DisplayPort-to-HDMI converters support 300 MHz HDMI clock rate

Parade Technologies Ltd. added two devices to its portfolio of DisplayPort-to-HDMI/DVI conversion chips, enabling emerging applications of 4k x 2k displays at 30Hz and 3D full high-def resolution at 120Hz.

Parade’s new PS171 is a DisplayPort 1.1a to HDMI 1.4 and DVI 1.0 converter. The new PS181 is a DisplayPort to Dual-Mode DisplayPort converter.

Both devices enable connectivity between computers and consumer electronics and displays using the world ’s two most popular digital display interface standards. According to Parade, the PS171 and PS181 are the first converters to support the advanced video formats defined by HDMI specification version 1.4. Specifically, the new devices support HDMI TMDS pixel clock rates up to 300MHz, which enables 3D 1080p video resolution at 120Hz, and 4k x 2k video resolution at 30Hz.

The PS171 is targeted at TV, consumer electronics, and digital signage OEMs that want to add DisplayPort input capability alongside existing HDMI inputs. In these applications, the PS171 is typically placed between the external DisplayPort input connector and the HDMI/DVI receiver circuit, which is often integrated into the DTV and LCD monitor system chip. The PS171 also targets cable adapters or docking stations where native DisplayPort to HDMI or DVI protocol conversion is needed.

The PS181 targets computer and docking stations applications. The device accepts a native DisplayPort input and provides a Dual-Mode DisplayPort output. Dual-Mode DisplayPort, defined by the VESA DisplayPort Dual-Mode standard, provides a DisplayPort output that supports level-shifting DisplayPort to HDMI/DVI cable adaptors. The PS181 provides the native DisplayPort to HDMI/DVI protocol conversion needed to support these cable adaptors along with cable adaptor detection.

Both devices include an internal microcontroller that manages chip operation, eliminating the need of host system control or software modification. The PS171 and PS181 also support the HDCP standard for content protection.

The two devices are optimized for low power operation with 3.3V I/O and 1.2V core operating voltages. They are available in a 56-pin QFN Halogen-free RoHS package.

Price and Availability
The PS171 and PS181 are sampling now, and production volumes will be available in Q2.
The PS171 will be priced at $3.00/ ea. in high volume.
The PS181 will be priced at $3.50/ ea. in high volume.

Datasheets: PS171 and PS181.