The first to use DisplayPort auxiliary channel to transmit touch screen data [IDT]

IDT® Corporation (IDTI) announced the demonstration of the world's first touch screen data transmission using the DisplayPort auxiliary (AUX) channel. The demonstration implements a new technology to transmit touch sensor data to the operating system over the existing DisplayPort AUX channel, simplifying and reducing the cost of integrating touch technology with display devices, including tablets, netbooks, All-in-One (AiO) devices, monitors, kiosks, POS machines, etc. The demonstration was demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas from January 6-9, 2011.

The technology demonstration utilizes the IDT VPP1101 DisplayPort receiver connected to a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed to connect the SPI output of the touch sensor and the IDT VDAP1000 single-chip timing controller, white LED driver and power management device. The stand-alone prototype demonstrated the ability to transmit touch sensing data on the DisplayPort AUX channel while driving the digital and analog requirements of the LCD display. This technology helps notebook system manufacturers eliminate the need for USB interface communication from the host to the panel, reducing the number of wires that must pass through the display hinge, simplifying the design and reducing costs. Similarly, the integration of the touch sensor controller with the DisplayPort-based LCD timing controller (TCON) can reduce the number of IC components, simplify the entire system, and achieve lower system cost and smaller physical form factor, which will benefit panel manufacturers.

“Most existing touch sensing controllers require additional USB cables, ports and components to integrate the touch sensor with the display,” said Ji Park, vice president and general manager of IDT’s Video and Display Division. “IDT eliminates this added cost by leveraging the benefits of DisplayPort. By using the DisplayPort AUX channel to pass touch data to the host, no new cables or ports are required. IDT’s technology simplifies hardware requirements and reduces overall solution cost.”

"AMD (NYSE: AMD) understands the growing demand for touch-enabled devices and anticipates the need for more efficient designs," said David Cummings, director of technology management at AMD. "To achieve this goal, AMD provided IDT with the tools to enable the transmission of touch data over the GPU-embedded DisplayPort AUX channel. This approach reduces overall system cost and space requirements, and saves power."

This latest technology migration expands mixed-signal innovation, where IDT has previously pioneered the integration of power management and LED backlighting technology into the timing controller. The touch-over-AUX demonstration opens up the possibility of further integration to solve system-level problems with mixed-signal technology. IDT's analog and digital expertise combined with comprehensive system solutions will continue to enable IDT to lead the market technology.