Timing Controller Pin-Share Method for Multi-Standard Display Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display processing devices that support multiple video interface standards require a large number of control chips and connector pins, leading to increased cost, size, and design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A display processing device with a timing controller that uses a pin-share method to receive and process image signals in different formats, such as LVDS and DisplayPort, using a shared set of pins and a detector to generate timing control signals, reducing the need for multiple control chips and pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device supports multiple video interface standards with separate control chips and connector pins, then the compatibility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity, cost, and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal timing controller that can handle multiple video interface standards (LVDS, DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, VGA) through a single unified architecture. The controller uses pin-sharing mechanisms where the same physical pins are dynamically allocated to different protocols based on detection results, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each standard and achieving multi-functionality in a single device component
Solution Approach 2:
The timing controller employs dynamic pin allocation and protocol switching capabilities. A detector module identifies the connected display interface type, and the controller dynamically reconfigures its pin assignments and processing logic accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to seamlessly support different video standards without requiring static dedicated hardware for each protocol
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control chips are used to support different video standards, then the functional capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate control chip functions into a single unified timing controller. By integrating the detection module, protocol identification logic, and timing control functions for multiple video standards into one chip, the design eliminates the need for separate control chips for LVDS, DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, and VGA interfaces, thereby reducing component quantity while maintaining full multi-standard support
3Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive multi-standard solution is implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing controller is segmented into distinct functional modules: a detector module for identifying the connected interface type, a protocol selection module for routing signals appropriately, and a timing control module for generating protocol-specific timing signals. This modular segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and optimized, simplifying the overall design process while maintaining comprehensive multi-standard support
Data Source
AI summary
A timing controller for a display processing device includes: a plurality of predetermined pins for receiving an image signal by a pin-share method, wherein the image signal is a first format image signal or a second format image signal; a detector coupled to the predetermined pins and for detecting at least one of the predetermined pins to determine whether the image signal is the first format image signal or the second format image signal and outputting a detection result; and a processor coupled to the detector and for processing the image signal according to the detection result to generate and output a timing control signal.