USB-IF Published USB4 V2.0 Spec to Enable 80Gb/s Performance

USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) announced the publication of the USB4 Version 2.0 specification, a update to enable USB 80Gb/s performance over the USB Type-C cable and connector.

The updated USB4 spec doubles the maximum aggregate bandwidth of USB to the benefit of higher-performance displays, storage, and USB-based hubs and docks. The USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) specs have also been updated to support this higher level of data performance.

“For engineers, USB4 is defined by its multi-protocol tunneling that architecturally differentiates it from its predecessors – USB 3.2 and USB 2.0,” said Brad Saunders, chair and CEO, USB-IF Board. “This updated technical specification extends USB4 speed and data protocol performance, enabling manufacturers to develop products that can deliver USB 80Gb/s in addition to existing USB 40Gb/s and USB 20Gb/s to end users.”

Key characteristics of updated USB 80Gb/s solution include:

• Up to 80Gb/s operation, utilizing a physical layer architecture based on PAM3 signal encoding, over existing 40Gb/s USB Type-C passive cables and newly defined 80Gb/s USB Type-C active cables.

  • Optionally for certain applications, such as driving very-high performance USB4-based displays, the USB Type-C signal interface can be configured asymmetrically to deliver up to 120Gb/s in one direction while retaining 40Gb/s in the other direction.

• Updates to data and display protocols to better use the increase in available bandwidth

  • USB data architecture updates enable Enhanced SuperSpeed USB data tunneling to exceed 20Gb/s

  • Aligns with DisplayPort Revision 2.1 and PCI Express Revision 4.

• Backward compatibility with all previous versions of USB.

The updated specifications are available for product developers to download.

Guidelines for identifying certified USB 80Gb/s solutions and cables will follow the new unified USB-IF branding and marketing program. As a reminder, USB spec names and technical terminology are not intended for use when describing USB capabilities to end consumers. USB-IF certified logo and branding details are available at this website.

USB Developer Days 2022 will include detailed technical training covering the latest updates to the USB4, USB Type-C and USB PD specifications. Registration information for the following 2 scheduled events is available :

• USB Developer Days – Seattle
  November 1-2, 2022
  Grand Hyatt Seattle, Seattle, WA, USA

• USB Developer Days – Seoul
  November 15-16, 2022
  Grand Hyatt Seoul, Seoul, South Korea