Linux 6.16 Introduces AMD SPI Driver & New Hardware Support

 

Linux 6.16 introduces AMD’s SPI driver for HID2 controllers (AMDI0063), plus Qualcomm, Renesas & Samsung support. Boost your system’s peripheral connectivity with these kernel updates.

Key SPI Updates in Linux 6.16 Kernel

The Linux 6.16 merge window brings significant upgrades to the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) subsystem, including a new AMD SPI driver and expanded hardware compatibility. Among the highlights:

• New AMD SPI Driver (spi_amd) – A PCI-based driver for AMD HID2 SPI controllers, supporting the AMDI0063 hardware ID.

• Enhanced Hardware Support – Qualcomm IPQ5018, Renesas RZ/G3E, Rockchip RK3528, and Samsung Exynos Autov920.

• Performance Improvements – AXI SPI engine optimizations, DMA support for Amlogic, and memory-mapped flash writes for Renesas.

This update strengthens Linux’s SPI capabilities, particularly for AMD Ryzen platforms, where driver support has been lacking—even on Windows.

---

In-Depth Look: AMD HID2 SPI Controller

The AMD HID2 SPI is a new IP block for AMD processors, though details remain sparse. Key observations:

• Hardware ID "AMDI0063" – Linked to current-gen Ryzen systems, with reports of missing drivers across platforms.

• PCI-Based Architecture – The spi_amd driver enables low-latency communication for embedded and high-performance computing.

• Upstream Integration – Ready for deployment in Linux 6.16, signaling AMD’s commitment to open-source support.

Why does this matter? Improved SPI drivers enhance peripheral connectivity, crucial for IoT, industrial systems, and enterprise hardware.

---

Additional SPI Enhancements in Linux 6.16

Beyond AMD, Linux 6.16 introduces:

✅ Qualcomm IPQ5018 Support – Optimized for networking and embedded devices.

✅ Renesas RZ/G3E & Rockchip RK3528 – Boosting ARM-based development.

✅ Samsung Exynos Autov920 – Tailored for automotive and AI applications.

Performance tweaks include:

• SH-MSIOF driver cleanup

• Amlogic SPI DMA support

• Faster memory-mapped writes

FAQ 

Q: Will the AMD SPI driver work on older Ryzen CPUs?

A: Likely, but AMDI0063 suggests focus on current-gen chips.

Q: How does this impact IoT devices?

A: Faster, more reliable peripheral communication for sensors/controllers.

Q: When will Linux 6.16 release?

A: Expected in late 2024, following the merge window.