CMOS amplifiers incorporating a novel slew rate enhancement technique

A novel technique for enhancing the slew rate in CMOS amplifiers is described. The enhancement is provided by an auxiliary circuit which is automatically activated during transients. The main amplifier is not stressed with large currents, thus minimizing power dissipation and avoiding signal swing problems. This technique is quite generic, and can be applied to a variety of amplifier structures. An experimental operational transconductance amplifier incorporating this technique has been fabricated. A slew rate of 1 V/ mu s with a 10000 pF load capacitance has been achieved, while requiring a quiescent power dissipation of less than 1.5 mW.<
>