Which Crystal Oscillator Output Signal Is Best for Your Application?
The common signal types are broken down into two categories: single-ended and differential logic outputs. Each category includes several types of output signals.
Single-Ended
Sinewave and clipped sinewave
CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor)
HCMOS (high speed CMOS)
LVCMOS (low voltage CMOS)
TTL (transistor-to-transistor logic)
Differential Logic
ECL (emitter coupled logic)
PECL (positive emitter coupled logic)
LVPECL (low voltage PECL)
CML (current-mode logic)
LVDS (low voltage differential signaling)
HCSL (high speed current steering logic)
Which Oscillator Output Signal Type Is Right for Your Needs?
Differential vs. Single Ended
Sinewave generally offers the best phase noise, followed by CMOS, then differential.
Higher frequencies tend to require differential signals.
Differential signals have better rise and fall time.
Differential signals are more resistant to common mode noise.
Differential signals have fewer EMI concerns.
Ease of Use
LVDS requires only a single resistor at the receiver, while LVPECL requires termination at both transmitter and receiver ends.
LVDS
Fastest Speed
LVDS is faster than CMOS. HCSL and LVPECL are faster but can require more power.
Lowest Power Consumption
LVPECL is faster but consumes more power, so we recommend using CMOS or LVDS for low power consumption.
Best Jitter Performance
You can get the best jitter performance from LVPECL, followed by LVDS, and then CMOS.