Upgrade Your Video Hardware With DisplayPort: Compatible with HDMI and USB-C

DisplayPort is the latest digital display interface developed for streaming graphics. It came about when major chip manufacturers gathered to converge graphics protocol compatible with interfacing ICs and devices. The idea was to enable older technology communication pathways for continued use while matching newer graphics protocols for increased transmission speeds and viewing quality.

Digital displays frequently offer several communication ports to enable connection with multiple devices. Internal busing, motherboard to graphics card, may incorporate PCI or PCI Express. All find uses within integrated hardware arrangements, so compatibility is desired. Everybody wants the best experience when streaming video, but not all can upgrade monitors. Hardware designers need protocols that work well together along similar pathways.

DisplayPort allows use with the very best graphics engines, while also being backward compatible with older streaming protocols commonly found in displays and the devices that drive them. Commonly arranged connectors assign pinouts that can be used to multiplex differing protocols to deliver accurately to downstream connector ports. This allows upgrading computers while holding off on buying new monitors without disabling viewing opportunities.

Background for Digital Video Transmission

Many video graphics protocols have been in play since televisions and home computers arrived on the market. Early adopters used composite video, S-video, VGA, and others on the evolution to 4K HDMI. Taking a look at the back of a computer monitor or digital television illustrates multiple ports for connecting. Some ports are video only, while newer protocols incorporate audio into the same port.

Incorporate the best display protocol in hardware designs

You may know these connection ports as 4K HDMI, DVI, FPD, or VGA. Chances are that some devices you use, in either your home or business, have such connection ports on them. These connection ports dedicate pins that carry defined signals to and from the source computer, or television, to the monitor or viewing screen. Dedicated pins map to graphics processors where video data originates from the CPU and is processed for display on monitors.

Defining Characteristics of DisplayPort

DisplayPort has developed through several versions since it’s inception in 2006. The protocol has evolved to increase bandwidth processing and transmission speeds. The protocol’s ability to handle large amounts of processing information for transmission and display in downstream devices has resulted in robust display performance. DisplayPort is both backward- and forward compatible with older and newer protocols, making it a versatile streaming protocol.

DisplayPort is available on state-of-the-art graphics cards and is compatible with 4K HDMI UHD. It works well with all the major chip manufacturers, so finding useful switches and muxes for your hardware designs will lead to compatible choices. This will allow your design to work well with currently existing hardware or with future designs for video streaming.

The consortium also noted increased use of USB-C for streaming video and has provided DisplayPort Alt Mode. This mode transmits DisplayPort protocol along USB-C transmission paths with dedicated pins within the path for detection and selection. Having versatility for use of the protocol allows adaptability across many hardware platforms, allowing your design accessibility into multiple markets.

Parameters to Consider When Selecting a DisplayPort

Designing high-performance graphics for personal computers involves updating legacy designs to support DisplayPort. With access to PCI or PCI Express, or USB-C, you are able to upgrade systems to include in your hardware devices. Typical parts used to do this are microelectronic switches or multiplexors found in ICs. We look at a few below.

Diodes Inc., PI3VDP3212

This is an IC working as a switch to connect digital video signals using DisplayPort 1.2 protocol. The part operates in either of two directions, making it adoptable given devices on hand for display options. It boasts low insertion loss with a channel-to-channel skew of less than 35ps. The part operates from 3.3V and is available in a lead-free 32-pin TQFN package.

The PI3VDP3212...mux/demux is targeted for next-generation digital video signals. This device can be used to connect a DisplayPort^™ Source to two Independent DisplayPort Sinks or to connect two DisplayPort sources to a single DisplayPort display.

From page 1 of Pericom PI3VDP3212 datasheet

On Semiconductor, NCN3612B

This IC is designed to switch either PCI Express or DisplayPort signals for routing to peripheral display devices from graphics processors. This is done with a dedicated select pin with latch control. It runs from a nominal supply of 3.3V and supports transfer speeds of 8 Gbps. The IC is available in lead-free packaging with small WQFN footprint.

The NCN3612B … a 6-Channel differential single-pull, double-throw switch designed to route PCI Express Gen3 and/or DisplayPort 1.2 signals. Due to the ultra-low ON-state capacitance (2.1 pF typical) and resistance (8Ω typical), this switch is ideal for switching high frequency signals up to a signal bit rate of 8 Gbps.

Found on page 1 of NCN3612B datasheet

Texas Instruments, SN75DP130

This is a sophisticated IC supporting all versions of DisplayPort allowing interface to HDMI 1.4b at frequencies up to 340MHz. It offers configuration for one of two power options allowing system choice for power budgeting. The part is capable of link training to allow most optimal transmission settings making direct use with chipset manufacturer graphics engines feasible. The part is available in lead-free packaging coming in a 48-pin VQFN package.

The SN75DP130 … a single channel DisplayPort^™ re-driver that regenerates the DP high-speed digital link. The device complies with the VESA DisplayPort Standard Version 1.2, and supports a 4-lane Main Link interface signaling up to HBR2 rates at 5.4 Gbps per lane. This device also supports DP++ Dual-Model, offering TMDS signaling for DVI and full HDMI Version 1.4a support.

Found on page 1 of SN75DP130 datasheet

DisplayPort with Video Hardware can make video resolutions and refresh rate upgrades tremendously possible. Don’t settle for less than the best with high-definition video display mode options. Upgrading hardware designs to incorporate DisplayPort with existing transmission paths is possible with parts designed to accept DisplayPort protocol. A few are considered above. The website lists more and we invite you to use our Similar Parts guide to consider the best for your application.

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