HDMI connectors typically have 19 pins, and they are arranged in three rows. Here's a detailed breakdown of the HDMI pinout:
- TMDS Data 2- (TMDS Lane 2 Negative)
- TMDS Data 2+ (TMDS Lane 2 Positive)
- TMDS Data 1- (TMDS Lane 1 Negative)
- TMDS Data 1+ (TMDS Lane 1 Positive)
- TMDS Data 0- (TMDS Lane 0 Negative)
- TMDS Data 0+ (TMDS Lane 0 Positive)
- TMDS Clock- (TMDS Clock Lane Negative)
- TMDS Clock+ (TMDS Clock Lane Positive)
- TMDS Shield Ground (TMDS Common Ground)
- TMDS Data 4- (TMDS Lane 4 Negative)
- TMDS Data 4+ (TMDS Lane 4 Positive)
- TMDS Data 3- (TMDS Lane 3 Negative)
- TMDS Data 3+ (TMDS Lane 3 Positive)
- TMDS Common Ground
- DDC Clock (Display Data Channel Clock)
- DDC Data (Display Data Channel Data)
- CEC (Consumer Electronics Control)
- +5V (Power Supply for HDMI Ethernet Channel)
- Hot Plug Detect
Note: The HDMI pinout above is for a standard HDMI Type A connector. Different HDMI connector types (Type B, Type C, Type D) may have variations in pin configurations, but the Type A connector is the most common and widely used. Additionally, this pinout represents the standard HDMI 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 configurations. HDMI 2.1 introduces additional pins for enhanced features like Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Always refer to the specific HDMI version and connector type for accurate pin information.
- TMDS Data Channels (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling):
- HDMI uses differential signaling for its data channels, and there are three TMDS data channels: TMDS Data 0, TMDS Data 1, and TMDS Data 2.
- These channels carry digital video and audio data.
- TMDS Clock Channel:
- The TMDS Clock channel (TMDS Clock+ and TMDS Clock-) carries the clock signal necessary for synchronizing the data transmission.
- Display Data Channel (DDC) / I²C Channel:
- The Display Data Channel (DDC) or I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) channel is used for communication between the HDMI source (e.g., a Blu-ray player or computer) and the HDMI display (e.g., a TV or monitor).
- DDC facilitates the exchange of EDID (Extended Display Identification Data), allowing the source device to understand the capabilities of the display.
- Consumer Electronics Control (CEC):
- The CEC pin facilitates Consumer Electronics Control, enabling devices connected via HDMI to control each other. This allows for features like one-touch play, system control over HDMI, and other interconnected functionalities.
- Hot Plug Detect (HPD):
- The Hot Plug Detect pin informs the HDMI source when a display is connected or disconnected. It plays a role in initiating the HDMI handshake and reconfiguring settings based on the connected display.
- Audio Return Channel (ARC):
- HDMI ports often include an Audio Return Channel, which allows audio to be sent back from the display to the audio system over the HDMI cable. This eliminates the need for a separate audio cable when using a display with built-in speakers.
- Ethernet Channel (HEC - HDMI Ethernet Channel):
- HDMI cables with Ethernet support have an additional twisted pair of wires. This Ethernet Channel allows HDMI devices to share an internet connection without the need for a separate network cable.
It's important to note that HDMI ports can have different configurations based on the HDMI version. For instance, HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 support higher resolutions and refresh rates, as well as additional features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC). The pin configuration and capabilities may vary slightly between HDMI versions, with newer versions generally offering enhanced features and performance.