The Application Environment and Customer Needs for HDMI
With the widespread adoption of 4K and 8K high-resolution display technologies, HDMI Ultra High Speed fiber optic cables have become the mainstream choice in the market. Their competitive advantages, such as supporting higher bandwidth and longer transmission distances, make these products popular among consumers. They are widely used in high-end display devices, home theater systems, and professional AV fields, meeting the stringent demands for picture and sound quality. However, as user demand for high-quality video, gaming, and virtual reality applications surges, customer expectations for signal transmission quality naturally increase. Moreover, in high-bandwidth applications, any signal attenuation or distortion can significantly impact the overall user experience.
In light of this, cable manufacturers not only want to ensure their products pass certification tests without issues but also strive to avoid any potential performance problems in the market. Such issues not only affect product reliability but can also damage hard-earned brand reputation. Therefore, a solution that can effectively address the complexities of the market environment and increasingly stringent certification requirements, while also providing a stable and efficient approach, has become a pressing need for most customers. They hope to leverage professional testing and consulting services to ensure their products meet the latest technical standards, thereby enhancing market competitiveness and consumer trust.
Client Background and Challenges
Taking the current case study as an example, the client faced challenges with impedance testing when using HDMI Ultra High Speed fiber optic cables. Previously, the HDMI LA (HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.) provided impedance testing methods, which were validated through MOI EVENT and several fiber optic cables were able to pass the tests. However, HDMI LA soon announced a Waiver. This was primarily due to feedback from certification laboratories indicating that some fiber optic cables’ receivers (Sinks) could not pass the impedance tests, and the impedance values were significantly below the specified standards.
This situation means that if the impedance performance of a fiber optic cable at the receiver (Sink) is found to be inadequate, its test results can be disregarded. Such a policy inevitably leads to products in the market (even those that have passed certification) harboring the risk of impedance mismatch. This could impact signal transmission quality and also risk damaging the client’s brand image and market competitiveness.
Requirements Analysis
High-Quality Signal Transmission
The client needs to ensure that their HDMI Ultra High Speed fiber optic cable products maintain stable, high-quality signal transmission across various application environments.
Certification Compliance
Products must successfully pass HDMI certification testing to ensure their market competitiveness and legality.
Brand Reputation
To maintain and enhance brand image, it is crucial to avoid market returns or customer complaints due to product quality issues.
Technical Challenges
Difficulty in Impedance Testing
Traditional HDMI cable impedance testing methods are not suitable for fiber optic cables, as the ICs at both ends of the cable can affect the accuracy of the measurement results.
Standard Updates and Waivers
The HDMI Association updated its testing specifications in 2023, providing impedance testing methods for fiber optic cables. However, the subsequent Waiver allows the disregard of test results for non-compliant Sink end impedance, raising potential quality risks.
Potential Performance Risks
Even products that have passed certification may still face issues with impedance mismatch, which could lead to a decline in signal transmission quality during actual use.
Solution: Allion’s One-Stop HDMI Certification Services
Technical Consultation and Optimization
．IC Parameter Adjustment
Allion works closely with cable manufacturers and chip suppliers to provide professional advice on adjusting internal chip parameters to address the issue of low impedance at the Sink end.
．Design Optimization
Leveraging extensive practical experience, Allion offers optimization recommendations for cable structure and material selection to enhance overall signal integrity.
Advanced Testing Methods
．Automated Testing Process
Using Allion’s exclusive HDMI SCDC/EDID Controller (AJSC-1X) testing fixture in conjunction with association-certified instruments, we initiate automated testing procedures. This increases testing efficiency while reducing human error, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results.
Comprehensive HDMI Certification Services
．One-Stop Certification Support
As an HDMI-authorized certification laboratory, Allion provides a full process service from pre-testing to official certification.
．Fast-Track Certification Channel
Utilizing professional expertise and optimized testing processes, we accelerate the certification process to help customers bring their products to market more quickly.
Implementation Benefits
Through Allion’s professional services, the customer not only successfully resolved the impedance testing challenges of HDMI Ultra High Speed fiber optic cables, but also significantly enhanced their product quality and market competitiveness.
Time to Market with Quality! Allion Creates a Path to Success for Your Products
Allion is not only a certification laboratory for various standards associations, but also offers faster, easier, and better one-stop consulting and technical advisory services tailored to customer needs. We assist customers in overcoming challenges and streamlining processes, enabling them to achieve their goals of Time to Market with Quality!
Faster: Accelerating Time to Market
．Rapid Problem Solving and Shorter Certification Cycles
Allion has professional testing equipment and a team of experienced engineers. In this case, Allion enabled the client to achieve certification 20% faster than expected, significantly shortening the product certification cycle and allowing the product to enter the market more quickly, seizing competitive opportunities.
．Increased Certification Pass Rate
Allion’s consulting services include the formulation and implementation of professional testing plans, problem analysis, and improvement strategies, ensuring that client products pass certification quickly and avoiding unnecessary schedule delays and cost wastage.
Easier: Optimizing the Development Process
．One-Stop Consulting Services
From initial design review to final certification, Allion provides seamless consulting services throughout the entire process, allowing clients to focus on product innovation.
．Professional Technical Consultation
Allion’s engineering team offers in-depth technical consultation to help you overcome various challenges encountered during product development.
Better: Enhancing Product Quality
．Comprehensive Risk Assessment and International Standard Testing Environment
Allion combines design reviews and testing verification to conduct a thorough risk assessment of products and develop optimized validation strategies, while utilizing internationally standard-compliant testing equipment to ensure the authority and reliability of test results.
．In-Depth Data Analysis and Market Feedback Improvement
By employing advanced data analysis techniques, we delve into performance data to provide scientific bases for product optimization design and offer actionable improvement suggestions to continuously enhance product quality. According to Allion’s customer service satisfaction survey, the complaint rate for clients’ products afterlaunch has decreased is lower than that of prior products.
If you encounter similar challenges in product development, testing, or the certification process, feel free to contact us through online form. The Allion consulting team is always ready to provide you with tailored solutions to help your products stand out in a competitive market!
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