abstract
A wide-band, gain-ranging amplifier is described that may be used for recording data with a dynamic range of 60 db in each of three different levels, 12 db apart, so that we achieve an “effective” dynamic ±160-v analog or 84-db digital, within a normal ±10-v analog system. As described, the ranging circuit reduces the gain of the amplifier by a factor of either 4 or 16 whenever the output signal approaches the maximum for the system. The wide-band response is achieved with low-noise operational amplifiers and second-order active filters. Signals with periods greater than 30 sec are amplified by 100 db and those with periods shorter than 1 sec are amplified by 70 db. The system works well in extending the useful output range of a Willmore Mark II seismometer with a natural period of 1.5 sec to over 40 sec under normal field operating conditions. When analog recording, the gain-range switching occurs when the input signal reaches ±8.1-v; when digital recording, the level is ±9.375 v. The period in a divide-by-4- or 16-state is preset by the experimentalist. The gain level is recorded on an extra channel which is also used to record absolute time.
A Low Noise Receiver for Submillimeter Astronomy
