Abstract A variable gain amplifier with a gain range of 15dB to ,4OdB and 80MHz bandwidth is describe bed here. The circuit is built in a standard CMOS process. A MOS device, operated in the linear region, is used as a shunt feedback element to vary the gain. The circuit embodies an inverse relationship between the gain and the control voltage. The circuit dissipates about 3OmW of power. This circuit has been intended to be used in a PRML read channel chip but can be adapted for other purposes also.