VESA issues updated embedded DisplayPort standard

NEWARK, USA: The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has announced a new version of the Embedded DisplayPort Standard (eDP).

eDP version 1.2 includes several enhancements to further enable improved display performance and reduced system power consumption. eDP v1.2 defines new panel and backlight control capabilities using the DisplayPort bi-directional AUX Channel. It also adds support for the higher 5.4Gbps link rate defined by the DisplayPort v1.2 standard released in January 2010, enabling high performance Stereo 3D at Full HD, 1080p60 per eye, and support for Field Sequential Color (FSC) panels.

VESA member companies developed eDP as the eventual replacement for LVDS which has been used in notebook PCs for over 10 years. eDP-enabled mobile PCs went into production this year, and will account for approximately 11 percent of the 2010 mobile PC market, according to In-Stat. Mobile PCs using the new eDP v1.2 will be in production the first half of 2011. Industry market trends indicate eDP will have largely replaced LVDS by 2013.

eDP notebook panels use fewer interconnect signals, thereby simplifying internal cabling and requiring less EMI shielding. eDP notebook panels can also decrease system power consumption significantly, enabling extended notebook battery life. eDP v1.2 further reduces wire count and adds new LCD panel control and backlight capabilities using the bidirectional AUX Channel.

Such capabilities include backlight brightness and modulation frequency control, enabling of dynamic backlight control, color engine operation, dithering, self-test mode, and more. The new 5.4Gbps link rate option doubles the data bandwidth of the video data channel(s), allowing for either further reduction in wire count or higher performance 2D or Stereo 3D displays at Full HD resolution. eDP is ideal for Field Sequential Color panel applications that require 120Hz or higher refresh rates and high dynamic range support.

eDP also plays an important role in PC chip integration. Based on the VESA DisplayPort standard, eDP uses low-voltage, AC-coupled signaling which is compatible with today’s sub-micron chip processes; and less device pins are needed. With the latest PC architectures featuring graphics integrated into the CPU, a reduced interface footprint is crucial. Unlike LVDS, eDP shares commonality with the DisplayPort external interface, simplifying design.

“eDP provides a significant advantage for integrated GPU architectures,” said Craig Wiley, Sr. Director of Marketing at Parade Technologies, VESA Board Vice-chair and eDP editor. “It would be difficult to support LVDS directly from the CPU, which now includes the GPU, due to the number of pins and high voltage required. eDP uses a physical interface similar to PCI Express which simplifies the design process.”

For the system developer, eDP means longer battery life and fewer wires for the display interface across the display hinge. This also makes it easier to add other wires for a wireless antenna, camera, microphone(s) and speakers.

The eDP v1.2 standard is now available for purchase from VESA and is provided free of charge to VESA member companies.