Linear PDAs Feature User-Selectable Charge Capacities

Optimized for spectroscopy and HPLC applications, as well as other high-performance scientific instruments, the HSN family of linear CMOS photodiode arrays (PDAs) are available in array lengths of 256, 512 and 1,024 pixels and feature user-selectable charge (Qsat) capacities ranging from 25 to 65 pC. On-chip capacitors are associated with each photodiode pixel, with the capacitors switched in and out of the circuit using a single control input. By adding capacitance to the pixels, the saturation charge can be increased to 65 pC for applications demanding a high dynamic range and high signal-to-noise ratio. With the capacitors disconnected, the photodiodes have an intrinsic charge capacity of 25 pC (typ.). At the reduced charge capacity, the photodiode arrays can operate with a lower reset (kTC) noise. The HSN family of self-scanning, solid-state, linear photodiode imaging arrays is made using a proprietary CMOS image sensing technology to integrate the sensors onto a single monolithic chip. The HSN sensors feature the popular 100:1 (2,500 µm x 25 µm) pixel aspect ratio useful for coupling to monochromators and spectrographs. Other key features of the linear PDAs include a wide spectral sensitivity (180 to 1,000 nm) for UV-to-IR response, resistance to UV damage, low dark current, low noise, high linearity, and low power dissipation. The photodiode arrays are housed in standard 22-pin ceramic, side-brazed, dual-inline packages that can be inserted into conventional 22-pin DIP sockets. In prototype quantities, the PDAs cost from $215 to $995 each. For more details, contact Chinlee Wang at PERIPERAL IMAGING CORP., San Jose, CA. (408) 428-0123.