I want to build a programmable gain instrumentation amplifier with power of two possible gains (1x, 2x, 4x, 8x…). Is there a way to use a R-2R resistor ladder and an analog multiplexer in order to tune the \$R_{\text{gain}}\$?
On the web I found this way to make programmable gain amplifiers using a R-2R ladder and an analog multiplexer but I don't want to attenuate my input signal as it is already small, I'd lose it in the noise in this way.
Best Answer
You could instead buy an AD8231: -
Digitally/pin-programmable gain of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 plus you get a spare op-amp.
Or you could use a PGA281: -
Or maybe consider using a digipot with one of these: -
Trying to control gain by adjusting the resistors where you have shown in your question is going to be problematic especially if you input signal is very small to begin with. Factors that rule this out include: -