HDMI latching connectors help connections stay seated
The resulting signal loss can be anything from a minor nuisance to a business issue, depending on the application and the timing.
But now, a few innovative HDMI adopters are offering to solve the problem with connectors that latch or lock in place, mitigating the risk of an accidental disconnect.
While the HDMI standard does not specify any type of latching connector, this is a great example of adopters identifying a need and coming up with solutions, working within the framework of the Standard while adding new capabilities. The technical approaches may vary, but they’re all addressing the same objective: helping connectors stay seated in real-world applications.
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One of the more interesting solutions, and the first to pass ATC compliance testing, is from Torrent, Inc. Instead of a mechanical latching mechanism, Torrent’s patent-pending MagLoc technology uses a small magnet in the connector to keep it firmly seated in the port, along with an auto-adjusting sleeve to secure the fit. This sliding mechanism allows the connector to adapt itself to HDMI ports of various depths across a broad range of devices. These cables also feature an integrated diagnostic function called VeriFYI, which checks for proper signal transmission and confirms the link visually with a built-in LED indicator light.
Mechanical latching mechanisms are also under development by several other HDMI adopters, and we expect to see some of these solutions pass compliance testing in the near future. Broadly speaking, these connectors are designed to use the existing leaf springs inside an HDMI port, but rather than relying on a conventional friction-hold for retention, deploy a set of mechanical prongs that latch into the springs for positive contact.
In one implementation, the latching prongs are depressed by pushing a small button built into the connector over-moulding when inserting or removing the cable, and then snap into place when the button is released. In another approach, the connector is inserted normally for a friction fit, after which the latching prongs can be activated by a small swivel switch.
All of the solutions presented to HDMI.org, magnetic and mechanical, are designed to be backward-compatible with existing HDMI equipment, with a regulation-size connector and no modification required on the port.
While it’s too early to say how big the market opportunity may be for latching connectors, a number of factors point to a healthy and growing demand. The HDMI interface was originally designed for a thinner, relatively lightweight cable, whereas today’s high-performance cables can be considerably heavier. Since HDMI cables cannot be self-terminated, many users end up with connections that are a bit longer than they need, adding still more cable weight. And with many flat-panel displays, the HDMI ports are located on the bottom of the unit, facing down, further enhancing the role of gravity. To the cable or satellite service operator, an accidental disconnect can be an expensive mishap, resulting in a service call – which explains why a number of providers are interested in either installing or recommending HDMI cables with latching connectors for their customers.
Of course in the PC world, latching connectors are the norm. Cables going into the back of a desktop PC are often arched back on themselves or even bent double, putting a lot of stress on the connection. As HDMI gains ground in PC applications, it’s reasonable to suppose that latching connectors will find a ready market there. And in industrial applications such as trade show displays, kiosks, and presentation equipment, latching connectors are bound to be attractive, as they can reduce the risk of downtime in critical business settings.
This article has been reprinted with permission from HDMI Licensing, LLC.
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