Communications

Industry’s first single-chip DockPort solution launched

1st August 2013
Raj Joshi
0

Texas Instruments introduce the industry’s first single-chip DockPort interface solution, the HD3SS2521. This new DockPort solution provides audio/video, USB data and power over a single cable between a notebook, ultrabook or tablet PC and a docking station or dongle. TI’s DockPort solution offers more features than standard USB docking stations and is a lower cost alternative to proprietary implementations. Enabling DisplayPort, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and power over a single interconnecting cable, the HD3SS2521 provides the control logic and automatic switching required on the cable’s host side and dock side.

Texas Instruments’ HD3SS2521 enables designers to create smaller, less expensive docking stations capable of connecting and synchronizing computers with keyboard/mouse, audio speakers, LCD monitors, Gigabit Ethernet, dongles, storage, DVD/Blu-ray media players and smartphones.

A bidirectional 2:1 switch manages DockPort detection, as well as signal and power switching. It enables display, USB, power, and computer docking interface over a single cable, which allows designers to create smaller, more affordable docking stations.

The HD3SS2521 features a highly integrated 5-mm by 11-mm package that reduces board space by one-third and BOM costs by more than 50 percent, compared to competitive implementations that provide data and A/V over a single connector.

Bidirectional power reduces the number of connections by allowing upstream charging of host-side computers, or downstream powering of one or more dongles.

Operating in two-lane mode with USB 3.0 data, the HD3SS2521 supports one monitor with resolutions up to 4K2Kp at 30 frames per second and 30 bits per pixel, or multiple monitors with resolutions less than or equal to 1920 by 1200p at 60 fps. In four-lane mode with USB 2.0, it supports the following configurations: 1) one 4K2Kp at 60 fps and 30 bpp, 2) two 4K2Kp monitors at 30 fps and 30 bpp, or 3) four or more monitors with resolutions less than or equal to 1920 by 1200p at 60 fps.

System designers can extend DisplayPort reach, enable multiple video interfaces, and add more switching and USB SuperSpeed ports by combining the HD3SS2521 with other TI interface products. Complementary products include the SN75DP130 DisplayPort 1:2 redriver switch, SN75DP126 DisplayPort 1:2 redriver switch, SN75DP139 DisplayPort to TMDS translator, HD3SS212 DisplayPort 1.2 2-to-1 differential switch, TUSB8040A1 four-port USB 3.0 hub, and HD3SS3412 four-channel differential switch.

Tools and support

A reference host side evaluation module and dock side EVM are available to accelerate DockPort system development. The HD3SS2521 HSPICE model is also available to verify host and dock signal integrity. Engineers designing with this DockPort solution can ask questions and get answers from TI experts in the TI E2E Community Consumer & Computing Forum.  

Availability, packaging and pricing

The HD3SS2521 is available today in a 56-pin WQFN package for a suggested retail price of US$1.85 in 1,000-unit quantities.

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