Synopsys launches DesignWare HDMI 2.0 TX/RX controller and PHY IP

MOUNTAIN VIEW, USA: Synopsys Inc. has launched its DesignWare HDMI 2.0 TX/RX IP solutions, including controller, PHY, and example Linux drivers to reduce designers' integration risk and time-to-market.

With aggregate bandwidth of up to 18 Gbps, the DesignWare HDMI 2.0 IP enables 4K x 2K (4400 vertical pixels x 2250 horizontal pixels) resolution at a 60 Hz frame rate in deep color mode to provide a flickerless, ultra high-definition (UHD) viewing experience.

The IP's ability to scramble transition-minimized differential signaling (TMDS) data above 3.4 Gbps adds to the high-quality viewing experience by minimizing the electromagnetic interference (EMI) that occurs in 8b/10b coded data streams. In addition, its robust analog front end supports pre-emphasis and adaptive equalization for excellent signal integrity across cables lengths of greater than 100 feet.

"We selected Synopsys' HDMI IP solution due to the company's strong mixed-signal and system-level expertise in the multimedia domain," said Michael Mo, senior director of business development at Amlogic. "Synopsys' early readiness with HDMI 2.0 has helped us incorporate the specification's advanced features into our 4K HDTV SoC. As a trusted IP vendor, Synopsys provided us with a high-quality product and expert technical support so we could focus resources on other aspects of our chip."

The DesignWare HDMI 2.0 IP solution offers a modular, flexible design that is optimized for area, power, pin count and gate count to reduce die size and bill-of-material (BOM) costs in HDTV system-on-chips (SoCs). The solution's configurability enables designers to future-proof their HDTV SoCs by supporting functional updates in software.

The 28-nanometer (nm) HDMI 2.0 PHY offers 33 percent lower active and leakage power consumption than the previous generation to help comply with Energy Star requirements. In addition, the single PLL architecture and optimized I/O ring reduce silicon area by 25 percent compared to the previous generation. The HDMI 2.0 PHY can achieve 6 Gbps performance in a wirebond package, and the pin order can support a two-layer PCB board for BOM cost savings.

To assist in software development, Synopsys provides HDMI 2.0 drivers in the Linux kernel. The software drivers, which include high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP), extended display identification data (EDID) and consumer electronics control (CEC) functionality, can reduce designers' software development time from weeks to hours. For example, the CEC 2.0 driver supports the universal remote control standard, enabling consumers to control multiple home theater devices through a single remote control. The drivers may be used in Linux or Linux-based Android systems.

"Synopsys' HDMI 2.0 TX/RX solutions extend our leadership as a provider of high-quality IP for a wide range of multimedia consumer products," said John Koeter, VP of marketing for IP and systems at Synopsys. "Our HDMI 2.0 IP has been architected to meet the performance requirements of ultra high-definition state-of-the-art home theater systems while providing design flexibility with support for future enhancements through software updates."

The DesignWare HDMI 2.0 RX/TX Controller and PHY IP are available now in 28-nm process nodes from multiple foundries.