Programmable gain amplifier and method

Abstract

One embodiment of the invention may include a programmable gain amplifier comprising an input multiplexer (14) operative to sequentially select input signals (12) for amplification. The input signals may be chosen from a plurality of input signals based on a selection signal. The programmable gain amplifier (18) may include at least one amplifier gain stage operative to apply a variable gain amount to a selected input signal. The programmable gain amplifier may further include a gain mapping component that controls the variable gain amount for each of the selected input signals.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to electronic circuits, and more particularly to a programmable gain amplifier and method. Background technique [0002] In analog signal processing applications, such as in automotive, wireless communications, or networking applications, it is often necessary to amplify the input analog signal before it can be processed. Amplifying the input analog signal is necessary for optimal processing and usually involves passing the input signal through an amplifier. [0003] A Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) is a circuit that allows an input signal to be boosted to a programmed optimized gain level. The PGA can be single-stage (for low-speed applications requiring only coarse gain control) or multi-stage (for high-speed applications requiring fine gain control). However, a PGA operating at high speed consumes more power. Thus, there are competing design constraints between operating speed and power consumption in a PGA. Addi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The result is an undesired increase in circuit components and (thus) chip area and power consumption

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