Modern high performance systems rely on fast, reliable communication between data converters and processing devices. As ADCs and DACs continue to scale in speed and resolution, traditional parallel interfaces are no longer efficient or practical. The JESD204 interface standard was introduced to simplify connectivity, reduce pin count, and improve data transfer between converters and digital devices such as FPGAs and ASICs.

Originally released in 2006, JESD204 defined a multi gigabit serial link using differential signaling and CML drivers. This serial link, called a lane, supports high bandwidth communication for next generation mixed signal systems. Over time, the standard evolved to address higher speeds, deterministic timing, and improved encoding efficiency. Today, the most widely implemented versions are JESD204B and JESD204C.

This guest post explains the evolution of the JESD204 standard, highlights the differences between JESD204B vs JESD204C, and introduces the JESD IP solutions developed by Logic Fruit Solutions for FPGA and ASIC platforms.

Evolution of the JESD204 Standard

JESD204 (2006)

The first JESD204 standard replaced large parallel data buses with a single serial lane. It defined the physical interface, framing, and clocking method shared between converters and receivers. This initial release laid the foundation for high speed serial converter interfaces.

JESD204B (2011)

The introduction of JESD204B transformed the industry by offering:

• Deterministic latency for phase aligned multi-channel systems
  
• Lane rates up to 12.5 Gbps
  
• Defined device speed grades for compatibility
  

These upgrades made JESD204B ideal for RF ADCs, high speed DACs, software defined radios, radar, wireless communication, and FPGA based receiver architectures.

JESD204C (2017)

As data rates increased, JESD204C was developed to meet modern bandwidth and performance needs. Key improvements include:

• Lane rates up to 32 Gbps
  
• Transition from 8b/10b to 64b/66b encoding, significantly increasing coding efficiency
  
• Higher throughput with reduced overhead
  
• Better support for multi lane synchronization
  

JESD204C offers backward compatibility with earlier versions, though subclass 0 operation has certain restrictions.

JESD204B vs JESD204C: Key Differences

Below is a clear comparison between the two most widely used JESD standards.

1. Maximum Data Rate

• JESD204B: Up to 12.5 Gbps
  
• JESD204C: Up to 32 Gbps
  

2. Encoding Scheme

• JESD204B: 8b/10b encoding
  
• JESD204C: 64b/66b encoding
  JESD204C achieves higher data efficiency with less overhead.
  

3. Bandwidth Efficiency

• JESD204B has more overhead due to its encoding scheme.
  
• JESD204C offers superior throughput for multi gigabit applications.
  

4. Target Applications

JESD204B:
Suitable for GSPS ADCs, wideband SDRs, EW systems, radar, wireless base stations, medical imaging, and general high speed converter interfaces.

JESD204C:
Designed for next generation RF systems, massive MIMO, ultra high speed converters, 5G infrastructure, beamforming, and advanced multi channel receiver architectures.

5. Backward Compatibility

• JESD204C supports backward compatibility with JESD204A and JESD204B.
  
• Some limitations exist when operating in subclass 0.
  

Logic Fruit’s JESD204B and JESD204C IP Cores

Logic Fruit Solutions provides industry-grade JESD204B IP and JESD204C IP cores optimized for FPGAs and ASICs. These IPs are:

• High performance
  
• Silicon agnostic
  
• Fully verified with leading ADC and DAC vendors
  
• Designed for easy integration
  
• Customizable for different system architectures
  

Datasheets include details on:

• Supported lane speeds
  
• Framing and encoding
  
• Subclass support
  
• Resource utilization
  
• System integration guidance
  

These JESD solutions help engineers build scalable and efficient systems for high speed data acquisition.

The Future: JESD204D

To meet the growing speed demands of next generation RF and digital systems, Logic Fruit Solutions has introduced JESD204D. It delivers:

• Higher lane rates
  
• Improved encoding efficiency
  
• Advanced timing features
  
• Support for future multigigabit converter technologies
  

Download JESD204D Datasheet:
https://www.logic-fruit.com/ip/jesd204d-transmitter-and-receiver-ip/

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• CAN Bus Technology Overview
  
• Understanding LIN Communication in Vehicles
  

Conclusion

Both JESD204B and JESD204C are essential standards for high speed serial interfaces used in data converters. JESD204B continues to support many GSPS ADC applications, while JESD204C provides enhanced throughput and efficiency for advanced RF and multi gigabit systems.

With Logic Fruit’s JESD204B, JESD204C, and JESD204D IP cores, engineers can confidently design reliable, scalable, and high performance systems for aerospace, defense, telecommunications, medical imaging, and next generation wireless applications.