High-swing transconductance amplifier

A method of generating a current output using a transconductance amplifier, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving input voltage signals;
• generating a first current signal in a first circuit as part of the current output;
• and
• generating a second current signal in a second circuit as part of the current output, at least a portion of the second current signal being provided to the first circuit for inclusion in the current output,
• wherein the first current signal provides more than half the current output while the input voltage signals are within a first range of voltages, and wherein the second current signal provides more than half of the current output while the input voltage signals are outside the first range of voltages;
• wherein said second current signal is included in the current output when the input is in the first range of voltages and the second range of voltages.

A transconductance amplifier comprising:

• first means for receiving an input voltage signal and for generating a first current signal using the input voltage signal, the first means being used to supply a current output including at least a portion of the first current signal;
• and
• second means for receiving the input voltage signal, for generating a second currant signal using the input voltage signals and for providing at least a portion of the second current signal to the first means to be included in the current output,
• wherein the first current signal provides more than half of the current output while the input voltage signal is within a first range of voltages, and wherein the second current signal provides more than half of the current output while the input voltage signal is outside the first range of voltages;
• wherein said second current signal is included in the current output when the input is in the first range of voltages and the second range of voltages.

A transconductance amplifier comprising:

• a first circuit that receives first and second input signals and that outputs a first circuit output signal based at least one the first and second input signals, the first circuit including,
• a current source, and
• a set of transistors coupled to the current source, and
• a second circuit that receives the first and second input signals and that outputs a second circuit output signal to the first circuit based at least one the first and second input signals, the second circuit output signal at least partially contributing to the first circuit output signal.