PIN Amplified Photodetector Modules

Amplified PIN photodetectors combining photodiode and transimpedance amplifier in compact modules — fiber-coupled and free-space options from kHz to 1 GHz, Si and InGaAs, for DVS/DAS receive paths, RF-over-fiber, gas sensing, fluorescence and general optical test & measurement.

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400–1700 nm Si, InGaAs & specialty bands
kHz – 1 GHz From DC to high-speed AC
Built-in TIA 50 Ω SMA output standard
Fiber & free-space FC/APC or benchtop input

PIN Photodetector Products by Application

Fiber-Coupled PIN Amplified Photodetectors

FC/APC or FC flange input modules for fiber sensing, optical communications and ROF links — from broadband PD12 (400–1700 nm, kHz–1 GHz) to GHz-class InGaAs receivers (PD11) and dual AC/DC output (PD13).

PD12 Fiber-Coupled Amplified Photodetector (400–1700 nm, kHz–1 GHz)

PD11 AC Coupled High-Speed Photodetector — 1000–1700 nm InGaAs, 1 GHz

PD13 AC/DC Independent Output Photodetector — 1000–1700 nm InGaAs, FC Flange

Free-Space Amplified PIN Photodetectors

Benchtop and cage-system photodetectors with integrated amplification — compact housings for general lab use, large-area visible detection, and wide photosensitive area applications.

PD610 Amplified Photodetector — Free-Space PIN Photodiode

PDA60A2 Si Free-Space Photodetector — 6×6 mm, 320–1100 nm, 10 MHz

PD58 PD58 Series Large Photosensitive PIN Photodetector

Adjustable-Gain PIN Modules

Low-noise silicon and InGaAs photodetectors with user-adjustable gain — match dynamic range to varying optical power in free-space experiments, teaching labs and prototype systems.

PDAPCB1 Adjustable Gain Photodetector — 320–1100 nm Silicon

PD510A Adjustable Gain Silicon Photodetector — 3.6×3.6 mm, 320–1100 nm

PD510U Adjustable Gain Silicon Photodetector — 2.4×2.4 mm, 190–1100 nm

PD510C Near-Infrared Adjustable Gain Photodetector — 800–1700 nm InGaAs

Specialty & Application-Specific Detectors

Purpose-built amplified photodetectors for fluorescence measurement, methane/gas detection at 1654 nm, and other targeted wavelength applications.

FLD02 Fluorescence Photodetector

PD1650 1654 nm Gas Detection Photodetector

How to Choose a PIN Amplified Photodetector

General fiber-coupled lab or sensing receive path? PD12 covers 400–1700 nm with bandwidth from kHz to 1 GHz depending on variant — versatile first choice for SM/MM fiber systems.
1 GHz InGaAs fiber receiver (1550 nm band)? PD11 — AC-coupled, 1000–1700 nm, optimized for high-speed optical communication and fast sensing demodulation.
Need both AC and DC outputs from one fiber input? PD13 provides independent AC/DC channels on InGaAs, FC flange input.
Free-space optical bench or cage setup? PD610 for compact general use; PDA60A2 for large 6×6 mm visible area at 10 MHz; PD58 for large photosensitive area applications.
Variable optical power — need adjustable gain? PD510A/U (Si) or PD510C (InGaAs NIR), or PCB-style PDAPCB1 for prototyping.
Ultra-weak signals requiring avalanche gain? See APD Photodetector Modules (APD20, DTS-APD) instead of PIN.
Interferometric DVS/DAS differential detection? Use Balanced Photodetectors for common-mode noise rejection, not single-ended PIN.

What Are PIN Amplified Photodetector Modules?

A PIN photodetector converts optical power to photocurrent; a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) integrated in the module converts that current to a voltage on 50 Ω for oscilloscopes, lock-in amplifiers or DAQ hardware. Unlike APD modules, PIN detectors do not use avalanche multiplication — they offer lower noise at higher optical power and simpler operation, ideal for many fiber communication and sensing receive paths.

YB Photonics PIN portfolio spans fiber-coupled broadband modules (PD12), GHz InGaAs receivers (PD11), adjustable-gain free-space units (PD510 series), and specialty detectors for fluorescence and gas sensing — complementing our balanced photodetectors, APD modules and DAS/DVS systems.

Key Specifications to Compare

Parameter	Why it matters	Typical range in this category
Wavelength	Must match source and fiber band	320–1100 nm (Si); 800–1700 nm (InGaAs); 1654 nm (gas)
Coupling	Fiber system vs free-space optics	FC/APC fiber (PD12, PD11, PD13); free-space (PD610, PD510)
Bandwidth	Signal frequency content & rise time	kHz – 1 GHz (model dependent)
Output coupling	DC baseline vs AC-only high-speed	DC or AC (PD11 AC-coupled); PD13 dual AC+DC
Gain adjustability	Dynamic range for varying power	Fixed gain (PD12/PD11) or adjustable (PD510, PDAPCB1)
Active area	Alignment tolerance & light collection	2×2 mm – 6×6 mm on free-space models

Frequently Asked Questions

PIN vs APD — which photodetector do I need?: PIN modules (this category) suit moderate to strong optical signals with lower complexity and good linearity. Choose APD when signals are extremely weak (nW or below) and internal avalanche gain improves SNR — e.g. DTS Raman returns or long-range LiDAR.
PD12 vs PD11 — what is the difference?: PD12 is a broad-wavelength fiber-coupled module (400–1700 nm) with multiple bandwidth options from kHz to 1 GHz. PD11 is a dedicated 1 GHz, AC-coupled InGaAs fiber receiver optimized for 1000–1700 nm high-speed applications.
Can I use a PIN detector for DVS/DAS demodulation?: Single-ended PIN receivers can monitor optical power in non-interferometric setups. Coherent DVS/DAS phase demodulation typically uses balanced photodetectors for differential backscatter detection — check your demodulation architecture.
Do modules include power supply and cables?: YB Photonics photodetector modules typically ship with power adapter and SMA–BNC cable — confirm accessories when ordering. Most standard models are in stock.