A versatile building-block for high-speed current-mode analog ICs

Abstract

A complementary transconductance stage is presented that can be employed as a versatile building block for current-mode as well as for voltage-mode applications. Starting from the basic topology, the authors discuss design techniques for DC-offset compensation and present a boosting circuit that results in dramatic improvements in the large-signal characteristics of the circuit. A realisation of the proposed structure using the CBICU-technology of AT&T Microelectronics features excellent dynamic characteristics with virtually no slew rate limitations. A discussion on typical application circuits concludes the paper.<>