Parade Technologies has introduced three new products;
PS8321 DisplayPort 2-to-1 multiplexer, the PS8271 HDMI/DVI
2-to-1 multiplexer, and the PS8325 Dual Mode Cross-Point
Switch that enable switchable graphics implementations in
notebook PCs.
The three new devices accept digital video output from
either the discrete GPU (graphics processor units) or the
integrated GPU, whichever is active. The PS8321 2-to-1 multiplexer
drives a DisplayPort video output from the active GPU, the
PS8271 2-to-1 multiplexer drives a DVI or HDMI video output
from the active GPU, and the PS8325 Crosspoint Switch can
drive either a DisplayPort or HDMI/DVI output from the active
GPU.
Switchable graphics designs are being rapidly proliferated
by PC OEMs to significantly extend battery life in notebook
computers. By allowing users to dynamically choose between
high performance discrete graphics or the minimal power
consumption of the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD integrated
graphics, battery life can be extended by one hour or more.
"Switchable graphics satisfies a major user requirement
for longer battery life in notebook computers. Several global
computing brands are shipping switchable graphics computers
today, and many more are expected with our next platform
launch," says Mike Trainor, Intel's Chief Technology
Evangelist. "New video interface switches, such as
those launched by Parade, provide enhancements to the switchable
graphics architecture. Mobile users clearly want the ability
to choose battery-saving integrated graphics for most applications,
while having the option of performance-oriented discrete
graphics when desired for gaming or other 3D applications."
The PS8321 DisplayPort 2-to-1 multiplexer has two DisplayPort
inputs and one DisplayPort output. Dual-mode (also known
as or Multi-mode) DisplayPort is supported, and separate
controls are provided for the DisplayPort main link and
AUX channel signal paths. Parade Technologies has also integrated
the DisplayPort repeater function in the PS8321, which means
the DisplayPort signal is reconditioned prior to system
output. The repeater function is similar to that featured
in the recently announced PS8311, where the repeater removes
signal distortion imposed by the system PCB traces and provides
a clean, low distortion output. The repeater also intercepts
AUX channel commands during link training and responds with
the appropriate output conditions requested by the DisplayPort
sink device.
The PS8271 DVI/HDMI 2:1 Multiplexer can accept either two
DVI inputs or two HDMI inputs, and drives a single DVI or
HDMI system output. The PS8271 takes the AC coupled signaling
from either integrated or discrete GPU and performs level
translation, providing a compliant DC coupled output. Data
rates up to 2.25 Gbps are supported, enabling 1080p video
resolutions with 12-bit per component color depth (deep
color). Separate DDC and TMDS signal switching is supported.
The PS8325 Dual Mode DisplayPort Cross Point Switch is
suitable for multiple applications. It has two DisplayPort
inputs, one DisplayPort output, and one DVI/HDMI output
and supports Dual-mode DisplayPort source devices and maintains
the Dual-mode functionality at the DisplayPort output. When
the Dual-mode source is in DVI/HDMI mode, the PS8325's DVI/HDMI
output can be selected to provide a compliant DVI or HDMI
output with support up to 2.25 Gbps. The PS8325 includes
a level translator to support this function. The PS8325
also includes equalizers on the DisplayPort inputs, and
a repeater, with AUX channel interception, on the DisplayPort
output.
The PS8321, PS8271, and PS8325 provide easy system integration
requiring no additional software or control other than mux
selection. Power management is automatically controlled
through sink device detection, and output squelch circuits
are controlled by input signal detection. In the PS8321
and PS8325, the DisplayPort input equalizers are automatically
adjusted during link training. The PS8325 also provides
automatic output port switching. For the PS8271 and PS8325,
the DVI/HDMI outputs can be adjusted for optimum EMI characteristics.
All of the devices have an ESD rating of 8kV (HBM). All
three of the devices are fabricated by Parade foundry partner
UMC.
"UMC is pleased to be the manufacturing partner for
Parade," said C.G. Shih, VP of America & Europe
Sales and Customer Engineering at UMC. "With Parade's
experienced design team coupled with UMC's engineering resources,
we were confident that our joint efforts would result in
a high-quality DisplayPort interface product. We look forward
to working with Parade for similar product successes in
the future."
Package:
PS8271: 48 pin 7x7mm QFN
PS8325: 72 pin 11x5mm QFN
PS8321: 56 pin 7x7mm QFN
Price:
PS8271: Each $1.75 for 100k pieces
PS8325: Each $2.50 for 100k pieces
PS8321: Each $1.75 for 100k pieces
Availability:
PS8271: Now in samples
PS8325: In production
PS8321: In samples from October 2009
For more details visit www.paradetech.com
