A programmable transimpedance amplifier (TIA) includes a plurality of signal paths between an output of a common emitter amplifier and the output of the TIA. The TIA is programmed by selecting one of the signal paths, because the paths have different parameters (e.g. different bandwidth). Thus, the bandwidth or other parameter can be programmed by selecting the appropriate path. The common emitter amplifier's output is coupled to the inputs of common base amplifiers in each path. The inputs have low impedance. Also, each path has a separate buffer amplifying the common base amplifier output in the path. Therefore, having multiple paths does not significantly degrade the amplifier performance. High bandwidth can be provided.