Infineon Technologies SFH250

Overview

SFH250 from Infineon Technologies is a plastic fiber optic photodiode detector with 2.2 mm aperture for standard 1000 µm plastic fiber, 850 nm peak sensitivity, 0.01 µs rise/fall time, 11 pF capacitance at 0 V, and dark current ≤1 nA at 20 V reverse bias - used in light barriers and optical isolation in household electronics and power electronics.

For engineers reviewing the SFH250 datasheet, SFH250 pinout, SFH250 application, or SFH250 equivalent, key selection criteria include spectral response (400–1100 nm), fast switching (≤10 ns), low dark current, molded microlens coupling efficiency, and plastic connector housing with mounting screw for interference-free transmission.

Technical Context

The SFH250 operates as a visible-to-near-IR photodiode optimized for plastic optical fiber (POF) coupling without fiber stripping. Its molded microlens enhances coupling efficiency into 1000 µm POF, while the light-tight housing eliminates crosstalk between transmitter/receiver pairs.

It delivers linear photocurrent response across 400–1100 nm, with peak sensitivity at 850 nm and temperature coefficients ranging from –0.04 %/K (560–660 nm) to +0.2 %/K (950 nm). Reverse bias up to 30 V enables fast transient response under 50 Ω load.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Plastic TO-style housing with integrated 2.2 mm aperture, molded microlens, and mounting screw; designed for wave soldering and auto-insertion. Dimensions per Infineon File 4201 (SFH250).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar photodiode detector applications.

Compared with TEFT4300 and PD333-3C/H0/L2, SFH250 provides superior POF integration via its 2.2 mm aperture and molded microlens, lower dark current for higher SNR, and a mechanically stable, light-tight housing with mounting screw - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-volume POF sensing where assembly simplicity and EMI immunity are critical.

Availability

SFH250 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for household electronics, power electronics, and optical network applications requiring stable component supply, consistent POF coupling performance, and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for SFH250 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Infineon Technologies AG is a German semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, sensor, and automotive ICs, with global R&D and manufacturing infrastructure.

SFH250 belongs to Infineon's optoelectronic component family designed specifically for plastic optical fiber communication and sensing - emphasizing mechanical integration, EMI resilience, and simplified assembly in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer systems.

FAQ

What is the recommended reverse bias voltage for optimal SFH250 performance?

The SFH250 achieves fastest switching (0.01 µs rise/fall) at 30 V reverse bias with a 50 Ω load. For low-power applications, 5 V bias yields ≥3 µA photocurrent with 10 µW POF input at 660 nm - sufficient for direct CMOS/TTL interfacing without amplification.

Can SFH250 be used with glass optical fiber?

No - SFH250 is engineered exclusively for 1000 µm plastic optical fiber (POF). Its 2.2 mm aperture, molded microlens, and spectral response (peak 850 nm) are optimized for POF's numerical aperture and attenuation profile; glass fiber (e.g., 200 µm core) will not couple efficiently.

Does SFH250 require external biasing circuitry?

Yes - SFH250 operates in photoconductive mode and requires an external reverse bias (up to 30 V) and load resistor. A simple 5–30 V supply with 1–10 kΩ pull-up suffices for most digital interface applications; no active amplifier is needed for ≥3 µA output signals.

Is SFH250 RoHS compliant?

Yes - SFH250 was manufactured by Infineon under RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC compliance (as confirmed in original 2004 datasheet revision), with lead-free terminations and halogen-free molding compound meeting JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3 requirements.