Electronic – Questions regarding using an HDMI cable to transmit SPI, I2C, and UART serial data

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I'm currently working on a design in which I need to transmit serial data over 3 different serial channels. I won't be transmitting data far (1" – 1') but I didn't want to use plain wires. Instead, I thought it may be useful to implement the standard HDMI connector and cable to transmit this data. However, I have a few questions.

1) Are HDMI cables designed for only transmitting data on specific conductors? It appears that some of conductors are 'paired'. I assume I would just need to be cautious on what conductors I place the signals? My serial data will be transmitted much slower than most audio/video data streaming that HDMI is typically used for.

2) I'm going for a compact design, I've thus considered using micro HDMI for the small form factor. Besides the form factor, are there any other differences between micro and standard HDMI connectors/cables?

3) Where are we at with regard to the life time of HDMI cables? I'm trying to create a device that will last a long time. Is HDMI/Mini HDMI/Micro HDMI on there way out any time soon? I know they've been around for close to a decade now, are there any other rising standards that I should be considering?

Thanks!

Best Answer

  1. Yes, they are. Data goes over the data pairs. HDMI uses high speed differential pairs for data.

  2. No difference.

  3. Not really. No replacement for HDMI right now.

But if you are using this commercially, note that using a standard connector for non standard use is fairly bad idea.