An Experimentally-Validated Verilog-A SPAD Model Extracted from TCAD Simulation

Single-photon avalanche diodes (SPAD) are photodetectors with exceptional characteristics. This paper proposes a new approach to model them in Verilog-A HDL with the help of a powerful tool: TCAD simulation. Besides, to the best of our knowledge, this is first model to incorporate a trap-assisted tunneling mechanism, a cross-section temperature dependence of the traps, and the self-heating effect. Comparison with experimental data establishes the validity of the model.