Electromagnetic radiation sensor device with photodiodes operable in photovoltaic mode

Electromagnetic radiation sensor device (10) comprising:

• a first photodiode (PD1) comprising a first semiconductor having a first band gap and having a first terminal (Al) connected to ground (GND) and a second terminal (CI);
• a second photodiode (PD2) comprising a second semiconductor having a second band gap different from the first band gap and having a third terminal (A2) connected to a readout terminal (SNS) and a fourth terminal (C2) in direct contact with said second terminal (CI);
• a control device (CT) comprising:
• a control terminal (CTR) to receive a control voltage (VCTR), a terminal connected to ground (GND) and a control terminal (D) connected to the second terminal (C1);
• in which the sensor device (10) is such that to selectively assume the following operating conditions:
• a first condition in which:
• the control device (CT) operates as an open circuit;
• the first photodiode (PD1) assumes a photovoltaic configuration to generate a first photo-current (Iph);
• and the second photodiode (PD2) is inhibited from generating photo-current as a result of an alignment between said band gaps and is such that the first photo-current reaches the readout terminal (SNS);
• and,
• a second condition in which the control device (CT) short-circuits the first photodiode (PD1) to ground and the second photodiode (PD2) assumes the photovoltaic configuration to generate a second photo-current (Iph) that is such that to reach the readout terminal (SNS).