400 Mbps per channel — signal integrity margin
The SN65LVDS31DG4: Rated at 400 Mbps, this driver provides enough headroom for 100–200 Mbps links common in parallel-to-serial converters or serializer-deserializer front-ends. The differential LVDS output swing stays within 350 mV typical, keeping EMI low and allowing cable runs of several metres at the full rate when terminated with 100 Ω. For a 200 Mbps link, the margin means you can tolerate a bit more PCB trace loss or connector degradation before the eye closes.
Driver-only topology — no receiver on chip
With 4 drivers and 0 receivers, this part is strictly a transmit-side device. It pairs naturally with a quad LVDS receiver for a full bidirectional link.
This avoids the last-time-buy scramble and keeps the part eligible for new designs.