Lattice Launches HDMI 2.1 Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) Solution

Lattice Semiconductor Corporation (NASDAQ: LSCC), a leading supplier of customized smart interconnect solutions, today announced the SiI9437 and SiI9438 , the first HDMI® 2.1 enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) audio receiver and transmitter. eARC is a future-proof application that significantly improves home theater interconnects. This new, easy-to-use audio feature is part of the recently released HDMI 2.1 specification. eARC technology was developed by the HDMI Forum, which is comprised of more than 80 industry-leading consumer electronics companies.

As an originator, contributor and adopter of the HDMI standard, Lattice continues to lead the market with the latest release of HDMI 2.1 products supporting eARC technology. eARC enables audio devices to work seamlessly with the TV. Device selection and volume control are controlled by the TV remote control, without the need for additional operation of the audio device. eARC uses two pins of the HDMI interface (the same pins that function as the HDMI Ethernet Channel) to transmit low-jitter, high-bandwidth audio and bidirectional communication signals for audio function discovery and control. This is a great improvement over the old TOSLINK and SPDIF audio outputs, which require separate cables and connectors and do not provide the communication support needed between audio devices and TVs.

“DTS (now Xperi) is pleased to collaborate with Lattice on eARC technology, which solves the long-standing compatibility issues that are so important for home theater equipment,” said Joanna Skrdlant, General Manager of Home Audio Devices and Solutions Licensing at Xperi. “We believe the new capabilities enabled by eARC technology will provide consumers with an enhanced home theater experience. Audio content can now reach listeners directly with a simpler way to connect TVs and audio devices, delivering the incredible audio experiences of DTS:X Immersive Audio and DTS-HD Surround Sound available on Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs, Blu-ray Discs and streaming services.”

“HDMI has always delivered on two promises to consumers – delivering the highest possible digital audio and video quality and simplifying use through automatic configuration,” said Marshall Goldberg, marketing manager at Lattice Semiconductor. “eARC technology is a big step forward in home theater connectivity because it delivers higher audio quality than TOSLINK or SPDIF without the need for switching through AVR devices. In addition, the new discovery feature ensures compatibility between products from different manufacturers when connected to a home theater system.”

The advent of eARC makes using high-performance audio systems as simple as using a TV’s built-in speakers. Key features of the Lattice HDMI 2.1 SiI9437 and SiI9438 eARC ICs include:

• Support for TV and audio devices

• Compatible with existing HDMI transmitter or receiver ICs compliant with all HDMI standard versions

• Supports HDMI 2.1 eARC and HDMI 1.4 legacy ARC modes with automatic ARC fallback

• Support eARC control channel function through I2C interface

• 4mm x 4mm QFN package, 0.4mm lead pitch

• Support for eARC data channels, including lip sync, discovery, heartbeat, status, and capability signals