Photodiode, Phototransistor - Working and Application Circuits - Homemade Circuit Projects

12/9/2020 Photodiode, Phototransistor - Working and Application Circuits | Homemade Circuit Projects
Photodiode, Phototransistor – Working and

Homemade Circuit
Projects
Application Circuits
Last Updated on October 5, 2019 by Swagatam (https://www.homemade-circuits.com/author/swag/)
Photodiodes and phototransistors are semiconductor devices which have their p-n semiconductor
junction exposed to light through a transparent cover, so that external light can react and force an
electrical conduction through the junction.
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How Photodiodes Work

A photodiode is just like a regular semiconductor diode (example 1N4148) consisting of a p-n junction,
but it has this junction exposed to light through a transparent body.
Its working can be understood by imagining a standard silicon diode connected in reverse biased
fashion across a supply source as shown below.
In this condition, no current flows through the diode except some very small leakage current.
However, suppose we have the same diode with its outer opaque cover scraped of or removed and
connected with a reverse bias supply. This will expose the PN junction of the diode to light, and there
will be an instant flow of current through it, in response to the incident light.
This may result in a current as much as 1 mA through the diode, causing a rising voltage to develop
across R1.
The photodiode in the above figure can be also connected on the ground side as shown below. This
will produce a opposite response, resulting in a decreasing voltage across R1, when the photodiode is
illuminated with external light.
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/photodiode-phototransistor-working-and-application-circuits/ 1/11
The working of all P-N junction based devices is similar and will exhibit photo-conductivity when
exposed to light.
The schematic symbol of a photodiode can be see below.
Compared to cadmium-sulphide or cadmium-selenide photocells like LDRs (https://www.homemade-

circuits.com/ldr-circuits-and-working-principle/), photodiodes are generally less sensitive to light, but
their response to light changes is much faster.
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Due to this reason, photocells like LDRs are generally used in applications that involve visible light, and
where the response time does not need to be quick. On the other hand, photodiodes are specifically
selected in applications that require fast detection of lights mostly in the infrared region.
You will find photodiodes in systems such as infrared remote control circuits (https://www.homemade-
circuits.com/how-to-make-simple-infra-red-remote/), beam interruption relays and intruder alarm
circuits (https://www.homemade-circuits.com/make-these-simple-cheap-home-burglar/).
There's another variant of photodiode which uses lead-sulfide (PbS) and there working characteristic
is quite similar to LDRs but are designed to respond only to the infrared range lights.
Phototransistors
The following image shows the schematic symbol of a phototransistor
The phototransistor is generally in the form of a bipolar NPN silicon transistor encapsulated in a cover
with a transparent opening.
It works by allowing light to reach the PN junction of the device through the transparent opening. The
light reacts with the exposed PN junction of the device, initiating the photoconductivity action.
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A phototransistor is mostly configured with its base pin unconnected as shown in the following two
circuits.
In the left side figure the connection effectively causes the phototransistor to be in the reverse bias
situation, such that it now works like a photodiode.
Here, the current generated due to light across the base collector terminals of the device is directly
fed back to the base of the device resulting in the normal current amplification and the current flowing
fed back to the base of the device, resulting in the normal current amplification and the current flowing
out as the output from the collector terminal of the device.
This amplified current causes a proportionate amount of voltage to develop across the resistor R1.
Phototransistors may show identical amounts of current at their collector and emitter pins, due to an
open base connection, and this prevents the device from a negative feedback.
Due to this feature, if the phototransistor is connected as shown at the right side of the above figure
with R1 across emitter and ground, the outcome is exactly identical as it had been for the left side
configuration. Meaning for both the configurations, the voltage developed across R1 due to
phototransistor conduction is similar.
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Difference between Photodiode and Phototransistor

Although the working principle is similar for the two counterparts, there are a few noticeable
differences between them.
A photodiode may be rated to work with much higher frequencies in the range of tens of megahertz,
as opposed to a phototransistor which is restricted to only a few hundred kilohertz.
The presence of the base terminal in a phototransistor makes it more advantageous compared to a
photodiode.
A phototransistor can be converted to work like a photodiode by connecting its base with ground as
shown below, but a photodiode may not have the ability to work like a phototransistor.
Another advantage of the base terminal is that the sensitivity of a phototransistor can be made variable
by introducing a potentiometer across base emitter of the device as shown in the following figure.
In the above arrangement the device works like a variable sensitivity phototransistor, but if the pot R2
connections are removed, the device acts like a normal phototransistor, and if R2 is shorted to ground,
then the device turns into a photodiode.
Selecting the Biasing Resistor

In all the circuit diagrams shown above the selection of R1 value is usually a balance between voltage
gain and bandwidth response of the device.
As the value of R1 is increased the voltage gain increases but the useful operating bandwidth range
decreases, and vice versa.
Furthermore, the value of R1 should be such that the devices are forced to work in their linear region.
This can be done with some trial and error.
Practically for operating voltages from 5V and 12V any value between 1K and 10K is usually sufficient
as R1.
Darlington phototransistors
These are similar to a normal darlington transistor (https://www.homemade-circuits.com/darlington-
transistor-pair-connection/) with their internal structure. Internally these are built using two transistors
coupled with each other as shown in the following schematic symbol.
The sensitivity specifications of a photodarlington transistor may be approximately 10 times higher

than that of a normal phototransistor. However, the working frequency of these units are lower than the
normal types, and may be restricted to only some 10s of kilohertz.
Photodiode Phototransistor Applications

The best example of photodiode and phototransistor application may be in field of lightwave signal
receivers (https://www.homemade-circuits.com/smart-laser-alarm-protection-circuit/) or detectors in
fiber optic transmission lines.
The lightwave passing via an optical fiber can be effectively modulated both through analog or digital
techniques.
Photodiodes and phototransistors are also widely used for making detectors stages in optocouplers
and infrared light beam interruption devices (https://www.homemade-circuits.com/optocouplers-
working-characteristics-interfacing-application-circuits/) and intruder alarm gadgets.
The problem while designing these circuits is that, the intensity of light falling on the photo sensitive
devices could be very strong or weak, and also these may encounter external disturbances in the form
of random visible lights, or infrared interference.
To counter these issues, these application circuits are normally operated with optical links having a
specific infrared carrier frequency. Moreover the input side of the receiver is reinforced with a
preamplifier so that even the weakest of the optical linking signals is detected comfortably, enabling the
system with a wide range of sensitivity.
The following two applications circuits show how a foolproof implementation (https://www.homemade-
circuits.com/ir-remote-control-circuit-using-arduino/) can be done using photodiodes through 30 kHz
carrier modulation frequency.
These are selective preamplifier based photodiode alarm circuits (https://www.homemade-

circuits.com/tuned-infrared-ir-detector-circuit/), and will respond to a specific band of frequency,
ensuring a foolproof operation of the system.
In the upper design, L1, C1 and C2 filter out all other frequencies except the intended 30 Hz
frequency from an infrared optical link. As soon this is detected it is further amplified by Q1, and its
output becomes active for sounding an alarm system.
Alternatively, the system could be used for activating an alarm when the optical link is cut off. In this
case the transistor may be kept active permanently through a 30 Hz IR focus on the phototransistor
Next, the output from the transistor could be inverted using another NPN stage so that, an interruption
in the 30 Hz IR beam, turns OFF Q1, and turns ON the second NPN transistor. This second transistor
must integrated through a 10uF capacitor from the collector of Q2 in the upper circuit.
The lower circuit functioning is similar to the transistorized version except the frequency range which
is 20 kHz for this application. It is also a selective preamplifier detection system tuned to detect IR
signals having a modulation frequency of 20 kHz.
As long as an IR beam tuned at 20 kHz remains focused on the photodiode, it creates a higher
potential on the inverting input pin2 of the op amp which exceeds the potential divider output at the
non-inverting pin of the op amp. This causes the output RMS from the op amp to be near zero.
However, the moment the beam is interrupted, causes a sudden drop of potential at the pin2, and an
increase of potential at pin3. This instantly raises the RMS voltage at the output of the op amp
activating the connected alarm system (https://www.homemade-circuits.com/alarm-signal-generator-ic-
zsd100/).
C1 and R1 are employed to bypass any unwanted signal to ground.
Two photo diodes D1 and D2 are used so that the system activates only when the IR signals are
interrupted simultaneously across D1 and D2. The idea can be used in places where only long vertical
targets like humans are required to be sensed while the shorter targets like animals can be allowed to
targets like humans are required to be sensed, while the shorter targets like animals can be allowed to
pass freely.
To implement this D1 and D2 must be installed vertically and parallel to each other, wherein D1 may be
placed a feet above the ground, and D2 some 3 feet above D1 in a straight line.
Previous: Ice Warning Circuit for (https://www.homemade-circuits.com/ice-warning-circuit-

Automobiles for-automobiles/) Next: Laughter Sound Simulator Circuit
(https://www.homemade-circuits.com/laughter-sound-simulator-circuit/)
About Swagatam
I am an electronic engineer (dipIETE ), hobbyist, inventor, schematic/PCB
designer manufacturer I am also the founder of the website:
designer, manufacturer. I am also the founder of the website:

https://www.homemade-circuits.com/, where I love sharing my innovative circuit ideas and
tutorials.
If you have any circuit related query, you may interact through comments, I'll be most happy
to help!
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Comments
Ariv says
I still confused with photodiode, some people says it convert light into current. But why it need a power
supply to operate?
On your schematic with photodiode, its like : when give a infared to photodiode, it will instantly
conducting? Please reply. Thanks.
Reply
Swagatam says
Photodiode will generate electricity when exposed to sunlight, but with IR the output will not be
enough for triggering an electrical circuit, that’s why an external supply is necessary. Yes, it will
instantly respond to an IR signal.
Reply
Larry L says
To study the effects on people of pulsed lights (such as fluorescent or LED) I would like to build a sensor
that converts light intensity to voltage (0 to 1 volt) with a frequency range comparable to that of human
hearing (20 Hz to 20 000 Hz ) The objective is to “listen” to light intensity as a quick way to evaluate
hearing (20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.) The objective is to listen to light intensity as a quick way to evaluate
different light bulb designs for visually imperceptible high frequency flicker.
Thanks for any guidance!
Reply
Swagatam says
It seems feasible, but it will need an oscilloscope to check the photodiode waveform output, once
confirmed then it could be configured into an class D amplifier or a PWM amplifier for converting
into an audible output
Reply
sedigh hosein says
hi dear sir,to make a strong insulation,l want to make an optocopler that can create at least 10 cm of
insulation,of course the trigger frequency does not exceed one kilohertz .and i want to make an
optocopler with 10 cm long glass tube,of course i want to know which objects for example (photo diode or
photo transistor or even IR transmiter or IR reciver ) are more suitable,
thank you in advence for you help
Reply
Swagatam says
Hi Sedigh, you can use photodiodes in your optocoupler, they will be fine.
You can take the help of the following article:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-connect-ir-photodiode-sensor/
(https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-connect-ir-photodiode-sensor/)
Reply
Martin says
Although these are simple electronic components, I appreciate how you are able to break them down into
easily understood and used in practical circuit designs.
You have provided a simple and good refresher course on what they are and how they work.
Thank you for taking the time to post it here. Much appreciated.
Reply
Swagatam says
The pleasure is all mine, thanks for the feedback!
Reply
ulises Aguilasr pazzani says
very good inform my friend
Reply
Swagatam says
Thank you friend, glad you liked it!
Reply
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12/9/2020 Photodiode, Phototransistor - Working and Application Circuits | Homemade Circuit Projects

Photodiode, Phototransistor – Working and

How Photodiodes Work

The schematic symbol of a photodiode can be see below.

Compared to cadmium-sulphide or cadmium-selenide photocells like LDRs (https://www.homemade-

Ușor de utilizat pentru măsurători profesionale și individu

The following image shows the schematic symbol of a phototransistor

phototransistor projects photodiode phototransistor in practice

Difference between Photodiode and Phototransistor

Selecting the Biasing Resistor

The sensitivity specifications of a photodarlington transistor may be approximately 10 times higher

Photodiode Phototransistor Applications

These are selective preamplifier based photodiode alarm circuits (https://www.homemade-

C1 and R1 are employed to bypass any unwanted signal to ground.

Previous: Ice Warning Circuit for (https://www.homemade-circuits.com/ice-warning-circuit-

designer, manufacturer. I am also the founder of the website:

You'll also like:

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE (ONLY IF YOU ARE GENUINELY INTERESTED IN OUR NEWSLETTERS)

Thanks for any guidance!

sedigh hosein says

You can take the help of the following article:

The pleasure is all mine, thanks for the feedback!

ulises Aguilasr pazzani says

very good inform my friend

Thank you friend, glad you liked it!

COMMENT BOX IS MOVED AT THE TOP

COMMENT BOX IS MOVED AT THE TOP

© 2020 · Swagatam Innovations

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