MIPI Alliance Releases MIPI UniPro v1.8 with Increased Performance and Improved Quality of Service

New version doubles the peak data transmission rate compared to the previous release

PISCATAWAY, N.J., February 8, 2018 - The MIPI Alliance, an international organization that develops interface specifications for mobile and mobile-influenced industries, today released MIPI UniPro v1.8, an update to the versatile transport layer that is used to interconnect chipsets and peripheral components in mobile-connected devices.

MIPI UniPro v1.8 delivers dramatically higher data speeds compared to the previous release and incorporates techniques that ensure the quality of high-throughput transmissions. The first adopter of this latest specification is the JEDEC Solid State Technology Association. JEDEC is using MIPI UniPro v1.8 to provide the interconnection layer for Universal Flash Storage (UFS) version 3.0 memory components deployed in smartphones, tablets and mobile computing products, as well as infotainment platforms and telematics hubs used in automotive systems.

“MIPI UniPro is a mature, general-purpose interface that is easy to implement, flexible for use in traditional and modular device architectures and tailored to meet and respond to ongoing needs in mobile and other industries,” said Joel Huloux, chairman of MIPI Alliance.

“JEDEC’s early adoption of MIPI UniPro v1.8 demonstrates the applicability of the new specification in the evolving memory storage industry. We expect to see many more compelling smartphone and laptop applications as the mobile industry transitions to 5G, and we look forward to working with our members and additional industry organizations to broaden the specification’s reach into connected car systems and other emerging platforms.”

The MIPI UniPro protocol is deployed on MIPI M-PHY at the physical layer. The new v1.8 release operates on the most recent version of MIPI M-PHY, v4.1, to achieve significant improvements in throughput, system performance and service quality.

Key characteristics of MIPI UniPro v1.8 include:

• Capability to use the MIPI M-PHY v4.1 transmission mode known as “High Speed GEAR 4” to achieve 11.6 gigabits per second (Gbps) data rates per lane—a 2x performance increase over the previous (v1.61) specification.
• Ability to continuously monitor the bit error rate of forward and reverse links, as well as receiver performance. MIPI UniPro v1.8 is able to “retrain” the communication channel dynamically. The retraining feature updates link settings if needed to ensure a link delivers the same reliability and quality of service (QoS) at higher data speeds as it provided for lower speeds via the v1.61 specification.
• The QoS features can be used to ensure reliability of data transmissions in systems that are subject to highly variable and potentially extreme temperature conditions as can be found, for instance, in automotive applications.
• The QoS features can also monitor and address performance issues associated with aging interconnects to help extend the lifespan of deployed systems.
• MIPI UniPro v1.8 links can be implemented on as few as four wires, which streamlines integration and helps reduce costs. Upgrading to the new release from v1.61 is convenient and provides backward compatibility to the previous specification.

“MIPI UniPro v1.8 is all about improving performance. Its dynamic link updates and link-training features will ensure that components interconnected with the technology will operate as intended at the higher speeds,” said Juergen Urban, chair of the MIPI Alliance UniPro Working Group. “MIPI Alliance will continue to evolve MIPI UniPro and MIPI M-PHY to meet future requirements for mobile and automotive applications.”

Interoperability Test Workshops

MIPI Alliance frequently hosts interoperability test workshops to help developers build successful implementations with MIPI UniPro. The most recent workshop, held in Taiwan in October 2017, gave developers an early opportunity to test forthcoming designs based on MIPI UniPro v1.8 with MIPI M-PHY v4.1. More information about future interoperability workshops, please visit https://mipi.org/events.

About MIPI Alliance

MIPI Alliance (MIPI) develops interface specifications for mobile and mobile-influenced industries. There is at least one MIPI specification in every smartphone manufactured today. Founded in 2003, the organization has 300 member companies worldwide and 13 active working groups delivering specifications within the mobile ecosystem. Members of the organization include handset manufacturers, device OEMs, software providers, semiconductor companies, application processor developers, IP tool providers, test and test equipment companies, as well as camera, tablet and laptop manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.mipi.org.