Date: 9th Mar 2011

Video ICs to convert LVDS to DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI or VGA interfaces

Video interface semiconductor device specialist Chrontel released two new ICs for computer and display developers to interface LVDS with DisplayPort video interface. Chrontel's new CH7508 is a timing controller (TCON) that converts DisplayPort signals into mini-LVDS for display manufacturers using mini-LVDS technology to drive TFT panels. The new CH7509 converts DisplayPort signals into LVDS so that computer processors using the new DisplayPort output can also maintain compatibility with LVDS displays.

Chrontel says the CH7508 is targeted at display manufacturers that wish to continue leveraging their extensive investment in mini-LVDS electronics, which control the internal column and row drivers that control display pixels. By integrating a CH7508 into their display design, a panel can be upgraded for DisplayPort compatibility while maintaining internal mini-LVDS designs for timing control. The CH7508 supports panel resolutions up to WSXGA (1680 x 1050), and is capable of handling DisplayPort link rates up to 2.7Gb/s.

The CH7509 is targeted at computer motherboard manufacturers that have transitioned to processors that utilize DisplayPort video outputs exclusively. By integrating a CH7509 into their motherboard design, these systems can maintain compatibility with the millions of external displays in the market that exclusively use LVDS inputs. The CH7509 supports panel resolutions up to WSXGA (1680 x 1050), and is capable of handling DisplayPort link rates up to 2.7Gb/s.

"Managing technology transitions is a delicate task for system designers," said Dr. David Soo, Chrontel President and CEO. "It is economically important for computer OEMs to maintain compatibility with the large installed base of LVDS displays, even as they begin to use new processors that have replaced LVDS outputs with DisplayPort. Display OEMs need to maximize life cycle ROI for their well-established mini-LVDS designs. Even today, many display OEMs are migrating RSDS display designs to mini-LVDS due to improved EMI performance, lower pincounts and reduced cost. Chrontel's new duo of DisplayPort-to-LVDS conversion devices helps both computers and displays manufacturers achieve maximum cross-compatibility and profitability."

Chrontel has also recently announced low-power video IC CH7036 for Internet computers, including the latest netbook and nettop systems built using processors such as Intel's recently announced N450, D410 and D510 Atom processors. Chrontel's mixed-signal CH7036 IC converts LVDS inputs into HDMI, DVI or VGA video outputs for external displays and digital televisions. The CH7036 also has an additional output port that can retransmit graphic data in LVDS format to the netbook's display while one of the external video outputs is enabled.

The CH7036 has a single-channel LVDS receiver and transmitter that is compatible with resolutions up to 1366 x 768. The device's integrated frame buffer scaler and HDMI/DVI encoder supports output resolutions up to 1080p. The CH7036 also incorporates three high-speed 10-bit DACs for VGA output. To support multiple displays, the CH7036 can output HDMI/DVI and VGA signals simultaneously.

The device has built-in CEC support and two-channel SPDIF and I2S digital audio output. The CH7036 also takes the advantage of its high-speed internal SDRAM frame buffer, enabling image upsizing/downsizing, zooming and 90/180/270 image rotation.

"Low power processors like Intel's very successful Atom line, have integrated graphic controllers. They typically rely on LVDS for video interface," said Dr. David Soo, Chrontel President and CEO. "To enable netbook and nettop designers to add an HDMI option for high-def display, a conversion chip is required. Our customers appreciate sourcing this device from an established vendor like Chrontel. We have years of experience working closely with both computer ODMs and processor designers to develop proven video interface solutions like the CH7036."

Pricing and Availability

Chrontel CH7058 samples are currently available, and production volumes will be available in July. The device is offered in a 64-pin QFN package, priced at USD 1.80 / each in 10,000 piece quantities.

Chrontel CH7059 samples are currently available, and production volumes will be available in July. The device is offered in a 64-pin QFN package, priced at USD 1.80 / each in 10,000 piece quantities.

Chrontel CH7036 samples are currently available, and production volumes will be available in July 2010. The device is offered in an 88-pin QFN package, priced at USD 4.50 / each in 10,000 piece quantities.

In March 2011 Chrontel has added 2 more ICs for converting LVDS to DisplayPort, Here are the details.

Chrontel's new CH7510 is a timing controller (T-CON) used in display panels to convert DisplayPort input signals into mini-LVDS outputs that directly drive row and column pixel data on LCDs. The new CH7511 is used in notebook computers to convert DisplayPort input signals into LVDS, which is still widely used to drive video signals across the notebook's hinge to the computer display.

Both devices are product updates of Chrontel's popular CH7508 and CH7509 devices, which were announced in May 2010. The CH7510 and CH7511 are now compatible with WUXGA display resolutions (1920 x 1200 pixels at 60Hz refresh rates), while the CH7508 and CH7509 support WSXGA+ resolutions (1680 x 1050). The CH7510 and CH7511 are compliant with DisplayPort (DP) version 1.1a and embedded DisplayPort (eDP) standard version 1.2, and both devices support link rates up to 2.7Gb/s.

"DisplayPort is clearly the video interface standard of the future. Intel, AMD and other major technology companies have stated their plans to phase-out LVDS," said Dr. David Soo, Chrontel President and CEO. "At the same time, many monitor manufacturers have a significant investment in LVDS technology, and the cost of LVDS displays remains very competitive in the marketplace. Chrontel's new devices will help our customers make a smooth, profit-maximizing transition to DisplayPort."

Developed as a replacement for the widely used LVDS standard, DisplayPort handles video data transmissions from a computer's CPU or GPU to internal and external display panels. Major CPU vendors have publicly announced their plans to eliminate LVDS outputs from their product lines by 2013. The CH7511 DisplayPort Receiver / LVDS Transmitter enables computer designers that use new CPUs or GPUs with DisplayPort outputs to maintain compatibility with display panels already designed with LVDS inputs.

Mini-LVDS is a low-voltage, low-EMI version of LVDS that is used to drive row and column data to the LCD module within a display panel. The CH7510 allows display OEMs to offer products that use an external DP interface, while leveraging their investment in legacy mini-LVDS electronics inside the LCD module. Although the DisplayPort specification allows for direct drive of LCD displays, many display OEMs can maximize cost effectiveness by continuing to use mini-LVDS to directly drive LCD panels.

Package: Both 7511 and 7510 in 68-pin QFN
Availability: Now in samples and volumes in Apr 2011
Price:
CH7511: USD 1.95 each in 10,000 piece quantities
CH7510: USD 1.85 each in 10,000 piece quantities

To know more visit http://www.chrontel.com/products