An integrated circuit including a distributed amplifier is disclosed. The
integrated circuit includes a plurality of amplification stages, each
stage connected to an input signal and an output signal. At least one
amplification stage includes an amplification transistor such as a field
effect transistor (FET) having a gate, a source, and a drain, the gate
connected to the input signal and a feedback path between the drain and
the gate. The feedback path is implemented with another FET having a
gate, a source, and a drain; its gate is connected to a control signal;
its drain is connected to the drain of the amplification FET; and its
source is connected to the gate of the amplification FET. The feedback
path provides variable resistive feedback and allows the amplification
FET to operate at its linear response portion of its characteristic curve
even when its gain is controlled by a control signal.