PDU-C104 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PDU-C104 is a PIN photodiode optical sensor manufactured by Advanced Photonix, housed in a TO-46-2 metal can package for through-hole mounting. This component features a spectral range of 190nm to 1100nm with a 48ns response time and 65° viewing angle, designed for ultraviolet to near-infrared light detection applications.

The PDU-C104 is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain reliability, and support ongoing production or maintenance requirements for systems utilizing this photodiode.

Substiute Parts

PDU-C104

Advanced PhotonixIn Stock: 1187PDU-C104 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PDU-V104

Advanced PhotonixIn Stock: 1024PDU-V104 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PDU-C104 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Diode Type: Must be PIN photodiode
• Spectral Range: Must encompass or substantially overlap the 190nm ~ 1100nm range
• Viewing Angle: Must match 65°
• Mounting Type: Must be Through Hole
• Operating Temperature Range: Must support -40°C ~ 125°C
• Active Area: Should be comparable (within reasonable tolerance for the application)
• Response Time: Faster response times are acceptable; slower response times may limit application suitability

The PDU-V104 qualifies as a manufacturer-recommended substitute based on these criteria. It maintains PIN diode architecture, identical viewing angle, compatible operating temperature range, and through-hole mounting. The PDU-V104 offers improved electrical performance characteristics including faster response time (13ns vs. 48ns), lower dark current (5pA vs. 150pA), and higher reverse voltage rating (75V vs. 30V).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PDU-V104 is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete PDU-C104. Selection of the PDU-V104 provides the following advantages:

• Product Availability: The PDU-V104 maintains active product status with current manufacturing support, ensuring long-term supply chain continuity.
• Regulatory Compliance: The PDU-V104 is RoHS compliant, whereas the PDU-C104 is non-compliant. Systems requiring RoHS certification or regulatory adherence must transition to the PDU-V104.
• Electrical Performance: The PDU-V104 delivers superior electrical characteristics including 3.7× faster response time, 30× lower dark current, and 2.5× higher reverse voltage rating.
• Spectral Coverage: The PDU-V104 spectral range (350nm ~ 1100nm) covers the visible and near-infrared spectrum. Applications requiring ultraviolet sensitivity below 350nm must evaluate alternative solutions.
• Physical Compatibility: Both devices share identical viewing angle (65°), operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C), mounting type (through-hole), and comparable active areas, supporting direct mechanical and thermal substitution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PDU-V104 directly replace the PDU-C104 in existing designs?

A: The PDU-V104 is mechanically and thermally compatible with the PDU-C104 due to matching viewing angle, operating temperature range, mounting type, and comparable active area. However, the reduced spectral range (350nm ~ 1100nm vs. 190nm ~ 1100nm) means applications requiring ultraviolet detection below 350nm require design evaluation. The improved electrical performance of the PDU-V104 (faster response time, lower dark current, higher reverse voltage) is generally beneficial for most applications.

Q: What is the difference in spectral sensitivity between these parts?

A: The PDU-C104 covers 190nm ~ 1100nm, while the PDU-V104 covers 350nm ~ 1100nm. The PDU-V104 does not respond to ultraviolet wavelengths below 350nm. If your application requires detection in the 190nm ~ 350nm range, the PDU-V104 is not suitable without design modification.

Q: Are there package or pinout differences between PDU-C104 and PDU-V104?

A: Both devices use through-hole mounting and are housed in metal can packages suitable for TO-46 form factors. The active areas are comparable (2.98mm² vs. 3.09mm²). Verify pinout compatibility with your specific circuit design before substitution.

Q: Why is RoHS compliance important for this substitution?

A: The PDU-C104 is RoHS non-compliant, while the PDU-V104 is RoHS compliant. If your application, end-market, or regulatory jurisdiction requires RoHS certification, the PDU-V104 is the appropriate choice. The PDU-C104 cannot be used in RoHS-mandated applications.

Q: How does the faster response time of the PDU-V104 affect circuit design?

A: The PDU-V104 response time is 13ns compared to the PDU-C104 at 48ns. Faster response time enables detection of higher-frequency light signals and reduces settling time in measurement circuits. This improvement is generally advantageous and does not require circuit redesign in most applications. Verify that your signal conditioning and readout electronics can accommodate the faster response characteristics.

Q: What is the impact of lower dark current in the PDU-V104?

A: The PDU-V104 dark current is 5pA versus 150pA in the PDU-C104. Lower dark current reduces noise floor and improves signal-to-noise ratio, particularly in low-light detection applications. This enhancement supports more sensitive measurements without circuit modification.