Photodiode array

Details Photodiode array Photodiode array

1992-06-18

1994-04-12

Evans, F. L.

Optics: measuring and testing

By dispersed light spectroscopy

Utilizing a spectrometer

2502082, G01J 342, H01J 4014

Patent

active

053030273

ABSTRACT:
A photodiode array comprises a plurality of n channels, each channel having a photodiode which is reverse biased such that it acts as a current source. Each channel further comprises an A/D converter for providing a digital output signal (DATA) which is representative o the photo current (Iph) provided by the photodiode and therefore of the intensity of the light impinging on the photodiode. The A/D converter comprises a controllable current source, an integrator circuit, a comparator for comparing the output signal (Vout) of the integrator with a predetermined signal (Vthreshold), a logic circuit for controlling the current source in response to the output signal (Vcomp) of the comparator such that Vout is kept within a certain range. Preferably, the current source provides current in the form of charge dumps to and/or from the integrator. The number of dumps in one direction is counted by a counter and is a digital measure of the photo current (Iph). The photodiode array is particularly useful in spectrophotometers since the provision of a separate A/D converter for each channel allow simultaneous processing of all the photosignals in the array so that spectra distortions arising from time delays in processing the photosignals are avoided.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4134683 (1979-01-01), Goetz et al.
patent: 4558301 (1985-12-01), Trofimenkoff et al.
patent: 4740080 (1988-04-01), Donohue et al.

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