Description:Specifications:SetupOperation Maintaining the PDA36AContactWEEEPO Box 366, 435 Route 206N, Newton, NJ 07860 Ph (973) 579-7227, Fax (973) 300-3600, http://www.thorlabs.com PDA36A Operating Manual - Switchable Gain, Amplified Silicon Detector Description: The PDA36A is an amplified, switchable-gain, silicon detector designed for detection of light signals over 350 – 1100nm wavelength range. An eight-position rotary switch allows the user to vary the gain in 10 dB steps. A buffered output drives 50Ω load impedances up to 5 volt. The PDA36A housing includes a removable threaded coupler (SM1T1) and retainer ring (SM1RR) that is compatible with any number of Thorlabs 1” threaded accessories. This allows convenient mounting of external optics, light filters, apertures, as well as providing an easy mounting mechanism using the Thorlabs cage assembly accessories. The PDA36A has two #8-32 tapped mounting holes with a 0.25” mounting depth and includes a 120VAC power AC/DC supply. The PDA36A-EC has two M4 tapped mounting holes and includes a 230VAC AC/DC power supply. Specifications: General Specifications Detector: Si PIN Gain Switch: 8-Pos Rotary Active Area: 3.6x3.6mm (13mm2) On / Off Switch: Slide Surface Depth: 0.16” (4.1mm) Output: BNC Wavelength Range: 350-1100nm Optical Head Size: 2.76” x 2.08” x 0.83” Peak Wavelength (λp): 970nm 70.1 x 52.8 x 21.1mm Peak Response: 0.65 A/W @ λp Weight3: 0.15 / 2.1lbs Output Voltage1 (50Ω): 0-5V Accessories: SM1T1, SM1RR (Hi-Z): 0-10V AC Power Supply: AC-DC Converter Output Impedance: 50Ω Power Supply 31W Max Output Current: 100mA Input Power4: 100-120VAC, 50-60Hz Load Impedance: 50Ω – Hi-Z (220-240VAC -EC) Gain Adj. Range: 70dB Storage Temp: -55 to 125 °C Gain Steps: 8x 10dB steps Operating Temp: 0 to 40 °C Figure 1 – PDA36A Spectral Responsivity 00.10.20.30.4300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100Wavelength (nm)Responsivity (A0.50.60.7/W) 13053-S01 Rev E 6/23/2010 Page 1 of 513053-S01 Rev E 6/23/2010 Page 2 of 5 Performance Specifications 0dB Setting 40dB Setting Gain1 (Hi-Z): 1.51 x 103 V/A ±2% Gain1 (Hi-Z): 1.51 x 105 V/A ±2% (50Ω): 0.75 x 103 V/A ±2% (50Ω): 0.75 x 105 V/A ±2% Bandwidth: 17MHz Bandwidth: 320kHz Noise (RMS): 530μV Noise (RMS): 300μV NEP (@ λp): 7.7 x 10-11 W/√Hz NEP (@ λp): 1.9 x 10-12 W/√Hz Offset: 5mV (10mV max) Offset: 10mV (20mV max) 10dB Setting 50dB Setting Gain1 (Hi-Z): 4.75 x 103 V/A ±2% Gain1 (Hi-Z): 4.75 x 105 V/A ±2% (50Ω): 2.38 x 103 V/A ±2% (50Ω): 2.38 x 105 V/A ±2% Bandwidth: 12.5MHz Bandwidth: 100kHz Noise (RMS): 300μV Noise (RMS): 480μV NEP (@ λp): 1.4 x 10-11 W/√Hz NEP (@ λp): 2.2 x 10-12 W/√Hz Offset: 6mV (12mV max) Offset: 15mV (40mV max) 20dB Setting 60dB Setting Gain1 (Hi-Z): 1.5 x 104 V/A ±2% Gain1 (Hi-Z): 1.5 x 106 V/A ±5% (50Ω): 0.75 x 104 V/A ±2% (50Ω): 0.75 x 106 V/A ±5% Bandwidth: 2.1MHz Bandwidth: 37.5kHz Noise (RMS): 300μV Noise (RMS): 840μV NEP (@ λp): 3 x 10-12 W/√Hz NEP (@ λp): 1.7 x 10-12 W/√Hz Offset: 6mV (15mV max) Offset: 20mV (75mV max) 30dB Setting 70dB Setting Gain1 (Hi-Z): 4.75 x 104 V/A ±2% Gain1 (Hi-Z): 4.75 x 106 V/A ±5% (50Ω): 2.38 x 104 V/A ±2% (50Ω): 2.38 x 106 V/A ±5% Bandwidth: 785kHz Bandwidth: 12.5kHz Noise (RMS): 270μV Noise (RMS): 1.41mV NEP (@ λp): 1.7 x 10-12 W/√Hz NEP (@ λp): 2.1 x 10-12 W/√Hz Offset: 8mV (15mV max) Offset: 40mV (200mV max) Note 1: The PDA36A has a 50Ω series terminator resistor (i.e. in series with amplifier output). This forms a voltage divider with any load impedance (e.g. 50Ω load divides signal in half). 2: All measurements performed with a 50Ω load unless stated otherwise. 3: Detector Package / Power Supply. 4: Although the power supply is rated for 31W the PDA36A actual usage is <5W over the full operating range. Setup • Unpack the optical head, install a Thorlabs TR-series ½” diameter post into one of the #8-32 (M4 on -EC version) tapped holes, located on the bottom and side of the head, and mount into a PH-series post holder. • Connect the power supply 3-pin plug into the power receptacle on the PDA36A. • Plug the power supply into a 50-60Hz, 100-120VAC outlet (220-240VAC for -EC version). • Attach a 50Ω coax cable (i.e. RG-58U) to the output of the PDA. When running cable lengths longer than 12” we recommend terminating the opposite end of the coax with a 50Ω resistor (Thorlabs p/n T4119) for maximum performance. Connect the remaining end to a measurement device such as an oscilloscope or high speed DAQ card. Caution: Many high speed oscilloscopes have input impedances of 50Ω. In this case, do not install a 50Ω terminator. The combined loads will equal 25Ω which could allow ~135mA of output current. This will damage the output driver of the PDA36A. • Power the PDA36A on using the power switch located on the top side of the unit. • Install any desired filters, optics, adapters, or fiber adapters to the input aperture. Caution: The PDA36A was designed to allow maximum accessibility to the photodetector by having the front surface of the diode flush with the outside of the PDA housing. When using fiber adapters, make sure that the fiber ferrule does not crash into the detector. Failure to do so may cause damage to the diode and / or the fiber. An easy way to accomplish this is to install a SM1RR retaining ring (included with the PDA36A) inside the 1” threaded coupler before installing the fiber adapter. • Apply a light source to the detector. Adjust the gain to the desired setting.13053-S01 Rev E 6/23/2010 Page 3 of 5 Operation Thorlabs PDA series are ideal for measuring both pulsed and CW light sources. The PDA36A includes a reverse-biased PIN photo diode, mated to a switchable gain transimpedance amplifier, and packaged in a rugged housing. The thin profile housing allows the PDA36A to fit into small spaces. All controls and connections are orthogonal to the light path providing easier access and minimizing the light path footprint. Output The maximum output of the PDA36A is 10 volts for high impedance loads (i.e. RLOAD > 5kΩ) and 5 volts for 50Ω loads. Adjust the gain so that the measured signal level out of the PDA36A is below 10 volts (5 volts with a 50Ω load) to avoid saturation. If necessary, use external neutral density filters to reduce the input