The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) is defining a micro-DisplayPort connector standard for smartphones, tablets, ultra-thin notebooks and other mobile systems. Designed to be physically smaller than VESA's existing DisplayPort and mini-DisplayPort connectors, the new micro-DisplayPort connector will be significantly smaller than the mini-DisplayPort connector, which already measures a 5.4 mm x 8.3 mm. Designed to support data rates for future display bandwidths beyond today's 4K resolutions, the micro-DisplayPort standard will define the mechanical and electrical specifications for the receptacle, plug, cable and docking connector.

In evaluating various technical solutions, VESA will require backward compatibility with existing DisplayPort devices, as well as the ability to support anticipated future DisplayPort capabilities. One objective for the new micro-DisplayPort connector, which is undergoing discussion within the VESA working group assigned to this project, is to support the use of a passive cable with lengths up to 1.5m, without the use of repeaters or other active components. VESA expects to finalize the micro-DisplayPort standard by 2Q 2014.