HDMI Extender Bidirectional Power Over Twisted Pair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HDMI extension technologies face challenges in transmitting high definition media signals over long distances, particularly in multi-room video sharing applications, due to limitations in wiring convenience and compatibility with HDCP copyright protection mechanisms, bi-directional infrared control, and power supply over twisted pair cables.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution employs a system that uses CAT5e or CAT6 cables with four twisted pairs to transmit TMDS signals, incorporating extender devices with processing circuitry for equalization, amplification, and clock recovery, while also managing DDC, CEC, HPD, and bi-directional IR signals, and implementing HDCP protection mechanisms, using a network port for power supply and ground, and employing differential and common frequency division multiplexing networks for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HDMI cable is used for transmission, then video and audio signal quality is maintained, but transmission distance is limited and wiring convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces CAT5e/CAT6 twisted pair cables as an intermediary transmission medium between the source device and display device. The extender devices convert HDMI signals to electrical signals suitable for transmission over twisted pair cables, enabling long-distance transmission while maintaining signal quality. This mediator approach allows using existing infrastructure (twisted pair cables) for HDMI extension purposes.
2Length of stationary object
If extender devices are added for long-distance transmission, then transmission distance is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission system into separate functional modules: source device with HDMI output, extender devices for signal conversion and transmission, and display device with HDMI input. Each extender device is designed as an independent unit that performs specific functions (signal conversion, transmission, reception), making the overall system manageable and modular despite the added complexity of long-distance transmission.
3Ease of operation
If power is supplied through twisted pair cables, then power supply convenience is improved, but power transmission capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the twisted pair cable serve multiple functions: transmitting video signals, audio signals, control signals (CEC, HPD, DDC), and power simultaneously. By designing the extender devices to handle all these signal types through the same cable infrastructure, the system achieves universal communication and power delivery over a single cable type, eliminating the need for separate power cables.
4Reliability
If HDCP protection is implemented over twisted pair, then copyright protection is maintained, but compatibility with existing infrastructure becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical HDMI cable connection (mechanical interface) with electrical signal transmission over twisted pair cables. The extender devices perform signal conversion that maintains HDCP encryption and authentication protocols, allowing copyright protection to function over the electrical medium without requiring physical HDMI connectors at the transmission point. This substitution enables HDCP compliance while adapting to existing twisted pair infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments of transmit and receive connectivity devices that include signal processing circuitry, an HDMI port, and a multi-position multi-contact port. The signal processing circuitry can transmit and receive signals over the multi-position multi-contact port. The signals can include a compressed video signal and a data signal. A power source can be sent over a cable attached to the multi-position multi-contact port.