Apparatus for Coupling at Least One of a Plurality of Amplified Input Signals to an Output Terminal Using a Directional Coupler

A multiple gain step low noise amplifier, comprising:

• a low noise amplifier comprising an RF input for an input current and an output for an amplified input current;
• a directional coupler comprising a through port, a coupled port, an isolated port and an output port;
• a first amplifier comprising a first gain, an enable input, an input coupled to the low noise amplifier output and an output coupled to the through port of the directional coupler;
• a second amplifier comprising a second gain, an enable input, an input coupled to the low noise amplifier output and an output coupled to the coupled port of the directional coupler;
• a third amplifier comprising a third gain, an enable input, an input coupled to the low noise amplifier output and an output coupled to the isolated port of the directional coupler;
• and
• a switching element coupled to the enable inputs of the first, second and third amplifiers, the switching element being configured to selectively supply an enable signal to one of the first, second and third amplifiers.

An apparatus, comprising:

• means for receiving an input signal;
• means for providing a plurality of amplified input signals;
• and
• means for directionally coupling one of the plurality of amplified input signals to an output.