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DisplayPort

technology Maturity 11-13 Next article →

DisplayPort is a digital interface used to connect video sources to screens.

DisplayPort on a computer
DisplayPort on a computer

A source might be a computer, while the display is a monitor.

DisplayPort Connector
DisplayPort Connector

This connection carries digital video and digital audio signals. It can also carry USB and other types of data over one cable. The Video Electronics Standards Association, or VESA, developed this standard. It was designed to replace older ways of connecting screens like VGA and DVI. While it does not work directly with those old types, you can use an adapter to connect them.

DP to DVI converter unmounted
DP to DVI converter unmounted

DisplayPort works using a method called packet-based transmission. This means data is sent in small groups, similar to how USB or the internet works. The main link uses several channels called lanes to send information. A standard connection uses four lanes to move data. Each lane uses a set of twisted-pair wires to send signals. This system is self-clocking, so it does not need a separate channel for a clock signal. There is also an auxiliary data channel used for device control.

DisplayPort
DisplayPort

This channel helps devices talk to each other and set up automatically.

History shows how this technology has grown since the early 2000s. VESA approved the first version, DisplayPort 1.0, on May 3, 2006. Version 1.1 was ratified on April 2, 2007. Later, version 1.1a arrived on January 11, 2008. Version 1.2 was introduced on January 7, 2010. This version was a big step because it doubled the data rate. In 2014, version 1.3 was approved on September 15. Version 1.4 was published on March 1, 2016. The major version 2.0 was formally released on June 26, 2019.

Different versions offer different speeds and capabilities. Version 1.1a allowed a maximum bandwidth of 10.8Gbit/s. Version 1.2 increased the data rate to 17.28Gbit/s using High Bit Rate 2 mode. Version 1.3 increased the bandwidth to 32.4Gbit/s. This is enough to run an 8K display at 30Hz. Version 2.0 provides a huge jump in speed. It can reach up to 77.37Gbit/s of data rate. This high speed allows for 16K displays at 60Hz.

DisplayPort plus plus
DisplayPort plus plus

Newer versions like 2.1 were announced in October 2022.

You can see these connections in many devices you use today. Some laptops use a much smaller version called Mini DisplayPort.

Mdp plug
Mdp plug
Mini DisplayPort on Apple MacBook
Mini DisplayPort on Apple MacBook

This smaller plug is designed for small devices like laptops. Some technologies, like AMD's FreeSync, use the Adaptive-Sync feature found in DisplayPort. This helps the screen work smoothly with the computer. DisplayPort also works with Thunderbolt 3 controllers. It even works through USB-C using something called DisplayPort Alt Mode.

Samsung DeX dock with S8, plugged into monitor
Samsung DeX dock with S8, plugged into monitor

This lets you use high-performance screens with many different gadgets.

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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:DisplayPort.svg
DisplayPort.svg
File:DisplayPort Connector.svg
DisplayPort Connector.svg
File:DisplayPort on a computer.jpg
DisplayPort on a computer.jpg
File:Mdp plug.jpg
Mdp plug.jpg
File:DisplayPort plus plus.svg
DisplayPort plus plus.svg
File:DP to DVI converter unmounted.jpg
DP to DVI converter unmounted.jpg
File:A SlimPort-to-HDMI adapter, made by Analogix.jpg
A SlimPort-to-HDMI adapter, made by Analogix.jpg
File:Lenovo x220 dp crop.jpg
Lenovo x220 dp crop.jpg
File:Mini DisplayPort on Apple MacBook.jpg
Mini DisplayPort on Apple MacBook.jpg
File:Samsung DeX dock with S8, plugged into monitor.jpg
Samsung DeX dock with S8, plugged into monitor.jpg
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