May 27, 2026
USB Audio Class, or UAC, is an interface defined within the USB specification for audio device definition, control and data transfer.
The GOWIN USB Audio Class IP is based on the USB protocol and implements audio device functionality in FPGA-based designs. The IP supports up to 3 audio output devices and 3 audio input devices, with control over sampling frequency, bit depth and supported audio protocols.
One side of the IP uses a parallel data interface connected to the USB Device Controller. The other side provides an audio data interface connected to audio devices using protocols such as I2S/IIS and PCM, depending on the user configuration.
GOWIN Semiconductor offers a USB2.0 UAC Solution Ref-Design/IP for GW1N-Series C7I6 and GW2A-Series C7I6 FPGA devices. This solution enables USB2.0-to-I2S audio streaming and is designed for use with Windows PCs, Mac PCs and mobile platforms such as Android, Linux and Apple OS.
Because these platforms can use the vendor’s default audio streaming driver, implementation is simplified and development time can be reduced.
The solution supports multiple audio data widths, sample rates and data formats, including 16-bit, 24-bit and 32-bit data width, sample rates up to 768 kHz, and formats such as PCM, IIS, DoP and DSD. A dedicated development board is also available for evaluation and design support.
With this Ref-Design/IP, developers can accelerate the development of USB audio products and reduce design complexity when integrating high-quality audio functionality into FPGA-based systems.
The GOWIN USB Audio Class IP offers a flexible solution for USB audio applications, with support for:
USB high-speed and full-speed modes
Up to 3 input and 3 output audio devices
Synchronous and asynchronous data synchronization modes
Selectable bit depth per device: 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit
Selectable sampling frequency per device: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 64 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 128 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz, 705.6 kHz and 768 kHz
IIS/PCM protocol interfaces
PCM, IIS, DoP and DSD data formats
The USB Audio Class IP is located between the user design and the USB Device Controller. It receives commands from the USB interface and enables data exchange between the user side and the USB side.
The functional block diagram shows how the GOWIN USB Audio Class IP connects the USB Device Controller to the audio interface, enabling USB2.0-to-I2S audio streaming.
The solution is available as an encrypted Verilog design with partially opened source code for customized configuration. Documentation includes the USB2.0 UAC Ref-Design User Manual.
For evaluation and development, the DK_UAC_GW1N-LV9LQ144C7I6_V2.0 development board is available, including a user guide and schematic.
Block diagram of the USB2.0 UVC (USB Audio Class) > USB2.0 - to - I2S
Window Platform-PC; MAC PC; Mobile(Android-Linux, AppleOS) all use Vendors’ default Audio Streaming Driver.
%20%EF%83%A8%20USB2_0-To-I2S.png)
Block diagram of GW USB2.0 UAC DVK Board on GW1N-LV9LQ144C7I6
Contact TOP-electronics to learn more about the GOWIN USB2.0 UAC Ref-Design/IP.
Request technical information or discuss how this solution can support your next audio application.
