Silicon Image's New HDMI+MHL IP Core Offer Faster Charging And Higher-Def Video

Unlike some other stands (we're looking at you, microUSB), MHL hasn't exactly taken off in the same way. It's out there, sure, but it's hardly a household name. Despite offering fantastic technological innovations suited for a mobile-centric world, not a lot of phone manufacturers have included the port on their devices. But now, Silicon Image is announcing a new product that could indeed push adoption. As of this week, a new low power dual-mode transmitter has been revealed, which supports both HDMI 1.4b and MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) 2.0. Silicon Image's dual-mode HDMI/MHL transmitter is obviously a boon, offering support for not just one, but two highly advanced standards. That combination of acceptance could be just what the world needed to really start demanding MHL.


MHL technology delivers 1080p 60Hz uncompressed video with up to eight channels of digital audio while charging the mobile device-enabling consumers to enhance their mobile experience by displaying content including HD video entertainment, photos, applications, and games on the big screen. That sounds just about perfect for mobile devices that we'd look to buy, and we're sure hoping to see it adopted across the board. This new IP core offers 1080p60 video and even faster charging. Over 50 million MHL-enabled products shipped during 2011, but few flagship mobile phones were in that bunch. Here's hoping 2012 offers that many times over.

Silicon Image Introduces Low Power Dual-Mode Transmitter IP Core Supporting Both HDMI® and MHL™ Connectivity Standards

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 22, 2012 – Silicon Image (NASDAQ: SIMG), a leading provider of wireless and wired HD connectivity solutions, today announced the availability of a low power dual-mode transmitter intellectual property (IP) core that supports both the HDMI® (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) 1.4b and MHL™ (Mobile High-Definition Link) 2.0 standards.  Silicon Image’s dual-mode HDMI/MHL transmitter IP core architecture reduces semiconductor development and manufacturing cost by sharing die area for both HDMI and MHL functionalities—offering mobile device application processor vendors the flexibility to design a single-chip solution that is configurable for both HDMI and MHL mobile devices.

MHL technology delivers 1080p 60Hz uncompressed video with up to eight channels of digital audio while charging the mobile device—enabling consumers to enhance their mobile experience by displaying content including HD video entertainment, photos, applications, and games on the big screen.

“With the explosive growth of MHL-enabled products in 2011 and 2012, mobile phone and tablet manufacturers are now adding MHL functionality to their new device platforms, allowing consumers to ‘plug and play’ their HD content from the small to big screen,” said Ron Richter, senior director of worldwide IP core licensing at Silicon Image.  “Silicon Image’s dual-mode HDMI/MHL transmitter IP core allows SoC providers to quickly integrate MHL technology into their next-generation mobile devices, enabling a single SoC to support both HDMI and MHL technology without adding significant die area or pin count.”

Key features of Silicon Image’s dual-mode HDMI/MHL transmitter IP core include:

    Single digital and analog design supporting both HDMI Version 1.4b & MHL 2.0
    Low power design (1080p/60fps @ 30mW)
    Configurable IP core design, with MHL implementation saving up to 10 pins in SoC package


With MHL technology, manufacturers can deliver next-generation products that:

    Support 1080p 60Hz full HD video
    Use established connectors for mobile and CE products, such as micro USB and HDMI
    Enable faster charging of the latest smartphones and tablets when connected to MHL-enabled DTVs or monitors
    Control the mobile device using the DTV’s remote control


Over 50 million MHL-enabled products shipped during 2011, and a steady release of new products continues to expand the MHL ecosystem, which already includes smartphones, tablets, DTVs, monitors, home theater products and accessories.  

Silicon Image’s family of IP cores includes a broad range of HDMI and MHL technology solutions, image signal processor (ISP) camera cores, H.264, MPEG-1/2 and VC-1 video decoders up to 4Kx2K resolution, Serial ATA (SATA) storage and RAID controllers.

For more information about Silicon Image’s complete IP core product offering, visit our website at http://www.siliconimage.com/iplicensing/index.aspx.