An apparatus and method for receiving electrical signals and transmitting optical signals includes a substrate having an electrical circuit. An electrical-to-optical module is mounted on the substrate, and the module includes an array of photodetectors communicating with the electrical circuit. The photodetectors may include VCSEL arrays or PD arrays. The module receives electrical signals from the electrical circuit and provides a plurality of corresponding light signals. An electrical transport is embedded in the substrate, and the electrical transport electrically communicates with the array of photodetectors. An optical interface provides electrical communication between an optical fiber and the electrical circuit. A heat transfer device may be positioned adjacent the photodetectors to transfer heat generated by the photodetectors.