MIPI SWI3S v1.0 provides a flexible, multi-drop interface between audio peripherals and the host processor with unified control and data to meet the challenges of embedded audio systems

The MIPI Alliance, an international organization that develops specifications that standardize wired interfaces for mobile and other connected ecosystems, today announced the release of SoundWire I3S (MIPI SWI3S v1.0). The new specification provides a transformative approach to audio transport by unifying control and data over a single scalable and power-efficient interface.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251016564315/en/

MIPI SWI3S v1.0 is a new audio interface purpose-built to meet the growing complexity of modern embedded audio systems.

Consumer electronics, automotive and industrial applications increasingly require more sophisticated audio capabilities in smaller, denser, feature-rich devices where EMI, power and space are critical constraints. Legacy audio interfaces like I2S or TDM struggle to meet these requirements across long traces or flexible cables. SWI3S builds upon the two-pin, multi-drop architecture of MIPI SoundWire, offering higher bandwidth, low power consumption and built-in support for scalable multi-device topologies to meet the increasing demands of modern audio systems.

MIPI SWI3S v1.0 supports data rates up to 76 Mbps over a two-pin interface, operating in “forwarded clock” or “differential low voltage signaling” modes for exceptional noise immunity, allowing for reduced EMI shielding and improved EMC. A SWI3S system may include one or more links, each with a manager and up to 12 peripherals, including microphones, amplifiers and others, to support multiple topologies. Additionally, the interface supports bus management, in-band command transport and a precise “audio quality” clock.

“MIPI SWI3S is a game changer for embedded audio systems. Its flexible architecture, with support for multiple PHYs and environments, enables companies to optimize for performance, cost and protection against EMI across a wide range of physical layouts and topologies,” said Hezi Saar, chair of MIPI Alliance. “The new audio interface is well-positioned to serve all computing market segments, from ultra-low-power edge devices to high-bandwidth, multi-channel systems, while simplifying integration and future-proofing designs.”

The specification was developed by the MIPI Audio Working Group, whose collective knowledge and broad industry perspectives ensure that the specification was designed to address the diverse needs of today’s audio ecosystem, while also establishing a clear evolution for next-generation audio systems.

To support implementers, MIPI recently made available a SWI3S visualizer tool to model SWI3S DataPort behavior. This tool enables engineers to configure the DataPort parameters and visualize the resulting traffic patterns on the SWI3S bus, enabling experimentation with bandwidth allocation.

Upcoming Audio Webinar Series and New Technical Brief

MIPI is offering a three-part webinar series 21-23 October, where leaders of the MIPI Audio and Software working groups will provide an introduction to the portfolio of current MIPI audio specifications and share insights into future specifications in development. The series will start with a primer session, offering a system-level overview and high-level introduction to MIPI audio interfaces and supporting software specifications. The following two webinars will take a more in-depth look at the latest audio advancements—MIPI SWI3S and the growing suite of audio software specifications and tools.

In addition, a SWI3S technical brief is now available to download.

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About MIPI Alliance

MIPI Alliance (MIPI) develops standardized wired interface specifications for mobile and other connected ecosystems. Founded in 2003, the organization has over 375 member companies worldwide and more than 15 active working groups delivering specifications within the extended mobile ecosystem. Members of the organization include handset manufacturers, device OEMs, software providers, semiconductor companies, application processor developers, IP tool providers, automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, and test and test equipment companies, as well as camera, display, tablet and laptop manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.mipi.org.

MIPI® and SoundWire® are registered trademarks owned by MIPI Alliance. SWI3S^TM is a trademark of MIPI Alliance.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251016564315/en/

MIPI SWI3S is a game changer for embedded audio systems. Its flexible architecture and support for multiple PHYs and environments enables companies to optimize for performance, cost and protection against EMI across various physical layouts and topologies.