Virtex-II Pro, Virtex-4, and Virtex-5 devices support only LVDS_25 and LVPECL_25. As a result, LVDS_33 and LVPECL_33 I/O buffers are not available for instantiation.
The differential input buffers are powered by VCCAUX and are not VCCO-dependent. Consequently, you can put LVDS_25 and LVPECL_25 input buffers in a 3.3V bank; the software does not report errors, and the device is not damaged. In this case, the input specifications are as specified for LVDS_25 and LVPECL_25.
While the differential input buffer itself is not VCCO-dependent, there are some things to be aware of:
- If the Vih of the incoming signal exceeds VCCO by ~0.5V, the signal will be clamped. This could affect proper reception of the differential signal.
- If the LVDS_25_DT receiver is used (Virtex-II Pro) or the DIFF_TERM attribute is applied (Virtex-4 and Virtex-5), the internal termination will be dependent on VCCO. For more information, see (Xilinx Answer 20004).
Differential output buffers must be put in a 2.5V bank for Virtex-II Pro, Virtex-4, and Virtex-5 because the output buffers are powered by VCCO, and output specifications are VCCO-dependent. Instantiating an LVDS_25/LVPECL_25 output buffer in a 3.3V bank causes a software error.
To interface from a 3.3V differential driver to the Virtex-II Pro, Virtex-4, and Virtex-5 2.5V LVDS/LVPECL input, the output specifications of the driver must be within the Virtex-II Pro, Virtex-4, and Virtex-5 LVDS/LVPECL input specifications. If the specifications match, you can use the standard input termination. If the specifications do not match, the termination might need to be adjusted and an IBIS/SPICE simulation must be performed to determine the optimal termination scheme.
LVDS and LVPECL specifications are available in the "DC and Switching Characteristics" section of the data sheets.
Virtex-II Pro Data Sheet
http://www.xilinx.com/support/documentation/virtex-ii_pro_data_sheets.htm
Virtex-4 Data Sheet
http://www.xilinx.com/support/documentation/virtex-4_data_sheets.htm
Virtex-5 Data Sheet
http://www.xilinx.com/support/documentation/virtex-5_data_sheets.htm
The recommended resistor termination is available in the User Guides:
http://www.xilinx.com/support/documentation/user_guides.htm
Virtex-II Pro
Select Virtex-II Pro under FPGA Device Families -> Virtex-II Pro Platform FPGA User Guide, and go to Design Considerations -> LVDS I/O or LVPECL I/O.
Virtex-4
Select Virtex-4 under FPGA Device Families -> Virtex-4 User Guide -> SelectIO Resources -> Specific Guidelines for Virtex-4 I/O Supported Standards -> LVDS or CSE differential LVPECL.
Virtex-5
Select Virtex-5 under FPGA Device Families -> Virtex-5 User Guide -> SelectIO Resources -> Specific Guidelines for Virtex-5 I/O Supported Standards -> LVDS or differential LVPECL.