HDMI switches include auto-adaptive equalizers

NXP TDA9996 HDMI1.3a smart switches can support over 20m AWG26 cable on a 12bit Deep Color 1,080p stream in a typical application environment. The highly automated switches are able to handle up to four HDMI 1.3a inputs in front of the TV processor allowing the end user to enjoy content from different HD sources and to switch easily between them. Built-in Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) also allows TDA9996-based appliances to be managed from a single remote control in a CEC-enabled device environment.

"As consumers seek even better picture quality and more digital content on their flat screens, HDMI 1.3a is gaining greater traction across consumer appliances around the world. TV manufacturers are demanding a highly-integrated solution that can handle multiple HDMI connections and be easily designed into TV sets for a better connected experience for the consumer," said Claude Giraud, general manager for media interface products, NXP. "NXP's HDMI 1.3a smart switches buck this trend and offer TV manufacturers a cost-optimized, high-performance solution to build TV sets that fit into the consumer's high-definition home entertainment environment with ease."

The TDA9996 smart switches offer a compelling solution to TV manufacturers and system integrators with embedded features that eliminate the need for external components—reducing the workload and the complexity of the TV processor to deliver an enhanced viewing experience. The TDA9996 is embedded with a CEC controller, ESD protection, termination resistors, non-volatile EDID and configuration memory—all of which are intelligently controlled. For example, with the automatic equalizer, the HDMI switch is able to adapt to various cable lengths between the different sources, as also improve low signal levels and compensate for any loss in quality, for better viewing experiences.

Key features of NXP's TDA9996 HDMI smart switches include up to four HDMI 1.3a inputs, robust auto-adaptive equalizer, up to 2.5Gbps bit rate, automatic power management including EDID-Read with 5V only from source, standalone mode and embedded CEC-to-I?C translator.

Other key features include Hot Plug Detection and termination-resistance controls, non-volatile EDID memory for four HDMI inputs, DDC buffer and master switch. The device also offers 50Ω single-ended termination resistances with embedded calibration, fail-safe output mode and over 6kV ESD protection for all inputs according to IEC 61000-4-2 specification (Level 3 Contact).

The TDA9996 is part of NXP's family of HDMI1.3a smart switches, which also includes the TDA9995 with three inputs and the TDA9993 a 1-to-1 buffer.