SNAS703 April 2017 LMK04828-EP
PRODUCTION DATA.
The differential voltage of a differential signal can be described by two different definitions, causing confusion when reading data sheets or communicating with other engineers. This section addresses the measurement and description of a differential signal so the reader can understand and distinguish between the two different definitions when used.
The first definition used to describe a differential signal is the absolute value of the voltage potential between the inverting and noninverting 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 noninverting signal with respect to the inverting signal. The symbol for this second measurement is VSS and is a calculated parameter. This signal only exists in reference to its differential pair and does not exist in the IC with respect to ground. 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 4 illustrates the two different definitions side-by-side for inputs and Figure 5 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 noninverting 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 for more information.