VESA introduces Enhanced DisplayPort 2.1a Specs Allowing Extended Cable Lengths

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has just released the latest update to DisplayPort, version 2.1a. This update brings about significant improvements, including the introduction of a new VESA certified DP54 UHBR cable specification. This cable spec allows for up to four-lane UHBR13.5 link rate support, providing a maximum throughput of 54 Gbps over a two-meter passive cable. Essentially, this means that the DisplayPort 2.1a update doubles the passive cable length for UHBR13.5 GPU-to-display connections, offering users more flexibility in their gaming or workstation setup.

In addition to the cable update, VESA has also published a new Automotive Extension Services protocol specification for both DisplayPort 2.1a and the latest version of VESA’s Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) specification, version 1.5a. This protocol extension brings support for automotive display functional safety, as well as secure integrity and authentication for up to 16 display regions of interest. With this development, VESA has established a standard for vehicle displays that can help achieve ISO 26262 ASIL-D, the highest level of electronic safety integrity. Silicon manufacturers are already adopting this protocol for future vehicle chipsets.

The longer UHBR cables provided by the DisplayPort 2.1a update offer greater flexibility to users. The new DP54 cable specification supports both UHBR10 and UHBR13.5 sink and source devices with passive cable lengths of up to two meters. Monitors enabled with UHBR13.5 can now drive resolution and Refresh Rate combinations as high as 8K2K at 240 Hz or 8K4K at 120 Hz over four lanes. Existing DP40 cables are also compatible with the DP54 cable spec, ensuring that users can still utilize them for UHBR13.5 link rates. Additionally, sink and source devices supporting UHBR20 link rates are still supported by the DP80 UHBR cables.

The automotive industry is experiencing a rise in high-resolution interior displays as vehicles become more advanced and connected. To address the need for safety and security in these displays, VESA’s new Automotive Extension Services protocol adds critical protocols on top of the existing DisplayPort 2.1a and eDP 1.5a specs. This protocol includes a mandatory functional safety profile, ensuring that data is transmitted without errors or noise injection. It also features optional profiles for functional safety in the DisplayPort Aux channel, security authentication and integrity checking, and encryption of the DisplayPort Aux channel to prevent unauthorized access.

Bill Lempesis, executive director of VESA, emphasizes the importance of securing automotive displays as they become integrated into vehicles. VESA’s new protocol, combined with the latest versions of DisplayPort and eDP, can handle the safety and security needs of every safety-critical display in a vehicle using a single cable. VESA invites electronics, display, and automotive manufacturers to join their efforts in shaping this protocol to meet future challenges and industry needs.

The VESA Automotive Extension Working Group is open to all VESA members, and interested companies can apply for membership to participate in shaping the future of automotive display safety and security.

Technology Explained

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DisplayPort: DisplayPort is a digital display interface developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). It is primarily used to connect a computer to a monitor or other display device such as a television. DisplayPort is capable of delivering high-resolution video and audio, as well as providing power to connected devices. It is also capable of daisy-chaining multiple displays together, allowing for a single connection to multiple monitors. This makes DisplayPort a popular choice for gamers, video editors, and other users who require multiple displays. DisplayPort is also used in many laptops and tablets, allowing for a single connection to a monitor or other display device. It is also used in many modern TVs, allowing for a single connection to a computer or other device.

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GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

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Refresh Rate: The technology refresh rate is a measure of how often a computer system is updated with new hardware and software. It is an important factor in the computer industry, as it determines how quickly a system can be upgraded and how well it can handle new applications. The refresh rate is usually measured in years, and it is important for businesses to keep their systems up to date in order to remain competitive. A higher refresh rate means that the system can handle more applications and can be upgraded more quickly. This can be beneficial for businesses that need to keep up with the latest technology trends. Additionally, a higher refresh rate can help reduce the cost of maintaining a system, as newer hardware and software can be more efficient and cost-effective.