Synopsys launches DesignWare HDMI 1.4 Tx/Rx controller and PHY IP solutions for 40nm process technologies

With designers incorporating networking capabilities in next generation home entertainment devices, the HEAC block in the DesignWare HDMI 1.4 solution helps simplify the connectivity between internet-enabled digital home devices by enabling the transfer of Ethernet and audio frames through a single HDMI cable. The DesignWare IP for HDMI 1.4 also incorporates all 3D formats, which allows device manufacturers to heighten the viewing experience by supporting 3D techniques such as full side-by-side, half side-by-side and frame alternative. The real-time content signaling capability enables televisions to automatically optimise the picture setting with no user intervention. Support for 4K x 2K resolution delivers up to four times the resolution of 1080p, providing the same resolution as state-of-the-art digital cinema systems.

“With a strong focus on innovation, DisplayLink continues to incorporate the latest technologies into our leading network display products,” said Jonathan Jeacocke, vice president of engineering at DisplayLink. “When we wanted to incorporate HDMI IP into our SoC, we turned to Synopsys to provide us with a silicon-proven IP solution that had all the required features. We knew that Synopsys, a trusted IP vendor, would be there to not only provide us with a high quality product, but also the expert technical support if and when we needed it.”

The DesignWare HDMI IP solution includes a comprehensive set of IP deliverables including baseline software drivers for system development, which help designers quickly embed this complex interface into next generation multimedia system-on-chips (SoCs). Furthermore, the solution provides the following:

- Compliance with HDMI and HDCP specifications with certification from the NXP HDMI authorised testing centre and successful interoperability results from HDCP plugfest events.
- A superior analogue front end that supports up to 20 foot category 2-certified HDMI cables, while maintaining high performance.
- Digital controllers delivered in configurable RTL allow designers to optimise gate count and power consumption by choosing only the features required in their application.
- PHY offering low power consumption and small die area.
- Numerous optional features such as HDCP encryption engine, audio formats, audio DMA engine and system-bus interfaces which help ease the integration effort.
- System validation based on the Synopsys Confirma(TM) HAPS-51 rapid prototyping platform.

“HDMI is a rapidly evolving standard that continues to revolutionise digital home theatre systems and other portable multimedia devices,” said John Koeter, vice president of marketing for the Solutions Group at Synopsys. “Synopsys’ DesignWare HDMI IP solutions have been adopted by major OEMs, semiconductor companies, IDMs and foundries worldwide. The availability of the DesignWare HDMI 1.4 digital controller and PHY IP further enables SoC designers and system integrators to introduce the latest features to the market rapidly and with less risk.”