Low-Noise Variable Gain Amp Goes Wireless

Designed for ultrasound and wireless communications systems, the VCA2612 low noise variable gain amplifier is designed to provide the necessary low noise amplification to improve the performance of these systems. Each channel of the dual device consists of three main blocks: a low-noise preamplifier; a voltage-controlled attenuator; and a programmable gain amplifier. The combination of active termination and maximum gain select is said to provide excellent noise performance. The device also features low crosstalk and outstanding distortion performance. The variable gain amp can be set to achieve a variety of gain settings depending on overall system requirements. The ability to program the variable gain also allows the user to optimize dynamic range. In a TQFP-48 package, the device costs $11.75 each/1000.