Product Brief | ITE Technology

IT6636 3-IN 1-OUT
HDMI2.1 48Gbps Retiming Switch with Embedded MCU

IT66362 2-IN 1-OUT ??HDMI2.1 48Gbps Retiming Switch with Embedded MCU

General Description

IT6636/IT66362 is a 3-in / 2-in, 1-out HDMI retiming switch that supports a signaling rate of up to 12Gbps per channel. It is compliant with the latest HDMI2.1a specification and backward compatible with HDMI1.4/2.0 specification. With 48-Gbps/4-channel capability, IT6636/IT66362 can support extra-high resolution content stream, such as the ultra-HD 8K��4K format. At extremely high data rates, signal quality drops significantly with extended board trace or cable length, making an additional retiming scheme necessary in many systems.

The IT6636/IT66362 supports both traditional TMDS signaling as defined in the HDMI1.4/2.0 specification and the FRL signaling introduced in the HDMI2.1 specification. It detects the signal type being transmitted from the source, and switches to the appropriate communication mode accordingly. Advanced video features such as VRR, FVA, and DSC compression enabled as defined in the HDMI2.1a are fully supported. The insertion of the retimer in the system is functionally transparent to both the source and the sink devices.

The IT6636/IT66362 equalizes incoming TMDS/FRL signals to optimal and outputs retimed data to downstream sinks. The highly acclaimed equalization technology of ITE enables robust performance over long cables or low-quality PCB trace even at the highest speeds. With embedded MCU and Flash, IT6636/IT66362 can be easily programmed through the DDC pins, reducing customer development and programming efforts. Furthermore, it supports crystal-free operation for TMDS/FRL signal regeneration, minimizing BOM cost and board size.

Key Features

Supports both TMDS and FRL signal re-timing
Total serial data bandwidth up to 48 Gbps / 4-channel in FRL mode, capable of supporting ultra-HD resolution 8K4K format
Bandwidth up to 18 Gbps / 3-channel in TMDS mode, supporting 4K2K@60 format
Supports DSC compression video stream
Supports HDMI2.1a VRR and FVA features
Embedded FRL Error correction for better receiving performance
Supports AC-coupling at TMDS inputs for level-shifting
Adaptive and programmable input equalization supporting long and short cables
Auto-calibrated and programmable TMDS/FRL output current level, with optional output pre-emphasis and source termination
Embedded MCU with Flash for software control ??reduces customer's programming effort
Crystal-free option for lower BOM cost
Auto power-saving feature when down-stream device is not present or source is not transmitting
Supports Information Block to communicate with external SOC

Application

ProAV Docking Accessory Box Commercial Display

In the era of 8K Ultra-HD and 4K120 High-Frame-Rate displays, the challenge for system designers has shifted from "simple switching" to "signal preservation." As bandwidth reaches 48Gbps, traditional passive switches and redrivers often fail to maintain link stability over practical distances.

ITE Tech. Inc. presents the IT6636 (3-in-1-out) and IT66362 (2-in-1-out)??not just switches, but high-performance Retimers designed to anchor ProAV systems, advanced docking stations, and high-end commercial displays with uncompromising stability.

Competitive Advantages

??Retiming Architecture: Beyond Standard Redrivers

Unlike common Redriver solutions (such as Pericom PI3HDX12211/21) that merely amplify noise along with the signal, the IT6636 series utilizes a Retimer architecture. It cleans jitter and regenerates the clock/data signals at the physical layer.

Superior Reach: While competitor solutions are often limited to 2-meter traces, the IT6636 supports up to 5 meters for both input and output ??offering 2.5�� the transmission distance.
Jitter Elimination: Provides a cleaner eye diagram and more robust link training than GSCoolink GSV6703, ensuring seamless handshaking with diverse 8K sources.

??High Integration: Minimizing BOM and Design Complexity

The IT6636 series is engineered to be a "Single-Chip Solution," significantly reducing the need for external components compared to Parade PS8431 or other MCU-less alternatives.

Embedded MCU & Flash: Handles complex HDMI2.1 protocol negotiation internally, drastically reducing the customer's software development effort.
Massive IO Expansion: Equipped with 10 GPIOs, providing significantly better system control and peripheral expansion capabilities than competing chips.
Crystal-Free Design: Further minimizes PCB footprint and BOM cost, allowing for sleeker, more compact industrial designs.

??Thermal Excellence & Power Efficiency

High performance shouldn't come at the cost of high heat. The IT6636/IT66362 is optimized for low-power operation, delivering superior thermal efficiency over high-power alternatives.

Auto-Power Saving: Intelligently scales power consumption based on signal presence ??ideal for bus-powered docking stations and slim-bezel monitors.
Reliability: Lower operating temperatures ensure a longer product lifespan and better performance stability in 24/7 commercial environments.

Solution Comparison at a Glance

Key Specifications	ITE IT6636/66362	Pericom	GSCoolink	Parade
Technology	Retimer	Redriver	Retimer	Retimer
Max Resolution	8K / 4K120	8K / 4K120	8K / 4K120	8K / 4K120
Transmission	5m In / 5m Out	2m Only	Limited	Limited
Embedded MCU	Yes	No	Yes	No
Expandability	10�� GPIO	1�� / None	Yes	None
CEC & HDCP 2.3	Full Support	No / Partial	Full Support	Full Support