Multi-input signal amplifier with tailored amplifier architectures

A front-end module comprising:

• a packaging substrate;
• a variable gain signal amplifier implemented on the packaging substrate, the variable gain signal amplifier configured to provide a plurality of gain modes and including a first active core having a multi-input gain stage with a plurality of input nodes, an amplification chain for each input node, a first active core output coupled to the plurality of amplification chains, and gain mode switches configured to selectively couple the multi-input gain stage to a gain mode node;
• the amplifier further including a second active core coupled to the gain mode node, the second active core including a single amplification chain and a second active core output;
• and the amplifier further including an output node coupled to the first active core output and to the second active core output, the output node configured to receive a signal from the first active core in a first gain mode of the plurality of gain modes and to receive a signal from the second active core in a second gain mode of the plurality of gain modes.

A wireless device comprising:

• an antenna;
• a filter assembly coupled to the antenna to receive signals and to direct frequency bands along select paths;
• and
• a variable gain signal amplifier configured to provide a plurality of gain modes and including a first active core having a multi-input gain stage with a plurality of input nodes, an amplification chain for each input node, a first active core output coupled to the plurality of amplification chains, and gain mode switches configured to selectively couple the multi-input gain stage to a gain mode node;
• the amplifier further including a second active core coupled to the gain mode node, the second active core including a single amplification chain and a second active core output;
• and the amplifier further including an output node coupled to the first active core output and to the second active core output, the output node configured to receive a signal from the first active core in a first gain mode of the plurality of gain modes and to receive a signal from the second active core in a second gain mode of the plurality of gain modes;
• and
• a controller implemented to control the variable gain signal amplifier to provide the plurality of gain modes.