Gain-switching amplifier for compression of optical radar return signals

A circuit for a gain‐switching amplifier that has been used for accurate compressional amplification of lidar return signals is presented. Gains of the amplifier vary from unity to over three decades, and bandwidths is over 2.5 MHz. Gain stages switch and settle to 1% in less than 1 μs with small transients. The design utilizes monolithic LSI circuits rather than discrete componnets and may be readily modified to suit varying applications.