Editorial Technical Reference

Optical Receiver

This page explains how Optical Receiver is classified within Computer, Electronic and Optical Product Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A component within a LiDAR sensor that detects and converts incoming optical signals (laser light reflections) into electrical signals for processing.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Optical Receiver

Definition
The optical receiver is a critical sub-component of a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor system. Its primary function is to capture the faint laser pulses that are reflected back from a target object after being emitted by the LiDAR's transmitter. It converts these optical signals into corresponding electrical signals, which are then amplified and processed by the sensor's electronics to calculate distance, speed, and generate 3D point cloud data. The receiver typically includes a photodetector (such as an avalanche photodiode or PIN photodiode), a transimpedance amplifier (TIA), and associated optics and packaging. It operates within a wavelength range of 850–1550 nm, with a bandwidth of 100–1000 MHz, and responsivity of 0.5–0.9 A/W at 850 nm for silicon APDs. Sensitivity ranges from -30 to -20 dBm, and rise time from 0.5 to 2 ns. The device requires a supply voltage of 3.3–5 V DC and consumes 0.1–0.5 W. It is designed for an operating temperature of -40 to 85 °C and storage temperature of -40 to 105 °C. Ingress protection ratings of IP54–IP67 (per IEC 60529) are typical for outdoor modules. Package sizes range from 3.2 to 5.0 mm, and weight from 0.5 to 2.0 g. Materials commonly used include semiconductor materials (silicon, InGaAs), ceramic or aluminum housings, and optical glass or lenses. These specifications are typical ranges for LiDAR applications and must be verified with the manufacturer for specific models. The optical receiver is a component, not a standalone system, and its performance directly impacts the accuracy and reliability of the LiDAR sensor. When selecting an optical receiver, engineers must consider the wavelength, bandwidth, sensitivity, and environmental requirements of the application. Verification of parameters and compliance with standards should be confirmed with the supplier.
Working Principle
The optical receiver operates based on photodetection. When photons from the reflected laser pulse strike the active area of the photodetector (e.g., an avalanche photodiode or PIN photodiode), they generate electron-hole pairs, creating a photocurrent. This weak current is proportional to the intensity of the received light. Subsequent transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) convert this current into a measurable voltage signal for further signal processing and time-of-flight calculation.
Common Materials
Semiconductor (Silicon, InGaAs), Ceramic/Aluminum Housing, Optical Glass/Lens
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Wavelength Range850–1550 nmTypical for LiDAR applications
Bandwidth100–1000 MHzHigher bandwidth for faster data rates
Responsivity0.5–0.9 A/WAt 850 nm, typical for Si APD
Sensitivity-30–-20 dBmMinimum detectable optical power
Rise Time0.5–2 nsFor high-speed signal detection
Supply Voltage3.3–5 V DCSingle supply, typical for TIA
Power Consumption0.1–0.5 WDepends on bandwidth and gain
Operating Temperature-40–85 °CAutomotive grade
Storage Temperature-40–105 °CNon-operating
Ingress ProtectionIP54–IP67For outdoor LiDAR modulesIEC 60529
Package Size3.2–5.0 mmSurface mount, e.g., TO-46 or similar
Weight0.5–2.0 gIncluding package and lens

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Photodetector
    Converts incoming photons (light) into an electrical current (photocurrent).
    Material: Semiconductor (e.g., Silicon, InGaAs)
  • Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA)
    Amplifies the weak photocurrent from the detector and converts it into a voltage signal.
    Material: Semiconductor (Integrated Circuit)
  • Optical Filter/Lens Part
    Focuses incoming light onto the active area of the photodetector and may filter out unwanted ambient light.
    Material: Optical Glass
  • Housing Part
    Provides mechanical protection, thermal management, and electromagnetic shielding for the sensitive internal components.
    Material: Aluminum or Ceramic

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Optical Receiver.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Atmospheric to 2 bar
other spec: Wavelength range: 905-1550 nm, Bandwidth: 1 GHz
temperature: -40°C to +85°C
Media Compatibility
✓ Clean air environments ✓ Automotive-grade sealed housings ✓ Industrial-grade protective enclosures
Unsuitable: High-vibration environments without shock mounting
Sizing Data Required
  • Required detection range (meters)
  • Target reflectivity coefficient
  • Desired signal-to-noise ratio (dB)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Photodiode degradation
Cause: Thermal stress from prolonged operation at high optical power levels or ambient temperatures exceeding specifications, leading to increased dark current and reduced responsivity.
Connector contamination or damage
Cause: Accumulation of dust, oils, or particulates on fiber end-faces, or physical misalignment from improper handling during installation/maintenance, causing insertion loss and back-reflection issues.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Gradual or sudden increase in bit error rate (BER) or signal-to-noise ratio degradation beyond acceptable thresholds.
  • Abnormal temperature rise detected at the receiver housing or intermittent signal dropout accompanied by audible relay clicks (if equipped).
Engineering Tips
  • Implement strict optical power monitoring and ensure input power remains within the receiver's specified range using attenuators if necessary to prevent photodiode saturation or damage.
  • Establish regular inspection and cleaning of optical connectors using approved fiber optic cleaning kits, and maintain proper bend radius control in fiber routing to minimize mechanical stress.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 10110-7:2017 (Optics and photonics - Preparation of drawings for optical elements and systems - Part 7: Surface imperfection tolerances) ANSI/TIA-455-78-B (FOTP-78) (Measurement Methods and Test Procedures for Fiber Optic Devices - Optical Power Loss of Installed Single-Mode Fiber Cable Plant) CE marking for EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Fiber alignment: +/-0.5 μm
  • Responsivity variation: +/-0.5 dB over operating temperature range
Quality Inspection
  • Bit Error Rate (BER) test at maximum specified data rate
  • Spectral response measurement across specified wavelength range

Manufacturers of Optical Receiver

3 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Hangzhou DAYTAI Network Technologies Co.,Ltd
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “F Female Optical Receiver”
View source page ↗ daytai.com · checked 2026-09-14
Hangzhou Softel Optic Co., Ltd
Zhejiang, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “SAT Optical Receiver”
View source page ↗ softel-optic.com · checked 2026-08-27
Shenzhen Sanland Technology Co., Ltd.
Guangdong, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Optical Receiver Modules”
View source page ↗ sanlandtech.com · checked 2026-08-27

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of an optical receiver in LiDAR?

The optical receiver detects reflected laser pulses and converts them into electrical signals for processing, enabling distance and speed calculations.

What are typical wavelength ranges for LiDAR optical receivers?

Typical wavelength ranges are 850–1550 nm, depending on the laser source and application.

What materials are commonly used in optical receivers?

Common materials include semiconductor materials like silicon or InGaAs, ceramic or aluminum housings, and optical glass or lenses.

How should I verify the specifications of an optical receiver?

Always check the manufacturer's datasheet for model-specific values, as the listed ranges are typical and must be confirmed for your application.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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