A 125 dB dynamic range instrumentation amplifier using analog compression technique

A novel concept instrumentation amplifier (IA) using an analog signal compression technique is suggested to achieve a large dynamic input range. A large analog input signal is segmented into a smaller analog signal to prevent saturating the analog output signal in the input stage of the IA. At the input stage, we apply a reference bias at a node between an input capacitor and an input MOS to function as a reset. Our design has two advantages compared to previous designs; i) no signal loss due to a reset operation, and ii) low current drivability of the reference bias circuit for low power consumption. The designed IA is implemented using CMOS 180 nm process technology, and a dynamic range of 125 dB is achieved.