Display Interfaces: LVDS vs MIPI vs eDP vs HDMI

Choosing the right display interface is critical in embedded and industrial system design.
The interface affects image quality, refresh rate, power consumption, cable length, EMI performance, and overall BOM cost.
This guide compares LVDS, MIPI DSI, eDP, and HDMI from an engineering perspective to help you select the best option.

1. LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling)

Overview:

• Long-standing interface for industrial displays.
• Transmits data using differential pairs, reducing EMI and enabling longer cable runs.

Strengths:

• Mature, widely supported in industrial SBCs and HMIs.
• Robust over longer distances (up to 10m with proper cabling).
• Works well in high-noise environments.

Limitations:

• Fixed data mapping; less flexible for resolution scaling.
• Higher pin count compared to newer serial interfaces.
• Not ideal for ultra-high resolutions (>1080p) without dual/quad channel.

Best For:
Factory automation panels, outdoor kiosks, medical monitors.

2. MIPI DSI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface - Display Serial Interface)

Overview:

• Designed for smartphones and tablets; now used in compact embedded systems.
• High-speed serial lanes with low pin count.

Strengths:

• Very low power consumption.
• High bandwidth for high-resolution displays (up to 4K with 4 lanes).
• Slim FPC cable designs possible.

Limitations:

• Limited cable length (usually <30cm).
• Sensitive to EMI; not suitable for noisy industrial environments without shielding.
• Less mature driver ecosystem in some industrial SBCs.

Best For:
Compact HMIs, portable devices, low-power IoT displays.

3. eDP (Embedded DisplayPort)

Overview:

• A variation of DisplayPort for internal connections.
• Supports high resolution, high refresh rate, and adaptive sync.

Strengths:

• Scales up to 8K resolutions.
• Lower EMI than HDMI due to packet-based transmission.
• Can carry audio and auxiliary data.

Limitations:

• Shorter cable length than LVDS (typically <3m).
• Less common in older industrial platforms.

Best For:
High-performance industrial PCs, AI vision systems, advanced medical displays.

4. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

Overview:

• Widely used consumer standard; supports audio and video in a single cable.

Strengths:

• Universal compatibility with TVs, monitors, projectors.
• Supports hot-plug detection and HDCP content protection.
• Up to 8K resolution with HDMI 2.1.

Limitations:

• Higher power consumption compared to LVDS/MIPI.
• Not optimized for internal display connections (bulkier connectors).
• EMI shielding required for industrial environments.

Best For:
Prototyping, external displays, digital signage.

5. Comparison Table

Before looking at the direct comparison, it’s also useful to understand how resolution and aspect ratio influence interface selection, since different standards scale differently with pixel density.

For a deeper dive, check this guide on resolution and aspect ratio in TFT displays.

6. Application Recommendations

Use LVDS when:

• You need long cable runs.
• The environment has high EMI.
• You need stable long-term industrial supply.

Use MIPI DSI when:

• Compact form factor and low power are priorities.
• Cable length is short.
• Device is battery powered.

Use eDP when:

• You need ultra-high resolution and refresh rate.
• Design allows short, shielded cables.
• Platform supports DisplayPort protocols.

Use HDMI when:

• The display is external and user-replaceable.
• You need consumer-grade compatibility.
• Prototyping with widely available monitors.

Final Thoughts

No single display interface is perfect for every embedded project.
LVDS remains the king for rugged, long-distance industrial applications, while MIPI DSI dominates in portable, battery-powered devices. eDP is ideal for high-performance, short-distance designs, and HDMI offers unmatched compatibility for consumer-facing products.

Choosing the right interface early in the design phase avoids costly redesigns and ensures optimal performance for the product’s lifetime.