The Mini DisplayPort was originally invented by Apple and was meant for its new series of portable PCs. It is much smaller than a Digital video interface (DVI) and VGA connectors but still provides a full-function display for ultrathin notebooks and netbooks. Earlier this year, Apple gave VESA its approval for the inclusion of the mDP in the Display Port Standard, which was finally issued earlier today.

This standard defines the dimensions of the mDP connector's mechanical parts and of the cable assemblies, as well as the supported adapters. DisplayPort Standard Version 1, Revision 1a dictates the necessary electrical and protocol specifications that devices using the mDP must meet. DisplayPort 1.1a also sets the electrical specifications for the cable assemblies incorporating such a display port, at either one or both ends.

The Mini DisplayPort is the solution that hardware manufacturer Apple came up with in its efforts to create ever-thinner mobile PCs. Such ports also support thin add-in cards with multiple display interfaces. In cases where it is required or preferred, the mDP can also be seen as a viable alternative to the standard Display Port defined in Version 1, Rev. 1a.

VESA is also close to completing its Displayport 1.2 standard, which includes mDP and increases the available bandwidth twofold (21.6 Gb/s). This means that multi-monitor support will be possible in the future through a single output connector. In addition to that, higher resolutions, refresh rates, color depths and high-performance 3D displays will be available through mDPs.

The mDP standard is available as a free download at www.vesa.org or www.displayport.org.