Diodes Incorporated (Nasdaq: DIOD) has introduced two advanced hybrid ReDriver devices aimed at enhancing signal integrity in high-resolution HDMI 2.1 applications. The new products, the PI3HDX12311 and PI3HDX6311, are designed to support high-speed video and data transmission, offering solutions for HDMI 2.1 and 2.0, as well as DisplayPort Dual-Mode (DP++) applications.
The PI3HDX12311 is tailored for high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 applications, handling data rates up to 12Gbps per channel for HDMI’s Fixed Rate Link (FRL) and 6Gbps for Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS). The PI3HDX6311, on the other hand, is optimized for HDMI 2.0, supporting up to 6Gbps. These devices integrate display data channel (DDC) listeners, ensuring compatibility across various systems and simplifying design requirements.
Both products act as intermediaries between a source (such as a CPU or GPU) and a display (like a TV or monitor), addressing signal degradation that typically occurs over long transmission lines. This makes them ideal for a range of applications, including laptops, desktop PCs, docking stations, gaming consoles, and commercial displays.
The hybrid nature of the devices allows them to operate in either limited or linear mode, depending on the HDMI version in use. In limited mode, the devices support HDMI 1.4 applications, where the differential output swing is pre-defined to ensure HDMI-compliant levels. For HDMI 2.0 and 2.1, the devices switch to linear mode, making them function as trace cancellers. This transparency ensures seamless link training signals and enables higher video resolutions, such as 8K, with data rates up to 48Gbps (12Gbps per channel).
Further enhancing the devices’ functionality, both models support AC or DC coupling of input and output signals, with short-circuit detection in DC-coupled mode. The products are also equipped with pin-strapping control for operating modes, equalization, flat-gain, output swing, and output -1dB linearity swing, offering fine-tuned control for varying requirements.
To minimize power consumption, the PI3HDX12311 and PI3HDX6311 utilize a hot-plug-detect (HPD) pin, which places the devices in a low-power state if not in active use. Their DDC listeners also monitor HDMI Forum Vendor Specific Data Block (HF-VSDB) and the Status and Control Data Channel Structure (SCDCS) offset registers for further efficiency.
The devices are available in a compact 32-pin X1-QFN2845 package, measuring just 2.85mm by 4.5mm, and they operate across a wide temperature range of -40°C to +70°C. They are priced at $0.99 for the PI3HDX12311 and $0.77 for the PI3HDX6311 in 3,500-piece quantities.
