Product Description
25
1.5 Intel
®
Z77 Express Chipset
Intel Z77 Express Chipset with Intel FDI and Direct Media Interface (DMI) interconnect
provides interfaces to the processor and the display, USB, SATA, LPC, LAN, and PCI
Express interfaces. The Intel Z77 Express Chipset is a centralized controller for the
board’s I/O paths.
For information about Refer to
The Intel Z77 Express Chipset http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/chipsets/index.htm
Resources used by the chipset Chapter 2
1.5.1 Direct Media Interface (DMI)
DMI is the chip-to-chip connection between the processor and PCH. This high-speed
interface integrates advanced priority-based servicing allowing for concurrent traffic
and true isochronous transfer capabilities.
1.5.2 Display Interfaces
Display is divided between the processor and the PCH. The processor houses the
memory interface, display planes, and pipes while the PCH has transcoder and display
interface or ports.
The PCH receives the display data over Intel FDI and transcodes the data as per the
display technology protocol and sends the data through the display interface.
1.5.2.1 Intel
®
Flexible Display Interconnect (Intel
®
FDI)
Intel FDI connects the display engine in the processor with the display interfaces on
the PCH. The display data from the frame buffer is processed in the display engine of
the processor and sent to the PCH over the Intel FDI where it is transcoded as per the
display protocol and driven to the display monitor.
1.5.2.2 High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)
HDCP is the technology for protecting high definition content against unauthorized
copy or unreceptive between a source (computer, digital set top boxes, etc.) and the
sink (panels, monitor, and TVs). The PCH supports HDCP 1.4 for content protection
over wired displays (HDMI).
1.5.2.3 High Definition Multimedia Interface* (HDMI*)
The HDMI port supports standard, enhanced, or high definition video, plus multi-
channel digital audio on a single cable. It is compatible with all ATSC and DVB HDTV
standards and supports eight full range channels at 24-bit/96 kHz audio of lossless
audio formats such as Dolby* TrueHD or DTS* HD Master Audio. The maximum
supported resolution is 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA). The HDMI interface supports the
HDMI 1.4a specification.