Before we answer Why Active Optical Cable for HDMI 2.1, we need to learn why HDMI 2.1 Active Cable ?
HDMI 2.1 added Continuous Time Linear Equalization (CTLE) and Decision Feedback Equalizer (DFE) feature for Sinks to compensate for loss through the cable and PCB
Along with Feed Forward Equalizer (FEE) for Sources, these features enable more sophisticated channel compensation and link optimization, especially at higher data rates defined in HDMI 2.1
As passive cable length and therefore loss increase, eventually it becomes impossible for the Sink to recover the eye using smaller CTLE/DFE.
Active Cable have a built-in Equalizer to open the eye transmitted from fa-end of the cable and thus extend the maximum practical length of the cable .
From this chart, we can learn the EQ is helpful on the HDMI signal extension.
Why Active Optical Cable for HDMI 2.1 ?
HDMI passive cable CTS released, a lot of people start to moving on the certificate. Each HDMI manufacturer or brand are facing one problem, they can not get a longer distance, why ?
Since moving to 12Gbps over 4 lanes, HDMI 2.1 passive/wire cables run into inherent limitations :
1. Difficult to meet insertion Loss specification as cable length increases; maximum practical length is 2~3 m
2. Increased copper wire thickness necessary for good signal quality adds cost and weight
3. Microcoax wires help ensure signal integrity, but may increase cable costs
4. Manufacturing yields harder to maintain
5. Maintaining EMI performance requires better design/shielding which can increase costs
HDMI Active Optical Cable can overcome these limitations, enabling longer cable while maintaining reasonable weight and thickness. Everybody knows that fiber can carry biggest bandwidth without any signal loss, and high speed signal go through by fiber, the cable become economic, stable, and slight.
Tiaway have more than 7 years experience on the HDMI Active Optical Cable design and manufacturing, if you want to learn more information about the HDMI 2.1 Active Optical Cable, please contact us info@tiaway.com .
