Interface Circuit Multiplexing Ethernet Signals Over HDMI Lines

The patent segments the communication functions by separating audio/video data transmission from control signal transmission. The TMDS channels handle high-speed audio/video data with real-time characteristics, while the Ethernet channel handles control signals and IP protocol communication. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function, preserving real-time characteristics for audio/video while enabling versatile IP communication for control.

The patent extracts the clock signal transmission from the data transmission path. By dedicating separate TMDS clock channels to carry clock signals independently, the system can maintain real-time synchronization without requiring large buffers for speed adjustment. The receiver uses these extracted clock signals to synchronize its operations, eliminating the need for extensive buffering while maintaining real-time characteristics.

The patent implements preliminary action by transmitting clock signals continuously and independently through dedicated TMDS clock channels before and during data transmission. Instead of using time stamps that are processed after data arrival, the system preliminarily establishes synchronized timing through continuous clock signal transmission, allowing the receiver to maintain accurate timing without experiencing jitter or delay associated with post-processing time stamp regeneration.