Photodiode parallel to a capacitor

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on modeling the behavior of a photodiode connected in parallel with an ideal capacitor. The photodiode exhibits a current-to-voltage characteristic defined by a turn-on voltage (Vto) and generates a photocurrent (Ip) when irradiated. As the capacitor (Cp) charges, a positive voltage drop (Vac) occurs, which biases the photodiode forward. The discussion highlights the importance of the Schockley diode equation for accurately representing the diode's behavior under illumination and emphasizes that the photodiode does not exhibit zero leakage current, which is influenced by thermally generated electrons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photodiode characteristics and behavior
  • Familiarity with the Schockley diode equation
  • Knowledge of capacitor charging and discharging principles
  • Basic concepts of current-to-voltage (I-V) characteristics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Schockley diode equation and its parameters
  • Explore the effects of leakage current in photodiodes
  • Study capacitor charging dynamics in electronic circuits
  • Investigate the impact of irradiation time on photodiode performance
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, researchers in optoelectronics, and anyone involved in designing or modeling photodiode-based devices will benefit from this discussion.

arrenio
Messages
1
Reaction score
1
Dear Forum Members, I am looking for someone who can help me to model the behavior of a photodiode in parallel with a capacitor. I want to model the behavior of a device that I have developed.
As you can see in my attached file, the photodiode shows a current-to voltage characteristic with a turn-on voltage Vto, and receives irradiation for a given time tirr. The photodiode is connected in parallel with an ideal capacitor Cp. Once the photodiode is irradiated, a photocurrent Ip flows and the capacitor starts charging. A positive voltage drop Vac arises on the capacitor, with a sign so that the photodiode is forwardly biased. At a certain irradiation dose (i.e., after a certain irradiation time) the accumulated charge on the capacitor will produce a voltage drop > Vto, and a forward current will flow on the photodiode, so that voltage drop Vac is limited by such a current. Once irradiation stops, given the photodiode has a zero leakage current, the device keeps the photogenerated charge on the capacitor, but the behavior is not linear vs. irradiation time, due to the discharge of photogenerated charge above Vto.
Can someone help me in modeling such a behavior?
thank you!

schematic and experimental IV curve of the photodiode

Immagine1.png
Immagine2.png
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
The diode (without illumination) does not follow the ideal diode behavior characterized by a turn-on voltage, but is more properly represented by the Schockley diode equation. The Schockley diode equation has a couple of parameters that can be input to adjust it for the particular diode at hand. Google "Schockley diode equation". Hopefully this is helpful. ..editing...I think you may already have the Schockley diode equation there. The diode equation looks very similar when there is light shining on it versus no light=the I-V curve shifts in the y-direction. There is no such thing as "no leakage current". The Schockley diode equation should provide you with a number for the "leakage current as a function of voltage...I think the origins of this leakage current are the result of thermally generated electrons in the "p" side of the photodiode, but you may want to research that further.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K