A system and method for operating a high dynamic range analog front-end receiver for long range LIDAR with a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) include a clipping circuit to prevent saturation of the TIA. The output of the clipping circuit is connected via a diode or transistor to the input of the TIA and regulated such that the input voltage of the TIA remains close to or is only slightly above the saturation threshold voltage of the TIA. The regulation of the input voltage of the TIA can be improved by connecting a limiting resistor in series with the diode or transistor. A second clipping circuit capable of dissipating higher input currents and thus higher voltages may be connected in parallel with the first clipping circuit. A resistive element may be placed between the first and second clipping circuits to further limit the input current to the TIA.