Differential Pairs

What are Differential Pairs?

Differential pairs comprise two complementary parts. They can carry faster signals than single-ended connections.

Benefits of Differential Pairs

• The received signal is the difference between the two complementary parts, so noise on one side is canceled by similar noise on the other
• Most differential pairs are routed closely parallel, and they couple electromagnetically. Key parameters such as differential impedance are localized, creating a tight signaling channel. Radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI) is also more localized. Careful routing is essential.
• eCADSTAR provides facilities to make sure differential-pair routing will produce correct results

These short videos explain the basics of this technique – illustrated in eCADSTAR

Differential Pair Primer

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• How differential signaling differs from single-ended
• Odd-mode, even-mode, and differential impedance

A Differential Pair and its Termination

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• Why differential length-matching alone is not enough
• Subtle considerations when terminating
• How mode-dependence varies with coupling

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