HDMI ver. 1.3a Buffer IC for Large Digital TVs

ROHM has developed the BU16014KV, a high-performance HDMI ver. 1.3a-compliant buffer IC specifically designed for large digital TVs and multimedia monitors, where the relatively large distance between the image processor and HDMI receiver makes them susceptible to electromagnetic and noise interference. Features include a built-in DDC buffer for ID signal display, a multiplexer, and a high speed differential driver for high-reliability digital transmission. In addition, unique RF circuit technology and optimized pattern layout have been utilized to integrate an equalizer capable compensating for signal decay and degradation due to cables and connectors via high-precision impedance matching. As a result, high quality transmission waveforms are possible, even during high speed (2.25Gbps HDMI ver. 1.3a) audio/video communication. Set reliability is further improved due to an industry-best ESD resistance of 10kV (HMB).
Sample shipments will begin in September (sample price: 3.4US$), with mass production slated for November.

· Main characteristics of the BU16014KV

1. Supports 1080p full HD with RGB 12-bit color depth
2. HDMI ver. 1.3a-compliant 2.25Gbps high-speed transmission
3. Built-in equalizer allows use of long cables
4. DDC buffer integrated for HDCP communication
5. 10kV (HBM) ESD resistance
6. Easy-to-mount VQFP48 package (9mm × 9mm × max. 1.4mm)

New Product Bulletin for HDMI ver. 1.3a Buffer IC(PDF:355KB)

· Glossary

• HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)
  HDMI is the industry standard digital audio/video interface for television devices. Audio, video, and control signals are transmitted through one cable. HDMI ver. 1.3a increases transmission speed and increases color depth from 8 bits to 10 bits or more for improved image reproduction. It supports Blu-ray and HD DVD as well as uncompressed multichannel audio formats including Dolby True HD and DTS-HS. Compatibility is also provided for “lip-sync” functions for synchronizing audio and video.
• HDCP (High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection system)
  HDCP is a content protection system comprised of authentication and encoding protocols. If the display (TV) is not HDCP-compatible, HDMI video cannot be shown.
• DDC (Display Data Channel)
  Standardized by VESA (Video Electronics Standard Association), DDC allows the acquisition of all types of attributes and automatic settings to match the capabilities of the display. An expanded version, DDC/CI (Command Interface), has bidirectional control capability.
• Blu-ray Disc
  Jointly developed by nine companies, including Sony and Matsushita, Blu-ray is a rewritable high-capacity phase change optical disc. One of the ‘next-generation’ DVD standards, it features a capacity greatly surpassing that of current DVDs. Maximum recording capacity is 27GB, at a data transfer rate of 36Mbps.
• Impedance matching
  Impedance matching is the practice of making the signal source and load impedances equal. If this is not performed high-speed waveforms cannot be correctly reproduced.
• Full HD
  Regarding high-definition digital television (HDTV) broadcasts, full HD is the highest resolution format available, with at least 1080 effective scan lines. Generally ‘full HD’ compatibility indicates support for a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels.
• Buffer
  A buffer is a circuit that compensates for differences in processing speed between communication lines, eliminating input/output interference.
• Equalizer
  Longer cables result in proportional degradation of the digital signal, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between ones and zeroes. An equalizer is a circuit that restores this degraded signal, so that subsequent digital blocks can correctly determine the digital value.
• Multiplexer
  Multiplexing is the function of using a switch to select one signal from multiple signals. Required capabilities differ widely depending on frequency band and signal type (analog or digital)