Opto Diode’s ODA Series photodiode-preamplifier modules combine a 5.87 mm² silicon detector (3.30 mm × 1.78 mm active area) with an internal transimpedance amplifier in a hermetically sealed TO-39 package, so the module outputs an amplified voltage instead of a raw photocurrent. Four standard models cover two spectral options — blue/green-enhanced (specified at 450 nm) and NIR/red-enhanced (specified at 940 nm) — each with a 100 MΩ or 500 MΩ gain option, and the datasheets note custom gains are available. Opto Diode, a division of ITW, manufactures the modules in Camarillo, California; specifications below are from the four ODA datasheets, all Revision October 20, 2021.
The four standard models
The model code reads directly: 6WB models carry a blue-enhanced detector and are specified at 450 nm; 6W models are NIR/red-enhanced and specified at 940 nm; the suffix is the transimpedance gain in MΩ. Higher gain buys sensitivity at the cost of bandwidth — the 500 MΩ models respond to 130 Hz typical, the 100 MΩ models to 1 kHz typical. Values below are typical at 23 °C, Vs = ±5 V, at each model’s specified wavelength.
| Model | Detector | λ spec | Gain | Sensitivity | Frequency response (–3 dB) | NEP | Datasheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODA-6WB-500M | Blue/green enhanced | 450 nm | 500 MΩ | 100 V/µW (85 min) | 130 Hz (100 min) | 4 fW/√Hz | |
| ODA-6WB-100M | Blue/green enhanced | 450 nm | 100 MΩ | 20 V/µW (17 min) | 1000 Hz (900 min) | 85 fW/√Hz | |
| ODA-6W-500M | NIR/red enhanced | 940 nm | 500 MΩ | 315 V/µW (275 min) | 130 Hz (100 min) | 1.2 fW/√Hz | |
| ODA-6W-100M | NIR/red enhanced | 940 nm | 100 MΩ | 63 V/µW (55 min) | 1000 Hz (900 min) | 30 fW/√Hz |
Specifications common to the family
| Parameter | Conditions | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Active area | 3.30 mm × 1.78 mm | 5.87 mm² |
| Dark offset | Vs = ±5 V | 1 mV typ (500M) / 1.2 mV typ (100M) / ±2 mV max |
| Supply current | 850 µA typ / 950 µA max | |
| Voltage supply range, +V to –V | absolute rating | 5 to 15 V |
| Power dissipation | absolute rating | 15 mW |
| Storage & operating temperature | absolute rating | –25 to +100 °C |
| Soldering temperature | absolute rating · 1/16″ from case, 3 s max | +260 °C |
Dark-offset noise is specified over a measurement bandwidth stated on each datasheet: 283 µV rms typical (500 MΩ models, 0.1–135 kHz) and 198 µV rms typical (100 MΩ models, 0.1–1000 kHz), with 500 µV and 250 µV maxima respectively.
What an integrated preamplifier buys you
Each datasheet’s circuit diagram shows the photodiode feeding an internal op-amp with resistive-capacitive feedback, powered from the ±V pins, with the amplified signal on Vout. Keeping that first gain stage inside the hermetic TO-39 can — directly behind the detector — supports transimpedance gains of 100–500 MΩ with the noise figures in the table, and the circuit numbers four pins — 1 GND, 2 –V, 3 +V, 4 Vout — and the package drawing labels a separate CASE connection alongside them. All four datasheet circuits show a 0.1 µF capacitor from each supply rail to ground, drawn outside the module boundary as external components.
Where the ODA family fits
The ODA modules are the integrated counterpart to Opto Diode’s discrete blue- and red-enhanced silicon photodiodes — the same detector types, with the transimpedance stage already inside the can. The blue/green-enhanced models are specified at 450 nm and the NIR/red-enhanced models at 940 nm. Each datasheet prints a typical spectral-response curve: the NIR/red sheets plot 300 to 1100 nm, the blue/green sheets from about 400 nm, both rolling off near 1100 nm as silicon does. Opto Diode’s hematology-analyzer application note covers the ODA-6WB-500M and ODA-6WB-100M by name in its section on photodiode-preamplifier modules for the HGB receiver. For a module variant with different gain, contact Opto Diode — custom gains are a listed feature of the series.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ODA-6W and ODA-6WB models?
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The detector. ODA-6WB models use a blue-enhanced silicon detector and are specified at 450 nm; ODA-6W models are NIR/red-enhanced and specified at 940 nm. Both share the same 5.87 mm² active area, TO-39 hermetic package, and electrical interface.
Should I choose the 100M or 500M gain version?
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The 500 megohm models give roughly five times the sensitivity with lower NEP, but respond to about 130 Hz; the 100 megohm models trade sensitivity for a wider 1 kHz response. Choose 500M for weak, slowly varying signals and 100M when the signal is modulated faster; custom gains are also available.
What supply does an ODA module need?
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A split supply from +V to -V totaling 5 to 15 V, drawing 850 microamps typical. The application circuit shows 0.1 microfarad decoupling capacitors on both supply pins, and the output is a voltage on the Vout pin.
How do I buy ODA Series modules?
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Contact Opto Diode directly for pricing, lead time, or a custom gain configuration; the standard response time for an online request is within 1-2 business days. The modules are manufactured by Opto Diode, a division of ITW, in Camarillo, California.
Specifying a detector-preamplifier module for an analyzer, fluorescence channel, or NIR receiver? Opto Diode typically responds to online requests within 1–2 business days.
Reviewed and updated August 2026.