The TLV380x/TLV3811(C) can be used in conjunction with a high performance amplifier such as the OPA858 to create an optical receiver as shown in the Figure 8-1. The photodiode operates in photoconductive mode: exposure to light will cause a reverse current through the photodiode. A bias voltage is applied to the op amp's non-inverting input to prevent saturation at the negative power supply. The OPA858 takes the current conducting through the diode and translates it into a voltage for a high speed comparator to detect. The TLV380x/TLV3811(C) will then output the proper LVDS signal according to the threshold set (V_REF).

Figure 8-1 Optical Receiver