Cisco Systems, Inc.
Linear transimpedance amplifier dual regulator architecture and tuning

Abstract:

A system includes a transimpedance amplifier, disposed on a chip, having a front-end section and a back-end section; an on-chip linear regulator, on the chip, arranged to power the front-end section; and an off-chip switching regulator, off the chip, arranged to power the back-end section. The arrangement provides low noise power supply for the front-end section, while providing a more power efficient switching regulator to power the back-end section. The output voltage of the on-chip linear regulator and the output voltage of the off-chip switching regulator are controlled to be the same.