How Arasan’s SoundWire PHY Can Elevate Your Next Audio SoC

By Arasan Chip Systems

June 18, 2025

In the race to build smaller, smarter, and more efficient devices, audio system-on-chips (SoCs) must meet increasingly demanding requirements: high fidelity, low latency, low power, and seamless integration. The SoundWire PHY from Arasan Chip Systems is engineered to meet these challenges and elevate your next audio SoC design from standard to standout.

1. Low Power for Always-On Audio

Power efficiency is a key differentiator in modern devices. Arasan’s PHY is optimized for ultra-low power consumption:

• Supports sleep, idle, and fast wake-up modes
• Ideal for always-listening voice assistants
• Extends battery life in wearables and mobile devices

With Arasan, your SoC can stay alert without draining precious power.

2. Minimal Pin Count & PCB Complexity

The SoundWire protocol operates over just two wires for data and control, dramatically reducing:

• Pin usage, freeing up valuable I/O
• PCB complexity, simplifying layout and routing
• Overall cost of system integration

This enables sleeker hardware designs and more efficient use of silicon and board space.

3. Real-Time, Low-Latency Audio Streaming

For applications like voice calls, active noise cancellation, and beamforming, real-time audio is essential. Arasan’s PHY ensures:

• Deterministic latency for precise audio timing
• Clock-data synchronization across all channels
• Multi-channel audio support for stereo and surround

The result is a crystal-clear, delay-free listening experience — every time.

4. Seamless Controller Integration

Arasan offers a complete SoundWire IP solution, including both the PHY and Digital Controller. This ensures:

• Faster IP integration into your SoC
• Fewer compatibility risks
• Quicker system validation and tape-out

You benefit from a one-stop-shop for interface IP — verified, silicon-proven, and supported.

5. Silicon-Proven, Scalable, and Foundry-Ready

Arasan’s SoundWire PHY is:

• Proven on advanced nodes down to 4nm
• Qualified across major foundries including TSMC, Samsung, and GF
• Scalable to support multi-slave and multi-lane configurations

Whether you’re developing for mobile, automotive, or industrial-grade audio, Arasan’s IP adapts to your performance and manufacturing needs.

The Arasan Advantage

With over two decades of MIPI leadership and a track record of silicon-proven IP across generations, Arasan brings:

• Deep expertise in interface IP
• A strong ecosystem of controller + PHY + test IP
• Customization options for unique SoC architectures

From concept to silicon, Arasan ensures your audio SoC is efficient, competitive, and future-ready.

 Conclusion

If your next SoC needs a robust, power-efficient, and real-time audio interface, Arasan’s SoundWire PHY is the ideal foundation. Backed by proven IP, industry compliance, and comprehensive integration support, Arasan empowers your audio SoC to perform better, consume less, and scale faster.