Affordable, Robust, and Fast: GOWIN’s Industrial Gigabit LVDS Networking Solution

 

1 Abstract

 

In the era of Industry 4.0, reliable, low-latency communication is crucial for modern industrial systems, yet the high cost and complexity of existing industrial Ethernet solutions remain significant barriers, particularly for small and medium enterprises. This white paper introduces GOWIN Semiconductor’s Gigabit LVDS Datalink with Embedded Clock, a simplified, cost-effective alternative to traditional networking approaches.

 

Leveraging GOWIN’s EasyCDR® technology and FPGA-embedded resources, this solution supports high-speed, low-power, and deterministic data transmission ideal for PLC backplanes, EtherCAT® slave expansion, energy management systems, and robotic control. The paper outlines the technical architecture, packet protocol, and implementation examples in master/slave configurations, showcasing how GOWIN’s solution reduces wiring complexity, boosts throughput, and enhances noise immunity.

 

Targeting up to 64 nodes with support for gigabit data rates and integrated CRC and 8b/10b encoding, this scalable solution empowers engineers to build robust, flexible, and efficient industrial networks with minimal overhead.

 

2 Industry networking solution overview

Networking is essential today in industrial control systems because it enables seamless communication, coordination, and efficiency in complex manufacturing environments.

 

Networks in industry automation 

 

Here are just a few examples:

Industrial Automation

• PLC Control Systems: Serves as an expansion unit for PLCs, connecting sensors and actuators.
• DCS Systems: Collects and outputs a large number of field signals for process control.
• Production Line Monitoring: Used for equipment status monitoring and product quality inspection.

Building Automation

• Lighting Control Systems: Digital I/O modules for switch control.
• HVAC Systems: Interfaces for temperature and humidity sensors.
• Security Systems: Signal processing for access control and surveillance.

Energy Management

• Power Monitoring Systems: Acquisition of voltage and current signals.
• New Energy Systems: Interfaces for photovoltaic inverters and wind power converters.
• Smart Grids: Remote terminal units (RTUs) for monitoring and control.

Transportation

• Rail Transit Signaling Systems
• Intelligent Traffic Light Control
• Vehicle Detection and Control Systems

Test and Measurement Systems

• Laboratory Data Acquisition Systems
• Automated Product Testing Platforms
• Environmental Monitoring Equipment

 

Addressing Limitations of Current Industry Network Solutions

While current Industrial Ethernet solutions offer advanced capabilities for industrial automation and control systems, enabling real-time control, synchronization, and data exchange, there is still room to improve for even wider spread adoption. The primary barriers are the high costs of hardware, specialized switches, coupled with the complexity of integrating these systems into existing setups, managing latency, and ensuring cybersecurity. These factors limited them to many manufacturers, especially small to medium enterprises.

 

GOWIN Semiconductor Corp. proposes a simpler, low-cost industrial networking solutions that address these issues effectively. Our solution leverages GOWIN EasyCDR® technology with optimized communication protocols to achieve reliable, low-latency communication suitable for industrial automation production lines, smart factories, energy monitoring systems, and multi-axis robots. By simplifying network configuration, this approach lowers implementation costs and complexity while maintaining essential performance and latency, scalable architecture. This innovative solution could democratize advanced automation networking, making it accessible to a broader range of industries.

 

3 System Architecture

 

Network Topology

One typical industry network is Sliced IO module on a backplane. The picture below is one example of PLC Module.

A Modular Sliced IO system

 

The following diagram shows the network topology by using the backplane implementation as an example.

 

 

As the above diagram shows, the data links (the blue traces) forms a ring topology in the backplane. It includes 2 data stream links between the line cards with an FPGA on it and the wrap around at the end points. The number of line cards can be placed on the backplane, theoretically only limited by the size of the plane; however, the latency of data going through all the line cards will increase with more cards in place. 

 

Though the topology is natural for each line card, this can be implemented with one of these cards as the Master card, while all the others as Slave cards.

Beside this backplane example, cabling can also be support with this solution. There will be difference speed that can be achieved with different table and length. In general, we expect typically we can achieve Gigabit per second on 3-meter-long SATA or USB types of cables; 100MHz running on Twist wires CAT5 or CAT6 cables.

 

Electrical Signaling

Backplane systems are critical infrastructure in data centers, telecom switches, industrial control systems, and military applications. These systems demand reliable, high-speed data transmission with minimal noise and low power. Low-Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) is a widely adopted interface standard that meets these stringent demands effectively.

 

1. High-Speed Performance

LVDS supports data transmission rates exceeding 1–3 Gbps per channel, making it suitable for high-throughput applications. Combined with serialization techniques, it can aggregate multiple data channels over fewer lines, reducing routing complexity.

 

2. Low Power Operation

One of LVDS's hallmark benefits is its low power consumption. The typical voltage swing of ~350 mV results in minimal current drawing, reducing overall system power and enabling dense, thermally efficient designs—an important factor in rack-mounted systems.

 

3. Excellent Noise Immunity

Differential signaling provides inherent resistance to common-mode noise, ensuring robust operation in electrically noisy environments. In backplane systems, where multiple modules and cards operate in close proximity, this is a critical advantage.

 

4. Signal Integrity Over Distance

LVDS maintains strong signal integrity over long traces, connectors, and through-plane vias. Its low EMI profile minimizes interference with adjacent channels, enabling high-density, multi-channel backplane architectures.

 

5. Compatibility and Ecosystem Support

LVDS is supported by a wide range of FPGAs, ASICs, and SerDes transceivers. This wide ecosystem simplifies system design and integration, offering flexibility across generations of products.

 

6. Low Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Because it uses tightly coupled differential pairs with small voltage swings, LVDS generates very low EMI. This not only aids in regulatory compliance but also reduces the likelihood of inter-channel interference in compact designs. LVDS combines speed, efficiency, and reliability, making it a strong choice for modern backplane applications.

 

Packet Data format

The data is transmitted in the data link by packet. The Packet is consistent with Preamble, Command, ID, data, and parity bit to ensure a quick and reliable transmission. The details of the data packet can be defined in the following table:

Definition	Length	Value
Preamble	3 bytes	24'hAA _AA_AA
Comma Symbol	1 byte	8'hBC/DC/FC/7C
Frame type & Slave quantity	1 byte	2'hxx & 6'hxx
Slave data length (bytes)	1 byte	8'hxx
2 bits Reserved & Slave lD	1 byte	2'h00 & 6'hxx
Slave0 data	1~256 bytes	8'hxx…8'hxx
Slave1 data	1~256 bytes	8'hxx…8'hxx
……	……	8'hxx…8'hxx
SlaveN data	1~256 bytes	8'hxx…8'hxx
CRC16 Checksum	2 bytes	8'hxx, 8'hxx
Error Indication	1 byte	8'hxx

 

4 Module Architecture

 

When implemented in a Master/Slave type of data transmission application, the Master and Slave logic will be implemented differently. The following examples are utilizing the general IDES and OSER logic block in every IO of all GOWIN FPGAs to perform the downstream and upstream data transfer and utilize the FPGA fabric to implement the CRC16 and 8b10b encoder/decoder logics. The typical performance is 100MHz LVDS signaling.

For the GW5A series FPGAs, GOWIN’s EasyCDR® technology can be utilized for downstream and upstream data transfer. Therefore, Gigabits per second data rate can be achieved.

The Master Controller primarily consists of a control logic module, a CRC check module, an 8B/10B encoder/decoder module, a data serialization module, a data oversampling and recovery module, and a phase-locked loop (PLL). According to the data flow direction, these modules form the downlink and uplink transmission paths.

The Slave Controller primarily consists of a control logic module, a CRC check module, an 8B/10B encoder/decoder module, a data serialization module, a data oversampling and recovery module, and a PLL. According to the data flow direction, these modules form the downstream (input from the upstream port and output to the downstream port) and upstream (input from the downstream port and output to the upstream port) transmission paths, respectively.

 

 

Typical Resource Utilization

For Master controller

LUT4	FF	BSRAM	Target Device
672	410	1	All GOWIN FPGAs

 

For Slave controller

LUT4	FF	BSRAM	Target Device
1683	991	2	Device with 2K and above logic resource

 

Solution Highlights

1. LVDS data is transmitted with an embedded clock. Clock Data Recovery uses hardened blocks such as IDES, OSER, or EasyCDR® blocks in every IO of the GOWIN FPGA
2. Implemented 8b/10bencoding and decoding and CRC parity bits to improve the reliability of data communication
3. The data rate can be up to Gigabits per second
4. The current version of GOWIN IP can support 1 Master, up to 64 Slave modules
5. The data packet size is up to 256 Bytes with the current version of IP
6. The master module can support communication via Unicast Frames
7. Supports the Slave synchronization function
8. Master can identify the total Slave module number, and the last Slave module can self-wrap around
9. Slave can self-diagnose when the data link is interrupted. Keeps the system online when performing such action, increasing system robustness

 

5 Typical Applications

 

(I) Simplifying Industrial Networking with GOWIN’s Gigabit LVDS solution

 

In the evolving landscape of industrial automation, system performance, wiring complexity, and cost are critical factors in network design, especially for fieldbus protocols like EtherCAT®. GOWIN Semiconductor addresses these demands with its Gigabit LVDS Datalink with Embedded Clock, a high-speed, low-latency communication solution designed to simplify network expansion and enhance performance.

 

A Smarter Way to Extend EtherCAT® Slave Networks

Traditional methods of extending EtherCAT® slave node networks often rely on complex Ethernet-based cable and hardware, which can introduce latency, increase costs, and complicate installation in space-constrained or harsh industrial environments. GOWIN’s Gigabit LVDS Datalink provides a streamlined alternative.

 

By utilizing Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) with an embedded clock, this solution enables high-speed serial data transfer over simple point-to-point connections, eliminating the need for external clock routing and reducing pin count. This makes it ideal for expanding slave nodes in a compact, deterministic, and low-cost manner.

 

 

Shown above is a representative application of the LVDS bus system, which typically serves as a low-cost and efficient extension to Industrial Ethernet nodes, enabling simpler and more flexible physical-layer communication.

 

Key Advantages

• Simplicity in Wiring: The embedded clock feature removes the need for a separate clock signal line, reducing cable complexity and connector size.
• Ultra-Low Latency: The direct and deterministic nature of LVDS transmission ensures minimal delay, supporting real-time industrial control.
• Cost-Effective: With fewer components and simpler PCB and cable design, system costs are significantly reduced.
• High Throughput: Gigabit-level data rates support demanding industrial data exchange needs.
  
  

Ideal for Industrial Applications

Whether used in robotics, motion control, or factory automation systems, this solution enables manufacturers to extend EtherCAT® slave networks efficiently while maintaining strict performance and timing requirements.

 

(II) Multi-dimensional control in Humanoid Robotic Systems

Humanoid robotic hands aim to replicate the dexterity and adaptability of human fingers, but this involves a series of complex challenges. Here's a brief look at the main hurdles engineers face:

 

1. Complex Mechanics

Human fingers have multiple joints and degrees of freedom. Replicating this requires many actuators and precise coordination, making both design and control complicated.

2. Miniaturization

Fitting motors, sensors, and wiring into the small size of human-like fingers is technically demanding, often limiting design options.

3. Tactile Feedback

Accurate touch and force sensing is essential for manipulation but difficult to achieve at small scales with sufficient sensitivity and robustness.

4. Control Algorithms

Robotic fingers must handle nonlinear dynamics and tightly coupled joint motions. Advanced control strategies are needed to ensure stable, responsive movements.

5. Dexterous Grasping

Grasping varied objects reliably remains a tough problem. It demands smart integration of vision, touch, and motion planning in real time.

6. Power Constraints

High-performance actuators use significant energy, creating trade-offs between power, size, and battery life in humanoid designs.

In Summary

Humanoid robotic finger control requires solving intertwined problems in hardware, sensing, and control. A simplified, high efficiency, low power, low-cost network is required for such challenges. Here is our proposed network scheme that can meet these requirements.

 

In the above diagram, multiple motors need to be acting in Sync with the sensed data from the action point. The host is acting as a central command unit. Based on data feedback from the action fields, it sends out action commands to each motor. To carry out such tasks, a dual datalink network formed by multiple FPGAs, as mentioned in this article, are used.

Each of the nodes is consistent with one motor, at least one sensor, and one FPGA connected to them. The FPGA is facilitating sensing, motor control, and data communication tasks. The ideal devices that can deal with all these tasks are probably GOWIN’s GW5AS-LV25 or a smaller one, GW1NS-LV4.

The downstream datalink carries out the commands from the Host, and each node receives such a command, acting on it to control the motor to perform as designed tasks. The upstream datalink transfers the sensor’s data back to the host so that it can calculate what the next action needs to be sent out.

In conclusion, such a solution provides low latency, high speed, low cost, low power, and simple wiring that can meet the challenges in this field.

6 Supported GOWIN Devices and IPs

 

This solution is available across the full range of:

• GW5A series with EasyCDR® running up to Gigabits per second
• GW1N series typically runs at 100MHz
• GW2A series typically runs at 100MHz
  
  

GOWIN provides:

• Reference Designs and IP for rapid prototyping

 

7 Conclusion

 

GOWIN’s Gigabit LVDS Datalink with Embedded Clock solution offers a compelling alternative to traditional industrial networking methods. By addressing the key limitations of conventional systems, such as high costs, complex wiring, and integration challenges, this solution delivers substantial value to engineers and system designers working in industrial automation, robotics, energy systems, and intelligent transportation.

Unlike conventional Ethernet-based solutions that often require specialized switches, bulky cabling, and intricate configuration, GOWIN’s approach simplifies implementation through embedded clocking, point-to-point LVDS signaling, and a scalable FPGA architecture. The result is a low-cost, low-latency, and high-speed communication platform that enables real-time data transfer with excellent noise immunity and minimal electromagnetic interference (EMI).

With support for up to 64 slave nodes, packet-based transmission with CRC error checking, and gigabit-level throughput using EasyCDR® technology, this datalink architecture is well-suited for modern industrial environments that demand precision, reliability, and flexibility.

Ultimately, GOWIN’s LVDS solution not only enhances system performance but also reduces time-to-market and total cost of ownership, making it an ideal fit for customers seeking efficient, robust, and future-ready connectivity in their next-generation industrial designs.

 

8 Reference

 

1. IPUG1219-1.0, 06/27/2025 LVDS Data Transmission System with Embedded Clock Design Guide-For Internal Use
2. EasyCDR® White paper
3. GW5AS-LV25UG256 data sheet
   
   

Trademark Acknowledgments:

1. EtherCAT® is a registered trademark and patented technology, licensed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH.
2. EasyCDR® is a registered trademark of GOWIN Semiconductor Corp.

 

Support and Feedback

GOWIN Semiconductor provides customers with comprehensive technical support. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact us directly using the information provided below.

Website: www.gowinsemi.com

E-mail：support@gowinsemi.com

Revision History

Date	Version	Description
2025/06/30	1.0E	Initial draft

 

Copyright © 2025 Guangdong Gowin Semiconductor Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

 

Gowin, LittleBee, and GOWINSEMI are trademarks of Guangdong Gowin Semiconductor Corporation and are registered in China, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and other countries. All other words and logos identified as trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective holders. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any denotes, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of GOWINSEMI.

 

Disclaimer

GOWINSEMI assumes no liability and provides no warranty (either expressed or implied) and is not responsible for any damage incurred to your hardware, software, data, or property resulting from usage of the materials or intellectual property except as outlined in the GOWINSEMI Terms and Conditions of Sale. GOWINSEMI may make changes to this document at any time without prior notice. Anyone relying on this documentation should contact GOWINSEMI for the current documentation and errata.