MIPI DSI and LVDS are two popular high-speed display connection technologies. MIPI, or Mobile Industry Processor Interface, is a high-speed differential protocol that is widely used in cellphones. MIPI Display Serial Interface (DSI) technology is created specifically for display communication.
LVDS is a display data transmission technology that uses differential signalling at low voltages. While LVDS is a comprehensive signaling specification, it has become synonymous with the FPD-Link protocol in the display sector (Flat Panel Display Link). The communication protocols MIPI DSI and FPD-Link both use LVDS as their standard.
These communication protocols use differential signalling to communicate display data, making data transmission faster and using fewer data lines. Large displays, great graphical resolution, and quick frame rates are all advantages of these interfaces. Because these signals are delivered in a differential sequence over bidirectional data lanes, the display interface requires fewer connections.
The MIPI Interface
The MIPI DSI was designed to connect the displays of smartphones and smart gadgets, and it is today the most widely used connection interface. A differential clock pair is also present as part of the MIPI interface, which clocks both the signals and the data lines at a high frequency.
Low voltage triggers these clock and data channels, resulting in low-power displays. This interface can handle a large amount of data since it can signal data quickly, exceeding the minimum frame rate requirements. To put it another way, MIPI interface displays may be capable of supporting high resolution, rich color rendering, and high-speed applications such as video transmission.
The LVDS Interface
LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) is a common choice for large LCDs and peripherals that require high bandwidth, such as high-definition graphics and fast frame rates. Because of its high data transfer speed and low voltage, it is an excellent solution.
The signal is carried on two wires, with one transmitting the inverse of the other. The electric field generated by one wire is neatly hidden by the other, resulting in significantly reduced interference for surrounding wireless equipment. A circuit at the receiver end reads the voltage difference (thus the “differential” in the name) between the wires. As a result, this method generates no noise and does not have its signals confused by external noise.
The display is connected to an HDMI module via an LVDS interface, which handles gate and driver signals and the capacitive touch interface. This display receives RGB data in six or eight-bit sequences through the LVDS interface, equivalent to 16-bit, 18-bit, and 24-bit colour depths.
The Distinction Between The MIPI DSI And LVDS Interfaces
- Unlike the LVDS interface, which can only carry video data, the MIPI DSI interface can also broadcast control commands.
- The LVDS interface turns the RGB TTL signal into an LVDS signal that may be transmitted using the SPWG/JEIDA protocol. According to a defined handshake sequence and instruction regulations, the MIPI DSI interface provides the video data and control data required for screen control.
- The type of LVDS interface signal is LVDS (low voltage differential pair), and the signal’s content is RGB data, line and field synchronisation, and clock.
- The LVDS signal is the type of MIPI DSI interface signal, and the signal’s content is video stream data and control commands.
Concluding Thought
As display communication interface technology progresses, so are strategies for lowering the system’s complexity. MIPI DSI and LVDS cooperated with the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) to implement video compression into their interfaces, allowing the display to have fewer memory restrictions.
These differential display interfaces are excellent choices for applications where the display is an inherent part of the product rather than a system peripheral. This is why they’re seen in smart gadgets like cellphones, computers, and televisions, where the display is the primary application. Analog interfaces are progressively being replaced with digital interfaces, such as a push button with a capacitive touch display. As a result, differential interfaces have become the new industry standard for display communication.