DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort come in two versions—"Dual Mode" DisplayPort (DP++), which allows the port to actually switch its electrical signaling to a different format, and "Single Mode" or "pure" DisplayPort (DP), which is intended for DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort monitors without any conversion. Passive adapters rely on this DP++ functionality to switch electrical signaling and produce the correct output, meaning they only work with DP++ ports. Active adapters contain extra components to convert the signal themselves, allowing them to work flexibly with either a pure DisplayPort output or a DP++ port.

Why Active and Passive Adapters Function Differently

DisplayPort to HDMI, DVI, or VGA conversion is deceptively complex because the standards use different electrical signaling. Because passive adapters lack internal conversion components, they rely entirely on the DP++ port to produce the appropriate output signal, whereas active adapters perform the necessary signal conversion on their own.

Applicable To

DPM-DVIF, DPM-HDMIF, DPM-VGAF, MDM-DVIF, MDPM-HDMIF, MDPM-VGAF, DP-HDMI, MDP-HDMI