DP to HDMI Converter Synchronization Signal Generator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DP to HDMI converters face challenges in accurately determining the vertical synchronization signal for HDMI signals, particularly due to the requirement of a fixed-length parameter 'Vstart' in the HDMI specification, which affects display quality and screen tearing issues.

Innovation Solution

A DP to HDMI converter comprising a receiving circuit, signal converter, and transmitter, where the signal converter includes a synchronization signal generator to generate vertical and horizontal synchronization signals based on input DP signals, ensuring accurate alignment and output of HDMI signals with variable frame rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the DP to HDMI converter uses the adaptive sync mechanism of the DP specification, then the variable frame rate display quality is improved, but the determination of the vertical synchronization signal for HDMI signals becomes problematic due to the fixed-length parameter Vstart requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidsignal timing determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a synchronization signal generator as an intermediary component that receives DP signals and generates corresponding HDMI synchronization signals. This mediator translates the adaptive sync mechanism from DP into the fixed Vstart parameter requirement of HDMI, resolving the incompatibility between the two specifications while maintaining variable frame rate capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the parameter representation from DP's adaptive sync format to HDMI's fixed Vstart format. By changing how synchronization timing is encoded and transmitted, the system maintains variable frame rate functionality while complying with HDMI's requirement for a fixed-length Vstart parameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the converter generates vertical synchronization signal timing based on variable frame rate, then the screen tearing issue is reduced, but the accurate determination of Vstart parameter becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen tearing preventionVSAvoidVstart parameter accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization signal generator preliminarily determines the vertical synchronization signal timing based on the variable frame rate before generating the HDMI output signal. This preliminary action ensures that the Vstart parameter can be accurately calculated and set to a fixed length, while still supporting variable frame rates and preventing screen tearing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10785386B1DP to HDMI converter and associated signal conversion method

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a DP to HDMI converter, wherein the DP to HDMI converter comprises a receiving circuit, a signal converter and a transmitter. In the operations of the DP to HDMI converter, the receiving circuit is configured to receive a plurality of input signals, wherein the input signals comprise a plurality of DP signals configured to generate an image frame with variable frame rate. The signal converter is configured to receive the plurality of input signals to generate a plurality of HDMI signals, wherein the signal converter includes a synchronization signal generator for generating a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal of the plurality of HDMI signals according to a portion of the input signals. The transmitter is configured to output the plurality of HDMI signals.