Date: 25/06/2012

ST’s audio/video converter SoC bridges DisplayPort and HDMI interfaces

STMicroelectronics has introduced the “Mystique” family of products, high-speed active-protocol bi-directional converters for managing audio and video signals between DisplayPort and HDMI.

Mystique is an advanced audio/video converter System-on-Chip (SoC). Its bi-directional conversion of HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort 1.2 formats ensures flawless connectivity among various consumer and commercial computer and multimedia equipment, including Blu-ray disc players, game consoles, docking stations , laptops, tablets, digital signs, and Thunderbolt devices. The converters also enable the multimedia experience by supporting the new ultra high-definition 4Kx2K displays (4096x2160p is 4 times Full HD) and 7.1-channel surround sound.

The Mystique converters accept and output DisplayPort 1.2 High Bit Rate 2 data, at 5.4Gpbs per lane, so only two data pairs are required to drive a Full HD 120Hz TV. OEMs can increase their connectivity solutions by developing external dongles and docking stations supporting both HDMI and DisplayPort standards for enterprise, mobile and home use.

Features:
1. Dual-mode DisplayPort 1.2 /HDMI1.4-compliant transmitter and receiver
2. RGB and YUV video formats with deep color support up to 16 bits/color
3. High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) 1.3 with on-chip keys & HDCP repeater capability
4. Adaptive equalization and pre-emphasis for long-reach cable support
5. Spread-spectrum technique reduces Electro-Magnetic Interference
6. Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) authentication support
7. Supports 4Kx2K / 3D FHD 120Hz video; conversion between frame sequential format and stacked top-bottom
8. Supports audio up to 7.1CH from 32kHz to 192kHz and high bit-rate audio

Mystique is based on ST’s advanced DisplayPort technology. Market Research firm In-Stat predicts that source device shipments for the external DisplayPort interface to reach 400 million units in 2014.

The products in the family include:
1. STDP2600 – HDMI 1.4 to Dual-Mode DisplayPort (DP++) converter
2. STDP2650 – DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI 1.4 converter
3. STDP2690 – DisplayPort 1.2 to Dual-Mode DisplayPort (DP++) converter

“ST has been the leading company in the development and deployment of the DisplayPort high-definition video interface standard and the new Mystique family continues the expansion of our DisplayPort-based product offering,” said Amir Sheikholeslami, Director of DisplayPort and Monitor Business Unit. “These ’bridge’ products enable seamless connectivity and enhanced user experience with the next generation of ultra-high resolution displays.”

All devices are sampling now and are targeted for high-volume OEM and ODM business.