Abstract: A signal processing circuit includes a circuit stage for operating on signals in a signal path of an input signal, including main circuitry for operating on relatively small-value signals and alternative circuitry for amplifying/processing signals during a condition which otherwise would cause thermal imbalance in the main circuitry. The circuit stage includes switching circuitry for coupling signals in the signal path of the input signal to the main input circuitry during normal small-signal operating conditions and for coupling signals in the signal path of the input signal to the alternative circuitry during the condition which otherwise would cause thermal imbalance in the main circuitry.

Abstract: An amplifier includes a differential amplifier (10) having an input stage (20) for amplifying a differential input signal (Vin), and an output stage (6) coupled to the input stage (20) for producing and output signal (Vout). The input stage (20) includes main input circuitry (20A) for amplifying small-signal values of the input signal (Vin) and alternative input circuitry (20B) for amplifying the input signal (Vin) during conditions which cause thermal imbalance in the main input circuitry (20B). The input stage (20) includes switching circuitry (12) for coupling the input signal (Vin) to the main input circuitry (20A) during normal small-signal operating conditions and to the alternative input circuitry (20A) during large-signal operating conditions that cause thermal imbalance in the main input circuitry (20B).