Just what is LVDS

Abstract

Parallel signalling is running out of steam as data rates head into the gigabit per second realm. Differential signalling offers a way forward, and LVDS will be one of the most common forms used. Differential signaling is becoming more commonly used in electronics systems because it is able to transfer data much faster and more reliably than single ended technologies due to its noise immunity and resilience to the destructive effects of long transmissions and loading. There is a variety of differential signalling systems, including low-voltage differential signalling (LVDS) and current-mode logic (CML). All realise these benefits while using various voltage levels and driving strengths for differing applications. LVDS is ideally suited for data rates from 250 Mbit/s to 1 Gbit/s. In addition to data rate improvements, LVDS emits low levels of EMI - a feature of great importance due to the high-frequency content of today's electronic devices.