Photodiode High-Speed BPW34

The BPW34 is a high speed photodiode with good photo sensitivity is commonly used in control and driver circuits. It responds to visible and near infrared radiation. It has a breakdown voltage of 60V with a rise and fall time of 100ns that is a switching speed of 20nS. Because of it's short switching time (20nS) it can be used in isolated data communication circuits and other remote communications like TV sets, dimmers and other equipments.

Like all photo diode, the BPW34 is normally operated in series with a resistor and the current flowing though it depends on the amount of light falling on it. The intensity of light is measured in luminance. The below graph shows how the current flowing through the BPW34 Photodiode varies based on the light falling on it when the Reverse voltage (Vr) across the diode is 5V.

Applications

• Switching circuits
• Isolation circuits
• Coupling circuits 

Features

• Reverse Breakdown Voltage: 60V
• Switching Speed: 20nS
• Diode Capacitance: 70pF (1MHz, Vr=0V)
• Open Circuit Voltage: 350mV
• Rise and Fall time: 100ns (each)

Pin Identification - The BPW34 Photo diode comes in a 2-pin DIL plastic package as shown above. The diode has no marking on it; the anode pin can be identified by the gap between the photo receiver panel and the pin. IF the pin has greater gap it is anode else cathode. Also the cathode pin will have a small marking on it, you can refer to the above image for clarification.