STMicroelectronics STHDLS101TQTR

Overview

STHDLS101TQTR from STMicroelectronics is an AC-coupled HDMI 1.3 level shifter IC that converts low-swing differential TMDS inputs (e.g., from GMCH PCIe outputs) to 3.3 V DC-coupled HDMI-compliant outputs, supporting up to 2.7 Gbps per lane, integrated 50 Ω input termination, and configurable HPD output. It enables HDMI video routing on PC/notebook motherboards where AC-coupled 1.2 V TMDS signals must be shifted to 3.3 V for HDMI connectors.

For engineers reviewing the STHDLS101TQTR datasheet, STHDLS101TQTR pinout, STHDLS101TQTR application, or STHDLS101TQTR equivalent, key selection considerations include TMDS lane bandwidth (2.7 Gbps), intra-pair skew (<10 ps), ESD rating (±6 kV HBM), DDC pass-gate level shifting (3.3 V ↔ 5 V), and OE_N-controlled power-down mode with high-Z outputs.

Technical Context

The device implements a passive, re-timing-free level translation architecture: four independent current-steering TMDS lanes accept AC-coupled differential inputs (0.175–1.2 V_p-p, 50 Ω terminated), drive open-drain outputs compliant with HDMI 1.3 DC-coupled specifications (400–600 mV swing, <125 ps rise/fall), and maintain inter-pair skew <250 ps and intra-pair skew <10 ps.

It integrates three functional subsystems: (1) TMDS level shifting with slew-rate control and fail-safe outputs; (2) bidirectional DDC level shifting via NMOS pass-gates with 27–40 Ω R_ON and <15 ns propagation delay; and (3) configurable HPD interface with 160 kΩ internal pull-down on HPD_SINK and FUNCTION3-selectable open-drain/buffered HPD_SOURCE output.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STHDLS101TQTR is housed in a 48-pin QFN package (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin layout supports compact HDMI interface routing on dense motherboard layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar HDMI level shifting applications.

Compared with TPD12S016 and PI3HDX1204A, STHDLS101TQTR uniquely combines 4-lane TMDS level shifting, integrated DDC pass-gates, and configurable HPD in a single 3.3 V, re-timing-free package - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, latency-critical motherboard and dongle designs where full HDMI subsystem integration is required.

Availability

STHDLS101TQTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PC motherboards, notebook display interfaces, and HDMI dongle adapters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for STHDLS101TQTR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in automotive, industrial, and consumer interface solutions with broad IP in high-speed analog and mixed-signal ICs.

The STHDLS101T belongs to ST's HDMI interface product line, designed specifically to simplify HDMI integration in resource-constrained platforms by consolidating level shifting, DDC translation, and HPD management into a single chip.

FAQ

Does STHDLS101TQTR require external configuration or firmware?

No. The STHDLS101TQTR is a fully analog, stateless level shifter with no internal registers, clocks, or configuration interfaces. It operates immediately upon power-up with no initialization sequence. FUNCTION pins (1, 2, 4, 35) are vendor-specific and default to GND for standard operation; only FUNCTION3 affects HPD_SOURCE behavior and is set statically at board design time.

Can STHDLS101TQTR support HDMI 2.0 or higher data rates?

No. The device is specified for HDMI 1.3 compliance with a maximum data rate of 2.7 Gbps per lane, sufficient for 1080p60 (2.25 Gbps) and WUXGA (2.7 Gbps), but not for HDMI 2.0's 6 Gbps minimum requirement. Its analog architecture lacks equalization or re-timing needed for higher-speed channels.

How does OE_N affect DDC and HPD functionality?

OE_N controls only the TMDS path: asserting OE_N (low) enables IN_D/OUT_D buffers and terminations; de-asserting (high) places TMDS outputs in high-Z and disables inputs. HPD_SINK, HPD_SOURCE, SCL_SINK, SDA_SINK, SCL_SOURCE, and SDA_SOURCE remain fully operational regardless of OE_N state - ensuring hot-plug detection and EDID communication persist during TMDS power-down.

What is the role of the REXT pin (Pin 6)?

REXT connects to an external resistor that sets internal bias currents for optimal performance across process/voltage/temperature corners. STMicroelectronics specifies its value in the datasheet; typical use is a 10 kΩ resistor to GND. Direct connection to VCC33 or GND is allowed only via 0 Ω resistors for layout compatibility - never hard-wired.