There is disclosed an amplifier device for use with a photodetector for amplifying wave energy signals received by the photodetector and converted into electrical signals. The amplifier device includes a first amplifier having its input connected to a junction between the photodetector and first and second photodetector load impedances. A negative feedback amplifier is connected to the output of the first amplifier. The negative feedback amplifier provides a feedback voltage to the first load impedance when in its first mode of operation and effectively reduces the voltage feedback to the first load impedance when in its second mode of operation. A switching device is provided to effectively switch the second load impedance in and out of circuit with the photodetector to effectively change the photodetector load impedance and alter the bias voltage to the feedback amplifier. As, a consequence, the feedback amplifier is able to operate in either of its first or second modes of operation respectively switching the amplifier device from a good sensitivity, broad bandwidth transimpedance amplifier to a follower amplifier of improved dynamic range.

Switchable mode amplifier for wide dynamic range

In any photodetector application, capacitance is a major factor which limits response time. Decreasing load resistance improves this aspect, but at the expense of sensitivity. In the subsequent amplifier, positive feedback may be used with caution. It is possible to combine the effective stability of negative feedback with the desirable features of the positive type. An alternative approach, the bootstrap transimpedance amplifier, has been investigated. This offers the usual advantages of the transimpedance amplifier together with an effective capacitance reduction technique.

Bootstrap transimpedance amplifier: a new configuration

The present invention improves the stability and enhances the gain of amplifiers, particularly transistor amplifiers, by using mutual inductive coupling to partially cancel feedback current. Inductors at the input and output of an amplifier are positioned so that a mutual inductance is created between the two inductors. The mutual inductance is used to cancel the inherent capacitive feedback of transistor amplifiers. The use of mutually coupled inductors allows a large value of effective inductance to be obtained by using relatively small inductors. The use of mutually coupled inductors also avoids the problem of low-frequency instability.

Stability and enhanced gain of amplifiers using inductive coupling

A preamplifier for use with high impedance audio frequency transducers, having two capacitance coupled stages each including a field effect transistor connected in follower mode. The two stages provide an impedance converter. The first field effect transistor is of substantially smaller geometry than the second, providing a low noise, low input capacitance. The second stage further reduces output impedance while maintaining low power supply feedthrough. A capacitor connected in shunt between the stages is employed for frequency shaping.

Low noise amplifier for microphone

An amplifier having improved input impedance and reduced susceptibility to power supply ripple, particularly suited for use with a high impedance signal source, utilizes at least two field-effect transistors; the signal source is connected to the gate of the first FET, which is connected to a reference potential by a high resistance, whereas the source electrode of the first FET is connected to the reference potential (usually ground) through a much smaller load resistance and is also connected to the gate of the second FET. The source of the second FET is connected to the drain of the first FET and the drain of the second FET is connected to a power source, usually a low voltage source.

Plural source follower amplifier

An amplifier of electromagnetic wave energy in the visible and infrared range includes a photo sensitive detector coupled to a pair of cascoded field-effect transistors arranged to operate at substantial unity gain. A positive feedback path includes the input capacitances of the amplifier reducing and thereby neutralizing the input capacitances of the amplifier. The bandwidth of the amplifier is extended relative to the neutralization of the input capacitances.

M Teare

Papers

Low noise detector amplifier