USB Promoter Group announces major update for next-generation USB
The USB Promoter Group has announced the release of its next-generation USB, which is reported to be one of the fastest connectors on the market. The USB 4 version 2 has received a major update enabling it to provide up to 80 Gbps of data performance over the USB Type-C® cable and connector.
Brad Saunders, Chairman, USB Promoter Group said: "Once again following USB tradition, this updated USB4 specification doubles data performance to deliver higher levels of functionality to the USB Type-C ecosystem. Solutions seeing the most benefit from this speed enhancement include higher-performance displays, storage, and USB-based hubs and docks."
The updated USB4 solution, which is specifically targeted to developers at this time, includes improved data and display protocols to better use the increase in available bandwidth as well as backward compatibility to provide better speeds when using USB4 Version 1.0, USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt™ 3.
According to the USB Promoter Group, which is comprised of Apple Inc., Hewlett-Packard Inc., Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Renesas Electronics Corporation, STMicroelectronics, and Texas Instruments, the updated USB4 features up to 80 Gbps operation, based on a new physical layer architecture, using existing 40 Gbps USB Type-C passive cables and newly-defined 80 Gbps USB Type-C active cables.
The USB Implementers Forum, Inc. (USB-IF), which was formed to provide a support organisation and forum for the advancement and adoption of USB technology, is yet to release any technical specifications for the USB 4 version 2. However, a spokesperson for the forum, Joe Balich, said to The Verge, that a current USB 4 cable, rated for 40 Gbps, would be able to do twice those speeds in the future.
Balich commented: “This benefit was made a requirement when the new specification was developed and the specifics as to how 80Gbps signalling is accomplished will be disclosed once the final specification is released.”
The final specification is expected to be released before the USB DevDays developer events in November.
