Photodiode Amplifier

Our compact and powerful photodiode amplifier is specially designed for a wide range of photodiodes and measurement methods. It offers high flexibility and precision for a wide range of applications in research, development and industry. Thanks to variable configuration options, the amplifier can be optimally adapted to individual measuring ranges and requirements.

High-performance digitization & adjustable parameters

The standard version of our photodiode amplifier offers a sampling rate of 500 kSPS with a resolution of 16 Bit. In the improved version, the speed is increased to 1 MSPS with 24 Bit. The integration time can be set flexibly from 1 µs to 1 s, allowing both fast and long-term integrated measurements to be carried out precisely.

Sample rate: 500 kSPS (1 MSPS optional)
Digitization depth: 16 Bit (24 Bit optional)
Integration time: 1 µs bis 1 s adjustable
Diode bias voltage: 50 mV (fest), can be switched off via software
Offset correction:
- Offset voltage can be corrected numerically via software
- Offset current can be compensated analog in 0.1 pA steps via software

Flexibility through various measuring methods

Depending on the application, three different operating modes are available:

Transimpedance amplifier (V/A mode)

This involves continuous conversion at 500 kHz, with the values being numerically averaged. Available in amplification stages from 1e3 to 1e7 V/A.

Setting	Max. Current	Max. Measured value
1e3 V/A	5 mA	5 mA
1e4 V/A	500 µA	500 µA
1e5 V/A	50 µA	50 µA
1e6 V/A	5 µA	5 µA
1e7 V/A	500 nA	500  nA

Numerically summing transimpedance amplifier (V/As mode)

This mode is particularly suitable for highly sensitive measurements with low currents, as the measured values are summed numerically during the exposure time. Available in gain levels from 1e9 to 1e13 V/A*s.

Setting	Max. Current	Max. Measured value
1e9 V/As	5 mA	640 nAs
1e10 V/As	500 µA	64 nAs
1e11 V/As	50 µA	6.4 nAs
1e12 V/As	5 µA	640 pAs
1e13 V/As	500 nA	64  pAs

Analog integrator (V/C mode)

This mode uses a true analog integrator whose final value is digitized after the exposure time. Available in gain levels from 1e6 to 1e9 V/C.

Setting	Max. Current	Max. Measured value
1e6 V/C	5 mA	5 µC
1e7 V/C	500 µA	500 nC
1e8 V/C	50 µA	50 nC
1e9 V/C	5 µA	5 nC

Development in the OptoCubes research project

This photodiode amplifier was developed as part of the Optocubes research project (open source modular system for the agile prototyping of laser-based sensors) [Forschungsprojekt Optocubes (Open Source Systembaukasten für das Agile Prototyping laserbasierter Sensoren) – german only], which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The aim of the project is to develop flexible, modular sensor solutions for a wide range of industrial and scientific applications.

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Are you looking for a powerful and flexible photodiode amplifier? Our team of experts will be happy to help you find the optimum configuration for your specific application. Get in touch with us!

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Last update: 2025-17-03