Differences between LVDS, true-LVDS, emulated-LVDS and mini-LVDS

[Altera_Forum]

Hi,  

I am designing a board with MAX 10 FPGA. I am really confused by all these LVDS standards. I have gone through the datasheets and user guides. But nowhere do I get any description about what all these standards really mean. I am well aware of LVDS, but I am just not able to understand the meaning of true-LVDS, emulated-LVDS and mini-LVDS. I am not finding any source which explains the differences between these.  Can someone please point out the differences, or provide some good document. regards, rajesh

[Altera_Forum]

Hi rajesh, 

 true-LVDS ist just what it says, LVDS with true differential buffers. Emulated LVDS uses a pair of ordinary single-ended pins, which are driven by opposite signals. This "standard" usually needs external resistors to be (more or less) compliant to the LVDS specification. mini-LVDS seems to be just another very similar standard: http://www.ti.com/lit/an/slda007a/slda007a.pdf As far as I know, all those differences are only relevant for drivers, the differential receivers should all be (more or less) the same.  Regards, Philipp

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

I am not interested in the SERDES portion. I just want to receive and transmit clock/data lines in LVDS signaling format. Does any of this (emulated, true, mini, etc) apply in this case.  regards, rajesh

[Altera_Forum]

All can be used, depending on your speed requirements.