Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
(differential signal pairs) carrying multiplexed video and audio data, each of which supports a raw
data rate of 1.62Gbps, 2.7Gbps, or 5.4Gbps (DisplayPort 1.2 or later only). Using all four lanes
results in a maximum raw bandwidth of 6.48Gbps, 10.8Gbps, or 21.6Gbps, respectively. Because
8b/10b encoding is used, only 8 bits of every 10 are data, resulting in maximum true data throughputs
of 5.184Gbps, 8.64Gbps, or 17.28Gbps, respectively.
Audio is optional, with support for up to eight channels of 16- or 24-bit linear PCM data at a 48KHz,
96KHz, or 192KHz sampling rate, with an uncompressed maximum audio bandwidth of 6.144Mbps.
DisplayPort 1.1 includes the following features:
• Small external connectors (slightly larger than universal serial bus [USB] size) with optional
latching. Four display connectors can fit on a single PCIe expansion card bracket and fit easily
in laptops.
• Cable lengths of up to 15 meters (49 feet), which allows for remote displays or projectors.
• Micro-packet network architecture over one to four lanes. Connections can use only as many
lanes as necessary for reduced wire counts.
• High performance. A true data bandwidth of 8.64Gbps (four lanes at 2.16Gbps per lane)
allows WQXGA 2560×1600 resolution.
• Support for internal (embedded) as well as external LCD connections. This allows a universal
interface for both desktop and laptop systems.
• Optional audio that supports displays with built-in speakers.
• Optional HDCP to allow playing protected media.
• Interoperability with DVI and HDMI over a DisplayPort connector. You can connect to DVI or
HDMI with simple and inexpensive adapters.
• An auxiliary 1Mbps channel, which allows for two-way communication for integrated cameras,
microphones, and so on.
• A powered connector, which powers some LCD displays directly.
• An optional latching connector that uses a simple thumb-press release design with no bolts or
jackscrews.
DisplayPort 1.2 is fully backward compatible with 1.1 and adds the following features:
• Double the performance. DisplayPort 1.2 offers 21.6Gbps raw (17.28Gbps true) bandwidth,
which is more than twice that of HDMI 1.3a and nearly triple that of DVI.
• Multiple data streams, which allows support for two WQXGA 2560×1600 or four WUXGA
1920×1200 monitors daisy-chained over a single cable.
• An auxiliary channel speed increase to 480Mbps. This allows connections at USB 2.0 speed
for cameras, microphones, or other devices.
• The Mini DisplayPort connector. This connector is approximately half the size yet provides full
functionality for laptops or other devices where space is at a premium.
Table 12.13
compares the versions of DisplayPort.
Table 12.13. DisplayPort Versions
