IT6636 (3-IN 1-OUT) /IT66362 (2-IN 1-OUT) HDMI2.1, 48Gbps Retiming Switch with Embedded MCU

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 8Kx4K format. At extremely high data rate like that, 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. Moreover, 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 signal to optimal and outputs retimed data to downstream sinks. The highly acclaimed equalization technology of ITE TECH. INC. enables robust performance over long cables or low-quality PCB trace even at the highest speeds. Auto-calibrated and programmable TMDS/FRL output current level, with optional output pre-emphasis and source termination.

With embedded MCU and Flash, IT6636/IT66362 can be easily programmed through the DDC pins. The integrated MCU controls IT6636/IT66362 by itself, thus reducing customer development and programming efforts. Furthermore, the IT6636/IT66362 supports crystal-free operation for TMDS/FRL signal regeneration. The overall BOM cost and board size could be further minimized with least external components required.

• 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 automatically to reduce customer’s programming effort.
• Crystal-free option for lower BOM cost.
• Auto power-saving feature to save power when down-stream device is not present or source device is not transmitting high speed data.
• Supports Information Block to communicate with external SOC.

Suitable for ProAV, docking, accessory box and 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.

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 2.5x the transmission distance for flexible system layouts.
• Jitter Elimination: Provides a cleaner eye diagram and more robust link training than GSCoolink GSV6703, ensuring seamless handshaking with diverse 8K sources.

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.

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, making it 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.

By delivering 48Gbps performance with superior signal reach and the industry's highest level of integration, the IT6636 series allows engineers to bypass the limitations of legacy redrivers. ITE provides the most stable and cost-effective path to 8K.