Safeguard HDMI and DisplayPort Interfaces from Signal Loss and ESD Hazards

As video standards evolve to support higher resolutions and faster refresh rates, maintaining signal quality becomes increasingly critical. Interfaces such as HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0/2.1 operate at extremely high data rates, making them especially vulnerable to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and transient events that can cause data degradation or permanent hardware failure. 

MCC provides advanced ESD protection solutions tailored for high-performance video interfaces. Our portfolio is designed to protect high-speed differential lines, control signals, and auxiliary channels while supporting the most rigorous EMC and signal integrity standards. 

DisplayPort 2.0/2.1: 80Gbps Performance Requires Precision Protection 

With the introduction of Ultra-High Bit Rate (UHBR) signaling, DisplayPort 2.0/2.1 enables up to 80Gbps total throughput. This translates to 20Gbps per lane across four lanes, significantly reducing signal margin and increasing the impact of even small parasitic effects. 

Key protection challenges in DisplayPort 2.0/2.1 include: 

• MLL lines require <0.2pF capacitance to avoid signal degradation at 20Gbps per lane (80Gbps total). 

• Hot-plugging introduces ESD surge risk on AUX and HPD lines. 

• High-speed differential pairs demand bidirectional clamping with minimal added jitter. 

MCC’s roadmap includes upcoming ultra-compact diodes with capacitance below 0.2pF, designed to support next-generation UHBR20 systems. These solutions help designers future-proof DisplayPort interfaces against both ESD threats and bandwidth limitations. 

Figure 1: DisplayPort Pinout and Critical Protection Points

HDMI 2.1: Reliable ESD Protection for 8K Video Transmission

HDMI 2.1 supports 8K resolution at 60Hz with a total data rate of 48Gbps, using TMDS or FRL channels at up to 12Gbps per lane. This level of performance demands clean signal paths and effective protection for control and data lines. 

 Common ESD exposure points in HDMI 2.1 systems include: 

• TMDS and FRL data lanes: These high-speed lines are susceptible to signal degradation from added capacitance or voltage overshoot. 

• Control interfaces such as HPD and CEC: Frequent cable insertions expose these pins to transient voltages. 

• Limited PCB area: High-density designs require compact ESD protection solutions that maintain performance. 

 MCC offers the ESDULC3V6AE2, a 3.6V bidirectional ESD diode in an ultra-small 0201 package with only 0.18pF capacitance. This ensures minimal signal distortion across FRL channels. For applications needing unidirectional protection, our upcoming DFN2510 solution offers 3.3V unidirectional protection with the same low capacitance, making it suitable for 12-bit video content and high dynamic range support. 

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Figure 2: HDMI Pinout and Critical Protection Points 

Design Protection Early for Maximum Reliability  

Video interface failures are a common issue in high-performance consumer electronics. Industry data shows HDMI and DisplayPort ports are particularly prone to ESD-related failures due to frequent handling, cable insertion, and limited design margins at high data rates. 

 Integrating ESD protection early in the development cycle helps prevent certification delays, reduces EMI test failures, and ensures consistent performance. MCC’s portfolio supports long-term reliability while meeting industry requirements for signal integrity and form factor. 

 Safeguard the signal. Secure the experience. 

MCC protection solutions for DisplayPort and HDMI are ready to meet the demands of ultra-high-definition content delivery and high-speed interface design. 

 Looking beyond video interfaces? MCC also delivers high-performance ESD protection for high-speed Ethernet systems and ESD and surge protection for advanced USB-C designs—where preserving signal integrity and protecting power delivery lines are equally essential.