Light-activated series-connected pin diode switch

摘要

A light-activated PIN diode switch arrangement is coupled to a source of direct voltage and to a load for control of the flow of load current. The PIN diode switch arrangement is connected so as to be electrically reverse-biased, so that no current flows therethrough. A source of light is coupled to the active portion of the PIN diode switch arrangement for rendering it conductive when flooded with light. Higher reverse voltage capability, higher operating speed and lower overall forward resistance are simultaneously achieved by a plurality of series-connected PIN diodes by comparison with a single large PIN diode.