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Differential Signal Return Paths in Balanced and Unbalanced Differential Pairs* c- V/ a. v' U
When differential pair signals are equal and opposite, the net current flowing through the traces is equal to zero and the differential pair is considered balanced. There is no requirement for a ground return path in a balanced differential pair. The current flowing through trace 1 will return back to the source through trace 2. Here, trace 2 serves as a differential signal return path when the differential pair is carrying balanced currents. However, in certain circuits, the net current in differential pairs can be something other than zero, and such differential pairs are called unbalanced differential pairs. In unbalanced differential pairs, a ground reference plane is needed to serve as the differential signal return path. % h& o. j, O, n' k1 X
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