Abstract: To extend the dynamic range of an optical receiver with a transimpedance amplifier (TIV), it is known to operate the photodiode (PD) as an AC source at high light levels by using a DC-limiting element in the DC circuit of the photodiode, and to convert, by means of an AC circuit, the alternating voltage into an alternating current serving as the input current for the transimpedance amplifier (TIV), which lies within the permissible range. According to the invention, the AC circuit (C.sub.s, R.sub.s) runs from the photodiode terminal (2) not connected to the transimpedance amplifier input to the output (U.sub.a) of the transimpedance amplifier, whereby an extension of the dynamic range is achieved. The current-limiting element is preferably a transistor circuit (R.sub.E, T) connected as a constant-current source.