IT66319: HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps) Retiming Buffer
IT66319 is a single-in, single-out HDMI retiming buffer that supports a signaling rate of up to 12 Gbps per channel. It is compliant with the latest HDMI 2.1a specification and backward compatible with HDMI 1.4x/2.0x specification. With 48-Gbps/4-channel capability, IT66319 can support extra-high resolution content stream, such as the ultra-HD 8K x 4K format. At extremely high data rate like that, signal quality drops significantly with extended board trace or cable length, making an additional retiming buffer necessary in many systems.
The IT66319 supports both the traditional TMDS signal as defined in the HDMI 1.4x/2.0x specification and the FRL signal developed in the HDMI 2.1x specification. It detects which type of the signal is being transmitted from the source, and switches to appropriate communication mode automatically. Moreover, video contents with features such as VRR, FVA, or DSC compression enabled as defined in the HDMI 2.1a are fully supported. The insertion of the re-timer on the system is essentially transparent to both the source and the sink devices.
The IT66319 equalizes incoming TMDS/FRL signal to optimal and outputs retimed data to downstream sinks. The highly acclaimed equalization technology of ITE TECH. INC. provides support of long or low-quality on-board PCB trace at even the highest speeds. Input terminations of the TMDS/FRL inputs and output terminations and current levels are both detachable and programmable.
An active DDC buffer is equipped in IT66319 to completely isolate downstream DDC loading from upstream source, while communication on the DDC bus not affected, including backward Read Request feature defined in HDMI 2.0x.
With embedded MCU and Flash, IT66319 can be easily programmed through the ISP or DDC pins. The integrated MCU controls IT66319 by itself, thus reducing customer development and programming efforts. Furthermore, the IT66319 employs no crystal for FRL signal regeneration. The overall BOM cost and board size could be minimized with least external components required.