The associated specification is due before USB DevDays in November.
It will deliver “up to 80Gbit/s operation based on a new physical layer architecture, using existing 40Gbit/s USB Type-C passive cables and newly-defined 80Gbit/s USB Type-C active cables”, according to the Group. “Protocol updates are also being made to enable higher performance USB 3.2, DisplayPort and PCI Express data tunnelling to best use the higher available bandwidth.” USB 3.2 data tunnelling is expected above 20Gbit/s.
Thunderbolt 3, on which version 1 of USB4 was based, needs active cables to cover more than half a metre.
The intention is that USB4 Version 2.0 will align with the latest versions of DisplayPort and PCIe, and be backward-compatible with USB4 Version 1.0, USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3. The USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery specifications will be updated to accommodate USB4 v2.0.
Existing 40Gbit/s USB branding, to which 80Gbit/s logos will be added
Alongside technical announcements, branding and marketing guidelines to make certified 80Gbit/s products identifiable are due to be revealed.
USB Developer Days 2022 (in Seattle and Seoul in October) will include technical training covering updates to USB4, USB Type-C and USB PD specifications.
