HDMI eARC Transmitter IP

Design IP

Overview

SmartDV’s HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) Transmitter IP is a high-performance digital audio solution aligned with HDMI 2.1 specifications, enabling high-bandwidth, uncompressed, and lossless audio transmission to eARC-enabled receivers. It is ideal for advanced audio source devices such as TVs, game consoles, set-top boxes, and automotive infotainment systems.

Designed for flexibility, the IP core is highly configurable to meet specific design requirements, supporting both ASIC and FPGA implementations while optimizing for area, power, and performance. It includes support for control channel functionality, automatic discovery and mode negotiation, and ensures full backward compatibility with legacy ARC systems for seamless end-to-end connectivity.

Benefits

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) Support – Compliant with HDMI 2.1 eARC specification, enabling high-bandwidth, lossless audio transmission to compatible receivers
Comprehensive Audio Format Transmission – Supports 2-channel and multi-channel L-PCM, IEC 61937, and One-Bit Audio formats for seamless delivery of both encrypted and unencrypted content
Reliable Signal Encoding – Implements biphase-mark encoding, falling-edge modulation, and ECC-based error protection for stable and distortion-free audio transfer
Flexible Output Configuration – Supports single-ended, non-differential split outputs, simplifying physical layer integration with HDMI transmit paths
Metadata and Message Support – Transmits ACP, ISRC1, and ISRC2 U-bit message structures for accurate content identification and copy protection compliance
Robust eARC Data Channel Handling – Manages discovery, disconnect, heartbeat, status bits, audio latency control, and capabilities data structure exchange via the Common Mode Data Channel
Optimized for SoC Integration – Designed for easy connectivity with audio sources through standard I²S, SPDIF, and AXI-Stream interfaces

Compliance and Compatibility

Fully compliant with HDMI 2.1 eARC and IEC 60958/61937 standards
Supports HDCP and CEC/HEAC communication where applicable
Compatible with all major EDA synthesis, simulation, and linting flows

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