MIPI I3C spec streamlines sensor integration

Article By : MIPI Alliance

MIPI I3C specifies a chip-to-chip interface that can connect all sensors in a device to the application processor.

The MIPI Alliance has launched the MIPI I3C Improved Inter-Integrated Circuit that brings together multiple sensor interface approaches around a unifying specification. The MIPI I3C is a sensor interface specification that streamlines sensor integration in smartphones, IoT devices and automotive systems. It supports the proliferation of sensors in mobile-connected products, giving developers a greater choice of design options, reduces system-level implementation costs and helps shorten time-to-market for new applications.

It also incorporates and advances I2C, SPI and UART with a new approach. The solution is comprehensive and scalable, and provides a superset of features and functionalities while supporting legacy devices.

MIPI I3C specifies a chip-to-chip interface that can connect all sensors in a device to the application processor. It is implemented on a standard CMOS I/O using two wires. The specification achieves clock rates up to 12.5MHz and provides options for higher performance, high-data rate modes. It uses a fraction of the power while providing more than an order of magnitude the bandwidth compared to I2C.

The MIPI Alliance Sensor Working Group developed MIPI I3C to ensure the specification benefits companies across the sensor ecosystem. Participating companies: Advanced Micro Devices, Analogix Semiconductor, Cadence Design Systems, Google, Intel, Knowles Electronics, Lattice Semiconductor, MediaTek, NXP Semiconductor, Qualcomm, QuickLogic, Sony, STMicroelectronics, Synopsys and others.