INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Photosensitive diode

A semiconductor device that converts light into electrical current, used for light detection and measurement in industrial applications.

Component Specifications

Definition
A photosensitive diode is a specialized semiconductor component designed to detect and measure light intensity by generating an electrical current proportional to incident photon flux. It operates in reverse bias mode to achieve optimal sensitivity and response time, featuring a PN junction optimized for specific wavelength ranges from ultraviolet to near-infrared. These components are engineered with anti-reflective coatings and precise doping profiles to maximize quantum efficiency while minimizing dark current and noise characteristics.
Working Principle
Operates on the photoelectric effect where incident photons with sufficient energy create electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor depletion region. When reverse-biased, these charge carriers are swept by the electric field, generating a photocurrent proportional to light intensity. The spectral response is determined by the semiconductor bandgap energy, with silicon diodes typically covering 400-1100 nm wavelengths.
Materials
Silicon (Si) for visible/NIR range, Germanium (Ge) for infrared, Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) for high-speed applications, Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) for extended infrared. Package materials include ceramic, metal-glass, or plastic encapsulation with optical windows.
Technical Parameters
  • Rise Time 1-100 ns
  • Active Area 0.1-100 mm²
  • Capacitance 1-100 pF
  • Dark Current 1-100 nA @ 10V reverse bias
  • Responsivity 0.5-0.7 A/W @ 900 nm
  • Spectral Range 400-1100 nm (Si)
  • Reverse Voltage 10-100 V
  • Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C
Standards
ISO 9022-20, IEC 60747-5, JEDEC JESD22

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Photosensitive diode.

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Saturation from excessive light intensity
  • Thermal runaway at high reverse bias
  • Wavelength mismatch causing measurement errors
  • ESD damage during handling
  • Optical window contamination
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Exposure to light intensities beyond specified maximum
Failure: Saturation and nonlinear response, potential permanent damage to PN junction
Mitigation: Implement optical attenuators, automatic gain control circuits, and intensity monitoring systems
Trigger: Improper ESD protection during installation
Failure: Catastrophic junction breakdown, increased leakage current
Mitigation: ESD-safe handling procedures, integrated protection diodes, proper grounding protocols
Trigger: Spectral mismatch between light source and diode response
Failure: Measurement inaccuracies, reduced signal-to-noise ratio
Mitigation: Precise spectral characterization, matched filter selection, calibration with reference standards

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Interchangeable Parts

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
±5% responsivity variation across production batch, ±2nm spectral response shift
Test Method
IEC 60747-5 for photoelectric parameters, MIL-STD-883 for environmental testing, ISO 9022 for optical performance under varying conditions

Buyer Feedback

★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5.0 (23 reviews)

"The technical documentation for this Photosensitive diode is very thorough, especially regarding technical reliability."

"Reliable performance in harsh Computer, Electronic and Optical Product Manufacturing environments. No issues with the Photosensitive diode so far."

"Testing the Photosensitive diode now; the technical reliability results are within 1% of the laboratory datasheet."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between photovoltaic and photoconductive modes?

In photovoltaic mode (zero bias), the diode generates voltage from light. In photoconductive mode (reverse bias), it produces current with faster response and linear output but requires external power.

How does temperature affect photosensitive diode performance?

Temperature increases dark current exponentially (doubling every 10°C) and slightly shifts spectral response. Industrial applications require temperature compensation circuits or thermoelectric cooling for precision measurements.

What are the main noise sources in industrial photodiodes?

Shot noise from photon statistics, Johnson noise from shunt resistance, and 1/f noise at low frequencies. Proper shielding, filtering, and low-noise amplifiers are essential for signal integrity.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

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