The DisplayPort™ interface

What is DisplayPort™?

DisplayPort™ is a connection technology universally usable and standardised by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association). It means a digital interface to transfer video and audio signals.

In contrast to HDMI that is mostly applied at TV and multimedia devices such as video projectors, games consoles and DVD players, DisplayPort™ is mainly used in the area of IT technology, at PC systems and displays.

A DisplayPort™ 1.2 plug on a Delock adapter
A DisplayPort™ 1.2 plug on a Delock adapter

DisplayPort™ is said to offer more high-performance features than any other digital interface. The technology is developed in order to replace older standards like DVI and VGA. It is stated that DisplayPort™ opens up new possibilities in the fields of computing, digital displays and entertainment-oriented consumer electronics. It is called the standard of the future that is already available today.

The history of DisplayPort™ versions

VERSION 1.0

For the first time in May 2006 the standard's specification is published by VESA.

VERSION 1.1

In April 2007 the first final version is determined. DP 1.1 allows data transfer with two different data rates (HBR and RBR: High Bit Rate und Reduced Bit Rate). The maximum transfer rate when using all lanes and with an up to two meter long cable is 8.64 Gb/s. That is powerful enough for HDTV and bigger displays.

Encoding with HDCP 1.3 (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) as well as DPCP (DisplayPort™ Content Protection) serves as copy protection. In this version the Dual-mode DisplayPort™ (shortened: DP++) is also launched, read more about it further down at The feature DP++. First DisplayPort™ devices are available in the beginning of the year 2008.

VERSION 1.2

DP 1.2 is published in December 2009. An important improvement is an increased data transfer rate to a maximum of 17.28 Gb/s when all four lanes are in use. For the first time UHD-1 (4K Ultra HD) resolution is supported as well as MST (Multi Stream Transport). Now it is possible to broadcast several video streams independently of each other and to connect a number of displays by daisy chaining – via a single DisplayPort™ connector.

VERSION 1.3

In the DP version ratified in September 2014, the data rate per lane is increased once more. Now altogether up to 25.92 Gb/s can be transferred. Likewise, the use of several UHD-1 (4K Ultra HD / 3840 x 2160 pixels) or WQXGA displays via MST is possible.

Thanks to integration of the 4:2:0 chroma subsampling, the support of coming UHD-2 displays (8K / 7680 x 4320 pixels) is provided. Dual-mode (DP++), initially implemented in 2007, is modified in a way that it is suitable for HDMI and DVI adapters with 4K Ultra HD resolution (HDMI 2.0) and HDCP 2.2 copy protection.

VERSION 1.4

In March 2016 a version is introduced that, indeed, does not offer an increased data transfer rate but has some features further developed. The Display Stream Compression 1.2 (DSC) offers an up to triple compression rate of the stream that is said to be "visually lossless": that means an average viewer under typical conditions should see no difference between a compressed and an uncompressed image or video.

DSC allows to render UHD-2 (8K / 7680 x 4320 pixels) and HDR as well as UHD-1 (4K / 3840 x 2160 pixels) and HDR. Displays that don't support DSC are only able to render corresponding resolutions, of course. Two additional improvements at DP 1.4 are the Forward Error Correction reducing transmission errors and the expansion of the audio channels to 32.

 WHICH VERSION SUPPORTS WHICH RESOLUTION?
DP version Maximum resolution
DisplayPort™ 1.1 3840 x 2160 / 30 Hz and 2560 x 1600 / 60 Hz
DisplayPort™ 1.2 3840 x 2160 / 60 Hz
DisplayPort™ 1.3 5120 x 2880 / 60 Hz and 7680 x 4320 / 30 Hz
DisplayPort™ 1.4 7680 x 4320 / 60 Hz / 10 Bit Chroma / HDR and
3840 x 2160 / 120 Hz / 10 Bit Chroma / HDR

The system of data transfer at DisplayPort™

From a technical point of view, DisplayPort™ has one so called Main Link that consists of four lanes. The data transfer runs in one direction and in a packetized way, making DisplayPort™ the first video interface operating by this principle.  

Because, compared to to DVI or HDMI where data transfer proceeds in a continuous way, DisplayPort™ makes use of data packets with fixed rates – in a comparable way to the transmission principle of Ethernet, PCI Express or USB.

Ways of transfer in a DisplayPort™ connection

The specification Mini DisplayPort™

Mini DisplayPort™ is a smaller version of the DisplayPort™ connector and electronically compatible to it. MiniDP was launched by Apple in October 2008 as a proprietary technology. VESA integrated Mini DisplayPort™ in the DisplayPort™ specification in November 2009.

"Regular" DisplayPort™ plug by contrast with a Mini DisplayPort™ plug

DisplayPort™ and USB Type-C™

Currently, mobile devices like smartphones, laptops or tablets are equipped with the USB Type-C™ connector more and more. Well, DisplayPort™ is a non-USB-protocol and the DisplayPort™ technology was developed for completely different purposes than the USB Type-C™ technology and both serve various purposes. But during designing the Type-C™ interface it was also placed value on the clever feature to transfer likewise DisplayPort™ signals. So an alternative mode was installed.

The so called DisplayPort™ Alt Mode for USB Type-C™ is equally standardized by VESA. So devices that support the DisplayPort™ Alt Mode can also carry DisplayPort™ signals via the USB Type-C™ port. As an example, a laptop supporting DisplayPort™ Alt Mode can be connected to a DisplayPort™ display. In this case, a suitable tool of choice is an adapter USB Type-C™ plug to DisplayPort™ jack, for example.  

Being more flexible with the USB Type-C™ interface thanks to DisplayPort™ Alt Mode

It is to note: unfortunately, not all devices that support DisplayPort™ Alt Mode are marked in an appropriate way. But, as the DisplayPort™ organization states, most of the video devices with USB Type-C™ connector available in 2016 are already equipped with DisplayPort™ Alt Mode support. Typically, all products labelled with Video over USB Type-C™ do support it.

The feature MST

What is MST?

Starting with DisplayPort™ version 1.2 (December 2009), in addition to Single Stream Transport Mode (SST) there is a second mode of transmission: Multi Stream Transport Mode (MST). Now it is possible to use a number of displays via a single DisplayPort™ connection. One option is that the displays support daisy chaining*. An alternative is to use a DisplayPort™ MST hub, where the number of connected displays is limited by the data transfer rate of the DP interface.

* Daisy chaining: Several peripheral devices (e.g. displays) are connected in series, in the form of a chain. The output of a device is linked with the input of the next device.

The matter of the bandwidth

The bandwidth of a single DisplayPort™ 1.2 connection is restricted. So only a limited number of displays with a limited range of supported resolutions can be connected and used via an MST hub. Here again it depends on resolution of each display, timing and refresh rate.

 WHICH RESOLUTION NEEDS WHICH BANDWIDTH?
Resolution Use of bandwidth
1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz 22 %
1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz 30 %
2560 x 1440 @ 60 Hz 35 %
2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz 38 %
3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz 43 %
3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz 95 %

Bandwidth & display configuration  Example #1

Three displays with 2560 x 1440 @ 60 Hz each are connected to the graphics card through an MST splitter. Every display needs 35 % bandwidth. So altogether they require 105 % what results in one of the displays will be deactivated.

35% + 35% + 35% = 105%

Bandwidth & display configuration  Example #2

Two MST splitters are linked with the graphics card. Three displays with 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz each are connected to splitter 1. Every single display uses 22 % bandwidth and added together they consume 66 % bandwidth of splitter 1. Also three displays with different resolutions are connected to splitter 2. Altogether they need 79 % bandwidth of splitter 2. So in this example the connection of six displays to one graphics card with two outputs is ensured as well as the adequate supply with bandwidth for the displays.

Via splitter 1: 22% + 22% + 22% = 66%   -   Via splitter 2: 35% + 22% + 22% = 79%

Up to two MST splitters can be used on a single graphics card as long as it has two outputs. Then again, it depends on the number of display pipes on the graphics card how much displays can be supported. If the number of available display pipes is not clearly to determine, the manufacturer of the graphics card should be contacted. DisplayPort™ MST splitters also enable to use all connected displays, independently of each other, as an extended desktop.

The feature DP++

1. Compatibility via passive adapters

The Dual-Mode DisplayPort™ or DisplayPort™++, shortened DP++, enables compatibility to DVI and HDMI. So the connection via relatively economy-priced adapters is provided. The adapter has only to adjust the electrical signalling layer from LVDS at DisplayPort™ to TMDS at HDMI / DVI. The PC graphics card is involved here because when it identifies the connected device as a device with DisplayPort™ interface, the signals are outputted also in this format.

But if for example an adapter to HDMI is connected, the graphics card is instructed to use the HDMI protocol. Then the downstream passive adapter (so called impedance transformer / level shifter) adjusts the different signal levels and impedances LVDS or TMDS always congruent with the target interface. However, the support of DP++ and an appropriate labeling on devices is optional and depends on the manufacturers.

1 Native transfer from PC to DP display    2 Passive adapter adjusts signal    3 Active adapter converts signal
1 Native transfer from PC to DP display    2 Passive adapter adjusts signal    3 Active adapter converts signal

2. In which case is an active adapter needed?

A limitation of DP++ is its ability to transfer only Single-Link DVI (and HDMI), for the simple reason that there are not enough pins in the DisplayPort™ connector for Dual-Link connections. Indeed, Dual-Link DVI and analogue VGA can be connected but in this case an active adapter is required. Towards the imaging device, an active adapter signifies itself as signal aim (= display) and towards the images receipting device as signal source.

DisplayPort™ product examples by Delock

Adapter mini DisplayPort™ 1.2 male > DVI female 4K Passive

Connectors:
     mini DisplayPort™ 20 pin male >
     DVI 24+5 female with screw nuts
DVI-D (Single Link), VGA not wired
Resolution up to 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz (depending on monitor / system)
Gold-plated connectors
1 x ferrite core
Cable length: ca. 20 cm (without connectors)

Adapter USB Type-C™ male > DisplayPort™ female
(DP Alt Mode) 4K 60 Hz

Connectors:
     USB Type-C™ male >
     DisplayPort™ 20 pin female
DisplayPort™ 1.2 Spezifikation
Resolution up to 4096 x 2160 @ 60 Hz (depending on monitor / system)
Transfer of audio and video signals
Plug & Play
Gold-plated connectors
1 x ferrite core
Cable length: ca. 20 cm (without connectors)

Similar items
Item 62726  Adapter USB Type-C™ male > VGA female
Item 62728  Adapter USB Type-C™ male > DVI female
Item 62729  Adapter USB Type-C™ male > HDMI female

Cable DisplayPort™ > DisplayPort™ 8K

Connectors:
     DisplayPort™ 20 pin male >
     DisplayPort™ 20 pin male
DisplayPort™ 1.4 specification
DisplayPort® DP 8K certified
Resolution up to 8K Ultra HD (depending on monitor / system)
Data transfer rate up to 32.4 Gbps
Connectors gold-plated
Triple shielded cable
Copper conductor
Cable Ø ca. 4.5 mm / Cable gauge: 34 AWG
Length: 1 m (incl. connectors)

Also available in cable lengths
Item 85660  2 m
Item 85661  3 m
Item 85663  5 m

Cable Mini DisplayPort™ > DisplayPort™ 8K

Anschlüsse:
     Mini DisplayPort™ 20 Pin Stecker >
     DisplayPort™ 20 Pin Stecker
DisplayPort™ 1.4 specification
DisplayPort® DP 8K certified
Resolution up to 8K Ultra HD (depending on monitor / system)
Data transfer rate up to 32.4 Gbps
Connectors gold-plated
Triple shielded cable
Copper conductor
Cable Ø ca. 4.5 mm / Cable gauge: 34 AWG
Length: 1 m (incl. connectors)

Also available in cable length Item 84928  2 m

Cable DisplayPort™ male > DisplayPort™ male 4K

Connectors:
     DisplayPort™ 20 pin male >
     DisplayPort™ 20 pin male
DisplayPort™ 1.2 specification
Resolution up to 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz (depending on monitor / system)
Transfer of audio and video signals
Data transfer rate up to 21.6 Gb/s
Gold-plated connectors
Triple shielded cable
Cable Ø ca. 7.3 mm / Cable gauge: 28 AWG
Copper conductor
Length: ca. 1 m (incl. connectors)

Also available in cable lengths
Item 84877  ca. 2 m
Item 84878  ca. 3 m
Item 84879  ca. 5 m

Cable Mini DisplayPort™ male > Mini DisplayPort™ male 4K

Anschlüsse:
     mini DisplayPort™ 20 pin male >
     mini DisplayPort™ 20 pin male
DisplayPort™ 1.2 specification
Resolution up to 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz (depending on monitor / system)
Transfer of audio and video signals
Data transfer rate up to 21.6 Gb/s
Gold-plated connectors
Net shielding
Cable Ø ca. 5.5 mm / Cable gauge: 32 AWG
Copper conductor
Length: ca. 1 m (incl. connectors)

Also available in cable lengths
Item 83472  ca. 0,5 m
Item 83474  ca. 1,5 m
Item 83475  ca. 2 m

 
Item 83476  ca. 3 m
Item 83477  ca. 5 m
Item 83478  ca. 7 m

Also available in cable lengths
Item 83472  ca. 0,5 m
Item 83474  ca. 1,5 m
Item 83475  ca. 2 m
Item 83476  ca. 3 m
Item 83477  ca. 5 m
Item 83478  ca. 7 m

Splitter 1 x DisplayPort™ 1.2 in > 4 x DisplayPort™ out 4K

Connectors:
     Input >
     1 x DisplayPort™ 20 pin male
     1 x 5 V DC jack
     Output >
     4 x DisplayPort™ 20 pin female
DisplayPort™ 1.2a specification
Active converter, Single / Multi Stream Transport Hub (SST / MST)
Resolution (depending on monitor / system)
     DisplayPort™ 1.1 or 1.2 Single Stream Transport (SST) >
     up to 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz (mirrored)
     DisplayPort™ 1.2 Multi Stream Transport (MST) >
     up to 2560 x 1440 @ 60 Hz or 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz (mirrored / extended)
     max. 4 x 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz
Supports HDCP 1.3
Supports Eyefinity / Single Large Surface (SLS)
Audio input formats: 7.1 channel up to 192 kHz sample rate
Cable length: ca. 30 cm (without connectors)
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 143 x 67 x 23 mm

Also available with mini DisplayPort™
Item 87693  Splitter 1 x mini DisplayPort™ 1.2 in > 4 x DisplayPort™ out 4K

Splitter 1 x DisplayPort™ 1.2 in > 2 x HDMI out 4K

Connectors:
     Input >
     1 x DisplayPort™ 20 pin male
     Output >
     2 x HDMI-A 19 pin female
DisplayPort™ 1.2a and High Speed HDMI specification
Active converter, Single / Multi Stream Transport Hub (SST / MST)
Resolution (depending on monitor / system)
     DisplayPort™ 1.1 or 1.2 Single Stream Transport (SST) >
     up to 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz (mirrored)
     DisplayPort™ 1.2 Multi Stream Transport (MST) >
     up to 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz (mirrored / extended)
Supports HDCP 1.3
Supports Eyefinity / Single Large Surface (SLS)
Audio input formats: 7.1 channel up to 192 kHz sample rate
Cable length: ca. 30 cm (without connectors)
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 100 x 67 x 23 mm

Also available with mini DisplayPort™
Item 87696  Splitter 1 x mini DisplayPort™ 1.2 in > 2 x HDMI out 4K

DisplayPort™ KVM Switch 2 > 1 USB and Audio

Connectors:
     Input >
     2 x DisplayPort™ female (connection for PC1 and PC2)
     2 x USB 2.0 type B female(connection for PC1 and PC2)
     1 x Sub-D 9 pin female RS232 (for configuration)
     1 x DC power connector
     1 x 3.5 mm stereo jack female for additional IR receiver (optional)
     Output >
     1 x DisplayPort™ female (display or TV)
     1 x HDMI-A female (display or TV)
     3 x USB 2.0 type A female (keyboard, mouse, hard disk, USB memory etc.)
     2 x 3.5 mm stereo jack female (1 x speaker, 1 x microphone)
DisplayPort™ 1.1a specification
Resolution (depending on monitor / system)
     DisplayPort™ Output > up to 2560 x 1440 @ 60 Hz / 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz
     HDMI Output > up to 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz
     DisplayPort™ output supports DP++ > up to 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz
2 switch buttons with LED indicator for source and sink
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 257 x 112 x 33 mm

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