This paper describes a new detector architecture for optical pickup units in DVD systems. Apart from data recovery it allows the detection of the spatial light intensity distribution to facilitate a new way of servo signal generation and enables crosstalk detection. The readout of the data is carried out using transimpedance amplifiers which have a calculated -3 dB bandwidth of 140 MHz at 96 dB/spl Omega/ DC-gain and 9.34 nA/sub rms/ input noise current. Image acquisition of the laser spot is realized using the integrating photodiode method. Each pixel of a 5/spl times/5 array is read out at 500 kHz and driven by an analog multiplexer. The circuitry is currently fabricated in a 0.6 /spl mu/m standard CMOS technology.