With the increasing use of current-feedback amplifiers, the
Diamond Structure has come to play a key role in today’s
analog circuit technology. Two new macro elements that
function in this structure are the Diamond Transistor and its
abridged version, the Diamond Buffer. These elements can be
used for both voltage and current control of analog signals up
to several 100MHz. The OPA660 combines both of these
elements in one package. Starting with a discussion of the
technical process requirements for complementary-bipolar
circuit technology, we would like to focus on the basic and
functional circuits of the Diamond Transistor and Buffer.
These circuits can be used in areas ranging from video signal
processing and pulse processing in measurement technology
to interface modules in fiber optic technology.