MegaChips’ MCDP2900 converts 4K60 DisplayPort to HDMI2.0

MegaChips is shipping the MCDP2900 advanced DisplayPort to HDMI2.0b audio-video converter IC. The chip features a 5.4-Gbit/s link rate supporting HBR2, HBR, RBR modes and HDCP2.2 repeater functions, one-, two-, or four-lane configurations, and programmable receiver equalization. The converter facilitates secured transmission of 4K 60-Hz High Dynamic Range (HDR) content between personal, mobile, and consumer electronics through USB Type-C and other digital display interfaces.

It is expected that video will account for 70% of all mobile traffic by 2021, an increase of 55% over the next five years. Low-power video conversion is essential for these portable devices. The MCDP2900 takes only 570 mW in protocol converter operation, 11-mW sleep mode, and 4 mW in connected standby.

HDMI 2.0a accommodates High Dynamic Range (HDR), which is said to improve the contrast between light and dark images for a more realistic picture. HDR will be a highly touted feature for new 4K UHD TVs. None of the HDMI 2.0 versions define new cables or new connectors. Current High-Speed cables (Category 2 cables) are capable of carrying the increased bandwidth.

The MCDP2900 supports RGB to YCC color space conversion, bit-depth expansion, chroma downscaling, and horizontal blanking expansion for accurate color and timing conversion between mobile PCs and home TVs. It has end-to-end HDCP2.2 security and true repeater functionality with embedded keys providing the highest security for protected content (Type 1/Type 0) transmission. The chip's secure boot and secure firmware update based on RSA 2048-bit signature generation and verification provide uncompromised device security. It comes in a LFBGA64, 7 x 7-mm package with a price of $8.34 each in single quantities.