DP HDCP Version Converter Link Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conversion between different High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) content protection versions, such as HDCP 1.3 and HDCP 2.2, is complex and lacks simplification in existing technologies, requiring regeneration and routing of streams which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A DisplayPort (DP) HDCP version converter with a receiver and transmitter that decrypts and encrypts link symbols using decryption and encryption units, respectively, while maintaining the same link configuration, eliminating the need for stream regeneration and multi-stream routing circuitry, and inserting the converter without adding to MST topology cascade levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HDCP version conversion is performed using conventional methods, then content protection version conversion is achieved, but the conversion process becomes complex requiring stream regeneration and multi-stream routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the HDCP encryption/decryption functionality from the overall stream processing system. By separating the content protection layer from the stream regeneration and routing functions, the conversion process becomes simpler - only the necessary encryption/decryption operations are performed while reusing existing stream paths, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining version compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal HDCP conversion mechanism that can handle multiple HDCP versions (1.3, 2.2, etc.) through a single encryption/decryption unit. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware/software module to convert between different HDCP versions without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each version pair, significantly reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If stream regeneration and routing circuitry is added for HDCP conversion, then version conversion capability is improved, but device complexity and circuit requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing HDCP encryption/decryption operations at the point of content protection version conversion without waiting for complete stream regeneration. The encryption/decryption is executed on the fly during stream transmission, eliminating the need for complex post-processing circuitry and simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encryption/decryption unit that sits between the upstream and downstream devices. This intermediary performs the version conversion function without requiring the upstream or downstream devices to be modified, and without requiring complex routing circuitry. The intermediary handles all version conversion logic centrally, making the overall system easier to manufacture
3Adaptability or versatility
If converter is inserted into MST topology, then HDCP version conversion is enabled, but cascade levels may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves homogeneity by making the converter's link configuration (number of lanes, link rate) identical to the upstream device. This allows the converter to blend seamlessly into the existing MST topology without creating heterogeneous link configurations that would increase complexity. The converter appears as a transparent element in the topology, maintaining uniformity across the daisy-chained device sequence
Data Source
AI summary
A DisplayPort (DP) High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) version converter that converts an HDCP content protection version from input to output includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver receives a serial bit stream transmitted from an upstream device, and decrypts link symbols of the received serial bit stream by use of a decryption unit. The transmitter encrypts, by use of an encryption unit, the link symbols decrypted by the receiver, and converts the encrypted link symbols into a serial bit stream and transmits the serial bit stream to a downstream device. The receiver and the transmitter have the same link configuration.