Playstation 4 PS4 HDMI v2.0 Port Comparison
Playstation 4 PS4 HDMI v2.0 Port Comparison
During our extensive research and tests we came by new version of upgraded PS4 HDMI port available from few suppliers. The upgraded port seems to have a better design to enable improved usability for the end user. The newly designed ports has also addressed one of the problems with original Sony Playstation 4 design, which was the pins alignment and orientation damage due to wear and tear. The PS4 has just been released and after the initial warranty ran out, the user began experiencing faults with the most common fault being no video display due to poor connectivity via poorly designed HDMI port at the back of the console. All are forced to pay hefty Sony repair fees in order to get their gaming console back online. The design of the current original port has also not taken considerable amount of heat, which is generated by the console. If sent to Sony for a repair the same design port will be installed, which is prone to failure and all users eventually experience the same problems coming back. Some manufacturers in China have come up with improved design, which addresses bending of the pins, loose adhesive and poor metal alloy used.
The engineering at iRepairToronto have ordered and tested many ports and put this guide together to help fellow repairers decide and ask correct questions from their suppliers in order to provide customers with best available solution to repair Playstation 4 console. Please check out our PS4 HDMI Repair page for more info about our services. Also, you can check Xbox One HDMI Repair if you are the one who have chosen Xbox over Playstation.
SMT to PCB Pins Allocation
The Playstation 4 uses a SMT pins to provide a connection to the main port pins, however the pins are offset to one side more than on the other.
On the left is the port purchased via one of the sellers on eBay, which was advertised as PS4 HDMI port and the representing picture was of the PS4 HDMI v2.0 port. However the only thing that fit was through-hole legs, which hold the port in place on the circuit board. As it can be clearly noted the gaps on the sides of SMT pins are exactly the same however they suppose to be in the alignment as on the port on the right.
This faulty alignment causes the pins to be exactly between the PCB tracks when mounted. We have tried to re-align pins onto the tracks and solder them under tension, however this puts further unnecessary stress on the part.
On the left is the port purchased via one of the sellers on eBay, which was advertised as PS4 HDMI port and the representing picture was of the PS4 HDMI v2.0 port. However the only thing that fit was through-hole legs, which hold the port in place on the circuit board. As it can be clearly noted the gaps on the sides of SMT pins are exactly the same however they suppose to be in the alignment as on the port on the right.
This faulty alignment causes the pins to be exactly between the PCB tracks when mounted. We have tried to re-align pins onto the tracks and solder them under tension, however this puts further unnecessary stress on the part.
Internal Pins Allocation
In order to attach HDMI port main connection pins to the inner plate Sony uses adhesive, which in most applications is completely fine, however the Playstation 4 console is used by consumers who continuously plugs in and out the HDMI cable. Over time this adhesive loses it’s properties and the pins become unstuck and bend within the port losing the connection.
The updated HDMI port has end of the pins embedded within inner plastic plate to further increase durability of continuous use and wear and tear. The alloy used for pin manufacture also has higher percentage of steel allowing to provide higher rigidity of the pin and extend the life time.
The updated HDMI port has end of the pins embedded within inner plastic plate to further increase durability of continuous use and wear and tear. The alloy used for pin manufacture also has higher percentage of steel allowing to provide higher rigidity of the pin and extend the life time.
Backplate for Pins
Due to weak main connection pins situation, they can easily be pushed through inside of the port and in extreme cases can even damage the tracks on circuit board. If the circuit board tracks are damaged the repair could be more costly as engineers would require to restore PCB tracks prior to soldering new port.
The problem has been addressed by installing a backplate, which prevents pins being pushed inside. The port itself is produced of high quality steel material and all plastic parts are heat resistant to ensure longevity of the part.
The problem has been addressed by installing a backplate, which prevents pins being pushed inside. The port itself is produced of high quality steel material and all plastic parts are heat resistant to ensure longevity of the part.
Conclusion
There a few different versions of replacement ports available for Playstation 4 (PS4) game consoles and hopefully this article will help engineers to choose correct version, which will allow end customer to receive best possible repair solution.
Main questions to be asked when choosing a port are:
- Are mounting and SMT pins alignment is at the correct offset?
- Are main pins embedded within the inner plastic?
- Does the port have backplate to prevent pins being pushed in?
- Is the port built from steel or aluminium?
- Does the port have glide-in & lock pins to ensure snug HDMI cable fit?