This topic comes up often. This is an article written by Bob Pease back in 2001. I go back and review his work often -- this was a good one:

http://electronicdesign.com/analog/whats-all-transimpedance-amplifier-stuff-anyhow-part-1

 

Bob Pease is one of my heroes. His insights on analog electronics are hard to beat.
"Troubleshooting Analog Circuits" was for a long time my favorite bedtime read.

Benta.

 

Bob Pease is sorely missed. I read everything he ever wrote, I believe. He certainly cut through the baloney.

 

I did enjoy BP's musings and learned a lot at the same time. But:
benta: you got to find yourself another bedtime hobby! E