Broadcom's NIR30 is a red-enhanced SiPM technology optimised for highest possible Photon Detection Efficiency (PDE) at 905nm for 3D Imaging and Ranging applications such as LiDAR and gesture recognition.
The NIR30-Series offers world-leading Photon Detection Efficiency of 26% at 650nm, 28% at 905nm and a peak PDE of 37% at 750nm.
NIR30 is currently offered as a 1x1 mm² active area device (AFBR-S4P11P012R) with 12.5µm pitch SPADs. The active area is split into two 0.5x1mm² pixels with a common anode and can be read out and amplified separately or connected together.
Silicon Photomultipliers offer significant benefits over conventional silicon avalanche photodiodes (APDs), making SiPMs the detector of choice in demanding high volume markets. Key benefits include:-
- High gain - 430k (10V overvoltage)
- High Photon Detection Efficiency - 28% @ 905nm (10V overvoltage)
- Low breakdown voltage - 36.5±1.0V at 25°C with ≤800mV range per reel
- Low breakdown voltage temperature coefficient - 70mV/°C
- Reflow solderable SMT package
Broadcom have released an application note "NIR30 Performance Correlation" which discusses the interaction between various key parameters (see table below):-
- PDE Saturation and Wavelength Dependant PDE at different overvoltages
- PDE Spectrum at different overvoltages
- PDE at different wavelengths and overvoltages
- Afterpulsing Probability at different wavelengths and overvoltages
- Crosstalk Probability at different wavelengths and overvoltages
- Gain at different wavelengths and overvoltages
Broadcom's compact (1.9 x 1.5 mm²) high volume surface mount transfer Moulded Leadframe Package (MLP) provides excellent thermal conductivity so is well-suited to operation in high ambient light conditions. The resin encapsulation features a Refractive Index of 1.57 with high transmission of red and NIR wavelengths.
We appreciate that many users in the 3D imaging and ranging market are unfamiliar with SiPMs and whilst a solution to the many significant problems with Si APDs are being urgently sought there is a need to develop an understanding of the capabilities of the technology. Broadcom offer excellent technical support via AP Technologies and we will also facilitate direct discussions with applications engineers where this is required.
Broadcom will continue to develop their red/NIR-enhanced SiPM technology with active projects for ongoing performance improvement and new configurations. An example is their "NIRFast" technology which is currently under development and is highlighted in the latest SiPM product brief (available below). NIRFast further optimises Broadcom's NIR technology to maximise the Photon Detection Efficiency for short laser pulses. Further information on NIRFast is currently only available under NDA - but if you are interested please get in touch!
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AFBR-S4P11P012R data sheet |
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SiPM Frequently Asked Questions |
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Product Brief - NUV-MT, NIR30 and NIRFast SiPMs |
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NIR30 performance correlation |
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Handling & soldering guidelines for MLP-SMT package |
We are always happy to discuss SiPMs so please contact AP Technologies to talk about your application!
