Display Serial Interface: SPI vs LVDS vs MIPI vs eDP

Introduction: What Is a Display Serial Interface?

A display serial interface defines how image data is transmitted from a host system—such as an MCU, SoC, or industrial PC—to a display panel.
Rather than focusing solely on resolution or panel size, interface selection directly affects signal integrity, system cost, power consumption, scalability, and long-term reliability.

In modern display systems, four serial interfaces are most commonly discussed:

• SPI

• LVDS

• MIPI DSI

• eDP

Each interface was designed for a different system architecture and usage scenario. Understanding their differences is essential for making the right design decision—especially in industrial and embedded applications.

SPI: A Low-Speed Interface for Simple Displays

SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) is one of the simplest display interfaces and is typically used with microcontroller-based systems.

Unlike high-speed display interfaces, SPI is not designed for streaming full-frame video at high resolutions. Instead, it is commonly used for:

• Small LCD or OLED modules

• Segment or character displays

• Simple graphical interfaces with low refresh requirements

Key Characteristics of SPI

• Very low bandwidth

• Short transmission distance

• Minimal hardware complexity

• Low system cost

SPI is suitable when:

• The display resolution is low

• Update speed is not critical

• System simplicity and cost are priorities

SPI is best viewed as a control-oriented interface, not a solution for modern high-resolution displays.

LVDS: A Mature Interface for Industrial Displays

LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) has been a cornerstone of industrial and commercial display systems for many years.

It was designed to provide reliable high-speed data transmission over differential pairs, making it well-suited for electrically noisy environments.

Why LVDS Is Still Widely Used

• Strong EMI resistance

• Support for longer cable lengths

• Stable and well-established ecosystem

• Excellent long-term availability

In industrial HMI systems, LVDS is commonly used for:

• Control panels

• Factory automation equipment

• Medical and diagnostic displays

• Outdoor or harsh-environment systems

From a system cost perspective, LVDS often requires:

• More signal lanes

• Larger connectors

• Thicker or shielded cables

This makes LVDS more expensive at the system level compared to some newer interfaces. However, its predictability and robustness continue to justify its use in long-lifecycle industrial products.

MIPI DSI: High-Speed Interface Optimized for SoC Integration

MIPI DSI (Display Serial Interface) was originally developed for mobile and embedded devices, where compact design and power efficiency are critical.

Unlike LVDS, MIPI DSI emphasizes:

• High bandwidth over fewer lanes

• Very low power consumption

• Tight integration with SoC display controllers

Key Design Characteristics

• Short transmission distance

• Minimal cabling

• High data efficiency

• Strong dependency on SoC support

MIPI DSI is commonly used in:

• Smartphones and tablets

• Embedded Linux or Android systems

• Compact, closed hardware designs

While MIPI DSI can reduce physical BOM costs, it often introduces higher integration and development costs, especially in industrial environments. Driver compatibility, timing configuration, and SoC dependency must all be carefully managed.

MIPI DSI trades flexibility and distance for efficiency and integration.

eDP: A Scalable Interface for Higher-Resolution Displays

eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) is derived from the DisplayPort standard and has become increasingly popular in industrial PCs, SBCs, and high-resolution embedded systems.

Compared to LVDS and MIPI, eDP offers:

• Higher bandwidth scalability

• Fewer signal pairs for high resolutions

• A mature and standardized ecosystem

Typical Use Cases

• Industrial PCs

• Single-board computers

• Medical and imaging systems

• High-resolution HMI and signage

At the same resolution, eDP often provides a lower overall system cost than MIPI DSI due to:

• Native support in many processors

• Reduced need for bridge ICs

• Simplified routing and validation

For mid-to-high resolution displays, eDP is frequently the most cost-efficient and scalable interface option.

SPI vs LVDS vs MIPI vs eDP: Key Differences

Typical Comparison at Similar Resolution

Actual system cost and feasibility depend heavily on processor support and product lifecycle requirements.

Choosing the Right Display Serial Interface

There is no universal “best” display serial interface. The correct choice depends on the entire system architecture, not just the display panel.

General Selection Guidelines

• SPI: Best for MCU-based systems with simple display requirements

• LVDS: Ideal for industrial environments requiring long cables and high stability

• MIPI DSI: Suitable for compact, SoC-based designs with strict power and space constraints

• eDP: Preferred for higher resolutions and PC-based or scalable platforms

Interface selection should be finalized early in the design phase. Late-stage changes often increase cost, development time, and system risk.

Conclusion

Display serial interfaces are not interchangeable technologies competing on performance alone. Each interface—SPI, LVDS, MIPI DSI, and eDP—was designed to solve a specific system-level problem.

While newer interfaces may offer efficiency or bandwidth advantages, mature technologies like LVDS continue to play an essential role in industrial displays due to their reliability and long-term stability. Similarly, eDP has emerged as a cost-effective solution for higher-resolution systems, while MIPI DSI remains dominant in tightly integrated embedded designs.

Understanding the design intent and trade-offs of each display serial interface enables engineers and system designers to make informed decisions—avoiding unnecessary cost while ensuring long-term reliability.

FAQ

1. Can I use SPI for high-resolution industrial displays?
No. SPI is limited in bandwidth and is suitable for small or low-resolution displays. For industrial panels with higher resolution or fast refresh requirements, LVDS, MIPI DSI, or eDP are recommended.

2. Why do some industrial systems still use LVDS instead of MIPI or eDP?
LVDS supports longer cables, strong EMI resistance, and stable long-term availability. These factors make it more reliable for harsh industrial environments, even if other interfaces offer higher bandwidth.

3. What factors should I consider when choosing between MIPI and eDP?
You should consider bandwidth requirements, cable length, processor/SoC support, system integration effort, and long-term lifecycle. MIPI DSI is optimized for compact SoC-based designs, while eDP is scalable for higher resolutions with mature ecosystem support.

4. How does interface choice affect system cost?
System cost depends not only on the panel but also on connectors, cables, bridge ICs, and integration effort. LVDS usually has a higher system-level cost due to cabling and EMI precautions, MIPI may incur additional integration costs, and eDP is often more cost-efficient for high-resolution embedded/industrial displays.

5. Can one interface be used for all types of industrial displays?
No. Each interface has design trade-offs: SPI for small displays, LVDS for long-distance and harsh environments, MIPI for SoC-embedded systems, and eDP for high-resolution PC-based or SBC platforms. The right choice depends on the full system architecture, not just the panel.