Lattice FPGA HDMI transmission solution

Implementing an HDMI transmission solution on a Lattice FPGA involves using the FPGA's programmable logic and dedicated resources to handle the high-speed data transmission required for HDMI. Lattice FPGAs, such as the ECP5 or CrossLink families, are well-suited for HDMI applications due to their low power consumption, small form factor, and support for high-speed interfaces. Below is a step-by-step guide to implementing an HDMI transmission solution on a Lattice FPGA:

1. Overview of HDMI
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a widely used standard for transmitting uncompressed video and audio data. Key features include:

• High-Speed Data Transmission: HDMI 1.4 supports up to 10.2 Gbps, while HDMI 2.0 supports up to 18 Gbps.
• TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling): Used for transmitting video and audio data.
• DDC (Display Data Channel): Used for EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) communication.
• CEC (Consumer Electronics Control): Optional control channel for device control.

2. Lattice FPGA Features for HDMI
Lattice FPGAs offer several features that make them suitable for HDMI applications:

• High-Speed I/O: Supports TMDS signaling for HDMI.
• SERDES (Serializer/Deserializer): Used for high-speed data transmission.
• Programmable Logic: Flexible logic resources for implementing HDMI protocols.
• Low Power Consumption: Ideal for portable and embedded applications.

3. HDMI Transmission Solution Components
To implement HDMI transmission on a Lattice FPGA, the following components are required:

3.1. HDMI Transmitter

• Converts parallel video and audio data into TMDS signals.
• Implements the HDMI protocol, including encoding and serialization.

3.2. HDMI Receiver

• Converts TMDS signals back into parallel video and audio data.
• Implements the HDMI protocol, including decoding and deserialization.

3.3. DDC Interface

• Handles EDID communication with the display device.
• Typically implemented using I2C.

3.4. Clock Management
Generates the necessary pixel clock and TMDS clock for HDMI.

4. Implementation Steps
4.1. Hardware Setup

• Connect the HDMI source (e.g., video processor) to the FPGA.
• Connect the FPGA to the HDMI display (e.g., monitor or TV).
• Ensure proper power and ground connections for the HDMI interface.

4.2. FPGA Design

1. Video and Audio Data Input:

• Capture video and audio data from the source (e.g., camera or processor).
• Format the data according to HDMI specifications (e.g., RGB or YCbCr).

1. TMDS Encoding:

• Implement TMDS encoding for the video and audio data.
• Use Lattice's IP cores or custom logic for TMDS encoding.

1. SERDES for TMDS:

• Use the FPGA's SERDES blocks to serialize the TMDS data.
• Configure the SERDES for the required data rate (e.g., 1.65 Gbps per lane for 1080p60).

1. DDC Interface:

• Implement an I2C interface for DDC communication.
• Read the EDID from the display to determine supported resolutions and formats.

1. Clock Management:

• Use the FPGA's PLL or clock management resources to generate the pixel clock and TMDS clock.
• Ensure the clocks meet HDMI timing requirements.

1. HDMI Output:

• Drive the TMDS signals to the HDMI connector.
• Ensure proper termination and impedance matching for the HDMI signals.

4.3. Software Tools

• Use Lattice's development tools, such as Lattice Diamond or Lattice Radiant, to design and implement the FPGA logic.
• Use Lattice's IP cores for HDMI, such as the HDMI 1.4 Transmitter IP or HDMI 1.4 Receiver IP, to simplify the design process.

5. Example: HDMI Transmitter on Lattice ECP5
Here’s an example of implementing an HDMI transmitter on a Lattice ECP5 FPGA:

1. Video Input:

Capture 24-bit RGB video data at 1080p60 resolution (1920x1080 at 60 Hz).

1. TMDS Encoding:

Use Lattice's HDMI 1.4 Transmitter IP core to encode the video data into TMDS signals.

1. SERDES Configuration:

Configure the SERDES blocks to serialize the TMDS data at 1.65 Gbps per lane.

1. Clock Generation:

Use the ECP5's PLL to generate the 148.5 MHz pixel clock and 1.485 GHz TMDS clock.

1. DDC Interface:

Implement an I2C interface to read the EDID from the display.

1. HDMI Output:

Drive the TMDS signals to the HDMI connector using the FPGA's high-speed I/O pins.

6. Testing and Debugging

• Use an HDMI analyzer or monitor to verify the output signal.
• Check for proper video and audio transmission.
• Debug any issues using Lattice's debugging tools and logic analyzers.

7. Resources

• Lattice HDMI IP Cores: Available in Lattice Diamond or Radiant software.
• Reference Designs: Lattice provides reference designs for HDMI applications.
• Documentation: Refer to the Lattice ECP5 or CrossLink datasheets and user guides for detailed information.

Summary
Implementing an HDMI transmission solution on a Lattice FPGA involves using the FPGA's high-speed I/O, SERDES, and programmable logic to handle TMDS signaling, DDC communication, and clock management. By leveraging Lattice's tools and IP cores, you can create a robust HDMI solution for your application.