USB4 specification released: data transfer speeds up to 20 gigabits per second

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The next-generation USB standard USB4 is now officially released. On September 3, the USB-IF organization, which promotes USB technology adoption, announced the official launch of the USB4™ specification, which is now available for download from the usb.org website.

USB4 is a major update to USB. Thanks to the Intel-licensed Thunderbolt 3 protocol, the speed is greatly improved. The new version has twice the bandwidth of USB 3.2 and extends USB Type-C performance.

The new USB4 architecture defines a way to dynamically share a single high-speed link with multiple end device types, ideal for transferring data by type and application. Since the USB Type-C connector has evolved into an external display port for many host products, the USB4 specification enables the host to optimally extend the distribution of display data streams. The device manufacturer will then stop using the old rectangular USB Type-A port and USB Micro B port and switch to the USB Type-C interface required for USB4 operation.

Key features of the USB4 include:

  • Two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C® cables and up to 40Gbps operation over 40Gbps certified cables
  • Multiple data and display protocols that efficiently share the maximum aggregate bandwidth
  • Backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3

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