The next generation of USB promises twice the speed

The next version of USB could be one of the fastest connectors known in the world of technology. The USB Promoter Group claims that USB 4 version 2.0 will be capable of speeds of up to 80 Gbps, or more than double what USB 4 (version 1) and Thunderbolt 4 are capable of.

The exact technical specifications of the company USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), which is in charge of standardizing the new interface, have not yet been published. Bits of information that leaked to the public, however, attracted the attention of experts and prospective users. Promoter Group said in a press release that the USB 4 version 2.0 cables will use the USB-C connector, which is expected, the following information is more interesting:

"Key features of the updated USB4 solution include: operation up to 80 Gbps 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."

Photo: Unsplash

Joe Balich, a spokesperson for USB-IF, confirmed that existing USB4 cables rated at speeds of up to 40 Gbps could in the future reach twice that speed, which is a remarkable achievement. USB technology has always been kind to previous versions when it comes to compatibility. This is also proven by the new USB 4.2, which will still be able to take advantage of the key advantages of the new generation interface via existing cables.

Balich did not explain how this is technically possible, but said that “this benefit was requested when the new specification was developed. However, the details of how 80 Gbps signaling is achieved will be revealed when the final specification is released.” This will apparently happen before the USB DevDays event, November 1-2 in Seattle and November 15-16 in Seoul.

According to the USB Promoter Group, which includes companies such as Intel, Apple, Microsoft, HP, and Texas Instruments, USB-C specifications and power performance will be updated to "enable this higher level of data performance." The USB 4 specification ( version 2.0) will apparently also include updates that provide better speeds for the USB 3.2 interface (more than 20 Gbps) and improved support for DisplayPort and PCIe, as it is expected to use the latest version of these standards. USB 4 version 1.0 only allows the use of DisplayPort 1.4a when "tunneling" or carrying DisplayPort and USB signals simultaneously.

Let's stop at the name of the new USB generation. The new generation could be called USB 4 version 2.0 or USB 4.2, or even USB 5, since the leap in performance is big enough to justify the label 5. We can only hope that the new generation will not follow the example of the previous one, at least as far as designations. The latter has been chaotic for a long time, a veritable maze of many labels that are very similar to each other: USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. If they continue in the same hoof, they will cause many headaches for the users on the technical data sheet of the devices.

We still have quite a bit of time until then. The press release noted that the new update will be "specifically aimed at developers right now," with final branding and marketing instructions coming later.