The SNx5LVDSxx devices are dual- and quad-channel LVDS line drivers. They operate from a single supply that is nominally 3.3 V, but can be as low as 3 V and as high as 3.6 V. The input signal to the SN65LVDS1 device is an LVTTL signal. The output of the device is a differential signal complying with the LVDS standard (TIA/EIA-644A). The differential output signal operates with a signal level of 340 mV, nominally, at a common-mode voltage of 1.2 V. This low differential output voltage results in a low emitted radiated energy, which is dependent on the signal slew rate. The differential nature of the output provides immunity to common-mode coupled signals.

The SNx5LVDSxx devices are intended to drive a 100-Ω transmission line. This transmission line may be a printed-circuit board (PCB) or cabled interconnect. With transmission lines, the optimum signal quality and power delivery is reached when the transmission line is terminated with a load equal to the characteristic impedance of the interconnect. Likewise, the driven 100-Ω transmission line should be terminated with a matched resistance.