GPMI (General Purpose Media Interface) Overview

Introduction

GPMI (General Purpose Media Interface) is a new high-performance digital interface developed primarily by a consortium of over 50 Chinese companies, including Huawei, Hisense, and TCL. It is intended as a superior alternative to existing technologies like HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt, offering higher bandwidth, higher power delivery, and advanced content protection.

Key Features

• Two Connector Types:
• Type-B:
  • Proprietary connector.
  • Bandwidth: Up to 192 Gbps.
  • Power Delivery: Up to 480W.

• Type-C:

  • Uses the USB-C form factor.
  • Bandwidth: Up to 96 Gbps.
  • Power Delivery: Up to 240W.

• Bandwidth Capabilities:

• GPMI Type-B: 192 Gbps
• GPMI Type-C: 96 Gbps

• Far exceeds HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps) and DisplayPort 2.1 (80 Gbps).

• Power Delivery:

• Type-B: 480W
• Type-C: 240W

• Capable of powering high-performance monitors, TVs, and laptops without separate power cables.

• Unified Functionality:

• Supports video, audio, data transfer, and power delivery through a single cable.

• Simplifies device connectivity and reduces cable clutter.

• Advanced Content Protection:

• Utilizes ADCP (Advanced Digital Content Protection).
• Based on Chinese national cryptographic algorithms SM3 and SM4.

• Faster authentication than HDMI’s HDCP.

• Sideband Communication:

• Features a sideband channel.
• Reduces wake-up time for connected devices by 75% compared to existing standards.

Technical Specifications

Benefits Compared to Existing Standards

• Higher Bandwidth:

• Supports higher frame rates and resolutions like 8K@120Hz, 10K, and potentially up to 16K.

• Higher Power Delivery:

• Ability to supply enough power for large devices such as gaming laptops or ultra-wide monitors through a single connection.

• Enhanced Security:

• National encryption algorithms improve both security and authentication speeds.

• Faster Wake-Up and Communication:

• Drastically improved device responsiveness due to sideband channel.

Applications

• Monitors and TVs:

• Especially useful for 8K and future 16K televisions.

• Gaming Laptops and PCs:

• Single-cable docking solutions with video, data, and power all in one.

• Professional Workstations:

• Suitable for video editing, CAD, and AI development environments requiring high throughput.

Adoption and Outlook

• Current Focus:

• GPMI is initially being promoted within China for local markets.

• International Outlook:

• Global adoption may depend on the willingness of international manufacturers to incorporate GPMI ports.

• Could be seen as a competitor to existing Western standards, especially if licensing costs and integration benefits are favorable.

• Future Potential:

• Due to its performance, GPMI has potential outside of China in consumer electronics, professional media production, and gaming industries.

Sources

• TechRadar - GPMI Overview
• Tom’s Hardware - GPMI Bandwidth and Power Specs
• Wikipedia - GPMI Entry