Photodiode Receiver for IR Optical Ports

Q: What is the typical wavelength range for InGaAs photodiodes?

For InGaAs photodiodes, the typical wavelength range is 800–1700 nm, as listed in the directory. However, this is a reference range; the actual range for a specific model should be confirmed with the manufacturer.

Q: How does the photodiode receiver operate?

The photodiode receiver operates on the photoelectric effect. When infrared photons hit the semiconductor junction, they generate electron-hole pairs, creating a photocurrent proportional to the light intensity. It is typically operated in reverse bias to improve sensitivity and speed.

Q: What materials are used in photodiode receivers?

Common materials include silicon, germanium, and indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs). Each material has different spectral response and performance characteristics, so selection depends on the application requirements.

Q: What are the typical operating temperature limits?

The typical operating temperature range is -40 to 85 °C, with storage temperatures from -55 to 125 °C. These are reference values; always verify with the manufacturer for the specific model.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Photodiode Receiver

Definition

The photodiode receiver is a critical component of an Optical Port (IR) system, specifically designed to detect and convert incoming infrared light signals into proportional electrical current. It serves as the primary sensing element that enables data transmission, remote control functions, or proximity detection in IR-based communication systems. The device operates on the principle of the photoelectric effect: when infrared photons strike the semiconductor junction, they generate electron-hole pairs, creating a photocurrent proportional to the incident light intensity. To enhance sensitivity and response speed, the photodiode is typically operated in reverse bias mode, and the generated current is subsequently amplified and processed by downstream circuitry. The receiver is available with various semiconductor materials, including silicon, germanium, and indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), each offering different spectral responses and performance characteristics. For InGaAs photodiodes, typical wavelength ranges span 800–1700 nm, with responsivity values of 0.9–1.0 A/W at 1550 nm. Dark current is typically 0.1–5 nA at 5 V reverse bias, and bandwidth ranges from 1–10 GHz depending on the active area, which typically has a diameter of 0.05–0.5 mm. The device operates within a temperature range of -40 to 85 °C, with storage temperatures from -55 to 125 °C. Reverse breakdown voltage is typically 20–100 V, and capacitance is 0.5–5 pF at 5 V reverse bias. Package options include TO-46, and fiber coupling is available with FC/PC connectors. Operating humidity ranges from 5–95% RH (non-condensing). These values are typical reference ranges and must be verified for the specific model and application with the legal manufacturer or supplier. The photodiode receiver is essential for ensuring reliable IR communication, and proper selection requires consideration of wavelength, responsivity, bandwidth, and environmental conditions.

Working Principle

When infrared photons strike the photodiode's semiconductor junction, they generate electron-hole pairs through the photoelectric effect. This creates a photocurrent proportional to the incident light intensity. The device operates in reverse bias mode to enhance sensitivity and response speed, with the generated current being amplified and processed by subsequent circuitry.

Common Materials

Silicon, Germanium, Indium Gallium Arsenide

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Wavelength Range	800–1700 nm	Typical for InGaAs photodiodes
Responsivity	0.9–1.0 A/W	At 1550 nm
Dark Current	0.1–5 nA	At 5 V reverse bias
Bandwidth	1–10 GHz	Depends on active area
Active Area Diameter	0.05–0.5 mm	Larger area reduces bandwidth
Operating Temperature	-40–85 °C	Extended range available
Storage Temperature	-55–125 °C	Non-operating
Reverse Breakdown Voltage	20–100 V	Minimum
Capacitance	0.5–5 pF	At 5 V reverse bias
Package Type	TO-46	Other options available
Fiber Coupling	FC/PC	Connector type
Operating Humidity	5–95 % RH	Non-condensing

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Semiconductor Junction Part
Light absorption and electron-hole pair generation

Material: Silicon/Germanium/InGaAs
Anti-Reflection Coating Part
Minimizes light reflection to maximize photon absorption

Material: Silicon Nitride/Silicon Dioxide
Package Window Part
Protects the sensitive area while allowing IR transmission

Material: Glass/Epoxy
Lead Frame Part
Provides electrical connections and mechanical support

Material: Copper Alloy

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits

pressure:	Atmospheric to 1.5 bar
other spec:	Wavelength: 800-1700 nm, Responsivity: 0.8-1.0 A/W
temperature:	-40°C to +85°C

Media Compatibility

✓ Fiber optic cables (SMF/MMF) ✓ Optical connectors (LC/SC/FC) ✓ IR-transmissive windows

Unsuitable: High-intensity visible light environments

Sizing Data Required

Optical wavelength (nm)
Required bandwidth (MHz)
Minimum detectable power (dBm)

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause

Photodiode dark current increase

Cause: Thermal degradation of semiconductor junction due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or thermal cycling, leading to increased leakage current and reduced signal-to-noise ratio

Optical window contamination

Cause: Accumulation of dust, moisture, or chemical deposits on the optical interface, causing signal attenuation, scattering, or complete optical path obstruction

Maintenance Indicators

Gradual or sudden decrease in output signal amplitude despite constant input light levels
Visible condensation, fogging, or particulate accumulation on the optical window surface

Engineering Tips

Implement active temperature stabilization with Peltier coolers or heat sinks to maintain photodiode junction temperature within ±5°C of optimal operating range
Use dry nitrogen purging or hermetic sealing with desiccant to prevent moisture ingress and maintain clean optical paths in harsh environments

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards

IEC 60747-5-3: Semiconductor devices - Optoelectronic devices - Photodiodes CE marking: Compliance with EU EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision

Responsivity: +/-5% at specified wavelength
Dark current: <1 nA at rated reverse voltage

Quality Inspection

Spectral response test: Verify wavelength sensitivity and responsivity
Environmental stress test: Temperature cycling and humidity exposure per MIL-STD-883

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

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Manufacturing capability

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Inspection readiness

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Supplier transparency

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Manufacturers of Photodiode Receiver

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical wavelength range for InGaAs photodiodes?

For InGaAs photodiodes, the typical wavelength range is 800–1700 nm, as listed in the directory. However, this is a reference range; the actual range for a specific model should be confirmed with the manufacturer.

How does the photodiode receiver operate?

The photodiode receiver operates on the photoelectric effect. When infrared photons hit the semiconductor junction, they generate electron-hole pairs, creating a photocurrent proportional to the light intensity. It is typically operated in reverse bias to improve sensitivity and speed.

What materials are used in photodiode receivers?

Common materials include silicon, germanium, and indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs). Each material has different spectral response and performance characteristics, so selection depends on the application requirements.

What are the typical operating temperature limits?

The typical operating temperature range is -40 to 85 °C, with storage temperatures from -55 to 125 °C. These are reference values; always verify with the manufacturer for the specific model.

Related equipment

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Optical Port (IR)

View system integration details

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems

Downstream Applications

Specialized Tooling

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Photodiode Receiver.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 12 October 2026

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