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“All HD and 4K televisions include HDMI connections, but previously connecting USB-C enabled source devices required adapters or converters that do not enable all native HDMI features,” said Cypress.
Why Cypress Semi?
Because its EZ-PD CCG3 silicon is doing the conversion and management work.
“Elka selected the HDMI alt-mode solution based on Cypress’ EZ-PD CCG3 USB-C controller, using its programmability to streamline firmware development and provide upgradeability.”
This chip includes an ARM Cortex-M0 processor, two 64kbyte flash memory banks, a crypto engine and analogue switching for non-USB signals, such as HDMI control, along with four serial communication blocks and a USB controller for USB Billboard functionality.
Twin flash banks and a crypto engine show Cypress is taking reliable authenticated firmware updates seriously – opening the door to hack-resistant cables.
Also in there are gate drivers for mosfets to control the cable power feed (up to 100W over USB-C cables), regulators for direct 2.7-21.5V operation, and protection against over-voltage and over-current.
Cypress demonstrated its solution for HDMI alt mode over USB-C, and Elka’s cable, at the HDMI Developers Conference in Shenzhen yesterday, and it will be at the HDMI Developers Conference in Taipei tomorrow.
Panasonic and Cypress developed the HDMI alt mode for USB-C specification, and demonstrated it at Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Thanks Clandestine Moniker
This is subtle stuff. I have a lot to learn.
HDMI Alt-Mode over USB-C is of limited value, just like the failed MHL Alt-Mode that came before it. The primary value proposition here is that you can create a uni-directional USB-C plug to HDMI male cable very efficiently, with all of the benefits and limitations of HDMI technology. The article mentions USB-PD capability, but this is a moot benefit because the HDMI connector on the TV does not provide a meaningful amount of power. Another limitation of this kind of cable is that it only works with a USB-C Source connected to a HDMI Sink…when USB-C Monitors come to market, HDMI Alt-Mode will just be a recipe for disappointment: users will try to flip this cable around and attempt to connect a HDMI source to their shiny USB-C Display, only to find that it doesn’t work. (Source: HDMI.org)