The output of the receiver is an analog, low impedance, voltage source capable of driving an amplifier or level translating circuitry for use on various data formats and data rates up to 35 MBaud. The receiver is comprised of a high speed, low noise, photodiode coupled to a transimpedance amplifier which produces an output voltage proportional to the input light amplitude. This hybrid approach solves many of the problems of high speed data link designs by placing a pre-amplifier close to the photodiode. The level amplification produced by the transimpedance amplifier makes the output signal much less susceptible to interference which is a problem often found at high data rates and in high EMI environments.