The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) published the USB4 Version 2.0 specification, a major update to enable USB 80 Gbps performance over the USB Type-C cable and connector.
This doubles the maximum aggregate bandwidth of USB to the benefit of higher-performance displays, storage, and USB-based hubs and docks.
The USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) specifications have also been updated to support this higher level of data performance.
Highlights:
- Up to 80Gbps operation, utilizing a new physical layer architecture based on PAM3 signal encoding, over existing 40Gbps USB Type-C passive cables and newly defined 80Gbps USB Type-C active cables.
- Optionally for certain applications, such as driving very-high performance USB4-based displays, the USB Type-C signal interface can be configured asymmetrically to deliver up to 120Gbps in one direction while retaining 40Gbps in the other direction.
- Updates to data and display protocols to better use the increase in available bandwidth
- USB data architecture updates now enable Enhanced SuperSpeed USB data tunneling to exceed 20Gbps.
- Aligns with DisplayPort Revision 2.1 and PCI Express Revision 4.
- Backward compatibility with all previous versions of USB.
“For engineers, USB4 is defined by its multi-protocol tunneling that architecturally differentiates it from its predecessors – USB 3.2 and USB 2.0,” said Brad Saunders, USB-IF Board Chair and CEO. “This updated technical specification extends USB4 speed and data protocol performance, enabling manufacturers to develop products that can deliver USB 80Gbps in addition to existing USB 40Gbps and USB 20Gbps to end users.”