User manual

MCP6031 Photodiode PICtail™ Plus Demo Board User’s Guide

For the design approach of this board, please refer to AN951, “Amplifying

High-Impedance Sensors - Photodiode Example” (DS00951) as reference

resource. This application note discusses the analog conditioning circuit used for

high-impedance sensors that act like current sensors. The design approach illustrated

in this application note, using op amps, is broken down into three design steps: DC,

stability compensation, closed-loop gain and noise reduction. A design using a PIN

photodiode (light detector) illustrates the principles discussed. Measurement results

are provided to support the theory presented. The last sections of this application note

contain supplemental information.

MCP6031 Photodiode PICtail™ Plus Demo Board has the following features:

• Supports Microchip MCP6031 high precision op amp

• Uses a transimpedance amplifier as sensor conditioning circuit

• Uses a PIN photodiode (PNZ334) as light detector

• Test points for connecting lab equipment