NXP introduces first complete HDMI signal conditioning and protection IC

According to the mixed signal specialist, the IP4786 also delivers strong ESD protection, the best signal integrity and the highest level of integration available in the industry. It is designed for home entertainment systems such as set top boxes, standard definition and high definition dvd players, Blu-ray players and A/V switches. In addition, the IC features low power consumption in standby mode, making it suitable for mobile applications such as portable media players, notebooks and tablets, game consoles, mobile phones, digital camcorders and cameras. The HDMI TMDS signals are protected by a new transmission line clamping architecture which provides lower peak clamping voltages during electrostatic discharge. Zero clamping buffers on the control lines have been implemented to isolate these signals from an ESD strike. All 13 signal lines are rated for ±8kV in accordance with the IEC 61000-4-2, level 4 standard, as well as the 5V power source pin. NXP claims the IP4786CZ32 is the only solution to incorporate an overcurrent limiting 5V LDO, conforming to the HDMI 1.4 requirement for overcurrent protection. According to NXP, the IP4786CZ32 was designed to provide the fewest components and smallest board footprint of any HDMI signal conditioning and protection solution. By eliminating up to 29 discrete components, it has been optimised to reduce the required footprint by 60% compared to alternative integrated solutions.