Burst-mode compatible optical receiver with a large dynamic range

A description is given of the characteristics and performance of a burst-mode receiver for optical data communication that employs a differential transimpedance amplifier and an auto-threshold-tracking level control circuit in the preamplifier. The differential outputs of the preamplifier are DC-coupled to the decision circuit to achieve burst-mode compatibility. The receiver was assembled in a compact dual inline package with an optical connector. The typical sensitivities are around -31.5 and -29.5 dBm/Av at 200 Mb/s (at a bit error rate of 10^-9) for pseudorandom and burst-mode signals, respectively, with dynamic ranges of 27.5 and 25.5 dB, respectively. The operating bit rate ranges from DC to 500 Mb/s, and the differential outputs are true ECL (emitter-coupled logic)