IT66362: 2 IN 1 OUT HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps) Retimer Switch with Embedded MCU
IT66362 is a 2-in, 1-out HDMI retiming switch 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, IT66362 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 scheme necessary in many systems.
The IT66362 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 IT66362 equalizes incoming TMDS/FRL signal to optimal and outputs retimed data to downstream sinks. The highly acclaimed equalization technology of ITE TECH. INC. provides for 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.
With embedded MCU and Flash, IT66362 can be easily programmed through the DDC pins. The integrated MCU controls IT66362 by itself, thus reducing customer development and programming efforts. Furthermore, the IT66362 employs no crystal option for FRL signal regeneration. The overall BOM cost and board size could be further minimized with least external components required.