Overview
The BPW 34 is a high-speed silicon PIN photodiode with a large active area of 7mm square designed for radiant power detection. It features a broad spectral range from 400nm to 1100nm, making it highly sensitive to both visible light and near-infrared radiation, specifically peaking around 850nm. Its DIL plastic package provides a high packing density for space-constrained through-hole PCB designs.
Why Choose This Part
The BPW 34 offers extremely fast switching times with a typical response of 20ns, enabling high-bandwidth signal processing up to 1MHz. Its low dark current of 2nA and high reverse voltage tolerance of 32V allow for high signal-to-noise ratios in precision sensing circuits. Additionally, the diffuse epoxy package ensures a wide viewing angle of 120 degrees for versatile light collection.
Applications
Key Specifications
Getting Started
For initial evaluation, bias the photodiode in photoconductive mode with a reverse voltage up to 32V to achieve the fastest response times. Use a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) with a low-bias-current op-amp to convert the nanoamp-scale photocurrent into a usable voltage for an ADC. Ensure the 7mm square active area is shielded from ambient EMI to maintain signal integrity during low-light measurements.
