Agilent unveils first DisplayPort 1.2 source compliance, validation software

The DisplayPort specification defines a digital audio/video interconnect used primarily between a computer and its monitor or a computer and a home theatre system. The Video Electronics Standard Association released the DisplayPort 1.2 specification in January 2010 and is close to releasing the related compliance test specification. In DisplayPort 1.2, the data rate possible doubled to 5.4Gbs, and new measurement methods and patterns were created. Agilent says the DisplayPort 1.2 source compliance and validation software addresses the problems of transmitting data robustly at 5.4Gbs over inexpensive media such as standard or flexible pc boards. This normally requires pre-emphasis constructs in the transmitter, and receivers must employ a minimum equalisation to decode the data. The transmitter tests require that a mathematical worst case channel model be used on the source before a reference equaliser is employed to make the source eye diagram and jitter measurements. However, Agilent says its software makes these measurements automatically and builds on the usability and configurability of previous generation compliance test software. "We've built broad capabilities into our new DisplayPort source test solution because we have confidence in DisplayPort technology and its expected growth," said Jay Alexander, vice president and general manager of Agilent's oscilloscopes business. "DisplayPort technology demands a flexible, configurable tool that can be employed in a variety of use models – from characterisation of transmitter integrated circuits to compliance testing of systems. Our DisplayPort compliance test software gives engineers that flexibility and helps them be productive quickly in their DisplayPort characterisation tasks."