Using FPGAs for high-speed serial interface design

What is LVDS?
Low Voltage Differential Signalling is an electrical signalling system that can run at high speeds over cheap, twisted-pair copper cables. It was introduced in 1994 and has since become popular in very high-speed networks and computer buses. The ANSI/TIA/EIA-644-A standard defines LVDS. This recommends a maximum data rate of 655Mbps over twisted-pair copper wire, but predicts a possible speed of over 1.9Gbps for an ideal transmission medium.

What is FPGA?
Short for Field-Programmable Gate Array, a type of logic chip that can be programmed. An FPGA is similar to a PLD, but whereas PLDs are generally limited to hundreds of gates, FPGAs support thousands of gates. They are especially popular for prototyping integrated circuit designs. Once the design is set, hardwired chips are produced for faster performance.