This Standard Specifies the electrical characteristics of the balanced digital interface circuit,' normally implemented in integrated circuit technology, that may be employed when specified for the interchange of serial binary signals between Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment (DCE) or in any point-to-point interconnection of serial binary signals between data equipments.

The interface circuit includes a generator connected by a balanced interconnecting cable to a load consisting of a receiver and a termination. The electrical characteristics of the circuit are specified in terms of required voltage, and current values obtained from direct measurements of the generator and receiver components at the interface points. The logic function of the generator and the receiver is not defined by this Standard, as it is application -dependent. Minimum electrical requirements for the interconnecting cable are furnished.

It is intended that this Standard will be referenced by ANSI/TIA/EIA-613-1993, High Speed Serial Interface for Data Terminal Equipment and Data Circuit- Terminating Equipment, that specifies the other necessary components of an interface (e.g., connector, pin assignments, function) for applications where the electrical characteristics of a high speed balanced digital circuit are required.