Advantages of Photodiode | Disadvantages of Photodiode
This page covers advantages and disadvantages of Photodiode. It mentions Photodiode advantages and Photodiode disadvantages.
Introduction:
A photodiode is a type of photodetector capable of converting light into either current or voltage.
The device operates in reverse bias and electric field developed across the p-n junction sweeps the mobile
charge carriers to their respective majority sides.
Hence a depletion region is formed. This barrier stops the flow of majority carrier and supports the flow of only
minority carriers and hence leakage current flows.
The figure-1 depicts photodiode symbol and one such part from OSRAM.
Advantages of Photodiode
Following are the advantages of Photodiode:
➨Better frequency response
➨Linear
➨Less Noisy
➨It can be used as variable resistance device.
➨It is highly sensitive to the light.
➨The speed of operation is very high.
The switching of current and hence resistance value from high to low or otherwise is very quick.
Disadvantages of Photodiode
Following are the disadvantages of Photodiode:
➨Small active area
➨Rapid increase in dark current and it depends on temperature.
➨Require amplification at low illumination level.
➨Photodiode charateristics are temperature dependenta and have poor temperature stability.
➨Current/change in current is in small and hence may not be sufficient
to drive the circuits, hence amplification is necessary in photodiode
based circuits.
Also refer advantages and disadvantages of Photoresistor >> and Phototransistor >> for more information.
Photodiode calculators and terminologies
Photodiode vs Phototransistor
Difference between Photodiode types and PIN diode
Quantum Efficiency
Responsivity
Sensitivity
Photodiode vs Photoresistor