A circuit for a wireline system is disclosed. In an embodiment, the circuit includes a twisted pair channel. The twisted pair channel delivers a differential signal that includes a converter mode component. The circuit includes at least one transformer coupled to the twisted pair channel and a transceiver coupled to the at least one transformer. The circuit further includes a common mode detection coupled to the transceiver for detecting a common mode component. In an embodiment, the circuit detects the common mode component. Accordingly, with common mode component detection capability, the common mode component of the differential can be analyzed for characterization purposes as well as for potential improvement in the system performance signal.