on November 5th 62

What Makes the BPW34 Photodiode Ideal for Remote Control Systems

The BPW34 photodiode is a small, fast, and highly sensitive light sensor with wide-ranging uses in electronics. This article will guide you through its features, applications, and what makes it so effective in light-based projects.

Catalog

BPW34 Photodiode Overview

The BPW34 is a compact, versatile PiN photodiode, known for its high speed and responsive nature when exposed to light. Its small, clear plastic package allows it to fit into tight spaces, making it useful for control and driver circuits where precise light detection is necessary. Thanks to its short switching time of 20 nanoseconds, this photodiode can effectively support isolated data communication and remote control systems. You’ll often see it in applications like TV remote systems, dimmer controls, and other devices that rely on quick light-based signaling.

The BPW34 functions by allowing current to flow based on the amount of light it detects. Positioned in series with a resistor, the photodiode responds directly to light intensity, which is measured in luminance. Its sensitivity covers visible light as well as near-infrared radiation, providing flexibility across various settings and applications.

One unique feature of the BPW34 is its ability to serve as a mini solar cell, a quality that opens up possibilities for projects requiring small amounts of power. With a light sensitivity range from 430 to 1100 nanometers, it can generate power under different lighting conditions. When exposed to a 900nm light source with a 1mW/cm² intensity, it produces a 350mV open-circuit voltage and 47μA of short-circuit current, making it suitable for low-power applications in diverse environments.

BPW34 Pin Configuration

BPW34 CAD Model

BPW34 Symbol

BPW34 Footprint

BPW34 3D Model

BPW34 Key Features

Package Type: Leaded

The BPW34’s leaded package design is built for durability and ease of use. Its leaded connections provide a secure fit within circuit boards, which is beneficial in stable circuit configurations and long-term projects where reliable connections are needed.

Package Form: Top View

Designed with a top-view form, the BPW34 can capture light from above with minimal interference. This design makes it ideal for projects that need precise alignment with a light source, such as in motion sensors and proximity detectors.

Radiant Sensitive Area

The BPW34 features a radiant sensitive area of 7.5mm², allowing it to capture light efficiently across various lighting conditions. This larger detection area improves its performance in applications where light levels may vary, ensuring consistent responsiveness.

High Photo Sensitivity

This photodiode is crafted for high photo sensitivity, meaning it detects light even at low intensities. This high sensitivity is beneficial in low-light environments, making it suitable for applications such as night sensors and other devices where even minimal light changes need to be detected accurately.

High Radiant Sensitivity

With a high radiant sensitivity that includes visible and near-infrared light, the BPW34 is compatible with a wide range of light sources, from natural sunlight to IR-based remote controls. This broad sensitivity enables it to function well in applications that require versatility in light detection.

Fast Response Times

The BPW34’s quick response times are particularly suited for tasks that demand immediate reaction to light changes, with a switching speed of just 20 nanoseconds. This feature makes it an excellent choice for circuits that require precise timing, such as high-speed communication and real-time monitoring systems.

Angle of Half Sensitivity

Featuring an angle of half sensitivity of ± 65°, this photodiode can capture light over a wide field of view. This flexibility in detection angle allows it to be placed in varying orientations without losing effectiveness, making it versatile for different setups where direct alignment with a light source may not be possible.

Lead-Free and RoHS Compliant

The BPW34 is lead-free and RoHS compliant, meeting environmentally friendly standards. This compliance means that it’s a safer option for environmentally conscious projects, aligning with modern electronic design standards that prioritize reduced environmental impact.

Maximum Off-State Voltage

The maximum off-state voltage of 60V allows the BPW34 to handle a range of voltages without damage, providing durability and resilience in circuits that may experience fluctuating voltages.

Wavelength of Maximum Sensitivity

With peak sensitivity at 900nm, this photodiode aligns well with near-infrared applications, making it ideal for use with IR-based systems and devices. This specificity adds to its effectiveness in applications like remote controls and IR sensors, which operate within this wavelength range.

Wide Transmission Angle

A transmission angle of 130° makes the BPW34 flexible in capturing light from a broader area, enhancing its usability in settings where light may come from various angles. This characteristic is valuable for applications that benefit from a wider detection range, like ambient light sensors.

Reliable Photoelectric Current

Delivering a photoelectric current of 50μA, the BPW34 provides a stable current for light detection tasks. This reliability is especially useful in circuits where steady performance under different light levels is required, such as in optical detectors.

Reverse Breakdown Voltage

With a reverse breakdown voltage of 60V, the BPW34 can withstand higher voltages without experiencing breakdown. This resilience makes it suitable for circuits where voltage spikes might occur, ensuring long-term stability and durability.

Low Diode Capacitance

The BPW34 has a low capacitance of 70pF, enabling faster operation, particularly in high-frequency circuits. This low capacitance reduces response delay, making it suitable for high-speed applications that demand quick signal transitions.

Open Circuit Voltage

The open-circuit voltage of 350mV enables the BPW34 to operate effectively even in low-light situations. This feature enhances its versatility, allowing it to perform reliably in applications where light levels might fluctuate, such as in ambient light sensors or low-light detectors.

Rise and Fall Time

With rise and fall times of 100 nanoseconds each, the BPW34 can detect and respond to changes in light levels almost instantly. This rapid reaction time makes it ideal for high-speed circuits and applications that require accurate and swift light detection, such as in high-speed communication links.

BPW34 Specifications

Technical specifications, features, characteristics, and components with comparable specifications of Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division BPW34

Type	Parameter
Factory Lead Time	20 Weeks
Contact Plating	Tin
Mount	PCB, Through Hole
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	2-DIP (0.200, 5.10mm)
Number of Pins	2
Shape	SQUARE
Semiconductor Material	Silicon
Breakdown Voltage / V	60V
Operating Temperature	-40°C~100°C
Packaging	Bulk
Published	2003
JESD-609 Code	e3
Part Status	Active
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)
Additional Feature	HIGH SENSITIVITY
HTS Code	8541.40.60.50
Capacitance	70pF
Max Power Dissipation	215mW
Number of Functions	1
Configuration	SINGLE
Diode Type	PIN
Power Dissipation	215mW
Viewing Angle	130°
Lens Style	Clear
Rise Time	100ns
Fall Time (Typ)	100 ns
Max Reverse Voltage (DC)	60V
Wavelength - Peak	850 nm
Reverse Breakdown Voltage	60V
Reverse Voltage (DC)	60V
Dark Current	2nA
Spectral Range	430nm ~ 1100nm
Active Area	7.5mm²
Infrared Range	YES
Light Current-Nom	0.05mA
Height	2mm
Length	4.5mm
Width	4.3mm
REACH SVHC	Unknown
Radiation Hardening	No
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Lead Free	Lead Free

BPW34 Applications and Use Cases

Switching Circuits

The BPW34 is well-suited for switching circuits where speed and precision matter. Its fast response time enables it to quickly toggle circuit states based on light input, allowing for real-time adjustments in systems that require immediate reaction to changes in light, such as automated lighting controls and optical switches.

Isolation Circuits

In isolation circuits, the BPW34 plays a critical role by allowing signals to pass without direct electrical contact. This capability is essential in sensitive electronic applications where maintaining signal integrity and protecting circuit components from interference are priorities. It’s commonly used in medical devices, telecommunications, and industrial electronics that benefit from signal isolation.

Coupling Circuits

The BPW34 is an ideal choice for coupling circuits, enabling signal transfer between isolated parts of a system. This feature is valuable in applications where you need clean, isolated signal transmission, such as in data communication systems and high-speed signal processors. Its fast switching capability ensures minimal delay, making it suitable for time-sensitive applications.

High-Speed Photodetector

With its rapid response time, the BPW34 serves as an effective high-speed photodetector. It is frequently used in systems that require quick detection of light changes, like optical communication setups and high-speed data transmission, where precise timing is key to successful operation.

Industrial Automation

In industrial automation, the BPW34 is widely utilized for tasks like object detection, machine control, and light barriers. Its high sensitivity and fast reaction to light changes allow it to contribute to the automation process effectively, ensuring accurate detection and control in systems that rely on light signals to trigger specific actions.

Remote Control Systems

The BPW34’s sensitivity to both visible and infrared light makes it ideal for remote control applications. It’s often found in consumer electronics like TVs and audio systems, where it enables infrared signal transmission and reception. Its wide detection angle and fast response further enhance its effectiveness in capturing remote control signals accurately, even from different angles or distances.

Package of BPW34

BPW34 Manufacturer Information

Vishay manufactures the BPW34 as part of a broad portfolio that includes discrete semiconductors and passive components. Their products, like the BPW34, are designed to be adaptable across various sectors, from industrial and computing to automotive, telecommunications, and medical. Vishay’s extensive range also covers critical parts like diodes, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics, along with essential resistors, inductors, and capacitors, all crafted to meet the diverse needs of modern electronic devices and equipment.