Position-Sensing Detector

PDQ80A
Description
The PDQ80A detector is a segmented, position sensing, silicon, quadrant detector for precise path alignment of
light in the 400 to 1050 nm range. The device is capable of measuring beams with a spot size smaller than 7.8
mm, which is the diameter of the quadrant photodiode array. However, to prevent beam walk-off, we
recommend that the beam diameter be less than 3.9 mm. Also, since the detected signal strength decreases
significantly when large portions of the spot cross the boundary between the quadrants, beam diameters
greater than 1 mm are suggested. Therefore, we recommend this device to be used with beams with a
diameter between 1 mm and 3.9 mm.

Specifications
Electrical Specifications Value Physical Specifications Value
Wavelength Range 400 - 1050 nm Sensor Size Ø7.8 mm
0.4 A/W @ 633 nm Clear Aperture Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm)
Peak Responsivity
0.64 A/W @ 900 nm Aperture Thread SM05 (0.535" –40)
Transimpedance Gain 10 kV/A 2.00" x 1.20" x 0.65"
Max Photocurrent 200 μA Dimensions
(50.8 x 30.5 x 16.5 mm)
Output Voltage Range ±2 Vmin Mounting Thread 8-32 x 0.25" Min Depth
Signal Output Offset 100 mVmax M4 to 8-32 Adapter
Metric Adapter
Bandwidth 150 kHz (Item # AS4M8E)
Recommended Spot Size Ø1.0 mm to Ø 3.9 mm Cable Length 5.0' (1.5 m)
Supply Voltage Connector Plug Hirose HS10A-7P-6P
±5 VDC to ±15 VDC
Requirement Main Receptacle Hirose HR10A-7R-6S
Operating Temperature 10 to 40 C Weight 0.25 lbs. (114 g)
Storage Temperature -20 to 80 C

Instructions
1. Unpack the PDQ80A sensor. Install the adapter if metric mounting is preferred.
2. Plug the connector into one port of a PDQ80S1 hub.
3. Follow the directions for operation of the hub as described in its operating manual.
4. Place a spot onto the detection window for measurement. The input beam spot size
should be between 0.2 mm and 7 mm. For best results the spot should be located
within 80% (7.2 mm x 7.2 mm) of the center of the detector. Adjust the power level
so that the sum output voltage is less than or equal to 4 V. This will ensure the best
signal to noise ration and that the system is not saturated.

September 17, 2021

13183‐S01, Rev E
www.thorlabs.com/contact
 Application Note
For best results low power levels should be used for the position sensor. For the
PDQ80A the max
photocurrent is 2 V / 10 kV/A = 200 µA. Using the photosensitivity curve below, the
system saturation power can be calculated as:

200 μA
Pmax =
Photosensitivity (A/W)

The PDQ80S1 hub has a sample resolution of 12 bits with an input voltage range of
±5 V (10 V range), or a voltage resolution of:

10 V
Vstep = 12
=2.44 mV
2
Vstep
Istep = =244 nA
10 kV/A

From this the minimum power required can be

determined based on the required accuracy. For example
if the user requires an accuracy of 1% then the reading
must be accurate to 1 part in 100. The minimum
photocurrent is therefore the IStep x 100, or 24.4 μA. Use
the Formula below to find the minimum optical power for
a given wavelength.

24.4 μA
Pmin =
Photosensitivity (A/W)

Drawings
1.20"

0.60" Ø0.50 Clear Aperture

0.535"-40 Thread
(SM05 Compatible)

Pin Assignments
2.00" Pin 1 X-Axis (Q2 + Q3) – (Q1 + Q4)
Cable
5" Long
Pin 2 Y-Axis (Q1 + Q2) – (Q3 + Q4)
1.55"
Pin 3 SUM (Q1 + Q2 + Q3 + Q4)
2
1

3
6

4
5
Pin 4 +V (+5 to +15V)
Pin 5 Common
PIN 6 -V (-5 to -15V)
0.65"
0.40"
8-32 x 0.35"

1 6 Q2 Q1
2 5
Q3 Q4
3 4

September 17, 2021

HIROSE CONNECTOR PHOTODIODE DETAIL
13183‐S01, Rev E
www.thorlabs.com/contact