TIA PN-4584

Revision 1.2

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LOW VOLTAGE DIFFERENTIAL

SIGNALING (LVDS) INTERFACE CIRCUITS

PN-4584

May 2000
 TIA PN-4584
Revision 1.2

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LOW VOLTAGE DIFFERENTIAL

SIGNALING (LVDS) INTERFACE CIRCUITS

Contents Page

1 SCOPE .................................................................................................................... 1

2 DEFINITIONS, SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS................................................ 2

2.1 Data signaling rate.......................................................................................... 2

2.2 DTE................................................................................................................... 2

2.3 DCE .................................................................................................................. 2

2.4 LVDS ................................................................................................................ 2

2.5 Star (*) .............................................................................................................. 2

3 APPLICABILITY ...................................................................................................... 3

3.1 General applicability....................................................................................... 3

3.2 Data signaling rate.......................................................................................... 4

4 ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS........................................................................ 5

4.1 Generator characteristics .............................................................................. 6

4.1.1 Full load test measurements (Figure 4)........................................................ 7

4.1.2 Offset voltage and balance measurements (Figure 5) .................................. 8

4.1.3 Short-circuit measurements (Figure 6 and Figure 7)..................................... 9

4.1.4 Output signal waveform (Figure 8) .............................................................. 10

4.1.5 Dynamic output signal balance (Figure 9) ................................................... 11

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4.2 Load characteristics ..................................................................................... 12

4.2.1 Receiver input current - voltage measurements (Figure 10) ....................... 12

4.2.2 Receiver input balance measurements (Figure 11)..................................... 13

4.2.3 Terminating receiver input current - voltage measurements and input

impedance measurements (Figure 12 and Figure 13) ........................................... 14

4.2.4 Receiver input sensitivity measurements (Figure 14 and Figure 15)........... 16

4.2.5 Media termination (Figure 16 and Figure 17) .............................................. 17

4.3 Interconnecting media electrical characteristics....................................... 19

4.3.1 Cable media ................................................................................................ 19

4.3.2 PC Board trace media ................................................................................. 19

4.3.3 Other media ................................................................................................ 19

4.4 System parameters....................................................................................... 20

4.4.1 Multiple receiver operation (Figure 18 and Figure 19)................................. 20

4.4.2 Failsafe operation........................................................................................ 21

4.4.3 Total load limit ............................................................................................. 21

5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS ..................................................................... 22

6 CIRCUIT PROTECTION ........................................................................................ 23

7 OPTIONAL GROUNDING ARRANGEMENTS ...................................................... 23

7.1 Signal common (ground).............................................................................. 23

7.1.1 Configuration "A" (Figure 20) ...................................................................... 23

7.1.2 Configuration "B" (Figure 21) ...................................................................... 24

7.2 Shield ground - cable applications.............................................................. 24

ANNEX A (INFORMATIVE) .......................................................................................... 25

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A.1 INTERCONNECTING CABLE............................................................................... 25

A.1.1 Length ............................................................................................................ 25

A.1.2 Typical cable characteristics ....................................................................... 26

A.1.2.1 Parallel interface cable ............................................................................. 26

A.1.2.2 Serial interface cable ................................................................................ 27

A.1.3 Cable termination.......................................................................................... 27

A.2 CABLE LENGTH VS. DATA SIGNALING RATE GUIDELINES ........................... 28

A.3 CO-DIRECTIONAL AND CONTRA-DIRECTIONAL TIMING INFORMATION ...... 28

B.1 COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER INTERFACE STANDARDS............................... 29

B.1.1 Generator output levels (Figure B.1) ........................................................... 29

B.1.2 Compatibility with IEEE 1596.3 .................................................................... 30

B.1.3 Compatibility with other interface standards ............................................. 31

B.2 POWER DISSIPATION OF GENERATORS .................................................. 31

B.3 RELATED TIA/EIA STANDARDS .......................................................................... 31

B.4 OTHER RELATED INTERFACE STANDARDS..................................................... 31

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FOREWORD

(This foreword is not part of this Standard)

This Standard was formulated under the cognizance of TIA Subcommittee TR-30.2 on
Data Transmission Interfaces.

This Standard was developed in response to a demand from the data communications
community for a general purpose high-speed interface standard for use in high
throughput DTE-DCE interfaces.

The voltage levels specified in this Standard were specified such that maximum
flexibility would be provided, while providing a low power, high speed, differential
interface. Generator output characteristics are independent of power supply, and may
be designed for standard +5 V, +3.3 V or even power supplies as low as +2.5 V.
Integrated circuit technology may be BiCMOS, CMOS, or GaAs technology. The low
voltage (330 mV) swing limits power dissipation, while also reducing radiation of EMI
signals. Differential signaling provides multiple benefits over single-ended signaling,
notably common-mode rejection, and magnetic canceling.

Additional specifications for multidrop applications have been incorported into

TIA-644-A. A full load test measurement for the generator and a balance test of
receiver input current have been added to this revision. A survey of devices conforming
to TIA/EIA-644 currently available are able to meet the additional requirements of TIA-
644-A.

This Standard includes two Annexes, both are informative only. Annex A provides
guidelines for application, addressing data signaling rate and cable length issues.
Annex B provides comparison information with other interface standards, and
references to this Standard.

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1 SCOPE

This Standard specifies the electrical characteristics of low voltage differential signaling
interface circuits, normally implemented in integrated circuit technology, that may be
employed when specified for the interchange of binary signals between:

Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment (DCE),

Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Terminal Equipment (DTE),

or in any point-to-point interconnection of binary signals between equipment.

The interface circuit includes a generator connected by a balanced interconnecting

media to a load consisting of a termination impedance and a receiver(s). The interface
configuration is an uncomplicated point-to-point interface. The electrical characteristics
of the circuit are specified in terms of required voltage, and current values obtained
from direct measurements of the generator and receiver (load) components at the
interface points.

The logic function of the generator and the receiver is not defined by this Standard, as it
is application dependent. The generators and receivers may be inverting, non-inverting,
or may include other digital blocks such as parallel-to-serial or serial-to-parallel
converters to boost the data signaling rate on the interchange circuit as required by the
application.

Minimum performance requirements for the balanced interconnecting media are

furnished. Guidance is given in Annex A, Section A.2 with respect to limitations on data
signaling rate imposed by the parameters of the cable length, attenuation, and crosstalk
for individual installations for a typical cable media interface.

It is intended that this Standard will be referenced by other standards that specify the
complete interface (i.e., connector, pin assignments, function) for applications where
the electrical characteristics of a low voltage differential signaling interface circuit is
required. This Standard does not specify other characteristics of the DTE-DCE
interface (such as signal quality, protocol, maximum data signaling rate, bus structure,
and/or timing) essential for proper operation across the interface.

When this Standard is referenced by other standards or specifications, it should be

noted that certain options are available. The preparer of those standards and
specifications must determine and specify those optional features which are required
for that application.

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2 DEFINITIONS, SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

For the purposes of this Standard, the following definitions, symbols and abbreviations
apply:

2.1 Data signaling rate

Data signaling rate - expressed in the units bit/s (bits per second), is the significant
parameter. It may be different from the equipment’s data transfer rate, which employs
the same units. Data signaling rate is defined as 1/tui where tui is the minimum interval
between two significant instants.

2.2 DTE

Data Terminal Equipment

2.3 DCE

Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment

2.4 LVDS

Low Voltage Differential Signaling

2.5 Star (*)

Star (*) - represents the opposite input condition for a parameter. For example, the
symbol Q represents the receiver output state for one input condition, while Q*
represents the output state for the opposite input state.

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3 APPLICABILITY

3.1 General applicability

The provisions of this Standard may be applied to the circuits employed at the interface
between equipments where information being conveyed is in the form of binary signals.

Typical points of applicability for this Standard are depicted in Figure 1.

G R
D D
B
T C
E E
R G

Figure 1 - Application of LVDS interface circuits

Legend:
DTE = Data Terminal Equipment DCE = Data Circuit-termination Equipment
G = Generator R = Receiver
B = Balanced interconnecting media

The LVDS interface is intended for use where any of the following conditions prevail:
a. The data signaling rate is too great for effective unbalanced (single-ended)
operation.
b. The data signaling rate exceeds the capability of TIA/EIA-422-B,
TIA/EIA-485-A, or TIA/EIA-612 balanced (differential) electrical interfaces.
c. The balanced interconnecting media is exposed to extraneous noise sources
that may cause an unwanted voltage up to ±1 V measured differentially between
the signal conductor and circuit common at the load end of the cable with a 50 Ω
resistor substituted for the generator.
d. It is necessary to minimize electromagnetic emissions and interference with
other signals.

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3.2 Data signaling rate

The LVDS interface circuit will normally be utilized on data and timing, or control
circuits. Actual maximum data signaling rate is NOT defined by this Standard. The
limit is determined by the generator transition time characteristics, the media
characteristics, the distance between the generator and the load, and the
required signal quality.

A theoretical maximum limit is calculated at 1.923 Gbit/s, and is derived from a

calculation of signal transition time at the load assuming a loss-less balanced
interconnecting media. The recommended signal transition time (tr or tf) at the load
should not exceed 0.5 of the unit interval to preserve signal quality. This Standard
specifies that the transition time of the generator into a test load be 260 ps or slower.
Therefore, with the fastest generator transition time, and a loss-less balanced
interconnecting media, and applying the 0.5 restriction, yields a minimum unit interval of
520 ps or 1.923 Gbit/s theoretical maximum data signaling rate. Employing a parallel
bus structure (4, 8, 16, 32, etc. - bus width) can easily extend the obtainable equivalent
bit rate into the multi Gbit/s range.

A recommended maximum data signaling rate is derived from a calculation of signal

transition time at the load. For example, if a cable media is selected, a maximum signal
rise time degradation is assumed to be 500 ps, since cables are not loss-less (500 ps
represents a typical amount of rise time distortion on 5 meters of cable media).
Therefore, allowing a 500 ps degradation of the signal in the interconnecting cable
yields a 760 ps (fastest) signal at the load. Therefore, with the fastest generator
transition time, and a cable with only 500 ps of signal degradation (transition time), and
applying the 0.5 restriction, yields a minimum unit interval of 1.520 ns or 655 Mbit/s
recommended maximum data signaling rate based on this set of assumptions.
Maximum data signaling rate is thus application dependant.

Generators and receivers meeting this Standard need not operate to the theoretical
maximum data signaling rate. They may be designed to operate over narrower ranges
that satisfy more economically specified applications, for example at lower data
signaling rates. When a generator is limited to a narrower range of data signaling rates,
the transition time of the generator may be slowed accordingly to limit noise generation.
For example, at 100 Mbit/s the generator's transition time should be in the range of
500 ps to 3 ns (5% to 30% of the unit interval), and the signal transition time at the load
should not exceed 5 ns (50% of the unit interval).

While a restriction of maximum cable length in not specified, recommendations are

given on how to determine the maximum data signaling rate for a typical cable media
application (see A.2).

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4 ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The LVDS interface circuit is shown in Figure 2. The circuit consists of three parts: the
generator (G), the balanced interconnecting media, and the load. The load is
composed of a termination impedance and a receiver(s) (R). The receiver may
incorporate the termination impedance internal to the Integrated Circuit package. The
electrical characteristics of the generator and receiver are specified in terms of direct
electrical measurements while the balanced interconnecting media is described in
terms of its electrical characteristics.

GENERATOR BALANCED LOAD

INTERCONNECTING
MEDIA
MEDIA RECEIVER
TERMINATION

A A'
G ZT R
B B'

Vcpd
C C'

Figure 2 - LVDS interface circuit

Legend:
G = Generator R = Receiver
A = Generator interface point A' = Receiver interface point
B = Generator interface point B' = Receiver interface point
C = Generator circuit common C' = Receiver circuit common
ZT = Termination impedance
Vcpd = Common potential difference

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4.1 Generator characteristics

The generator electrical characteristics are specified in accordance with the

measurements illustrated in Figure 4 to Figure 9 and described in 4.1.1 through 4.1.5.
The generator circuit meeting these requirements results in a balanced source that will
produce a differential voltage across a test termination load of 100 Ω in the range of
250 mV to 450 mV.

The signaling sense of the voltages appearing across the termination resistor is defined
in Figure 3 as follows:

a. The A terminal of the generator shall be negative with respect to the B

terminal for a binary 1 or OFF state.

b. The A terminal of the generator shall be positive with respect to the B terminal
for a binary 0 or ON state.

The logic function of the generator and the receiver is beyond the scope of this
Standard, and therefore is not defined.

1 0 1
OFF ON OFF
VB
+1.2 V
typical
VA
A +250 to
G ZT = 100 Ω +450 mV
B
C | VA - VB | 0V (Diff.)

-250 to
-450 mV

Figure 3 - Signaling sense

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4.1.1 Full load test measurements (Figure 4)

With a test load of three resistors, 100 Ω ±1% between the A and B generator output
terminals, and 3.75 kΩ ±1% between each generator output terminal and a test supply
(VTEST), as shown in Figure 4, the steady-state magnitude of the differential output
voltage (VT), shall be greater than or equal to 247 mV and less than or equal to
454 mV with the test voltage varied from 0 V to +2.4 V. For the opposite binary state,
the polarity of VT shall be reversed (VT *). The steady-state magnitude of the difference
between VT and VT * shall be 50 mV or less.

247 mV ≤ | VT | ≤ 454 mV
247 mV ≤ | VT* | ≤ 454 mV
| VT | - | VT* | ≤ 50 mV

The 100 Ω resistor represents a typical termination load, and the 3.75 kΩ resistors
represent the combined impedance of 32 receiver loads connected to the bus. The
VTEST power supply represents the allowable range of biasing that the receivers may
present to the bus.

A
3.75 kΩ
STEADY STATE
LOGIC INPUT G 100 Ω VT
(1 OR 0) +
VTEST
0 to +2.4 V
B 3.75 kΩ
C
= Measured Parameter

Figure 4 – Full load test measurements

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4.1.2 Offset voltage and balance measurements (Figure 5)

With a test load of two resistors, 49.9 Ω ±1% each, connected in series between the
generator output terminals, the steady-state magnitude of the generator offset voltage
(VOS), measured between the center point of the test load and the generator circuit
common shall be greater than or equal to 1.125 V and less than or equal to 1.375 V for
either binary state. The steady-state magnitude of the difference of VOS for one binary
state and VOS * for the opposite binary state shall be 50 mV or less.

1.125 V ≤ VOS ≤ 1.375 V

1.125 V ≤ VOS * ≤ 1.375 V
| VOS | - | VOS * | ≤ 50 mV

49.9 Ω
STEADY STATE A
LOGIC INPUT G VOS
(1 OR 0)
49.9 Ω
B

C
= Measured Parameter

Figure 5 – Offset Voltage measurements

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4.1.3 Short-circuit measurements (Figure 6 and Figure 7)

With the generator output terminals short-circuited to the generator circuit common, the
magnitudes of the currents (ISA and ISB) following through each output terminal shall not
exceed 24.0 mA for either binary state.
| ISA | ≤ 24.0 mA
| ISB | ≤ 24.0 mA

ISA
STEADY STATE A
LOGIC INPUT G
(1 OR 0)
ISB
B

C
= Measured Parameter

Figure 6 - Short-circuit measurements to circuit common

With the generator output terminals short-circuited to each other, the magnitude of the
current (ISAB) following through the output terminals shall not exceed 12.0 mA for either
binary state.

| Isab | ≤ 12.0 mA

STEADY STATE A
LOGIC INPUT G ISAB
(1 OR 0)

C
= Measured Parameter

Figure 7 - Short-circuit measurements

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4.1.4 Output signal waveform (Figure 8)

During transitions of the generator output between alternating binary states (one-zero-
one-zero, etc.), the differential voltage measured across the 99.8 Ω ±1% test load (RL)
connected as shown in Figure 8, shall be such that the voltage monotonically changes
between 0.2 and 0.8 of VSS and is less than or equal to 0.3 of the unit interval.
Thereafter, the signal voltage shall not vary more than ±20% of the steady-state value
(Vring), until the next binary transition occurs. Transition times shall not be less than 260
ps. Edge rates less than 260 ps are not recommended to minimize adverse effects of
switching noise. VSS is defined as the voltage difference between the two steady-state
values of the generator output (VSS = 2|Vt|). Measurement equipment used for
compliance testing shall provide a bandwidth of 5 GHz minimum.

260 ps ≤ tr ≤ 0.3 tui

260 ps ≤ tf ≤ 0.3 tui

ALTERNATING
LOGIC INPUT G Vt RL
(1,0,1,0,...)

Vring
±20% VSS
0.8VSS 0.8VSS
+ Vt
VSS

0V Differential

- Vt
0.2VSS 0.2VSS

tui tr tf

Figure 8 – Output signal waveform

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4.1.5 Dynamic output signal balance (Figure 9)

During transitions of the generator output between alternating binary states (one-zero-
one-zero, etc.), the resulting imbalance of the offset voltage (VOS) measured between
the matched 49.9 Ω ±1% test load resistors (RL) to circuit common (C) as shown in
Figure 9, should not vary more than 150 mVpp (peak-to-peak). Measurement
equipment used for compliance testing shall provide a bandwidth of 5 GHz minimum.
Scope probe shall present atleast 100 kΩ differential resistance with no more than 1 pF
differential capacitance loading.

A
49.9 Ω
ALTERNATING RL
LOGIC INPUT G Vt VOS
(1,0,1,0,...) RL
49.9 Ω
B
C

A-B
VSS

0V Differential

tui

Vos 150 mVpp

GND

Figure 9 - Dynamic output signal balance waveform

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4.2 Load characteristics

The load is defined as an impedance between A' and B' and is composed of a
termination impedance and a receiver as shown in Figure 2.

The electrical characteristics of a receiver without an internal termination impedance

are specified in terms of measurements illustrated in Figure 10, Figure 11, Figure 14
and Figure 15, and described in 4.2.1, 4.2.2 and 4.2.4. Alternately, the electrical
characteristics of a receiver with an internal termination impedance is specified in terms
of measurements illustrated in Figure 12 to Figure 15, and described in 4.2.3 through
4.2.4. A circuit meeting these requirements results in a differential receiver having a
high input impedance (non-terminating receiver), and a small input threshold between
± 100 mV.

The media termination is specified in terms of measurements described in 4.2.5 and

4.2.3 for receivers that integrate the termination impedance.

The total load limit is specified in 4.4.3, and additional guidance is provided in 4.4.1 and
4.4.2 on multiple receiver operation and failsafe operation respectfully.

4.2.1 Receiver input current - voltage measurements (Figure 10)

With the voltage Via (or Vib) ranging from 0 V to +2.4 V while Vib (or Via) is held at
+1.2 V ± 50 mV, the resultant input current Iia (or Iib) shall be no greater than 20 µA in
magnitude. These measurements apply with the receiver's power supply in both power-
on and power-off conditions.

NOTE - Some integrated circuit manufacturers may impose additional

restrictions that may be required to meet this specification under the power-off
condition.
| Iia | ≤ 20 µA
| Iib | ≤ 20 µA

A'
Via Iia

R
B'
Vib Iib
C'

= Measured Parameter

Figure 10 - Receiver input current - voltage measurements

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4.2.2 Receiver input balance measurements (Figure 11)

The balance of the input currents (IA’ and IB’) shall be 6 µA or less for all test voltages
between 0 V and 2.4 V.

NOTE - Current into a terminal is positive, and current out of a terminal is negative.

| IA’ - IB’ | ≤ 6 uA
A'
IA'

R
+ B'
IB'
VTEST
0V to +2.4V C'

= Measured Parameter

Figure 11 - Receiver input balance measurements

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4.2.3 Terminating receiver input current - voltage measurements and input

impedance measurements (Figure 12 and Figure 13)

With the applied voltage (Vin) and forced current (Iin) listed in Table 1 applied to the
corresponding inputs, the resultant differential input voltage magnitude (Vid) shall be
between the values listed in Table 1. The test circuit is shown in Figure 12 and applies
only to receivers that provide an internal termination impedance. These measurements
apply with the receiver's power supply in both power-on and power-off conditions.

NOTE - Some integrated circuit manufacturers may impose additional

restrictions that may be required to meet this specification under the power-off
condition.

225 mV ≤ | Vid | ≤ 596 mV

Table 1 - Receiver input current - voltage measurements for terminating receivers

Resulting
Applied Voltage Forced Switch Resulting Diff. Input
Vin Loop Current Position Input Voltage Voltage Range
(V) Iin (mA) S1 - S2 Vr (V) Vid (mV)
2.4 - 2.5 A' - B' 2.070 to 2.175 +225 to +330
2.4 - 4.5 A' - B' 1.806 to 1.995 +405 to +596
2.4 - 2.5 B' - A' 2.070 to 2.175 -225 to -330
2.4 - 4.5 B' - A' 1.806 to 1.995 -405 to -596
0 - 2.5 A' - B' 0.225 to 0.330 -225 to -330
0 - 4.5 A' - B' 0.405 to 0.594 -405 to -596
0 - 2.5 B' - A' 0.225 to 0.330 +225 to +330
0 - 4.5 B' - A' 0.405 to 0.594 +405 to +596
NOTE - Current into a terminal is positive, and current out of a terminal is negative.

B'

A'
S1
ZT
Vid
A' R
Vin Iin
B'
S2
Vr
C'

= Measured Parameter

Figure 12 - Terminating receiver input current - voltage measurements

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IID - Loop Current - mA 4.5

4.0

OPERATING
REGION
3.5
90 Ω
132 Ω

3.0

2.5

2.0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600

| VID | - Differential Input Voltage - mV

Figure 13 - Terminating receiver input current vs. input voltage range

The input impedance of the terminating receiver is dominated by the low impedance
differential termination impedance (ZT). The resulting input resistance calculated from
the measurements describe in Table 1 shall be greater than or equal to 90 Ω, and less
than or equal to 132 Ω. See 4.2.5 on media termination, and 4.4.3 on total load limit.
90 Ω ≤ ZT ≤ 132 Ω

NOTE - The internal termination impedance may be a simple resistor

incorporated into the package, integrated on the die, or composed of active
devices on the die. The exact structure and impedance of the termination is
beyond the scope of this Standard.

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4.2.4 Receiver input sensitivity measurements (Figure 14 and Figure 15)

Over an entire common-mode voltage range of +0.050 V to +2.350 V (referenced to

receiver circuit common), the receiver shall not require a differential input voltage of
more than ±100 mV (threshold) to correctly assume the intended binary state.
Reversing the polarity of Vi shall cause the receiver to assume the opposite binary
state. The receiver is required to maintain correct operation for differential input
voltages ranging between 100 mV and 600 mV in magnitude. The maximum voltage
applied to either the A' or B' terminals shall not greater than +2.4 V, or be less than 0 V
with respect to receiver circuit common. The maximum differential input voltage applied
to the receiver is 2.4 V with no damage occurring to the receiver inputs.

Thresholds ≤ ±100 mV (differential)

100 mV ≤ Valid Differential Input Voltage Range ≤ 600 mV
0 V ≤ Valid Input Voltage (to circuit common) ≤ +2.4 V

+600 mV

A'

Differential Input Voltage (VID)

VA'

Maximum operating range

+Vi
R
B'
VB' +100 mV Transition
Vcm
C' -100 mV Region

Vcm = +0.050 V to +2.350 V -Vi

for VID = 100 mV
Vcm = +0.300 V to +2.100 V
for VID = 600 mV
VID (V) is measured VA' - VB'
-600 mV

Figure 14 - Receiver input sensitivity measurements

Table 2 lists the minimum and maximum operating voltages of the receiver (input
voltage, differential input voltage, and common-mode input voltage), and the test circuit
is shown in Figure 15.

NOTE - The logic function of the receiver is not defined by this Standard.

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Table 2 - Receiver minimum and maximum operating voltages

Applied Voltages Resulting Resulting Reason

(Input Voltage - referenced Differential Common- of Test
to circuit common - C') Input Voltage mode Input
Voltage
Via Vib VID VCM

+1.250 V +1.150 V +100 mV +1.200 V To guarantee

+1.150 V +1.250 V -100 mV +1.200 V operation
+2.400 V +2.300 V +100 mV +2.350 V with minimum
+2.300 V +2.400 V -100 mV +2.350 V VID applied
+0.100 V 0V +100 mV +0.050 V versus VCM
0V +0.100 V -100 mV +0.050 V range
+1.500 V +0.900 V +600 mV +1.200 V To guarantee
+0.900 V +1.500 V -600 mV +1.200 V operation
+2.400 V +1.800 V +600 mV +2.100 V with maximum
+1.800 V +2.400 V -600 mV +2.100 V VID applied
+0.600 V 0V +600 mV +0.300 V versus VCM
0V +0.600 V -600 mV +0.300 V range

A'
= Measured Parameter

VID R
Via = Applied Voltage

B'
Vib Note:
C' VCM = (Via + Vib)/2,
VID = |Via - Vib|

Figure 15 - Receiver input sensitivity test circuit

4.2.5 Media termination (Figure 16 and Figure 17)

All applications shall use a termination impedance. The recommended value is

between 90 Ω and 132 Ω. The actual value should be selected to match the media
characteristic impedance (±10%) at the application frequency. The termination
impedance may be integrated onto the receiver integrated circuit, but subject to meeting
the requirements of 4.2.3 instead of 4.2.1. If the termination impedance is not
integrated into the receiver circuit, then it shall be located at the load end of the
balanced interconnecting media.

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NOTE - Due to the high application frequency, care should be taken in choosing
proper components such as the termination resistor, and in layout of the printed
circuit board. The use of surface mount components is highly recommended to
minimize parasitic inductance, and lead length of the termination resistor. Wire
wound resistors are not recommended.

The media termination is shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17.

A A'
G ZT R
B B'
C'
C

Figure 16 - Point-to-point application with external termination

A A' ZT
G R
B B'
C'
C

Figure 17 - Point-to-point application with internal termination

NOTE - Matching of impedance of the PCB traces, connectors and balanced

interconnect media is highly recommended. Impedance variations along the
entire interconnect path should be minimized since they degrade the signal path
and may cause reflections of the signal.

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4.3 Interconnecting media electrical characteristics

The balanced interconnecting media shall consist of paired metallic conductors in any
configuration which will maintain balanced signal transmission.

NOTE - The actual media of the cable is not specified and may be: twisted pair
cable, twin-ax cable (parallel pair), flat ribbon cable, or PCB traces.

The performance of any balanced interconnecting media used shall be such to maintain
the necessary signal quality for the specific application. If necessary for system
consideration, shielding may be employed (see 7.2).

Annex A to this Standard provides guidance on performance and cable length versus
data signaling rate and cable recommendations for typical cable applications.

4.3.1 Cable media

The cable media shall conform to the following electrical requirements:

4.3.1.1 Maximum DC loop resistance (DCR):

32 Ω is the maximum DC loop resistance of the cable. This corresponds to a voltage

drop of 80 mV assuming minimum generator current of 2.5 mA.

4.3.1.2 Characteristic impedance:

110 Ω +/- 20% from 10 MHz to the application upper frequency limit.

4.3.1.3 Additional parameters

Additional parameters not specified which are application dependent (see Annex A)
are: Maximum Attenuation, Maximum Propagation Delay, Maximum Propagation Delay
Skew, Maximum Near End Crosstalk (NEXT), and Maximum Far End Crosstalk
(FEXT). Crosstalk, skew, and related pair balance parameters may impact applications
with multiple signal transmission lines.

4.3.2 PC Board trace media

The electrical requirements of PC Board traces shall also meet the requirements of
4.3.1.1 to 4.3.1.3.

4.3.3 Other media

It may be possible that other media may be employed, the definition and electrical
characteristics of such media is beyond the scope of this Standard.

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4.4 System parameters

4.4.1 Multiple receiver operation (Figure 18 and Figure 19)

The generator has the capability to furnish the DC signal necessary to drive multiple (up
to 32) parallel connected receivers (without internal termination). However, the physical
arrangement of the multiple receivers involves consideration of stub line lengths,
location of the termination resistor, number of receivers, data signaling rate, circuit
common, etc., that may degrade dynamic characteristics of the signal at the receivers if
not properly implemented. It is recommended that stub lengths off the main line be as
short as possible. In general, the propagation delay of the stub, should not exceed
30% of the signal transition time to prevent reflections and a severe impedance
discontinuity. For applications with receivers without internal termination, the external
termination resistor must be located at the far end (last receiver) of the interconnect.

G ZT R2
Stub
Length

R1

Figure 18 - Multiple receiver operation - multidrop application

NOTE - If the configuration illustrated in Figure 18 is employed, only the receiver

at the far end of the cable may be a terminating receiver.

All receivers located between the generator and the final receiver must be non-
terminating receiver(s). Multiple terminating receivers would present a low impedance
load to the generator which would violate the total load limit (see 4.4.3), and adversely
attenuate the signal.

The configuration shown in Figure 19 is composed of two independent uncomplicated

point-to-point applications. At the expense of the second balanced interconnecting
media, and termination impedance, the problem of stub lengths is eliminated, along
with any impedance discontinuities that mid balanced interconnecting media
connectors, and stubs may present. Signal quality is superior in an uncomplicated
point-to-point configuration over a multidrop configuration. At the highest speeds it may
not be possible to meet the 30% recommendation. In this case, a point-to-point
configuration is recommended.

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G ZT R

G ZT R

Figure 19 - Uncomplicated point-to-point application

4.4.2 Failsafe operation

Other standards and specifications using the electrical characteristics of the LVDS
interface circuit may require that specific interchange circuits be made failsafe to certain
fault conditions. Such fault conditions may include one or more of the following:
1) generator in power-off condition
2) receiver not connected with the generator
3) open-circuited interconnecting cable
4) short-circuited interconnecting cable
5) input signal to the load remaining within the transition region (±100 mV) for an
abnormal period of time (application dependent)
When detection of one or more of the above fault conditions is required by specified
applications, additional provisions are required in the load and the following items must
be determined and specified:
1) which interchange circuits require fault detection
2) what faults must be detected
3) what action must be taken when a fault is detected; the binary state that the
receiver assumes
4) what is done does not violate this Standard
The method of detection of fault conditions is application dependent and is therefore
not further specified as it is beyond the scope of this Standard.

4.4.3 Total load limit

The total load (ZL) including multiple receivers, failsafe provisions, and media
termination shall have a total resistance greater than or equal to 90 Ω and less or equal
to 132 Ω between its input points A' and B', shown in Figure 2. The receiver(s) shall not
require a differential input voltage of more than 100 mV in magnitude for all receiver(s)
to assume the intended binary state.

90 Ω ≤ ZL ≤ 132 Ω

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5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS

A LVDS interface circuit conforming to this Standard will perform satisfactorily providing
that the following operational constraints are simultaneously satisfied:

a. For cable applications, the cable media meets the recommended cable
characteristics, the cable length is within that recommended for the applicable
data signaling rate indicated in Annex A, Section A.2 and the cable is properly
terminated.

b. For PC Board traces, the traces meets the recommended characteristics for
the applicable data signaling rate, and the trace is properly terminated.

c. The input voltage at the receiver (with respect to receiver circuit common) is
between 0 V and +2.4 V and either input (A' or B') terminal. The input voltage is
defined to be any uncompensated combination of generator-receiver common
potential difference, the generator offset voltage (VOS), and longitudinally coupled
peak noise voltage.

d. Maximum common potential difference between the receiver circuit common

and the generator circuit common is less than ±1 V.

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6 CIRCUIT PROTECTION

The LVDS interface generator and receiver devices, under either the power-on or
power-off condition, complying to this Standard shall not be damaged under the
following conditions:
a. Generator open circuit.
b. Short-circuit across the balanced interconnecting media.
c. Short-circuit to common.
NOTE - Some integrated circuit manufacturers may impose additional
restrictions that may be required to meet this specification under the power-off
condition.

7 OPTIONAL GROUNDING ARRANGEMENTS

7.1 Signal common (ground)

Proper operation of the LVDS interface circuits requires the presence of a signal
common path between the circuit commons of the equipment at each end of the
interconnection. The signal common interchange lead shall be connected to the circuit
common which shall be connected to protective ground by any one of the following
methods, shown in Figure 20 and Figure 21, as required by specific application.

The same configuration need not be used at both ends of an interconnection; however,
care should be exercised to prevent establishment of ground loops carrying high
currents.

7.1.1 Configuration "A" (Figure 20)

The circuit common of the equipment is connected to protective ground, at one point
only, by a 100 Ω, ±20%, resistor with a power dissipation rating of 0.5 W. An additional
provision may be made for the resistor to be bypassed with a strap to connect circuit
common and protective ground directly together when specific installation conditions
necessitate.

NOTE - Under certain ground fault conditions in configuration "A", high ground
currents may cause the resistor to fail; therefore, a provision shall be made for
inspection and replacement of the resistor.

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Optional Strap

100 Ω SC
0.5 W

GWG

Protective ground or Circuit common or

Frame ground Circuit ground

Legend:
GWG = Green wire ground of power system
SC = Signal common interchange circuit
Figure 20 - Optional grounding arrangements - configuration "A"

7.1.2 Configuration "B" (Figure 21)

The circuit common shall be connected directly to protective ground.

SC

GWG

Protective ground or Circuit common or

Frame ground Circuit ground

Legend:
GWG = Green wire ground of power system
SC = Signal common interchange circuit
Figure 21 - Optional grounding arrangements - configuration "B"

7.2 Shield ground - cable applications

Some interface applications may require the use of shielded balanced interconnecting
media for EMI or other purposes. When employed, the shield shall be connected only
to frame ground at either or both ends depending on the specific application. The
means of connection of the shield and any associated connector are beyond the scope
of this Standard.

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_____________________________________________________________________

ANNEX A (informative)

_____________________________________________________________________

GUIDELINES FOR CABLE APPLICATION

(This annex is not a formal part of the attached TIA/EIA Recommended Standard, but is
included for information purposes only.)

A.1 Interconnecting cable

The following section provides further information to Section 4.3 and is additional
guidance concerning operational constraints imposed by the cable media parameters of
length and termination.

Generally, if more than one signal transmission line is required for an interface, twisted
pairs are necessary to balance coupling reactance between individual conductors of
adjacent pairs and thus reduce crosstalk.

A.1.1 Length

The length of the cable separating the generator and the load is based on a maximum
loop resistance of 32 Ω, and a corresponding 80 mV loss of the signal.

The following examples given take only the DC effects into account in determining the
maximum cable length. This would pertain to low speed operation only. The AC
effects will limit the maximum cable length before the DC resistance for high speed
applications. See section A.2.

For the following cables gauges, the corresponding maximum length for a 50 mV signal
loss is:

28 AWG 50 meters (164 feet),

24 AWG 150 meters (492 feet)

Longer lengths are possible, if the voltage attenuation is allowed to decrease the
minimum generator differential output voltage to the maximum receiver threshold
voltage (250 mV to 100 mV) for a 150 mV voltage attenuation or -7.9 db. For the
following cables gauges, the corresponding maximum length at a 150 mV signal loss is:

28 AWG 150 meters (492 feet),

24 AWG 450 meters (1,476 feet)

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A.1.2 Typical cable characteristics

A.1.2.1 Parallel interface cable

The following characteristics apply to common parallel interface cable (as used for
TIA/EIA-613, and other I/O interface standards) consisting of 25 twisted pairs
surrounded by an overall shield:

A.1.2.1.1 Parallel cable, physical characteristics

Conductor 28 AWG, 7 strands of 36 AWG, tinned annealed copper, nominal

diameter 0.38 mm (0.015 inch)

Insulation Polyethylene or polypropylene; 0.24 mm (0.0095 inch) nominal

wall thickness; 0.86 mm (0.034 inch) outside diameter

Foil Shield 0.051 mm (0.002 inch) nominal thickness aluminum / polyester

laminated tape helically wrapped around the core

Braid Shield braided 36 AWG, tinned copper with 80% minimum coverage, in
electrical contact with the aluminum surface of the foil shield

Diameter nominal overall cable diameter 9.5 mm (0.375 inch)

A.1.2.1.2 Parallel cable, electrical characteristics

DC Resistance 221 Ω / km (67.5 Ω/1000 feet)

Mutual Capacitance 43 pF/m (13 pF/ft) at 1 kHz

Impedance (characteristic, differential-mode) 110 Ω nominal at 50 MHz

Propagation Delay 4.8 ns/m (1.46 ns/ft)

Attenuation 0.28 dB/m (0.085 dB/ft) at 50 MHz

Skew (propagation delay) 0.115 ns/m (0.035 ns/ft)

Maximum Crosstalk (Near End, NEXT) 30 dB at 50 MHz

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A.1.2.2 Serial interface cable

The following characteristics apply to a common Category 5 serial interface cable (as
used for TIA/EIA-422-B, and other I/O interface standards) consisting of 4 unshielded
twisted pairs surrounded by an overall jacket:

A.1.2.2.1 Serial cable, physical characteristics

Conductor 24 AWG, 7 strands of 32 AWG, tinned annealed copper,

nominal diameter 0.61 mm (0.024 inch)

Insulation Polyethylene or polypropylene; 0.18 mm (0.007 inch)

nominal wall thickness; 0.97 mm (0.038 inch) outside diameter

Foil Shield optional

Braid Shield optional

Diameter nominal overall cable diameter 5.6 mm (0.22 inch)

A.1.2.2.2 Serial cable, electrical characteristics

DC Resistance 84.2 Ω / km (25.7 Ω/1000 feet)

Mutual Capacitance 48 pF/m (14.5 pF/ft) at 1 kHz

Impedance (characteristic, differential-mode) 100 Ω nominal at 50 MHz

Propagation Delay 4.8 ns/m (1.46 ns/ft)

Attenuation 0.17 dB/m (0.051 dB/ft) at 50 MHz

Maximum Crosstalk (Near End, NEXT) 36.8 dB at 50 MHz

A.1.3 Cable termination

The characteristic impedance of twisted pair cable is a function of frequency, wire size
and type as well as the kind of insulating materials employed. For example, the
characteristic impedance of average 28 AWG, copper conductor, plastic insulated
twisted pair cable, to a 50 MHz sine wave will be on the order of 110 Ω.

The range of 90 Ω to 132 Ω allows for a range of media characteristic impedance to be

specified. The nominal media characteristic impedance is restricted to the range of
100 Ω to 120 Ω to allow for impedance variations within the media. Depending upon
the balanced interconnecting media specified, the termination impedance should be
within 10% of the nominal media characteristic impedance.

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A.2 Cable length vs. data signaling rate guidelines

The maximum permissible length of cable separating the generator and the load is a
function of data signaling rate and is influenced by the tolerable signal distortion, the
amount of longitudinally coupled noise and common potential differences introduced
between the generator and the load circuit commons as well as by cable balance.
Increasing the physical separation and the interconnecting cable length between the
generator and the load interface points increases exposure to common-mode noise,
signal distortion, and the effects of cable imbalance. Accordingly, users are advised to
restrict cable length to a minimum, consistent with the generator to load physical
separation requirements.

To determine the maximum data signaling rate for a particular cable length the following
calculations / testing is recommended. First, the maximum DCR of the cable length
(loop resistance) should be calculated, then the resulting signal attenuation should be
calculated at the load. The voltage at the load must be greater than the receiver
thresholds of 100 mV. For a conservative design, a maximum attenuation of 50 mV is
recommended. Next eye patterns are recommended to determine the amount of jitter
at the load at the application data signaling rate and comparing that to system
requirements. Typically maximum allowable jitters tolerances range from 5% to 20%
depending upon actual system requirements. This testing should be done in the actual
application if possible, or in a test system that models the actual application as close as
possible. Parameters that should be taken in account include: balanced interconnect
media characteristics, termination, protocol and coding scheme, and worst case data
patterns (pseudo random for example). The generator / receiver manufacturers and
also the media manufacturers should provide additional guidance in predicting data
signaling rate versus cable length curves for a particular generator / receiver and a
particular media as this relationship is very dependent upon the actual characteristics of
the selected devices and media.

When generators are supplying symmetrical signals to clock leads, the period of the
clock, rather than the unit interval of the clock waveform, shall be used to determine the
maximum cable lengths (e.g., though the clock rate is twice the data rate, the same
maximum cable length limits apply).

A.3 Co-directional and contra-directional timing information

With co-directional (same direction as data) timing, there are minimal problems with
proper clocking of the data bits since the difference between data and clock edges is
mostly the result of generator and receiver skew and not the transmission line. With
contra-directional timing, the user is advised that generator and receiver skew are not
the only items to be taken into account. The cable delay and skew must also be
considered. In both cases the clock should transition as close to the center of the data
bit as possible.

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ANNEX B (informative)

B.1 Compatibility with other interface standards

The LVDS interface circuit is not intended for direct inter-operation with other interface
electrical characteristics such as TIA/EIA-422-B, TIA/EIA-485-A, TIA/EIA-612, ITU-T
(Formerly CCITT) Recommendation V.11, emitter coupled logic (ECL) or PECL.

Under certain conditions, inter-operation with circuits of some of the above interfaces
may be possible but may require modification in the interface or within the equipment,
or may require limitations on certain parameters (such as common-mode range);
therefore, satisfactory operation is not assured, and additional provisions not specified
herein may be required.

B.1.1 Generator output levels (Figure B.1)

A generator complying to this Standard features a differential current source capable of

delivering a loop current in the range of 2.5 mA to 4.5 mA. When loaded with a
100 Ω load, the resulting differential voltage across the resistor will be at least 250 mV
and less than 450 mV (Vt). The center point is typically +1.2 V (VOS). These voltages
are depicted in Figure B.1.

Any balanced receiver device that guarantees and input range of at least 0V to +2.4V,
and thresholds of 200 mV or less may directly inter-operate with the generator specified
by this Standard and total noise is less than 50 mV.

The balanced receiver specified by this Standard may inter-operate with other balanced
generators specified by other standards along as the balanced generator does not
violate the maximum receiver input voltage range, and develops a differential voltage of
at least 100 mV, and not greater than 600 mV. Inter-operation with generators that
provide a greater differential voltage may also be possible with the use of an
attenuating circuit. The actual arrangement of such circuits is beyond the scope of this
annex.

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Voa
SWITCHING
INPUT A 49.9 Ω
G Vt VOS
SQUARE
WAVE 49.9 Ω
Vob
B

C
= Measured Parameter

Voa

Vob
GND

∆ | Vt |
| Vt |

0 V Differential

∆ | VOS |
VOS

GND

Figure B.1 - Generator output levels

B.1.2 Compatibility with IEEE 1596.3

This Standard features very similar DC electrical specifications to the IEEE 1596.3
standard titled: SCI-LVDS Low Voltage Differential Signals Specifications and Packet
Encoding. Direct inter-operation should be possible at certain data signaling rates
without the use of intermediate circuitry. This Standard specifies generic electrical
characteristics of low voltage differential signaling interface circuits for general purpose
applications.

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B.1.3 Compatibility with other interface standards

To determine if direct inter-operation is possible with other interface standards,

generator output levels, and receiver input specifications must be compared.
Specifically the generator's differential output voltage, and offset voltage must be within
the bounds of the receiver's input ranges. Correspondingly, the receiver's input
thresholds, and input voltage range must be able to accept the generator's output
levels. If this is the case, direct inter-operation is possible. If differences exists,
additional provisions and or precautions may be required. This may include
modification or additional circuitry inserted at the interface points or imposing limitations
on certain parameters such as maximum common potential difference. The exact
circuitry required is beyond the scope of this annex.

B.2 Power dissipation of generators

Power dissipation is greatly reduced within the generator circuits compared to other
differential standards which specify a voltage-mode generator. The current-mode
generator can produce less spike current during transitions compared to a voltage-
mode generator. As data signaling rate increases, this component becomes more
critical. This allows for the generator to operate into the 300 MHz region without the
use of special integrated circuit packages or heat sinks. The load signal is specified
between 250 mV and 450 mV typically with a 100 Ω load, with creates a small loop
current of only 2.5 to 4.5 mA compared to the minimum 20 mA loop current for a
differential TIA/EIA-422-B generator. Since the load current component in also
reduced, this allows for highly integrated generator / receiver devices to be offered in
one package or integrated with other VLSI controller integrated circuits.

B.3 Related TIA/EIA standards

TIA/EIA-422-B Electrical Characteristics of Balanced Voltage Digital Interface Circuits

TIA/EIA-485-A Standard for Electrical Characteristics of Generators and Receivers for

use in Balanced Digital Multipoint Systems

TIA/EIA-612 Electrical Characteristics for an Interface at Data Signaling Rates up to 52

Mbit/s

B.4 Other related interface standards

IEEE 1596.3 SCI-LVDS Low Voltage Differential Signals Specifications and Packet
Encoding

ITU-T (formerly CCITT) Recommendation V.11 Electrical characteristics for balanced

double-current interchange circuits for general use with integrated circuit equipment in
the field of data communications

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