USB 4 version 2.0 will double the data speed of present USB Type-C cables and connectors, the technology’s developer said.
The new technology, due available in 2022, should improve connectivity and data transfer speeds without requiring new cables.
USB 4 version 2.0
The USB Promoter Group, which develops USB technology, unveiled the enhancements. New physical layer architecture allows up to 80GBps operation, even with older USB-C passive cables that only permitted 40GBps.
This means a 40GBps cable bought today will soon double in speed with little user effort.
Existing USB-C and USB Power Deliver (PD) specifications will be modified to enable new levels of performance. The protocols are backwards-compatible with USB version 1.0, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3. Improved data tunnelling for DisplayPort and PCIe will maximise bandwidth.
USB Promoter Group, which includes Apple, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Texas Instruments, claims USB version 2.0 will benefit manufacturers and customers.
The new USB4 specification doubles data performance to improve the USB Type-C ecosystem, according to USB Promoter Group Chairman Brad Saunders.
Higher-performance screens, storage, and USB hubs and docks benefit most from this speed boost.
November 2022 will bring more details, including technical specs on USB 4 version 2.0.