Performance parameters of current operational amplifiers

Several topologies of current operational amplifiers (COAs) have been presented in the last few years which make possible the effective use of such blocks for accurate current-mode signal processing. As is customary, COA-based circuits can in a first step be designed assuming an ideal behavior. However, to better understand these unconventional circuits, appropriate electrical parameters have to be defined which will set their real performance. By exploiting the duality principle, the performance parameters of COAs are defined starting from those of traditional voltage amplifiers. Fundamental limitations which are inherently related to COAs are also investigated.