USB4 Version 2.0: The Next Generation

The USB Promoter Group Announces the Future of USB

In a press release for developers on September 1, 2022, the group announced the pending release of the next generation of USB technology, USB4 Version 2.0. With speeds up to 80 Gbps, they double the speed capacity of USB4 AND Thunderbolt 4. The USB Promoter Group is a power team of tech giants made up of innovators from Apple Inc., Hewlett-Packard Inc., Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Renesas Electronics Corporation, STMicroelectronics, and Texas Instruments. 

 

The press release brings to light the following information:

 

“Key characteristics of the updated USB4 solution include: 

• 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.
• Updates to data and display protocols to better use the increase in available bandwidth.

o USB data architecture updates now enable USB 3.2 data tunneling to exceed 20 Gbps.

o Updated to align with the latest versions of the DisplayPort and PCIe specifications.

• Backward compatibility with USB4 Version 1.0, USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt™ 3.”

 

Note the emphasis on existing. 

 

This means that if you have already purchased or intend on purchasing a USB4 that is 40 Gbps rated, you will be able to use your existing cable while benefitting from better specs (up to double the speed). Those who continue to use USB 3.2 are promised better speeds (exceeding 20 Gbps) as well as enhanced Display Port and PCIe support. Joe Balich, a spokesperson from USB-IF says “this benefit was made a requirement when the new specification was developed and the specifics as to how 80Gbps signaling is accomplished will be disclosed once the final specification is released.” The final release of USB4 Version 2.0 specifications will occur leading up to USB Developer Days in November of this year. 

 

The press release goes on to say that “USB Developer Days 2022 will include detailed technical training covering the latest updates to the USB4, USB Type-C, and USB PD specifications. Registration for the two scheduled events, November 1-2 in Seattle, WA and November 15-16 in Seoul, South Korea, will open shortly on the USB-IF website (www.usb.org).

 

This update is specifically targeted to developers at this time. Branding and marketing guidelines will be updated in the future to include USB 80 Gbps both for identifying certified products and certified cables.”

 

To say we at Coolgear are excited about this development is an understatement. We look forward to bringing you the latest, fastest, most reliable connectivity solutions and can’t wait to see how USB4 Version 2.0 can transform your operations. 

Check out the press release here.