Virtual amplifier

A virtual amplification circuit, comprising:

• a reference node for receiving an input signal to be amplified;
• a source follower transistor having a gate connected to said reference node, a drain connected to a voltage source, and a source connected to a source node;
• a first FET switch connected between said source node and an output node;
• a capacitor connected between said reference node and said source node;
• a second FET switch connected between said voltage source and said source node;
• and
• said first and second FET switches comprising means for switching connection of said source node from said voltage source during a first period to said output node during a second period.

A method of virtual amplification of a signal, comprising the steps of:

• providing a source follower FET having a gate, a drain, and a source;
• connecting said gate to a reference node, said drain to a voltage source, and said source to a source node;
• connecting said source node to said voltage source during a first period;
• connecting a capacitance between said reference node and said source node;
• providing a low current signal on said reference node during said first period for accumulating a charge on said capacitance, said accumulated charge producing a low voltage on said reference node;
• and
• switching connection of said source node from said voltage source to an output node during a second period, thereby reducing said capacitance and increasing said voltage on said reference node during said second period.