USB4 is coming

USB4.0 represents a major update in delivering the next generation of USB architecture - enabling the highest USB bandwidth and extending the performance of USB Type-C.

The USB4 specification complements and builds upon the existing USB 3.2 and 2.0 architectures. Based on the Thunderbolt™ protocol specification provided by Intel, USB4 doubles the maximum aggregated bandwidth of USB and supports multiple synchronous data and display protocols.

USB4 supports compatibility with existing USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3 hosts and devices, and the resulting connection extends to the best mutual capabilities of the connected devices.  

Key features of the USB4 solution include.

- Dual-channel operation using existing USB Type-C cables and up to 40 Gbps operation over 40 Gbps certified cables.

- Multiple data and display protocols to efficiently share the maximum aggregated bandwidth on the bus.

- Backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3.

How does USB4.0 support USB, DP, and PCIe signal protocols? Switching between the three? It uses Tunnel technology so that it can maximize physical bandwidth performance.

The external device receives data from the USB4 interface, USB 2.0 data is transmitted to the USB 2.0 function module, the USB3 uplink port adapter separates out the USB 3.2 data to pass to the Enhanced Overdrive function module, the PCIe uplink port adapter separates out the PCIe data to pass to the PCIe function module, and the DisplayPort output adapter separates out the video signal to the DisplayPort display module. This allows the USB4 host to transfer files and display video to and from external devices such as solid state drives, removable drives, monitors, etc.

For Gen1 and Gen2 different rate links, each part of the loss standard is subdivided, while for different interface forms are also given refined indicators.

USB4 Type-C cable certified to Thunderbolt 3 specifications provides up to 100W of power for external graphics cards, two 4K monitors or a single 5K monitor.

The popularity of USB4.0 and what impact it will have on the later industry in the future.

1. Read and write speeds are greatly improved.

2. The interface is no longer confusing, USB4 may achieve unification.

From the USB 1.0 to USB 3.0 interface in many forms, to later USB 3.2 has been streamlined to only USB-C; As DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 have adopted the Type-C interface, USB-C is believed to be the most popular standard in the future.

But at the same time we saw that Thunderbolt itself has been upgraded to V4, which means that Intel is only sharing the Thunderbolt V3 protocol to the USB-IF, which itself is continuously updated and developed. This is a good thing, competition to avoid monopoly, so that the technology is more and more mature, the user experience is getting better, and the product has a better price/performance ratio.

USB4® Specification 

However, USB4.0 cable has been listed, just not yet popular to everyone not commonly seen. Looking forward to USB4.0? Buy a cable to try it.