Parade offers world’s first DisplayPort 1.2 dual mode HDMI demultiplexers

SAN JOSE, USA: Parade Technologies Ltd, a leading video display and interface IC supplier, announced the world’s first DisplayPort Demultiplexer ICs that are fully compliant with the higher data rates and capabilities of DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4a. Parade’s new PS8336A and PS8336B devices integrate a single Dual Mode DisplayPort 1.2 receiver with two transmitters: a DisplayPort 1.2 compliant output and a HDMI 1.4a compliant TMDS output.

“Many system designers need to support both HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs. Parade’s new demultiplexers satisfy this market need while meeting all of the requirements of VESA’s latest DisplayPort and HDMI specifications,” explains Jimmy Chiu, VP of Marketing at Parade Technologies.

Latest versions of DisplayPort and HDMI increase data rates
DisplayPort 1.2 implements significant advancements over the previous version, DisplayPort 1.1a. The maximum data rate increased from 2.7Gb/s to 5.4Gb/s, enabling DisplayPort 1.2 to support higher resolution displays, multiple displays on a single channel and higher resolution 3-D displays.

DisplayPort 1.2 also added a Fast AUX mode to the AUX Channel that increases the data rate of this bi-directional side band signal from 1Mb/s to 720Mb/s. The PS8336A/B devices support both the 5.4Gb/s video rate and 720Mb/s Fast AUX speed when the DisplayPort output is selected.

When using the HDMI output, the PS8336A/B supports TMDS data rates of up to 3 Gb/s, enabling HDMI pixel rates up to 300 MHz. This provides support for the new, higher resolution 1080p 60fps 3D display modes described in the HDMI 1.4a specification.

DisplayPort AUX channel interception automates signal conditioning
Parade’s PS8336A/B devices are designed to accommodate Dual-Mode DisplayPort operation. The internal demultiplexer switches the Dual Mode DisplayPort Source between DisplayPort and TMDS outputs—the TMDS output is compatible with both HDMI and DVI displays. When using the DisplayPort output, the devices behave like a DisplayPort repeater/redriver.

Parade’s own AUX Channel interception technology is used to passively monitor the DisplayPort training signals between the Source and Sink and automatically set DisplayPort lane count, amplitude, and output pre-emphasis levels for the Main Link. For the DisplayPort input receiver, these devices incorporate Parade’s proven equalizer technology for input signal conditioning, enabling automatic compensation for variations in cable, connector and PCB trace signal losses to ensure performance robustness.

Power saving technology for DisplayPort and HDMI operation
Parade’s Demultiplexers support all DisplayPort power management modes, including standby and sleep modes when the device is inactive. The devices also support a Suspend Mode when the device recognizes an unplugged display or the absence of video Source signals.

The devices also incorporate automated power management features for HDMI/DVI operation. These include an automatic squelch mode that suspends the output drivers when the device detects input signal loss, and automated power down when the device detects the absence of a connected display.

Parade is offering two versions of its Dual-Mode DisplayPort Demultiplexer. The PS8336A uses a dual-voltage 1.5V and 3.3V power supply; the PS8336B uses a single 3.3V power supply.

The PS8336A/B is sampling now, and production volumes will be available in June 2011. Both devices are available in a 7x7mm 56-pin QFN package. The PS8336A and PS8336B will be available for $1.75 /ea. in high volume.