Adding Photodiode to LTspice

Question

I am very new to LTspice. I would like to ask "How can I add a photodiode in the Ltspice?" Is ideal photodiode (or any specific) model already included in the LTspice or do I need to create third party model for photodiode? If it is already included, under with categories it is included in library ? Or If it is not included, how can I make one? Do I need to create the spice model of photodiode which will consist (roughly) of a current source, capacitor and resistor then refer back to the photodiode? Or if there is another way around can you please share your knowledge?

LTSpice doesn't model optical events, perhaps model it as a programmed current source? — Jasen Слава Україні, Jun 20 '16 at 07:37
ahhh.. I see. So I can use a current source (may be in parallel with capacitor) instead of photodiode? — Sui, Jun 20 '16 at 07:49

score 11 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 20 '16 at 08:18

The easiest way to get a photodiode, and to control it, is to use one of the built-in optocouplers. The base/collector junction of a phototransistor is a photodiode (just ignore the emitter):

optocoupler as photodiode

Or use the 4N2x.sub/CNY17.sub as a model to build your own subcircuit.

score -1 · Answer 2 · edited Nov 14 '18 at 12:35

-1

Another way is to find a photodiode model on the internet as the .SUBCKT model. You can add such a model directly to the diagram and connect it under the diode symbol.

On my blog it is more visually described:

http://sigaris-electronics.eu/2018/11/ltspice-adding-an-element-model-to-the-schema/

edited Nov 14 '18 at 12:35

Dave Tweed

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answered Nov 14 '18 at 09:36

sigaris

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Adding Photodiode to LTspice

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