Douglas Earl Sease

US Patent:

6426672, Jul 30, 2002

Filed:

Aug 28, 1997

Appl. No.:

08/919936

Inventors:

Scott W. Petrick - Sussex WI
Lawrence R. Skrenes - Hartland WI
Douglas E. Sease - Waukesha WI
Richard D. Baertsch - Scotia NY

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

H03K 190948

US Classification:

327544, 327530

Abstract:

A signal processing circuit can be used to select between a high bias current and good noise performance or a low bias current and poorer noise performance. The circuit comprises an input device having high impedance and low noise characteristics. A first current source provides a minimal current level through the input device. Additional current sources provide additional current through the input device to improve noise performance of the circuit. The additional current sources can be switched into the circuit when improved noise performance is required, and switched out of the circuit to conserve power when improved noise performance is not required.