PIN photodiodes enable slim sensor designs

Featuring infrared radiation suppression filters and black packages for an improved signal-to-noise ratio, the Vishay Semiconductors VEMD5510C and VEMD5510CF offer fast switching times and low capacitance in compact top-view, surface-mount packages.

With a large radiant-sensitive area measuring 7.5mm², the photodiodes offer sensitivity ranges from 440nm to 700nm for the VEMD5510C and 440nm to 620nm for the VEMD5510CF, with reverse light currents of 0.6µA and 0.25µA, respectively.

The devices' on-chip suppression filters eliminate disturbances from non-visible light, while their black packages block unwanted lateral illumination.

This results in spectral sensitivity of less than 5% for wavelengths greater than 800 nm for the VEMD5510C and greater than 700nm for the VEMD5510CF — closely matching that of the human eye.

The photodiodes released today are offered in small 5mm by 4mm packages with a low 0.9 mm profile to enable slim sensor designs. The devices are optimised for optical heart rate measurement in wearable devices such as fitness trackers and smart watches, as well as in medical biosensors connected to patient monitoring systems.

In addition, the photodiodes provide high speed photo detection for flame detectors and ambient light sensing for display dimming or light adjustment functions.

The VEMD5510C and VEMD5510CF feature a ± 65° angle of half-sensitivity, an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +100 °C, and 550 nm and 540 nm wavelengths of peak sensitivity, respectively. RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green, the photodiodes provide a moisture sensitivity level (MSL) of 4 in accordance with J-STD-020 for a floor life of 72 hours.