High-Speed Interface Reference: PCIe, USB, Ethernet, SAS, DisplayPort and HDMI Lane Rates

Per-lane rates, encoding and Nyquist frequency of PCIe, USB, Ethernet, SAS/SATA, DisplayPort and HDMI.

Signalling rates are nominal values from the respective standards. Payload per lane = signalling rate × coding efficiency (protocol overhead above the line coding is not included). Nyquist = symbol rate ÷ 2 (for PAM4 the symbol rate is half the bit rate; the table lists the symbol rate). Standards, channel limits and compliance masks define the real limits — use the standard and the connector datasheet.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the usable data rate lower than the line rate?

Line coding adds overhead: 8b/10b carries 8 data bits in every 10 line bits (80 %), 128b/130b about 98.5 %. A 5 Gb/s PCIe 2.0 lane therefore moves 4 Gb/s of payload.

What is the difference between NRZ and PAM4?

NRZ sends one bit per symbol with two voltage levels; PAM4 sends two bits per symbol with four levels. For the same bit rate PAM4 halves the symbol rate (and the Nyquist frequency), at the cost of a lower signal-to-noise margin.

For preliminary assessment only — the final decision must follow the manufacturer’s datasheet and the applicable NEC / IEC / UL standards. Results are calculated from the standard formulas stated on this page and are for design estimates only. They are not a rating of any specific part — always confirm current, voltage, temperature and environment limits against the manufacturer’s datasheet for the part you intend to use.

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