Chipset enables multimonitor HDMI/DVI video distribution.
Press Release Summary:
Fanout switch chipset is comprised of MAX3845, which provides switching, fanout, and cable driving for TMDS® signals, and MAX4814E, which offers I²C control of MAX3845 and handles all switching of DDC, 5 V, and HPD signals. Devices can be combined to create 2:4, 4:4, and 2:8 DVI switches with full I²C control. Additionally, MAX3845 provides input equalization and output preemphasis as well as selectable, higher-output current that enables use of 200 W back-termination resistors.
Original Press Release:
Fanout Switch Chipset Enables Multimonitor HDMI/DVI Video Distribution
Fanout Switch Chipset for HDMI(TM)/DVI(TM) Applications
o Maxim's fanout-switch chipset for DVI and HDMI applications is composed of the MAX3845 2:4 TMDS fanout switch/cable driver and the MAX4814E 2:4, DDC, 5V, low-frequency signal switch.
o The MAX3845/MAX4814E chipset enables the easy construction of 2:4, 4:4, or 2:8 digital video switches and distribution amplifiers.
o To provide a complete 2:4 HDMI/DVI switching solution, the MAX4814E handles all the low-frequency signals and controls the MAX3845, which is the industry's only digital video fanout switch to include input equalization and output preemphasis.
o This chipset is ideal for digital signage and video distribution to PC monitors.
SUNNYVALE, CA-March 13, 2008-Maxim Integrated Products (Pink Sheets: MXIM) introduces the MAX3845/MAX4814E 2:4 fanout switch chipset for HDMI(TM) and DVI(TM) applications. In this two-chip solution, the MAX3845 provides switching, fanout, and cable driving for TMDS® signals, while the MAX4814E provides I²C control of the MAX3845 and handles all switching of the DDC, 5V, and HPD signals. These devices can easily be combined to create complete 2:4, 4:4, and 2:8 DVI switches with full I²C control. The first digital video fanout switch solution of its kind, the MAX3845/MAX4814E chipset is ideal for flexible, multidisplay digital signage and PC monitor applications.
In addition to performing all TMDS switching, the MAX3845 is the only digital video fanout switch to provide input equalization and output preemphasis. In contrast to typical HDMI/DVI systems that experience signal-reflection problems between interface ICs and connectors, the MAX3845 offers a selectable, higher-output current that enables the use of 200W back-termination resistors to absorb output reflections. Each output also includes selectable preemphasis to increase the usable reach of the output cable up to an additional 7m. To complete this two-chip solution, the MAX4814E provides ±15kV of ESD protection on all of its I/O ports, and offers either I²C or parallel programming of the MAX3845. The unique pinouts of these devices allow 4:4 and 2:8 switch configurations to be implemented with just two chipsets.
The MAX3845 is packaged in a 100-pin TQFP, and the MAX4814E is packaged in a 64-pin TQFP. Both devices are fully specified over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range. Prices start at $9.90 for the MAX3845, and $4.40 for the MAX4814E (1000-up, FOB USA). An evaluation board with DVI connectors for complete exercise of the MAX3845/MAX4814E chipset will be available-contact the factory for availability.
Maxim Integrated Products, a two billion dollar company, designs and manufactures ICs for analog and mixed-signal applications. The company's broad portfolio of 27 product categories is among the industry's deepest, with over 5400 products.
