Programmable gain amplifier and embedded filter

An apparatus for providing programmable differential gain amplification and low-pass filtering with a static cutoff frequency, comprising:

• a programmable gain amplifier having an embedded filter in said programmable gain amplifier, comprising:
• a gain element having an inverting input for receiving an input and a feedback signal, a non-inverting input for receiving an input and a feedback signal, an inverting output and a non-inverting output;
• a first resistor coupled to the inverting input of the gain element, the input signal being directed through the first resistor then to the inverting input of the gain element;
• a second resistor coupled to the non-inverting input of the gain element, the input signal being directed through the second resistor then to the non-inverting input of the gain element;
• and
• one or more feedback loops coupling said non-inverting output of said gain element to said inverting input of said gain element and one or more feedback loops coupling said inverting output of said gain element to said non-inverting input of said gain element, each said feedback loop comprising a switch coupled in series with at least one passive component, each said switch having a first state to connect the corresponding feedback loop and a second state to disconnect the corresponding feedback loop;
• wherein each said switch being programmatically configurable to provide said apparatus with a first gain and a first bandwidth, and each said switch being programmatically configurable to provide said apparatus with a second gain and a second bandwidth, said first bandwidth being substantially equal to said second bandwidth;
• and
• wherein the switches being programmatically configurable to adjust gain of said apparatus without substantially affecting the bandwidth of said apparatus.