Video, Power and Data in a Single Cable; New Cables Bring DisplayPort Video over USB Type-C Connector
Cosemi Technologies has introduced a new line of active optical cables (AOCs) that feature DisplayPort (DP) alt mode technology to allow USB-C-enabled computers and mobile devices to connect directly to a display or monitor. The first cable in this new line will enable full DP 2.0 (the latest DP specification) while supporting USB 2.0 to provide legacy support for millions of USB devices already in the market. The second cable will support DP 1.4, USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 in one cable. In addition to output, both Cosemi cables provide up to 60 W of power delivery as well as the ability to charge devices, thereby enabling a single port interconnect for video, data and charging for DP or USB-C devices.
Alt mode is a functional extension of USB-C, which enables a USB connection to transmit non-USB signals, such as DP and Thunderbolt 3. In the case of DP alt mode, a USB-C-equipped computer can connect directly to a display or monitor with a USB-C port. Driving the need for this DP alt mode technology is the growing trend of viewing higher resolution digital content over mobile devices.
Cosemi is an active member of both USB-IF (the governing organization of USB-C) and VESA (the governing organization of DP) – and is involved with the enablement of these standards through the development of AOCs that are longer and slimmer than standard copper cables and are capable of delivering ultra-fast data transmission for high-performance applications.
As with Cosemi’s other USB cables, the new DP alt mode cables feature a proprietary Cosemi optical engine, which combines the control and power of a copper cable with the highspeed data transfer of fiber optics. Cosemi’s AOCs are based on its broad and fundamental IP and patent portfolio and are acknowledged as the broadest line of USB hybrid AOCs on the market. Additional features include:
- Charging or powering of devices up to 60 W
- Custom lengths up to 15 m (50 ft)
- 5 mm bend radius
- EMI protection
The new Cosemi USB-C DP alt mode cables are currently sampling to key customers with general availability in Q1 2021.
