Phototransistors

Narrow and Wide Sensing Bandwidths

The phototransistor is a semiconductor device that senses light levels and alters the current flowing between emitter and collector according to the level of light it receives.

Phototransistors and photodiodes can both be used for sensing light, but the phototransistor is more sensitive in view of the gain provided by the fact that it is a bipolar transistor. This makes phototransistors more suitable in a number of applications.

Although all bipolar transistors themselves are light sensitive, which is why most transistors are encapsulated in metal or plastic cans. Phototransistors are a specialized form of bipolar transistor that have been optimized for its light sensitivity, making these electronic components ideal for many light sensing applications.

SGPT524A
5mm, NPN Phototransistor

Colour: Black Lens
Range of Spectral Bandwidth: 840 to 1100 nm
Wavelength of Peak Sensitivity: 940 nm (peak sensitivity with 940 nm IR Light)
Collector Emitter Breakdown Voltage: > 30 V
Emitter Collector Breakdown Voltage: > 6V
Collector Dark Current: < 100 nA
Collector Emitter Saturation Voltage: <= 0.2 V
On State Collector Current: 2.0 mA
Rise/Fall Time: 15/15 nS
Datasheet: Available as PDF

SGPT524B
5mm, NPN Phototransistor

Colour: Black Lens
Range of Spectral Bandwidth: 700 to 1100 nm
Wavelength of Peak Sensitivity: 850 nm (peak sensitivity with 850 nm IR Light)
Collector Emitter Breakdown Voltage: > 30 V
Emitter Collector Breakdown Voltage: > 6V
Collector Dark Current: < 100 nA
Collector Emitter Saturation Voltage: <= 0.2 V
On State Collector Current: 2.0 mA
Rise/Fall Time: 15/15 nS
Datasheet: Available as PDF

SGPT524C
5mm, NPN Phototransistor

Colour: Transparent Lens
Range of Spectral Bandwidth: 400 to 1100 nm
Wavelength of Peak Sensitivity: 940 nm (sensitive to visible and invisible IR Light)
Collector Emitter Breakdown Voltage: > 30 V
Emitter Collector Breakdown Voltage: > 6V
Collector Dark Current: < 100 nA
Collector Emitter Saturation Voltage: <= 0.2 V
On State Collector Current: 2.0 mA
Rise/Fall Time: 15/15 nS
Datasheet: Available as PDF