The VCA2617 is a dual-channel, continuously variable, voltage-controlled gain amplifier well-suited for a variety of ultrasound systems as well as applications in proximity detectors and test equipment. The VCA2617 uses a true variable-gain amplifier architecture, achieving very good noise performance at low gains, while not sacrificing high gain distortion performance.

Following a linear-in-dB response, the VCA2617 gain can be varied over a 48dB range with a 0.2V to 2.3V control voltage. Two separate high-impedance control inputs allow for a channel independent variation of the gains. Each channel of the VCA2617 can be configured to provide a gain range of -10dB to 38dB, or -16dB to 32dB, depending on the gain select pin (HG). This post-gain feature allows the user to optimize the output swing of VCA2617 for a variety of high-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADC). As a means to improve system overload recovery time, the VCA2617 also provides an internal clamping circuitry where an externally applied voltage sets the desired output clamping level.

The VCA2617 operates on a single +5V supply while consuming only 52mW per channel. It is available in a small QFN-32 package (5x5mm).