Differential Bloch Oscillating Transistor Pair

Abstract

We examine a Bloch Oscillating Transistor pair as a differential stage for cryogenic low-noise measurements. Using two oppositely biased, nearly symmetric Bloch Oscillating Transistors, we measured the sum and difference signals in the current gain and transconductance modes while changing the common mode signal, either voltage or current. From the common mode rejection ratio we find values $\sim 20$ dB even under non-optimal conditions. We also characterize the noise properties and obtain excellent noise performance for measurements having source impedances in the M$\Omega$ range.