Monolithic GaAs transimpedance amplifiers for fiber-optic receivers

The authors describe the design of transimpedance amplifiers using GaAs MESFET technology. A GaAs transimpedance preamplifier for fiber-optic receivers has been fabricated with two gain stages and an inducer-FET load structure that reduces noise. The two-stage amplifier design provides increased open-loop gain as compared with a single-stage design, and greater closed-loop stability than a three-stage amplifier. An automatic-gain-control (AGC) circuit that varied the value of the feedback resistor was incorporated into the design.<
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