HDMI Sink Device Ground Configuration for EMI Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional HDMI standards, such as HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1, face electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues due to differences in ground (GND) numerical values and connector designs, leading to malfunctions during high-frequency signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

A sink device and source device with processors that identify signal standards and request corrections, including scramble or spread spectrum clocking, to ensure compatibility and reduce EMI by adjusting signal transmission according to reinforced GND standards, specifically between HDMI 2.1 and HDMI 2.0.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the GND numerical value of an HDMI connector is reduced to support super high-speed communication in HDMI 2.1, then communication speed is improved, but EMI problems occur when data communication is performed using HDMI 2.0 standard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidEMI interference

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the GND configuration adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically switches between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 GND configurations based on the detected signal type, allowing the connector to adapt its ground reinforcement level to match the transmission requirements and prevent EMI issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of GND numerical value or GND configuration based on the HDMI version being used. When HDMI 2.0 signals are detected, the system adjusts the GND configuration to match the reinforced ground requirements of HDMI 2.0, thereby resolving EMI problems while maintaining high-speed communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If a clock of high frequency is included in HDMI 2.0 standard to enable high resolution transmission, then transmission quality is improved, but EMI problems occur due to noise generated by the high frequency clock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission qualityVSAvoidnoise from high frequency clock

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful EMI noise generated by high-frequency clocks into a beneficial detection signal. By detecting the presence and characteristics of the clock signal, the system identifies the signal type and automatically adjusts the GND configuration to prevent EMI issues, turning the potential harm into a useful identification mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the GND numerical value is reduced in HDMI 2.1 connector to reduce EMI, then EMI problems are reduced, but compatibility with HDMI 2.0 standard is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMI interferenceVSAvoidstandard compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the connector to support multiple HDMI standards (both HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1) through adjustable GND configuration. The same physical connector can adapt its electrical characteristics to match different signal requirements, making it universally compatible with various HDMI versions while maintaining EMI protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the signal type before establishing data communication. By detecting the signal characteristics in advance, the system pre-adjusts the GND configuration to match the required standard, ensuring compatibility is established before actual data transmission begins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively resolves EMI problems by correcting signals based on standard compatibility, ensuring reliable high-speed communication and preventing malfunctions in devices using different HDMI standards.

Implementation Method 1

based on at least one of whether the received signal includes a clock signal or a resolution of the received signal, identify whether the received signal is of the second standard

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal detection:

Implementation Method 2

the processor may request scramble or spread spectrum clocking (SSC) for the received signal of the second standard

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpread spectrum clocking:

Data Source

PatentUS20230107140A1Sink device, source device, and control methods for same

Publication Date: 2023.04.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A sink device comprising a connector which has a first ground (GND) corresponding to a first standard; and a processor which receives a signal from a source device, via the connector, and if the received signal is of a second standard corresponding to a second GND that includes the first GND, requests, from the source device, information about the signal of the second standard.