Discovery Semiconductors introduces extended InGaAs photodiodes and photoreceivers

Discovery Semiconductors has introduced several new products using its Extended InGaAs Photodiode technology centered on space applications. 

The devices are available in multiple configurations: single photodiodes, balanced photodiodes, and amplified optical receivers. 

The products have various packages to accommodate different needs, including fiber-coupled butterfly modules with K or SMA connectors, fiber-coupled Surface Mount Technology (SMT) modules with no co-ax connectors, and free space TO-5 packages with broad anti-reflection coatings.

These devices have undergone extensive reliability and radiation testing to ensure proper functioning in space. 

Discovery said it has successfully flown devices on NASA’s Materials International Space Experiment (MISSE) 9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). It proved that the device and packaging technology can withstand the rigors of space flight and re-entry from space to Earth.

Extended InGaAs devices can address multiple space applications, including spectroscopy, optical communication links, and rapid Doppler shift LIDAR. The packaged devices operate over a wide temperature range from extreme cryogenic up to +125 °C for special missions. 

The available bandwidth of these devices varies from a few MHz to 10+ GHz. Depending on the device configuration and application, the optical dynamic range may span from a few femto watts of optical input signal up to 50 mW. The devices have wavelength coverage from 800 nm to 2400 nm at 25 °C and are well-suited for direct and coherent detection.

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