Design of inductive p-i-n diode matching for optical receivers with increased bit-rate operation

We have studied matching of a p-i-n photodiode (PD) with a single serial inductive element for broadband operation. The bit rate and rise time may be significantly improved, compared to a device without inductor for nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) modulation. The matched device offers improved pulse equalization leading to increased receiver sensitivity, and reduces the need for an additional pulse-equalizing filter. The material is presented so that it can serve as a guideline of how the inductor can be included when choosing the thickness of the absorption layer and/or area for a p-i-n PD design, and ends with typical design examples.