Diagnosing HDMI Port issues using Pairs and Patterns technique: Difference between revisions
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🔍 '''The Basics''' | 🔍 '''The Basics''' | ||
The image of the t824 mechanic reader breaks down the two sections of the HDMI circuit readings: | The image of the t824 mechanic reader breaks down the two sections of the HDMI circuit readings: | ||
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'''Patterns (the rhythm side)''' | '''Patterns (the rhythm side)''' | ||
[[File:Pairs and patterns.jpg|thumb | [[File:Pairs and patterns.jpg|thumb]] | ||
== ✅ '''Identifying the Pairs''' == | |||
=== '''What are the pairs?''' === | |||
'''What are the pairs?''' | |||
The pairs are groups of two identical diode readings, always separated by a ground reading. | The pairs are groups of two identical diode readings, always separated by a ground reading. | ||
'''How to find them:''' | === '''How to find them:''' === | ||
Orientation matters: Depending on how the reader is plugged in, the pairs can start in the bottom right corner. | Orientation matters: Depending on how the reader is plugged in, the pairs can start in the bottom right corner. | ||
'''Diode Mode Readings:''' | === '''Diode Mode Readings:''' === | ||
A diode reading measures voltage drop between two points. | A diode reading measures voltage drop between two points. | ||
The multimeter sends voltage from one probe through the board’s components, and when it reaches the other probe, it displays the voltage drop. | The multimeter sends voltage from one probe through the board’s components, and when it reaches the other probe, it displays the voltage drop. | ||
'''Example:''' | ==== '''Example:''' ==== | ||
Top left reading: 0.85 | Top left reading: 0.85 | ||
We call this a .85 diode mode reading (it’s actually 0.85 volts). | We call this a .85 diode mode reading (it’s actually 0.85 volts). | ||
'''How to identify pairs:''' | === '''How to identify pairs:''' === | ||
Start by looking for identical readings. | Start by looking for identical readings. | ||
'''Example:''' | ==== '''Example:''' ==== | ||
0.85 → 0.07 (ground) → 0.85 | 0.85 → 0.07 (ground) → 0.85 | ||
These two .85 readings are a pair, with ground in between (like an Oreo cookie). | These two .85 readings are a pair, with ground in between (like an Oreo cookie). | ||
'''What to expect:''' | === '''What to expect:''' === | ||
There are 4 identical pairs (8 separate readings), each with a ground in between. | There are 4 identical pairs (8 separate readings), each with a ground in between. | ||
Readings should be identical, with an acceptable variance of ±0.01. | Readings should be identical, with an acceptable variance of ±0.01. | ||
'''Example:''' | ==== '''Example:''' ==== | ||
If the reading is 0.85, acceptable variance is 0.84 or 0.86. | If the reading is 0.85, acceptable variance is 0.84 or 0.86. | ||
Once you confirm all 4 pairs are OK, move to the Patterns. | Once you confirm all 4 pairs are OK, move to the Patterns. | ||
''' | == 🎵 '''Understanding the Patterns''' == | ||
=== '''Why are they called Patterns?''' === | |||
Unlike the pairs, these readings aren’t uniform — they follow a rhythm pattern. | Unlike the pairs, these readings aren’t uniform — they follow a rhythm pattern. | ||
'''How to check Patterns:''' | === '''How to check Patterns:''' === | ||
We use a simple song/rhythm to remember the expected readings: | We use a simple song/rhythm to remember the expected readings: | ||
Start at the end of the line (22 in this case) and work backward. | Start at the end of the line (22 in this case) and work backward. | ||
'''What you’re looking for:''' | === '''What you’re looking for:''' === | ||
Readings in the range of .500, .600, .700 | Readings in the range of .500, .600, .700 | ||
The readings do not need to be identical, just within range. | The readings do not need to be identical, just within range. | ||
'''Example:''' | ==== '''Example:''' ==== | ||
Reading 22 = 0.70 → OK (in range) | Reading 22 = 0.70 → OK (in range) | ||
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As long as they fall within the .500 - .700 range, they’re considered good. | As long as they fall within the .500 - .700 range, they’re considered good. | ||
== 🔥 '''Why This Method Matters''' == | |||
This method is unique , it’s something I developed specifically for HDMI circuit testing. | This method is unique , it’s something I developed specifically for HDMI circuit testing. | ||
'''Pro Tip:''' | === '''Pro Tip:''' === | ||
When verifying the circuit: | When verifying the circuit: | ||
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This prevents misreads and confusion. | This prevents misreads and confusion. | ||
''' | == ⚙️ '''Quick Circuit Overview''' == | ||
=== '''Pairs Side:''' === | |||
Goes directly to the encoder/retimer with only filters or bidirectional diodes. | Goes directly to the encoder/retimer with only filters or bidirectional diodes. | ||
➤ This side produces the image. | ➤ This side produces the image. | ||
'''Patterns Side:''' | === '''Patterns Side:''' === | ||
Goes to a handoff IC (Xbox) or diodes/resistors (PlayStation) before going to the encoder/retimer. | Goes to a handoff IC (Xbox) or diodes/resistors (PlayStation) before going to the encoder/retimer. | ||
Revision as of 04:57, 22 November 2025
| Diagnosing HDMI Port issues using Pairs and Patterns technique | |
|---|---|
| Type | Troubleshooting/Diagnostics |
| Device(s) | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, PlayStation 5 Slim |
| Difficulty | ◉◌◌◌ Easy |
🔍 The Basics
The image of the t824 mechanic reader breaks down the two sections of the HDMI circuit readings:
Pairs (highlighted in green)
Patterns (the rhythm side)
✅ Identifying the Pairs
What are the pairs?
The pairs are groups of two identical diode readings, always separated by a ground reading.
How to find them:
Orientation matters: Depending on how the reader is plugged in, the pairs can start in the bottom right corner.
Diode Mode Readings:
A diode reading measures voltage drop between two points.
The multimeter sends voltage from one probe through the board’s components, and when it reaches the other probe, it displays the voltage drop.
Example:
Top left reading: 0.85
We call this a .85 diode mode reading (it’s actually 0.85 volts).
How to identify pairs:
Start by looking for identical readings.
Example:
0.85 → 0.07 (ground) → 0.85
These two .85 readings are a pair, with ground in between (like an Oreo cookie).
What to expect:
There are 4 identical pairs (8 separate readings), each with a ground in between.
Readings should be identical, with an acceptable variance of ±0.01.
Example:
If the reading is 0.85, acceptable variance is 0.84 or 0.86.
Once you confirm all 4 pairs are OK, move to the Patterns.
🎵 Understanding the Patterns
Why are they called Patterns?
Unlike the pairs, these readings aren’t uniform — they follow a rhythm pattern.
How to check Patterns:
We use a simple song/rhythm to remember the expected readings:
Start at the end of the line (22 in this case) and work backward.
What you’re looking for:
Readings in the range of .500, .600, .700
The readings do not need to be identical, just within range.
Example:
Reading 22 = 0.70 → OK (in range)
Reading 21 = 0.56 → OK (in range)
As long as they fall within the .500 - .700 range, they’re considered good.
🔥 Why This Method Matters
This method is unique , it’s something I developed specifically for HDMI circuit testing.
Pro Tip:
When verifying the circuit:
Start at one end for the pairs
Start at the other end for the patterns
This prevents misreads and confusion.
⚙️ Quick Circuit Overview
Pairs Side:
Goes directly to the encoder/retimer with only filters or bidirectional diodes.
➤ This side produces the image.
Patterns Side:
Goes to a handoff IC (Xbox) or diodes/resistors (PlayStation) before going to the encoder/retimer.
➤ This side negotiates image quality, frame rate, etc.
There is a range of readings that can be displayed on the Mechanic Reader and a Multimeter when measuring diode mode.
The range looks like this generally:
GROUND 0.00 … 0.100 … 0.200 … 0.300 … 0.400 … 0.500 … 0.600 … 0.700 … 0.800 … 0.900 … 1.000 OL
Anything generally in the .00-.300 and the .900-1.00 zone is considered ‘bad’. This isnt always the case, but its often the case.