SN65DP159 HDMI black screen issue on Intel graphics driver (31.x)

[iahmtglr]

We are using the SN65DP159 on a custom COM Express Type-6 carrier board to provide an HDMI output.

Under Linux, the HDMI output works correctly at 1920×1080 resolution.
However, under Windows 10, when the Intel graphics driver (31.x) is installed, the HDMI output does not work.

We contacted Texas Instruments because we are using the SN65DP159 in our HDMI design.

TI informed us that the SN65DP159 is only a signal conditioner and is not affected by the operating system or the graphics driver. They also mentioned that since the HDMI output works correctly under Linux and with the Windows Basic Display Adapter, they do not see a hardware-related issue.

Based on this, TI suggested that the issue may be related to the Intel Windows graphics driver and advised us to contact Intel for further support.

What we see:

• In Windows Safe Mode or when using the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter, video output works.
• When the Intel graphics driver is active, windows does not detect any physical HDMI monitor. Only a virtual display (for example, TeamViewer virtual monitor) is shown.
• Booting Windows with the HDMI cable disconnected does not change the behavior.
• We bypassed the ferrite beads on the DDC lines for testing, but there was no change.

Questions:

1. Have you seen cases where HDMI works on Linux but fails on Windows when using SN65DP159?
2. During HDMI initialization, does the Intel Windows graphics driver expect any specific behavior from the redriver that differs from Linux drivers?
3. Can SN65DP159 load or bias the TMDS lines in a way that may cause the GPU HDMI initialization to fail, even without a monitor connected?
4. Can an incorrect TMDS lane order or polarity cause some operating systems to fail completely?
5. Is there any recommended enable or power-up sequence for SN65DP159 that could affect HDMI initialization?
6. For debugging, do you recommend bypassing the SN65DP159 to confirm whether it is the root cause?

We would like to know how to continue.

[Mike_Intel]

Hello iahmtglr,

Thank you for posting in Intel community Forum.

For me to better understand and diagnose the issue further, let me ask you to provide detailed responses to the following questions. This information will help me isolate the problem and determine the most appropriate course of action moving forward.

1. What is the exact model of the Graphics controller?
2. Can you tell us more about the system?
3. Are you designing a system with embedded Graphics?
4. What is the complete hardware specification of the system that you are building?

If you have questions, please let us know. Thank you.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[iahmtglr]

Hi Mike,

Our existing COM Express board supports DisplayPort (DP) output as standard. However, since the customer requested an HDMI output, we designed a DP-to-HDMI conversion circuit on our carrier board using the DP159 device. In this way, we obtain the HDMI output. The graphics processor is integrated into the COM Express module.

The system we are building is based on a COM Express Type 6 module.

CPU / Graphics:
- COM Express Type 6 module (DFI TGH960)
- Integrated Intel GPU (Intel Iris Xe graphics)

Carrier Board:
- Custom-designed carrier board
- DisplayPort output from the COM Express module is converted to HDMI using SN65DP159

Display Interface:
- HDMI output on the carrier board
- DP-to-HDMI conversion is done on-board (no external adapter)
- Monitor connection: HDMI-to-HDMI cable

Memory:
- DDR4 memory (on the COM Express module)

Storage:
- SATA SSD

Operating System:
- Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
- Linux (tested for comparison)

Display Behavior:
- DP-to-DP connection works correctly
- HDMI output works correctly under Linux
- HDMI output shows a black screen under Windows in some boot scenarios

[Mike_Intel]

Hello iahmtglr,

Thank you for the quick response.

For me to further check this, let me gather more infromation.

1. Are you designing a mobile or a desktop system?
2. Can you share some photos of your system?
3. Please help generate the SSU logs of your system for me to check the hardware and the installed drivers. Please refer to the link below for the steps:

How to get the Intel® System Support Utility Logs on Windows*

If you have questions, please let us know. Thank you.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Mike_Intel]

Hello iahmtglr,

I hope this message finds you well. 

Were you able to check the previous post?

Please let us know if you still need assistance.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[iahmtglr]

Hello Mike,

I was only able to check your message now.

Our design uses the Intel® Xeon® W-11865MLE processor on a COM Express TGH module.
It has 8 cores, 24 MB cache, a base frequency of 1.5 GHz (up to 4.5 GHz), and a 25 W TDP (RM590E).

For the third point,

At the moment, we are not able to perform the tests because the devices that allow us to run the module have been sent for calibration.
Once the PSU is returned to us, we will share this information with you.

Best Regards,

Ahmet

 

 

[Mike_Intel]

Hello iahmtglr,

Thank you for letting us know.

I will just wait for your next update with the information that I requested for me to further check this inquiry.

Please let us know if you still need assistance.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[JedG_Intel]

Hi iahmtglr,

I'm checking to see if you have any updates for us. Please let us know at your earliest convenience so we can proceed accordingly.

Best regards,

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Mike_Intel]

Hello iahmtglr,

I hope you are having a good day.

I am sending another follow up on the information that I requested. 

Since we have not heard back from you, I need to close this inquiry. 

If you need further assistance, please post a new question as this thread will no longer be monitored. 

Thank you and have a great day. 

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician