The USB Promoter Group has announced USB4 Version 2.0, which includes several major upgrades from the original specification. The biggest feature of Version 2.0 is that the available bandwidth has doubled from 40Gbps to a whopping 80Gbps. And remarkably, this is achieved "with existing cables."

The USB4 Version 2.0 specification will continue to use the USB Type-C connector. This announcement is aimed at developers preparing for future architectural changes, and does not mean that compatible products will be released immediately.

However, what's truly surprising is that it will "achieve up to 80Gbps operation using existing 40Gbps USB Type-C passive cables and newly defined 80Gbps USB Type-C active cables."

According to The Verge, USB-IF spokesperson Joe Balich told the outlet, "If you buy a 40Gbps USB 4 cable right now, in the future you'll be able to get double that speed out of it." While backward compatibility has been common in the past, being able to use the same cable while benefiting from the new flagship specification is a rare and wonderful thing that hasn't been seen much before.

Balich did not explain the technical details of how this is possible, but stated, "This benefit was a requirement during the development of the new specification, and details on how the 80Gbps signal is achieved will be disclosed once the final specification is released."

Brad Saunders, chairman of the USB Promoter Group, stated, "Following USB tradition, this USB4 specification update doubles data performance and provides enhanced functionality to the USB Type-C ecosystem. The solutions that will benefit most from this speed increase are higher-performance displays, storage, USB-based hubs and docks, and more."

While 80Gbps of bandwidth is more than most users can fully utilize, for power users who regularly drive their laptops with large setups incorporating multiple DisplayPort monitors, USB drives, Ethernet, and more, having access to 80Gbps bandwidth will provide peace of mind.

Additionally, since USB4 Version 2.0 is backward compatible, users will be able to use new cables and devices with any USB Type-C connector that supports USB4 Version 1.0, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, or Thunderbolt 3. Older cables will connect to USB4 2.0 ports and function normally.

Features of USB4 Version 2.0

  • Based on a new physical layer architecture, achieves data transfer of up to 80Gbps using existing 40Gbps USB Type-C passive cables and newly defined 80Gbps USB Type-C active cables.
  • Updates to data and display protocols allow more effective use of the increased available bandwidth.
  • Updates to the USB data architecture enable USB 3.2 data tunneling exceeding 20Gbps.
  • Updated to support the latest versions of the DisplayPort and PCIe specifications.

Details of the specifications for the upcoming USB4 Version 2.0 will be shared at the USB Developer Days 2022 conference. The event will be held in Seattle, Washington starting November 1st.

Apple is a member of the USB Promoter Group, which formulates USB standards. The group plans to provide branding and marketing guidelines for the 80Gbps standard at a later date.

Sources