Using the DisplayPort Alt Mode standard, a USB Type-C connector and cable can deliver full DisplayPort audio/video performance (driving monitor resolutions of 4K and beyond), SuperSpeed USB data, and up to 100 watts of power. DisplayPort is the only display interface alt mode natively supported by both standard USB-C connectors and cables. The new DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C Early Product Certification Program is intended to help ensure interoperability early in the development cycle.

“During new-technology development, products often are ready to ship before compliance test programs are complete. Conformance testing, however, is still vital to helping ensure a smooth roll-out and positive user experience with early products,” said Jim Choate, compliance program manager for VESA.

“To help USB Type-C product manufacturers address this challenge, VESA created the DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C Early Product Certification Program to help speed both the path to compliance and time to market for new products.”

The DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C Early Product Certification Program includes a comprehensive test plan that covers all supported features and capabilities. Currently, leading test laboratories Allion Labs and Granite River Labs (GRL) are executing to these test plans as part of the early certification program. VESA also organizes and sponsors PlugTest events throughout the year, in the U.S. and Taiwan, at which VESA member companies can participate in official testing activities.

Early product developers who take advantage of the DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C Early Product Certification Program gain the ability to use the DP Certified logo on their products. Nearly a dozen tablets, laptops and monitors have been certified through the pilot phase of this early certification program, including products from Intel (Skylake reference design), Dell, Asus, HP and LG Electronics. Several dozen more certified products are expected to be available by the end of the year.

VESA published the DisplayPort Alt Mode on USB Type-C Standard in September 2014. Developed jointly between VESA and the USB 3.0 Promoter group, the DisplayPort Alt Mode enables the highest display performance available, combined with the USB Type-C connector’s high-speed data transfer and power delivery functions.

Earlier this year, VESA published the latest version of the DisplayPort standard, v1.4, which incorporates new capabilities that enhance the ability to take advantage of the USB Type-C connector. For example, DP 1.4 incorporates VESA’s Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology to facilitate High Dynamic Range (HDR) and 8K video across the USB-C connector.