Integrated Device Technology, a provider of essential mixed signal semiconductor solutions, has announced the first DisplayPort-based controller providing complete high-definition multi-monitor capability without the need for an additional graphics card.

“Our breakthrough in multi-monitor display technology allows any system with a DisplayPort port to be instantly multi-monitor capable. Ultimately, multiple monitors is about fundamental productivity gains and improved user experiences,” said Ji Park, vice president and general manager of the IDT video and display operation.

The IDT PanelPort ViewXpand solution can be placed on a graphics card, into a notebook, on a docking station, in a stand-alone dongle or on DisplayPort-compatible monitors, allowing original design manufacturers the flexibility to customize the multi-monitor experience for their customers. The device integrates a DisplayPort receiver and transmitters into a single chip, providing a high bandwidth, superior performance and cost effective solution for multiple PC monitor and display panel products.

The plug-and-play configuration of the IDT PanelPort ViewXpand solution allows end-users to enjoy multiple monitors from a single digital output port for each application, such as gaming, graphics design or spreadsheet analysis; or the user can choose to dedicate each monitor to a separate application. Moreover, the IDT ViewXpand device is fully HD compatible and provides full display performance with zero latency and no display application limitations. The ViewXpand solution does not require any system software updates or any Windows Hardware Quality Lab (WHQL) testing/qualification, which provides ease of use for end consumers and faster time-to-market for OEMs.

“IDT’s innovative multi-monitor solution is a great example of how DisplayPort’s unique architecture can be leveraged to provide compelling, differentiated and much-valued features for end users,” said Bruce Montag, chairman of the video electronics standards association (VESA).

Utilizing DisplayPort interconnect technology, the PanelPort VMM1300 is ideal for a variety of home and office applications, such as finance, gaming, graphic design, industrial design and home entertainment. The IDT VMM1300 is configurable to operate in hub or daisy chain mode, providing increased flexibility. In hub mode, the VMM1300 supports three DisplayPort outputs that can display on up to three monitors. In daisy chain mode, the ViewXpand device supports a connection to downstream devices (for example, another VMM1300) to form the daisy chain of monitors compatible with the current DisplayPort standard. For ease of use, the VMM1300 automatically detects the number of monitors connected and adjusts the resolution accordingly. There is no change required on the source device, thus enabling true plug-and-play operation.

The IDT PanelPort device is fully compliant to the DisplayPort 1.1a standard. Additionally, the device supports full video interface and includes HDCP1.3 content protection to playback Blu-ray and DVD movies.

The IDT VMM1300 PanelPort device is available in 148-pin 11mm x 11mm QFN package. The device is priced at $15 in quantities of 10 000.

Tags: IDT, DisplayPort