PD204-6C/L3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PD204-6C/L3 is an active photodiode optical sensor manufactured by Everlight Electronics Co Ltd, designed for infrared detection applications at 940nm wavelength. This through-hole radial package component operates across a wide temperature range and features a 10-nanosecond response time with a 9mm² active area. The part maintains Active product status with full RoHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating. Substitute parts are identified to address inventory availability, extended lead times, or specific application performance requirements while maintaining functional compatibility within the optical sensor category.

Substiute Parts

PD204-6C/L3

Everlight Electronics Co LtdIn Stock: 2042PD204-6C/L3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

OP906

TT Electronics/Optek TechnologyIn Stock: 7555OP906 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the PD204-6C/L3 photodiode sensor are identified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional compatibility:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Diode Type: PIN photodiode architecture
• Wavelength Range: Operation within or overlapping the 760nm to 1100nm spectral range
• Mounting Configuration: Through-hole radial package orientation
• Regulatory Compliance: RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status
• Environmental Rating: MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity level

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Response Time: Acceptable performance within application timing requirements
• Reverse Voltage Rating: Sufficient voltage tolerance for circuit design
• Dark Current: Low leakage current for signal integrity
• Operating Temperature Range: Coverage of -25°C to 85°C minimum

The OP906 substitute part meets the primary substitution criteria as a PIN photodiode with through-hole mounting, RoHS3 compliance, and operation within the near-infrared spectral range. Wavelength variation (935nm vs 940nm) remains within acceptable tolerance for broadband infrared detection applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

PD204-6C/L3 Selection Criteria:

• Primary choice for applications requiring 170V reverse voltage rating
• Suitable for designs with 9mm² active area specification
• Recommended when 10-nanosecond response time meets application timing requirements
• Preferred for inventory continuity with established supply chain

OP906 Selection Criteria:

• Alternative when 60V reverse voltage rating is sufficient for circuit design
• Applicable for applications benefiting from 5-nanosecond response time (faster switching)
• Suitable for extended temperature range requirements (-40°C to 100°C)
• Lower dark current (1nA vs 10nA) provides improved signal-to-noise performance in low-light applications
• Broader spectral range (500nm to 1100nm) accommodates wider wavelength sensitivity

Compliance Verification: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, REACH unaffected status, and MSL 1 (Unlimited) rating, ensuring regulatory compatibility across industrial and commercial applications. Selection between these parts depends on circuit voltage requirements, thermal operating conditions, and signal timing specifications rather than compliance considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can OP906 directly replace PD204-6C/L3 in existing circuit designs?

A: Direct replacement is possible when the circuit design accommodates the 60V maximum reverse voltage rating of the OP906. If the original design applies reverse voltages exceeding 60V, the OP906 cannot be used without circuit modification. Both parts share identical through-hole radial mounting, PIN diode architecture, and regulatory compliance status.

Q: What is the significance of the 5nm wavelength difference between 940nm and 935nm?

A: The 5nm wavelength difference is negligible for broadband infrared detection applications. Both wavelengths fall within the near-infrared region and operate across overlapping spectral ranges (760-1100nm). Wavelength selection depends on specific application requirements; the OP906's broader spectral range (500-1100nm) provides extended sensitivity across visible and infrared wavelengths.

Q: How does the response time difference affect substitution compatibility?

A: The OP906 features a 5-nanosecond response time compared to the PD204-6C/L3's 10-nanosecond response time. The faster response time of OP906 is advantageous for high-speed switching applications and does not create compatibility issues. Applications requiring minimum response time specifications of 10ns or slower can use either part without performance degradation.

Q: Are there package or footprint differences between these parts?

A: Both parts use through-hole radial package configuration. The PD204-6C/L3 specifies a 9mm² active area; the OP906 active area is not provided in available documentation. For applications with specific active area requirements, verify OP906 specifications with the manufacturer before substitution.

Q: What is the impact of dark current differences on circuit performance?

A: The OP906 exhibits 1nA typical dark current compared to 10nA for the PD204-6C/L3. Lower dark current in the OP906 reduces background noise and improves signal-to-noise ratio in low-light detection scenarios. This difference is beneficial for sensitive measurement applications but may be negligible in high-signal applications.

Q: Can OP906 operate across the full temperature range of PD204-6C/L3?

A: The OP906 operates across -40°C to 100°C, which exceeds the PD204-6C/L3 range of -25°C to 85°C. The OP906 provides extended low-temperature operation (-40°C vs -25°C) and extended high-temperature operation (100°C vs 85°C), making it suitable for wider thermal environments.