Over the past 10 years, a wide range of high-speed amplifiers have emerged to support the needs of high-frequency design applications. Two particular types of amplifiers have found wide application; the current feedback amplifier and the more common voltage feedback amplifier.

Each of these devices has particular applications for which they are best suited. In this eLab we will explore the differences between these devices, namely their internal construction, and what that means for the external application circuit.

Additionally, several key performance characteristics and design tricks will be illustrated using lab equipment similar to that used in characterizing these devices. Look for an informative discussion into pulse response, slew rate, full-power bandwidth, bandwidth control and distortion measurement.