In the rapidly evolving world of digital connectivity, new standards often emerge to meet growing demands. One such standard gaining attention is GPMI, or General Purpose Multimedia Interface. While HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt have long been the go-to solutions for audio/video transmission and peripheral connection, GPMI promises a more flexible, all-in-one alternative. But what exactly is GPMI, and how does it stack up against the established players?
What Is GPMI?
GPMI stands for General Purpose Multimedia Interface. It’s a next-generation multimedia and data interface designed to consolidate video, audio, data, and power transmission into a single, universal connector. GPMI aims to reduce the number of cables needed across devices—from laptops and smartphones to TVs and monitors—while maintaining ultra-high bandwidth and low latency.
It is an open-standard, high-bandwidth interface developed for universal connectivity across consumer electronics, computing devices, industrial systems, and embedded environments. It supports:
- Ultra-high-definition video (up to 16K)
- High-fidelity multi-channel audio
- Bi-directional data transfer (USB 4.0+, PCIe 5.0+)
- Networking (Ethernet-class up to 100 Gbps)
- Up to 240W power delivery
- Smart device negotiation & configuration
In essence, it combines the functional scope of HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, USB-C, and Ethernet into one.
Invention and Background
The initial concept for GPMI emerged around 2022. Later, alliance of Chinese companies has announced a new audio and video wired interface standard called the General Purpose Media Interface or GPMI. Not only does it boast up to 192 Gbps bandwidth – designed to support 8K – but GPMI also provides 480W power delivery.
GPMI was conceptualized as a response to the fragmented ecosystem of display and data transmission standards. It was initially developed by a consortium of hardware manufacturers looking to streamline connectivity standards for consumer electronics and enterprise systems. The idea was to design an open, cross-platform interface that could handle everything from 8K video to data transfer, high-speed networking, and even power delivery—something current standards struggle to unify.
GPMI vs HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt
| Feature | GPMI | HDMI | DisplayPort | Thunderbolt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Type | Video, audio, data, power | Video, audio | Video, audio | Video, audio, data, power |
| Max Resolution | 16K @ 120Hz (future roadmap) | 10K @ 120Hz (HDMI 2.1) | 16K @ 60Hz (DP 2.0) | 8K @ 60Hz (TB4) |
| Bandwidth | Up to 100 Gbps | 48 Gbps | 80 Gbps | 40 Gbps |
| Power Delivery | Yes (up to 240W) | Limited (CEC control only) | Limited (optional USB PD) | Yes (up to 100W) |
| Cable Length | Up to 5m active | ~2m | ~3m | ~2m |
| Universal Support | High (all-in-one design) | High (AV only) | Medium | Medium |
Connector & Compatibility
The GPMI connector resembles a reversible, high-density USB-C style port—but it’s engineered for higher durability and shielding. It supports:
- Backward compatibility via adapters with HDMI, USB-C, and DisplayPort
- Multimode: one GPMI port can handle multiple roles (e.g., display + charging + storage access)
- Smart detection to automatically switch modes depending on the connected device
Protocol Architecture
Physical Connector
- Reversible USB-C-style port (but not electrically USB)
- 24–28 pins with dedicated lanes for video, data, control, and power
- EMI shielding, enhanced pin durability
- Active cable required for >3 meters (like Thunderbolt)
| Layer | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Physical | Multi-lane differential signaling, dynamic lane reconfiguration |
| Data Link | Error correction, adaptive clocking, packet framing |
| Transport | Video, audio, storage (PCIe tunneling), USB/IP tunneling |
| Application | Device negotiation, display stream compression (DSC 1.2), VRR, HDR metadata |
GPMI also supports MUXing—intelligently switching between modes (e.g., Display mode vs. Storage mode)—based on device negotiation over a control channel.
Use Cases
GPMI is versatile enough for a wide range of applications, including:
- Consumer electronics: One cable for your smart TV, gaming console, soundbar, and internet
- Enterprise systems: Simplified docking stations for laptops and workstations
- Education and healthcare: Clean and reliable cabling for interactive displays and diagnostic equipment
- Automotive: Infotainment systems combining high-speed video, data sync, and power
Streamlined connection to consoles, soundbars, and streaming devices using a single cable
One port to handle display, power, peripherals, and high-speed file transfer
Ultra-low latency video + simultaneous 240W power for high-performance GPUs
eplace multi-port hubs with a single GPMI-powered dock
GPMI lanes can be tuned for mixed workloads (e.g., 2 lanes video, 4 lanes storage)
Combine sensor data, video feeds, and control signals over one robust connection
Real-time telemetry, navigation display, rear-view video, and media streaming in one connection
Rugged cabling with high vibration tolerance
Advantages of GPMI
GPMI is versatile enough for a wide range of applications, including:
- Universal cable solution: One cable for all needs—power, video, audio, data
- High bandwidth: Future-ready for 16K content and high-speed networking
- Reversible & durable connector: Designed for thousands of plug/unplug cycles
- Future-Proof:Designed with 8K/16K, AI displays, and cloud streaming in mind
Disadvantages of GPMI
- Adoption curve: Newer standard means fewer compatible devices (for now)
- Cost: Higher quality cables and components could be more expensive initially
- Standardization challenges: Competing with entrenched formats like HDMI and USB-C
- Certification Infrastructure: Needs strong industry consortium and standardization support
Final Thoughts
For the average consumer, GPMI could simplify life. Instead of needing different cables for charging your laptop, connecting to a monitor, or transferring files, one GPMI port could do it all. It also means fewer dongles and adapters—great news for anyone who’s tired of living the “dongle life.”
However, adoption will depend on manufacturers. Until more devices natively support GPMI, it will coexist with other standards. Early adopters and tech enthusiasts may be the first to experience its full benefits.
As the demand for higher resolutions, faster data, and simpler UX continues to grow, GPMI could very well be the next big thing in multimedia infrastructure—if the industry embraces it.
- Stay tuned to sapltech.com as we monitor GPMI's evolution and explore its integration in real-world hardware.