Table of Contents

Introduction MIPI Protocol  2.1 Differential Voltage  2.2 Description of Data Line Nomenclature  2.3 Calculation of Data‑Line Quantity  2.4 Frame Structure and Operating Modes  2.5 Practical Application Cases HDMI Protocol  3.1 Differential Voltage  3.2 Description of Data Line Nomenclature  3.3 Calculation of Data‑Line Quantity  3.4 Frame Structure and Operating Modes  3.5 Practical Application Cases eDP Protocol  4.1 Differential Voltage  4.2 Description of Data Line Nomenclature  4.3 Calculation of Data‑Line Quantity  4.4 Frame Structure and Operating Modes  4.5 Practical Application Cases LVDS Protocol  5.1 Differential Voltage  5.2 Description of Data Line Nomenclature  5.3 Calculation of Data‑Line Quantity  5.4 Frame Structure and Operating Modes  5.5 Practical Application Cases Application Scenarios and Differences Among Protocols Summary

1. Introduction

With continuous advancement of electronic devices, demand for high‑resolution displays keeps growing. This document elaborates on four major display‑interface protocols: MIPI, HDMI, eDP and LVDS. These protocols play vital roles in diverse scenarios including smartphones, televisions, computers and automotive electronics.

2. MIPI Protocol

2.1 Differential Voltage

Description: The differential signal voltage of the MIPI protocol is typically 200 mV (±100 mV). Designed for high‑speed data transmission, it effectively suppresses interference and noise.

2.2 Description of Data Line Nomenclature

Data lines: D0, D1, D2, D3 (generally D‑Pair; each pair consists of differential signal line and complementary inverse signal line) Clock line: CLK (for synchronous data transmission)

2.3 Calculation of Data‑Line Quantity

Example: Data‑line calculation for an 8K 60fps RGB 8×3 display panel

• Panel resolution: 8K = 7680 × 4320 pixels
• Frame rate: 60 frames per second
• Color depth: RGB 8×3 = 24 bits

Calculation: Data volume per frame: 7680 pixels × 4320 lines × 24 bits/pixel = 79 228 800 bits Data throughput per second: 79 228 800 bits/frame × 60 frames/s = 4 753 728 000 bits/s

Required number of data lanes: assuming each lane delivers 1.5 Gbps throughput 4753.728 Mbps ÷ 1.5 Gbps ≈ 3.17 ⇒ 4 data lanes

2.4 Frame Structure and Operating Modes

Description: MIPI frame structure comprises start marker, data payload and end marker. Data is segmented into packets, each containing frame header, payload data and CRC checksum.

Operating modes: MIPI supports High‑Speed Mode and Low‑Power Mode. Low‑Power Mode is achieved by lowering clock frequency and entering sleep status.

2.5 Practical Application Cases

Application: MIPI is widely adopted as display interface for smartphones. For instance, certain mobile handsets employ MIPI DSI interface to connect processors with display panels, delivering high‑frame‑rate and high‑resolution image output.

3. HDMI Protocol

3.1 Differential Voltage

Description: HDMI differential signal voltage is typically 400 mV (±200 mV), dedicated for transmission of high‑definition audio‑video signals.

3.2 Description of Data Line Nomenclature

Data lines: TMDS Data 0, TMDS Data 1, TMDS Data 2 (for video signals) Clock line: TMDS Clock (for synchronization) Control lines: including CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and other signal lines.

3.3 Calculation of Data‑Line Quantity

Example: Data‑line calculation for an 8K 60fps RGB 8×3 display panel HDMI 2.0 offers maximum bandwidth of 18 Gbps. Three pairs of TMDS data lanes satisfy transmission requirements for 8K 60Hz.

3.4 Frame Structure and Operating Modes

Description: HDMI frame structure consists of TMDS data streams, carrying video data, audio data and auxiliary data such as EDID.

Operating modes: HDMI supports Standard Mode (high‑bandwidth), Low‑Power Mode and Standby Mode (e.g., Ethernet transmission under HDMI 1.4).

3.5 Practical Application Cases

Application: HDMI interfaces are widely deployed on televisions, game consoles and audio receivers. For example, latest‑generation game consoles leverage HDMI 2.1 for smooth 8K gameplay with HDR support and elevated frame rates.

4. eDP Protocol

4.1 Differential Voltage

Description: eDP differential signal voltage is typically 400 mV (±200 mV), optimized for high‑speed transmission for high‑resolution displays.

4.2 Description of Data Line Nomenclature

Data lines: DP Lane 0, DP Lane 1, DP Lane 2, DP Lane 3 (differential data channels) Clock line: CLK (for synchronization)

4.3 Calculation of Data‑Line Quantity

Example: Data‑line calculation for an 8K 60fps RGB 8×3 display panel eDP 1.4 supports bandwidth up to 32.4 Gbps. Four data lanes fulfill transmission requirements for 8K 60Hz output.

4.4 Frame Structure and Operating Modes

Description: eDP frame structure is similar to DisplayPort, featuring start‑of‑transmission marker, data payload and end marker.

Operating modes: Deep‑Sleep Mode and Power‑Saving Mode are supported. Unused channels can be disabled under Power‑Saving Mode to cut power consumption.

4.5 Practical Application Cases

Application: eDP is predominantly used for built‑in notebook‑computer displays. High‑resolution laptops adopt eDP interfaces to realize 4K output with outstanding image quality and low power draw.

5. LVDS Protocol

5.1 Differential Voltage

Description: LVDS differential signal voltage is typically 300 mV (±150 mV), suited for low‑power, high‑speed data transmission.

5.2 Description of Data Line Nomenclature

Data lines: LVDS Data+ and Data‑ (each pair forms differential signal) Clock lines: CLK+ and CLK‑ (for synchronization)

5.3 Calculation of Data‑Line Quantity

Example: Data‑line calculation for an 8K 60fps RGB 8×3 display panel For LVDS implementation, each differential pair delivers 1.5 Gbps. Approximately four data lanes are theoretically required for 8K 60Hz transmission.

5.4 Frame Structure and Operating Modes

Description: LVDS frame structure is relatively simple, mainly comprising raw data streams.

Operating modes: High‑Speed Mode and Low‑Power Mode. Low‑Power Mode is implemented by reducing current draw and powering down idle signal lines.

5.5 Practical Application Cases

Application: LVDS is commonly found on liquid‑crystal displays and industrial control hardware. Display panels on industrial equipment connect via LVDS interfaces to render high‑resolution real‑time visuals while keeping power consumption low.

6. Application Scenarios and Differences Among Protocols

Application Scenarios

• MIPI: Primarily display interfaces for mobile devices: smartphones, tablets, automotive central‑control screens.
• HDMI: Consumer electronics including HDTVs, monitors, projectors and game consoles.
• eDP: Mainly for notebook PCs and premium monitors; supports high resolution and low power consumption.
• LVDS: Industrial equipment, automotive displays and instrument panels.

Differences

• Data Rate: HDMI and eDP generally deliver higher data rates; MIPI and LVDS excel in low‑power use cases.
• Voltage Level: MIPI and LVDS feature lower differential voltage, ideal for mobile hardware; HDMI and eDP adopt higher voltage levels for high‑resolution display.
• Use‑case Orientation: MIPI targets mobile phones; HDMI for home entertainment; eDP for laptops; LVDS for industrial and automotive systems.

7. Summary

Thorough understanding of MIPI, HDMI, eDP and LVDS protocol characteristics is essential for engineers and designers during electronic‑product development. Proper protocol selection guarantees performance compliance while achieving optimal power management and system stability.