SoundWire Linux driver support for Intel's Lunar Lake CPU architecture is in the works
Intel's popular interface, SoundWire, is already being built to support the upcoming Lunar Lake CPU architecture. The developers behind this interface have an update ready that will bring support for the new SoundWire ACE2.x generation IP block. This update, originally planned to arrive alongside Lunar Lake in 2024, will now arrive as early as 2024, making it just around the corner.
As we approach the next decade, technology is shifting away from traditional silicon, with advancements in 5G, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing. However, it is important not to overlook the advancements in CPU architecture, and that is precisely what Intel aims to do with Lunar Lake.
Lunar Lake, the successor to Meteor Lake, aims to bring back the performance per watt crown to Intel. To achieve this, it will feature multi-tiled technology, with CPU, graphics, SoC, and I/O tiles. The integrated graphics will switch between the tiles depending on the workload, facilitated by a new generation of SoundWire IP blocks.
Originally planned for a 2025 launch, the development progress has allowed Intel to accelerate the timetable. The first wave of Lunar Lake processors is expected to arrive in 2024, followed by a second wave in 2025.
Linux 6.5 support for SoundWire's new ACE2.x generation IP block
Linux 6.5 will provide support for SoundWire's new ACE2.x generation IP block. Intel engineers are already building SoundWire Intel ACE2.x support into the Linux audio stack. This support, ahead of schedule, will be available as early as 2024, as it is already being worked on within the Linux kernel. You can find the code commit below.
The new SoundWire revision promises improved audio processing and audio quality compared to current versions. With this in mind, it makes sense for Intel to push for faster adoption, as it serves as a selling point for the upcoming processors.
SoundWire, an interface ratified in 2015, is responsible for transporting audio data to integrated audio devices. It serves as an 'audio operating system' for speakers, phones, laptops, automobiles, and other supported audio sources.
Intel has been a long-time supporter of SoundWire, which explains its early adoption of the latest IP blocks. In fact, the company has published two other Linux audio drivers for Lunar Lake, including Sound Open Firmware 2.6 and MIDI 2.0 support.
For more information about the upcoming Intel CPU platform, check out our Lunar Lake guide.
