Multiple ramp variable attenuator

An integrated circuit comprising:

• an input terminal;
• an output terminal;
• an attenuator circuit coupled with the input terminal and the output terminal, wherein the attenuator circuit includes:
• a first attenuation segment coupled with the input terminal and the output terminal;
• a second attenuation segment coupled with the first attenuation segment and a voltage reference terminal;
• and
• a first switch device coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal in parallel with the first attenuation segment, wherein the first switch device includes at least two switches, wherein the at least two switches have respective voltage control terminals;
• and
• a second switch device coupled with the second attenuation segment in series.

An attenuator comprising:

• an input terminal;
• an output terminal;
• a plurality of attenuator circuits coupled with the input terminal and the output terminal in series, wherein at least one of the plurality of attenuator circuits includes:
• a first attenuation segment coupled with the input terminal and the output terminal;
• a second attenuation segment coupled with the first attenuation segment and a voltage reference terminal;
• and
• a first switch and a second switch coupled with the input terminal and the output terminal in parallel with the first attenuation segment, wherein a first voltage control terminal is coupled with the first switch and a second voltage control terminal is coupled with the second switch, such that the first voltage control terminal and the second voltage control terminal respectively transition the first switch and the second switch from a first state to a second state in a staggered manner;
• and
• a third switch coupled with the second attenuation segment in series, wherein a third voltage control terminal is coupled with the third switch.