The latest portfolio from X-FAB introduces two enhanced-response photodiodes that offer increased sensitivity across UV, visible, and IR wavelengths. These new devices, known as doafe, dobfpe, dosuv, and dosuvr, bring significant improvements over the previous generation.
The doafe is a full spectrum photodiode with a peak sensitivity at 730nm, boasting a spectral responsiveness of 0.48 A/W at that wavelength. Applications such as smoke detection, position sensing, and spectrometry can benefit from the enhanced sensitivity and smoother responsiveness provided by this device.
On the other hand, the dobfpe is optimized for the red and NIR parts of the spectrum, with a peak sensitivity around 770nm. It offers about 25% improvement in sensitivity in the IR range compared to its predecessor. This photodiode is ideal for proximity sensing applications due to its insensitivity to UV and blue light, as well as its clear peak in the IR.
Adding to the lineup is the dosuv, an advanced UV photodiode with heightened sensitivity in the UVC band (200nm to 280nm). X-FAB's engineering team reports that this best-in-class product delivers nearly double the performance of previous options at 260nm, with a spectral responsivity of 0.16 A/W at 235nm. The dosuvr serves as a reference device for dosuv-based development work.
These new photodiodes maintain similar fill factors and photocurrent figures to their predecessors but require approximately 20% less chip area, making integration easier. With small dark current values and an operational temperature range from -40°C to 175°C, these devices offer excellent signal integrity characteristics.
Heming Wei, X-FAB’s Technical Marketing Manager for Optoelectronics, highlights the standout performance of the latest photodiodes, stating that they provide enhancements equivalent to moving down to a smaller process node. The XS018 process platform demonstrates its effectiveness in delivering light sensing devices that surpass the competition in operational capabilities and reliability.
Simulation models for each of the new photodiodes are now available, allowing customers to assess their electrical and optical behavior. For more information, visit www.xfab.com.