I2S Insights | Sumble

What is I2S?

I2S (Inter-IC Sound) is a serial, synchronous communication protocol primarily used to transmit audio data between integrated circuits. It separates clock and data signals, simplifying digital audio interfaces and is commonly used for connecting audio codecs to digital signal processors (DSPs) or microcontrollers in devices like smartphones, DACs, and audio amplifiers.

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What other technologies are related to I2S?

I2S Competitor Technologies

SPDIF

SPDIF is a digital audio interface used to transmit audio data between devices, similar to I2S, but often used for consumer audio equipment and uses different physical layer.

mentioned alongside I2S in 82% (102) of relevant job posts

USB

USB can be used to transmit audio data, often with more features like bi-directional communication and power delivery. It serves as an alternative for audio transfer.

mentioned alongside I2S in 4% (1.4k) of relevant job posts

HDMI

HDMI can transmit audio data along with video data. It offers an alternative means for audio transfer. It also allows control signals, adding features not present in I2S alone.

mentioned alongside I2S in 6% (311) of relevant job posts

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless communication protocol that can be used to transmit audio data wirelessly. It is an alternative to I2S where wireless transmission is desired.

mentioned alongside I2S in 2% (535) of relevant job posts

A2B

A2B (Automotive Audio Bus) is an audio transport protocol used in automotive applications, that can be used instead of I2S.

mentioned alongside I2S in 13% (76) of relevant job posts

BLE

Bluetooth Low Energy can be used to transmit audio data wirelessly and is an alternative to I2S where wireless transmission is desired.

mentioned alongside I2S in 2% (239) of relevant job posts

I2S Complementary Technologies

Active Noise Reduction

Active noise reduction is often used along with I2S to improve audio quality. I2S transports the audio signal and active noise reduction improves it. I2S is a means to an end.

mentioned alongside I2S in 87% (59) of relevant job posts

Audio sub-system

I2S is a part of an Audio Subsystem. An Audio Subsystem is a collection of components like DAC/ADC, amplifiers and a processing unit. I2S is used for communication between these components within the sub-system.

mentioned alongside I2S in 78% (62) of relevant job posts

audio drivers

Audio drivers are needed to interface with audio codecs that use I2S. The drivers facilitate data transfer via I2S.

mentioned alongside I2S in 49% (64) of relevant job posts