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DisplayPort

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DisplayPort is a digital interface used to connect a video source to a display device.

DisplayPort on a computer
DisplayPort on a computer

A source is typically a computer, while the display is a monitor.

DisplayPort Connector
DisplayPort Connector

This interface can carry digital audio, USB, and other data types over a single cable. It was developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association, also known as VESA. DisplayPort was designed to replace older standards like VGA, DVI, and FPD-Link. Although it is not directly compatible with those older formats, users can use adapters to connect them.

DP to DVI converter unmounted
DP to DVI converter unmounted

The technology works through a method called packet-based transmission. This is similar to how data moves over USB or Ethernet networks. The main link carries the video and audio signals using several channels called lanes. A standard DisplayPort connection utilizes four lanes. Each lane uses a dedicated set of twisted-pair wires. The system uses differential signaling and is self-clocking. This means it does not require a dedicated clock signal channel.

DisplayPort
DisplayPort

Beyond the main link, there is an auxiliary data channel. This channel is used for device control and automatic configuration. It supports several specific standards for device communication. These include Display Data Channel (DDC) and Extended Display Identification Data (EDID). It also supports the Monitor Control Command Set (MCCS) and VESA Display Power Management Signaling (DPMS). Some versions even support Consumer Electronics Control (CEC). This allows devices to send commands to each other using a single remote control.

DisplayPort has evolved through many specific versions since its creation. Version 1.0 was approved by VESA on May 3, 2006. Version 1.1 followed on April 2, 2007, and version 1.1a arrived on January 11, 2008. Version 1.2 was introduced on January 7, 2010. This version was a major leap because it doubled the data rate. It reached 17.28Gbit/s in High Bit Rate 2 (HBR2) mode. This allowed for higher refresh rates and greater color depth. Version 1.2a was released in January 2013 and included the option for Adaptive-Sync.

Later updates provided even more massive increases in performance. Version 1.3 was approved on September 15, 2014. It increased the total transmission bandwidth to 32.4Gbit/s. This bandwidth is enough to drive an 8K UHD display at 30Hz. Version 1.4 was published on March 1, 2016. It added support for Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2 and HDR10 metadata. The major version 2.0 was released on June 26, 2019. This version provides a three-fold improvement in data rate over version 1.4a. It can reach a data rate of 77.37Gbit/s.

DisplayPort plus plus
DisplayPort plus plus

The capabilities of these versions are quite significant for modern technology. Version 2.0 can support a single 16K display at 60Hz using DSC. It can also drive two 8K displays at 120Hz with HDR support. Version 2.1 was announced on October 17, 2022. This version includes new cable certifications called DP40 and DP80. These test cables for speeds of 40Gbit/s and 80Gbit/s. Version 2.1a was announced in January 2024. Finally, version 2.1b was announced on January 6, 2025.

You can find DisplayPort in many different forms and uses. Some small devices like laptops use a much smaller connector called Mini DisplayPort.

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

DisplayPort also works with Thunderbolt 3 controllers. Some controllers support version 1.2, while later Intel 7000 Series controllers support version 1.4. Additionally, DisplayPort can function through a USB-C connector via DisplayPort Alt Mode.

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

This allows for high-performance configurations, such as running multiple 4K displays through a single USB-C connection.

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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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