Pending Release of USB 3.2 Spec Update by USB 3.0 Promoter Group

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced the pending release of the USB 3.2 specification, an incremental update that defines multi-lane operation for USB 3.2 hosts and devices.

USB Developer Days 2017 will include detailed technical training covering USB 3.2, fast charging advancements in USB Power Delivery, and other topics.

While USB hosts and devices were originally designed as single-lane solutions, USB Type-C cables were designed to support multi-lane operation to ensure a path for scalable performance. USB 3.2 hosts and devices can now be designed as multi-lane solutions, allowing for up to two lanes of 5Gb/s or two lanes of 10Gb/s operation. This enables platform developers to continue advancing USB products to fit their customers’ needs by effectively doubling the performance across existing cables. For example, a USB 3.2 host connected to a USB 3.2 storage device will now be capable of realizing over 2GB/s data transfer performance over an existing USB Type-C cable that is certified for SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps.

“When we introduced USB Type-C to the market, we intended to assure that USB Type-C cables and connectors certified for SuperSpeed USB or SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps would, as produced, support higher performance USB as newer generations of USB 3.0 were developed,” said Brad Saunders, chairman, USB 3.0 Promoter Group. “The USB 3.2 update delivers the next level of performance.“

“With increased performance and seamless compatibility, the new USB 3.2 specification brings even more speed and bandwidth benefits to new USB 3.2 devices, while remaining compatible with UB 3.0 and earlier devices,” said Roanne Sones, GM, strategy and ecosystem for Windows and devices, Microsoft Corp. “We’re excited to work with our partners in the USB 3.0 Promoter Group to help showcase these benefits to users around the world.“

Key characteristics of USB 3.2 solution include:

• Two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C cables

• Continued use of existing SuperSpeed USB physical layer data rates and encoding techniques

• Minor update to hub specification to address increased performance and assure seamless transitions between single and two-lane operation

For users to obtain the benefit of this performance increase, a new USB 3.2 host must be used with a USB 3.2 device and the appropriate certified USB Type-C cable. This update is part of the USB performance roadmap and is specifically targeted to developers at this time. Branding and marketing guidelines will be established after the final specification is published.

The USB 3.2 specification is in a final draft review phase with a planned formal release in time for the USB Developer Days North America event in September 2017.

About USB 3.0 Promoter Group
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group, comprised of Apple Inc., Hewlett-Packard Inc., Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Renesas Electronics, ST Microelectronics, and Texas Instruments, continues to develop the USB 3.x family of specifications to meet the market needs for increased functionality and performance in SuperSpeed USB solutions. Additionally, the group develops specification addendums (USB Power Delivery, USB Type-C, and others) to extend or adapt its specifications to support more platform types or use cases where adopting USB 3.x technology will be beneficial in delivering a more ubiquitous, richer user experience.

About USB-IF
The non-profit USB Implementers Forum, Inc. was formed to provide a support organization and forum for the advancement and adoption of USB technology as defined in the USB specifications. The USB-IF facilitates the development of high-quality compatible USB devices through its logo and compliance program, and promotes the benefits of USB and the quality of products that have passed compliance testing.