RF amplifier with linear gain control

A circuit amplifies an input RF band of signals and exhibits a signal gain in decibels that is a linear function of the logarithm of a control signal input. The circuit comprises a first amplifier stage having an output node that exhibits a first RF complex admittance within the RF band of signals. A second amplifier stage has an input node coupled to the output node of the first amplifier stage and exhibits a second RF complex admittance within the RF band of signals. A PIN diode, used as a gain control element, is shunt connected between the control signal input and the output node. An RF reactance circuit is also shunt connected between the output node and a common potential. The RF reactance circuit has a third admittance that is chosen to negate the imaginary portions of the first and second complex admittances, whereby the total admittance is substantially real and enables the PIN diode to see a minimal resistive load.