I3C Cafe - Now Brewing: A New Digital Protocol

Bosch BMI263 IMU Supports I3C But Is Nowhere To Be Found

Published on Jan 16, 2022

Bosch Sensortec released the BMI263, a 6-Axis IMU, their first I3C compatible device, well over a year ago. They are keen to point out support for I3C all over their product page and marketing materials for the device, unlike some who are somewhat silently adding supporting for I3C. However, I have not yet been able to find any distributor from which the device can be purchased. 

The following text is an exerpt from the "Sensor Features" section of their product brief[pdf]:

"BMI261 is Bosch Sensortec's first IMU that is compliant with the latest I3CSM standard as defined by MIPI Alliance. BMI263 features MIPI I3CSM serial interface with two signal lines (Data SDA & Clock SDC), improving upon features, performance and power use of I2C while maintaining backwards compatibility. MIPI I3CSM serial interface reduces wiring complexity, pin count and signal paths, offering high-speed data transfer at very low power levels compared to the traditional I2C or SPI interfaces.

There is an AppNote from the folks at NXP which demonstrates the I3C functionality in their RT500 and RT600 series microcontrollers using the BMI263 as one of the I3C Target devices, and even includes a photo of the device on a breadboard-friendly eval board, shown in the image to the right of this text. Beyond this, it cannot be found anywhere, not even as a non-stocked item from the common electronics components distributors. I'd absolutely love to know the story behind this one.

Already working with I3C? Check out our I3C Basic Protocol Analyzer Plugin for Saleae Logic...

Read More from I3C Cafe...

Renesas Announces Latest MCUs with I3C on the Arm Cortex-M33

Renesas Announces Latest MCUs with I3C on the Arm Cortex-M33

Published on Mar 14, 2023

The new Entry Line RA-series MCUs support I3C SDR communications in Controller or Target roles. Still no HDR-DDR mode, but offers a great step up from the limitations of the RA2E2.

STMicro Launches STM32H5 MCU, First With I3C Peripheral

STMicro Launches STM32H5 MCU, First With I3C Peripheral

Published on Mar 08, 2023

After years of having I3C Target support in their sensor lines, ST has finally added an I3C controller to their catalog with the introduction of STM32H5 series MCUs.

MIPI I3C Board Level Hardware Engineering Session at Embedded World 2023

MIPI I3C Board Level Hardware Engineering Session at Embedded World 2023

Published on Mar 04, 2023

Marking their first formal participation at the Embedded World conference, The MIPI Alliance is offering an I3C session as part of the Board Level Hardware Engineering track.

MIPI® and I3C® are registered trademarks owned by MIPI Alliance. I3C BasicSM, Debug for I3CSM, I3C HCISM and DisCo for I3CSM are service marks of MIPI Alliance. I3C Cafe is an independent publication (blog) and is not affiliated with nor sponsored or endorsed by the MIPI Alliance. Saleae® and Saleae Logic® are registered trademarks owned by Saleae Inc.