How to Transmit Analog Signals Over Cable – Differential Transmission

analogdifferentialtransmission

In my current project, I need to transmit 4 analog signals (A1, A2, A3 and A4) on a cable from one PCB to another. I am working at 3 VDC and the distance between them is relatively short (< 30 cm).

I am not comfortable with this situation since I have always worked within my PCB. I have read that the transmission needs to be differential, so I will transmit 9 wires : A1-, A1+, A2-, A2+, A3-, A3+, A4-, A4+ and GROUND.

What should be my configuration to make it work ? Or more precisely : what type of component should I use to transmit and receive the data on both ends ? Are there standard references ? Will the differential signals be digital or analog during the transmission ?

I may ask basic questions but I am a beginner at this, sorry…

Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated. 🙂

EDIT :

  • My PCB will need to pass the EMC certification, which is why I need to be careful with signals I am transmitting.
  • The analog signals are related to this ECG sensor : https://datasheets.maximintegrated.com/en/ds/MAX30001.pdf . It needs to inject and receive current on two pins and measure the voltage on two other pins.
  • The frequency of the current injected can reach 131 kHz based on the datasheet
  • I need to be as accurate as possible, which is why I need to transmit the analog signal as differentials

Best Answer

Unless your requirements for bandwidth or noise immunity are extreme, ordinary ribbon cable and IDC connectors will be fine for this. I would recommend arranging the connections so that each pair of signals has a ground wire between them, to minimize crosstalk.

Here's an example.

Related Topic