HDMI Signal Communication Through TDD Burst Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limited transmission distance of HDMI signals poses a challenge for in-vehicle devices, restricting the space for video and monitor placement, necessitating a solution for longer-range high-speed serial communication.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and system utilizing a time division duplex (TDD) communication system to transmit HDMI signals over longer distances by dividing burst periods into smaller time slots, enabling transmission of TMDS and FRL signals, DDC, CEC, +5V, and ARC signals, with error detection codes and synchronized clock signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If HDMI signal is transmitted using conventional HDMI interface, then transmission quality is maintained, but transmission distance is limited to approximately several meters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The HDMI signal transmission is segmented into multiple divided periods within one TDD burst period. The communication unit transmits packets in divided periods (e.g., every 6.844 μsec or 3.422 μsec), allowing the signal to be transmitted in segments over longer distances while maintaining integrity through periodic retransmission and acknowledgment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A TDD communication system acts as an intermediary between the HDMI signal source and the display device. The system encodes HDMI signals into TDD packets with error detection codes, transmits them through the TDD communication channel, and decodes them at the receiving end, enabling extended transmission distance while maintaining signal reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If transmission distance is extended beyond conventional HDMI limits, then space flexibility is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidsignal transmission precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Error detection codes are added to HDMI packets before transmission through the TDD communication system. This preliminary error prevention measure ensures that even when transmitted over extended distances, the signal integrity is maintained and transmission precision is preserved

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The TDD communication system uses periodic burst transmission with divided periods, transmitting HDMI packets at regular intervals (e.g., every 6.844 μsec or 3.422 μsec). This periodic transmission pattern maintains signal precision over extended distances by allowing for systematic error checking and retransmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12413327B2Communication apparatus and communication system

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

A communication apparatus includes: an encoder that generates a packet of a time division duplex (TDD) communication system, the packet including a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) signal; and a communication unit that transmits the packet to a communication partner device for each of a plurality of divided periods obtained by dividing one TDD burst period in the TDD communication system.