What is TOSLINK?

TOSLINK is a light transmission device to convert a digital electrical signal into a light signal and transmit the data.

It converts a digital electrical signal into a digital light signal via a light transmission module, and the converted light signal reaches the light reception module via optical fiber. The light reception module converts the light signal back into the digital electrical signal. The light transmission module incorporates an LED (or LD), which is a light emission element, and a drive circuit to drive it. The light reception module incorporates a photodiode, which is a light receiving element, and a waveform shaping circuit. As the respective circuits are provided with a TTL or PECL interface, they can be easily connected to other circuits.