Windows 11, Framework 13, Intel 11th gen.
What is the maximum power delivery of the HDMI 3rd generation expansion card? It’s some number lower than my external USB-C HDMI adapters, like the Cable Matters 201028 or Novoo NVHUBGY09PNDS which could power an adapter using my FW13’s TB port.
My less capable laptop that the FW13 was to replace also could power the adapter over the HDMI port as well, which I thought was unusual as it uses an older HDMI standard.
The HDMI powered adapter in question that worked with my other equipment is the inexpensive Wireless HDMI adapters commonly found on aliexpress. The adapter includes a power port which when remotely powered causes the HDMI expansion card to continuously disconnect/reconnect in Windows.
I purchased the refurb gen3 HDMI expansion cards, so I may have found a defect that wasn’t discovered by the refurb team if I’m the only one with this problem.
Framework’s HDMI Expansion Card is HDMI 2.0b. According to various online sources (although no official sources from either Framework or the HDMI Implementers Forum) HDMI 2.0b is rated for 0.055 A of current at 5v.
The device you linked says it needs a “Power Supply : 5V/2A”. That is 36 times as high current.
I do not know how much power Framework’s HDMI card supports, however I doubt it supports 36 times what the HDMI standard specifies.
According to HDMI.org the newer HDMI 2.1b specification does introduce an optional 0.3 A mode, however that is still only 15% of what the device you linked says it requires.
The other adapters (like the Cable Matters or Novoo ones you mentioned) that work I expect are just exposing the laptop’s 5V over the HDMI port without anything limiting it. That allows sketchy devices that draw excessive power from HDMI to work, however may risk damaging the adapter/HDMI cable or at worst being a fire hazard. I highly doubt those adapters are actually rated for that power.
I assumed that the minimum spec for power delivery available through HDMI wasn’t much, which is why I mentioned that an old Windows 8 laptop was able to power the device over HDMI.
What is also a Framework specific error that I mentioned was that powering the device from an external USB power supply also failed on the FW13, causing the HDMI expansion card to constantly disconnect and reconnect. Using external power is not a surprise - I have to use one on a Chromecast, but it does not reset itself.
When it comes to hardware, there is of course (1) the spec, (2) what is implemented, and (3) what is generally expected. It is worth noting that the recommended power listed on the package (5V/2A) is not what the device actually needs. My concern is finding more adapters that work fine with all my other equipment except Framework’s.
From the HDMI expansion card rework page it shows an Infineon CYPD3120 USB-C controller and a Parade Technologies PS186 Displayport 1.4a to HDMI 2.0b converter. Hopefully the CYPD3120 can be made to not reset itself via update (it looks like the overcurrent protection limit is programmed).