A novel monolithic differential photoreceiver has been realized using InP/InGaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors. This dc-coupled differential OEIC operated successfully with both continuous and burst-mode data streams up to 5 Gb/s with a sensitivity of -18.6 dBm for the continuous mode operation at a bit error rate of 10(-9). There was a 1.5 dB penalty of the sensitivity value in burst-mode operation. This is the first demonstration of an OEIC for burst-mode operation at high speeds.