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I3C Protocol

I3C is a communication standard developed by MIPI Alliance to address limitations of I2C and SPI interfaces. It supports higher data rates, multiple masters, dynamic addressing to avoid conflicts, hot-joining and removing of devices, and in-band device interrupts without extra pins. I3C is well-suited for applications requiring efficient communication between numerous peripherals like mobile devices, IoT systems, and embedded electronics. However, its additional capabilities may increase complexity and costs compared to simpler protocols.

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I3C Protocol

I3C is a communication standard developed by MIPI Alliance to address limitations of I2C and SPI interfaces. It supports higher data rates, multiple masters, dynamic addressing to avoid conflicts, hot-joining and removing of devices, and in-band device interrupts without extra pins. I3C is well-suited for applications requiring efficient communication between numerous peripherals like mobile devices, IoT systems, and embedded electronics. However, its additional capabilities may increase complexity and costs compared to simpler protocols.

Uploaded by

Aditya P
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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INTRODUCTION:

• The I3C (Improved Inter-Integrated Circuit) protocol is a communication standard


developed by the MIPI (Mobile Industry processor Interface) Alliance, a consortium that
creates interface specifications for mobile and mobile-influenced industries.

• I3C is designed to be a scalable, high-performance, and low-power serial communication


interface, intended for connecting sensors and other peripherals in a system .

➢ I2C/SPI Limitation

– I2C is quite slow


– SPI requires one extra CS pin per device
– Both need an extra pin per device to signal interrupts
– Both don’t support hotplug
– Both don’t support automated device discovery (though I2C bus can be scanned
to know if a device is present at a specific address)
– Address collisions on I2C buses

➢ Improve SPI and I2C to make something even more attractive


➢ Here comes I3C (MIPI standard):

+ Only 2 pins required


+ In Band Interrupts
+ Higher throughput (up to 35Mb/s)
+ Better energy efficiency than I2C on a per-transmitted-bit basis
+ Supports hotplug
+ Devices are discoverable
+ Dynamic address assignment to avoid address collisions
+ Backward compatible with I2C (to some extent)
I3C Protocol Diagram

Main Master: It controls the I3C bus & its function.

Secondary Master: This takes temporary I3C bus control and it requires permission from
the main master & passes control back toward the main master when control tasks are
exercised.

Slave: It reacts to either common otherwise individual command of the I3C master.

I3C VS I2C: Physical layer

➢ Similarities:
1) Only 2 signals: SDA (data) and SCL (Clock)
2) SDA in open-drain with a pull-up
3) Start/Repeated start/Stop/Ack /Nack Conditions are unchanged
➢ What has Changed:
1) SCL in push-pull
a) Devices doing Clock-Stretching are not allowed
b) Clock frequency can be higher (due to faster rising edge)
2) SDA switches to push-pull when possible (to improve throughput and reduce
power consumption).
3) HDR (High Data Rate) modes (DDR or Ternary base modes).

Working Principles of I3C

1. Physical Layer:
• Two-Wire Interface: Like I2C, I3C uses a two-wire interface for communication –
a Serial Data Line (SDA) and a Serial Clock Line (SCL).
• Push-Pull/Open-Drain Operation: I3C allows for both push-pull and open-drain
signaling, providing flexibility in physical layer implementations.

2. Data Transfer:
• Start and Stop Conditions: Communication begins with a Start condition and
ends with a Stop condition.
• Data Frames: I3C uses data frames for information transfer, including addressing
information, payload data, and control bits.
• Dynamic Address Assignment: I3C supports dynamic address assignment,
allowing devices to negotiate and assign addresses dynamically, reducing the
likelihood of address conflicts.
3. Speed Modes:
• High Data Rates: I3C supports higher data rates compared to I2C, enhancing
overall communication performance.
• Standard, Fast, and High-Speed Modes: I3C supports multiple speed modes to
accommodate different application requirements.
4. Multi-Master Support:
• Support for Multiple Masters: I3C allows for multiple masters on the same bus,
enabling more complex system architectures and improved scalability.
5. Dynamic Addressing:
• CMD (Control, Monitor, and Debug) Channel: I3C introduces a CMD channel,
which is used for control, monitoring, and debugging purposes.
• Dynamic Addressing Scheme: Devices on the bus can dynamically assign and
negotiate addresses, reducing the chances of address conflicts.
6. Hot-Join and Hot-Remove:
• Dynamic Device Addition and Removal: I3C supports hot-join and hot-remove
capabilities, allowing devices to be dynamically added or removed from the bus
without disrupting the operation of other devices.
7. In-Band Interrupts:
• Interrupts without Additional Pins: I3C supports in-band interrupts, allowing
devices to signal events without requiring a separate interrupt pin. This feature
simplifies hardware design and reduces pin count.
8. Device Discovery and Enumeration:
• Identification and Configuration: I3C includes mechanisms for device discovery
and enumeration, making it easier to identify and configure devices on the bus.
9. Power Management:
• Dynamic Data Rate Adjustment: I3C supports dynamic data rate adjustment,
optimizing power consumption based on the communication requirements.
• Low-Power Modes: The protocol includes low-power modes to enhance energy
efficiency, making it suitable for battery-powered devices.

DISADVANTAGES
1. Complexity: The additional features and capabilities of I3C may introduce
increased complexity in terms of hardware and software design compared to I2C.

2. Implementation Costs: Implementing I3C in hardware and software may


require additional resources and could result in increased costs compared to simpler
protocols, especially for devices with basic communication requirements.

APPLICATION:
1. Mobile Device:
I3C is well-suited for mobile phones, tablets, and other handheld devices where
power efficiency, compact size, and high-performance communication are critical.

2. Internet of Things:
In IoT applications, where numerous sensors and devices need to communicate in
a networked environment, I3C's features like dynamic address assignment, multi-
master support, and efficient power management can be beneficial.

3. Embedded systems:
I3C is suitable for a wide range of embedded systems, including those used in
robotics, smart appliances, and other intelligent devices.

4. Consumer Electronics:
I3C can be employed in a range of consumer electronics, including smart TVs,
cameras, and audio devices. Its support for higher data rates and improved
power management can contribute to enhanced functionality and efficiency.

5. Wearable Devices:
Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and smart watches, can benefit
from I3C's power management features and efficient communication, enabling
longer battery life and improved overall performance.

END

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