In This Article
eDP vs LVDS: Choosing the Right Display Interface for Industrial Systems
Industrial PCs, panel PCs, and embedded boards rely on robust display interfaces to drive HMIs, control panels, operator terminals, and edge-computing visual outputs. Two of the most common internal display connection standards are LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signalling) and eDP (Embedded DisplayPort).
While both are widely used, their capabilities, performance, and long-term suitability differ significantly—especially as industrial manufacturers transition toward higher resolutions, lower power consumption, and more compact device designs.
This guide breaks down the key differences between eDP and LVDS, helping you choose the right option for your next industrial or embedded project.
What Is LVDS?
LVDS has been the industry standard for internal displays for over two decades. It uses differential signalling to transmit pixel data between the motherboard and display panel.
Key Characteristics of LVDS
- Mature and widely compatible — supported by many legacy systems, industrial SBCs, and older display panels.
- Cost-effective — ideal for applications not requiring high resolution or advanced features.
- Stable for long cable lengths — good for industrial designs where components are separated.
- Limited bandwidth — struggles with modern high-resolution and high-refresh-rate requirements.
Where LVDS Still Makes Sense
- Legacy industrial equipment
- Cost-sensitive HMIs
- Long-life embedded systems
- Displays under 1080p
What Is eDP?
eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) is a modern display interface based on DisplayPort technology but optimised for internal laptop, tablet, and embedded systems.
Key Characteristics of eDP
- Higher bandwidth — handles 2K, 4K and beyond with ease.
- Lower power consumption — ideal for battery-powered or energy-constrained devices.
- Greater feature support — including HDR, deeper colour, adaptive brightness and panel self-refresh.
- Uses fewer wires — enabling slimmer designs and simpler internal layouts.
Where eDP Excels
- High-resolution industrial displays
- AI Edge computers with advanced visual output
- Modern panel PCs and medical/retail systems
- Any design aimed at long-term future-proofing
eDP vs LVDS: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature / Requirement | LVDS | eDP |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Resolution | Typically up to 1080p | Very high (2K/4K+) |
| Power Consumption | Higher | Lower |
| Cable Complexity | More wires | Fewer wires |
| Future-Proofing | Low | Very high |
| EMI Resistance | Moderate | Strong |
| Availability in New Hardware | Decreasing | Increasing |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose LVDS if you need:
- Compatibility with older hardware
- Lower system cost
- Proven, stable performance for basic displays
Choose eDP if you need:
- Higher resolutions
- Energy efficiency
- Smaller, sleeker device designs
- Long-term availability and future-proofing
For most new industrial and embedded designs, eDP is rapidly becoming the preferred standard thanks to its bandwidth, efficiency, and continued adoption by display manufacturers.
Adding LVDS or eDP to Existing Boards
For systems that need additional or alternative display outputs, many industrial motherboard ecosystems support add-in display modules. Manufacturers such as IEI offer compact converter cards that allow integrators to introduce LVDS, eDP, V-by-One, or other panel interfaces even when the baseboard does not provide them natively. By plugging into expansion connectors such as mini-PCIe, M.2, iDP/iDPM, or other proprietary board-level headers, these modules can route display signals from the host system and convert them into the interface required by the panel.
This approach offers a practical way to support legacy LVDS displays, enable dual-display configurations, or upgrade a system to modern eDP panels without redesigning the entire motherboard. Add-in modules—particularly those in the IEI ecosystem—are widely used in embedded and industrial projects because they provide a simple, modular way to extend display connectivity while preserving system flexibility and long-term support.
The Industrial Trend: eDP Is Replacing LVDS
Display manufacturers are phasing out LVDS panels in favour of eDP. This shift means:
- New LCD/IPS/OLED panels are increasingly eDP-only
- SBCs, COM modules, and industrial motherboards are favouring eDP support as default
- LVDS will remain in legacy systems, but availability will gradually diminish
Speak to us About Your Display Integration Requirements
Whether you need LVDS, eDP, HDMI, or fully customised display integration, BVM provides end-to-end engineering support to help you build the ideal visual solution for your application. With over 35 years of expertise in embedded systems and display technologies, we deliver independent guidance, reliable hardware selection, and complete system integration — from panel choice and interface design to enclosure, cabling, and environmental optimisation.
If you’re designing a new product or upgrading an existing platform, our team can help you achieve a stable, long-life display solution that fits your mechanical, electrical, and performance requirements.
If you’re designing hardware expected to last 5–10 years, choosing eDP is the safer long-term choice.
We like to make life easier ….
BVM supply a wide and diverse range of Industrial and Embedded Systems. From Industrial Motherboards, SBCs and Box PCs, to Rack Mount computers and Industrial Panel PCs. If you cant find an off the shelf product that meets your specific requirements speak with our in house design team who can customize an existing product or design a new product from start to finish.
You can call us on +(0) 1489 780 144, E-mail us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk or Use our contact form here