Modern high-speed communication interfaces use a differential mode to speed up data transmission.
Reducing the signal amplitude in not sufficient because smaller signal amplitudes are more sensitive to noise in single-ended transmissions. To counter this, we transmit equal amplitude signals in reverse phase along two lines (D+, D-) and then take the differential at the receiver.
The differential transmission mode is preferable for high-speed data transmission applications because it’s less sensitive to noise or ground effects. This mode also reduces spurious radiation because the magnetic field around the two lines is canceled.
Common mode filters for high-speed data lines
For high-speed data lines like MIPI DSI or CSI, HDMI, TMDS lines, or USB superspeed signals, ST has developed a range of common mode filters. They integrate ESD protection tailored to reject a wide range of frequency bands such as 700 MHz LTE, 2.4 GHz Bluetooth, and 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, with a deep level of attenuation.
Common-mode filters avoid RF antenna desense in applications where the high-speed differential links generate radiated noise at the frequencies of the RF antenna. ST’s common-mode filters are highly useful in applications with RF receivers operating near high-speed differential data lines.
When subjected to common-mode noise, high-speed differential lines radiate unwanted noise. Common-mode filters prevent differential lines from radiating and interfering with other RF signals nearby.
Applications for common mode filters
- Mobile base station
- Laptop
- Game console
- Tablets
Discover our common-mode filters with integrated protection portfolio
ST’s ECMF are available in WLCSP and DFN packages that are compatible with industrial and automotive requirements.
They’re available in single or dual pairs, and offer an optimized flow-through footprint with high common-mode attenuation of unwanted frequencies.

Benefits of common-mode filters with integrated protection
- High-Speed ESD protection & immunity
- Improved ESD clamping thanks to dual clamping structure (ESD diode and serial resistor of inductance)
- Improved receiver sensitivity by removing common-mode noise in useful antenna bandwidth
- Space and BOM savings by integrating ESD protection diodes and common-mode filter
- Low serial resistance to reduce eye-diagram distortion
- High reduction of parasitic elements through integration
- Industrial optimization thanks to plastic package