SNAS605AS March 2013 – May 2020 LMK04821 , LMK04826 , LMK04828
PRODUCTION DATA.
The differential voltage of a differential signal can be described by two different definitions, which can cause confusion when reading data sheets or communicating with other engineers. This section addresses the measurement and description of a differential signal, so that the reader can understand and distinguish between the two different definitions.
The first definition used to describe a differential signal is the absolute value of the voltage potential between the inverting and non-inverting signal. The symbol for this first measurement is typically VID or VOD, depending on if an input or output voltage is being described.
The second definition used to describe a differential signal is to measure the potential of the non-inverting signal with respect to the inverting signal. The symbol for this second measurement is VSS, and is a calculated parameter. This signal does not exist in the IC with respect to ground; it only exists in reference to its differential pair. VSS can be measured directly by oscilloscopes with floating references; otherwise this value can be calculated as twice the value of VOD, as described in the first description.
Figure 8 illustrates the two different definitions side-by-side for inputs, and Figure 9 illustrates the two different definitions side-by-side for outputs. The VID and VOD definitions show VA and VB DC levels that the non-inverting and inverting signals toggle between with respect to ground. VSS input and output definitions show that if the inverting signal is considered the voltage potential reference, the non-inverting signal voltage potential is now increasing and decreasing above and below the non-inverting reference. Thus, the peak-to-peak voltage of the differential signal can be measured.
VID and VOD are often defined as volts (V) and VSS is often defined as volts peak-to-peak (VPP).
Refer to application note AN-912 Common Data Transmission Parameters and their Definitions (SNLA036) for more information.