BPW34 photodiode: specs
A silicon PIN photodiode in a clear flat top-view package, sensitive to visible and near-infrared light. It is a bare diode with no amplifier or logic output.
Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse voltage VR | 60 V max | source Absolute Maximum Ratings (p.1) |
| Operating temperature | -40 degC to +100 degC | source Absolute Maximum Ratings (p.1) |
| Radiant sensitive area | 7.5 mm2 | source Features (p.1) |
| Spectral range (10 % of peak) | 430 nm to 1100 nm | source Basic Characteristics (p.2) |
| Wavelength of peak sensitivity | 900 nm | source Basic Characteristics (p.2) |
| Reverse dark current | 2 nA typ, 30 nA max (VR = 10 V) | source Basic Characteristics (p.2) |
| Reverse light current | 50 uA typ, 40 uA min (VR = 5 V, Ee = 1 mW/cm2, 950 nm) | source Basic Characteristics (p.2) |
| Diode capacitance | 70 pF at VR = 0 V; 25 pF at VR = 3 V | source Basic Characteristics (p.2) |
| Rise and fall time | 100 ns each (VR = 10 V, RL = 1 kohm, 820 nm) | source Basic Characteristics (p.2) |
| Angle of half sensitivity | +/-65 deg | source Basic Characteristics (p.2) |
Power
| Value | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Supply | None; passive photodiode. Reverse bias up to 60 V max (datasheet tests use 3-10 V) | source Basic Characteristics (p.2) |
| Current | Reverse light current 50 uA typ at 1 mW/cm2, 950 nm, VR = 5 V | source Basic Characteristics (p.2) |
Pinout
We don't publish a pin table for this part: no official source we could verify gives one. Check the labels printed on your module, and see the notes below.
The datasheet is for the bare diode. The anode and cathode leads are not identified here; check the package drawing before wiring. No module board is involved.
Build with it
Project ideas for the BPW34 photodiode. Each link opens Soldr with the prompt filled in; Soldr assigns the pins, checks power and shows how to wire every part.
- Beam-break counter: The photodiode is reverse-biased into a load resistor and the comparator turns the small current into a digital level at 3.3 V. Learning project; set resistor values by testing.
- Ambient light level logger: Shows a relative bright or dark state, not calibrated lux; the diode responds to visible and near-infrared light.
- IR pulse viewer: Rise and fall time are 100 ns in the test condition, fast enough for remote-control pulses once amplified; the Pico counts edges.
Common mistakes
- Wiring it to a microcontroller pin as if it were a ready sensor: it gives only microamps of photocurrent (50 uA typ in the test condition), so it needs a load resistor and an amplifier or comparator (source)
- Exceeding the reverse voltage: 60 V is the absolute maximum (source)
- Expecting it to ignore daylight: it is sensitive from 430 to 1100 nm, so visible light also produces current (source)
Not covered by the official source
- Anode/cathode lead identification is not given here; pinout left empty.
- Rev 2.1 (2011) copy; check vishay.com for a newer revision.
- Reverse light current is 50 uA typ / 40 uA min on the 950 nm test line; the 1 klx illuminance line gives 75 uA typ.
Sources
- link (Vishay BPW34, BPW34S Silicon PIN Photodiode, Rev 2.1, 23-Aug-11)