on a differential amplifier, or 'long-tail pair' operated in an open-loop mode and biased by a tail current generator which supplies a tail current that is both proportional to absolute temperature and compensated automatically for effects of finite transistor beta and base and emitter resistances. The demodulators are biased by a very low offset voltage which also is proportional to absolute temperature. The log intercept is temperature-stabilized by either employing a PTAT attenuator ahead of the complete amplification system or by introducing at the output node (a current summing junction) a current which varies with temperature in such a way as to offset intercept movement which otherwise would be generated.
Abstract:
A hybrid, translinear amplifier has at least one gain stage including first and second gain transistors, at least a first load transistor electrically coupled to the first gain transistor and at least a second load transistor electrically coupled to the second gain transistor, and load resistors electrically coupled to the load transistors. A hybrid, translinear amplifier with selectable gain has a first hybrid, translinear amplifier cell having at least first and second load transistors, each load transistor having a load resistor, at least one additional hybrid, translinear amplifier cell having at least third, fourth, fifth and sixth load transistors, each load transistor having a load resistor, at least two switches electrically coupled to the amplifier cells to allow selection of one of the amplifier cells, and a differential output signal having a gain corresponding to a selected amplifier cell.
Abstract:
An input stage for an instrumentation system may include a resistor coupled between an input terminal and a summing node, and an amplifier arranged to maintain the voltage at the summing node. In anther embodiment, an instrumentation input system may include an input stage to receive a signal to be measured, and a variable gain amplifier having an input coupled to an output of the input stage, wherein the variable gain amplifier comprises two or more gain stages. A variable gain amplifier may include an attenuator having an input and a series of tap points and a series of low-inertia switches to steer outputs from the attenuator to an output terminal.