Frequency response and quantum efficiency analysis for front and back illumination of the PIN photodiode have been derived by solving the continuity equation. The frequency response and the quantum efficiency of double heterostructure junction (DHJ), single heterostructure junction (SHJ), and homojunction (HJ) PIN photodiode with different depletion-region widths have been calculated. The quantum efficiency of SHJ is better than both the DHJ and the HJ photodiodes. Bandwidth contour lines as a function of depletion region width and photodiode area are calculated for DHJ, SHJ and HJ photodiodes.