A data communication receiving element includes a photo-receiving element for receiving an external light signal and for converting the light signal to a current signal. It further includes an amplifier circuit for amplifying the current signal after converting the current signal to a voltage signal. A waveform shaping circuit is included for shaping an output voltage waveform from the amplifier circuit to a substantially square pulse. Finally, an integrator is included for converting the substantially square pulse to a non-square pulse. This is achieved by extending a rising time necessary for shifting the substantially square pulse from a low potential level to a high potential level, and by extending a falling time necessary for shifting the substantially square pulse from the high potential level to the low potential level. As such, deterioration of an S/N ratio is suppressed.