- The new GPMI standard seeks to replace HDMI, DisplayPort and USB with a single interface.
- It offers up to 192 Gbps of bandwidth and up to 480W of power per cable.
- GPMI includes both Type-C and Type-B connectors, the latter being proprietary and more powerful.
- More than 50 Chinese companies support this development, including giants such as Huawei and TCL.
In an attempt to reduce the fragmentation of connections and cables in electronic devices, a consortium of Chinese companies has presented the GPMI standard. (General Purpose Media Interface), a technology that combines video, data, network, and power transmission into a single cable.
While the rest of the world continues to use HDMI, DisplayPort and variants of USB-C To connect its devices, China has opted for a unified solution that promises more speed and power. than any current standard. GPMI was born with the ambition not only to offer better performance, but also to achieve independence from formats promoted by Western consortia.
This is the GPMI architecture: one cable for everything
The GPMI comes in two variants: Type-C, compatible with current USB-C connections, and Type-B, a larger, more powerful proprietary connector.While the Type-C version tops out at 96 Gbps of data and 240W of power, the Type-B version raises the bar to 192 Gbps and 480W of power delivery.
These figures represent more than double the performance that HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps without power) or DisplayPort 2.1 (80 Gbps and 240W) can offer., placing the GPMI in a league far above in terms of technical capabilities. The idea is to offer a connection that allows everything from transmitting uncompressed 8K video to directly powering demanding devices such as portable high-end or large monitors.
More than 50 Chinese companies are behind the development of GPMI., including heavyweights such as Huawei, Hisense, Skyworth, and TCL. The project's goal, according to its developers, is to establish a national standard capable of competing with international alternatives in both the domestic and professional sectors.
Technical advantages: beyond bandwidth and load
One of the main differences of GPMI compared to other standards is its comprehensive multifunctionality. This new connector not only serves to transmit image and sound, but also allows exchange data, connect to the network, send power, and even control each other between devices through commands unified remotes, similar to what HDMI-CEC offers.
Its features include: bidirectional multistreaming, which means that multiple data streams can be shared simultaneously between different types of connected devices. It is also contemplated for use in cascading configurations, where a single cable can power and transmit data to multiple daisy-chained devices, such as monitors or media players.
In terms of security, the GPMI incorporates compatibility with protocols such as ADCP, which offers greater protection against unauthorized access or signal manipulation. This architecture makes it ideal for industrial applications, automotive and demanding professional environments.
Comparison with HDMI, DisplayPort and Thunderbolt
If we analyze the figures on paper, the differences become palpable when comparing GPMI with the most well-known standards:
| Feature | HDMI 2.1 | DisplayPort 2.1 | Thunderbolt 5 | GPMI Type-B | GPMI Type-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum bandwidth | 48 Gbps | 80 Gbps | 120 Gbps (display) | 192 Gbps | 96 Gbps |
| power delivery | No | 240W | 240W | 480W | 240W |
| Connector type | HDMI-A/C | DP, USB-C (Alt Mode) | USB-C | Owners | USB-C |
| Supported resolutions | Up to 8K@60Hz (with compression) | Up to 8K@60Hz | Dual 8K | 8K+ uncompressed | 8K+ likely |
Does it have real possibilities outside of China?
One of the main barriers to global adoption of GPMI is the origin and control of the standard.While its partial compatibility with USB-C facilitates its initial implementation, the use of the proprietary Type-B connector and the lack of adoption by international manufacturers could limit its expansion beyond Asia.
On the other hand, Companies like Huawei and Skyworth see GPMI as a strategic opportunity to develop products using proprietary technologies, without relying on foreign patents or having to pay additional licensing fees. This could lead to greater innovation and more competitive prices for consumers in these markets.
With everything, GPMI represents a natural evolution in the search for a unified connection solutionIts numbers are impressive, and its all-in-one approach could appeal to both the home and professional markets. If it manages to overcome compatibility barriers and integrate adapters or bridges with other standards, it wouldn't be unreasonable to see it in more devices in the coming years.
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