USB-C naming will somehow degrade with USB4 version 2.0

USB-C is a damn convenient connector. It’s so popular that it’s becoming mandatory among electronics manufacturers in the EU, with other geographies considering similar approaches, and even the rugged iPhone is reportedly considering using it. Operating at speeds up to 40Gbps, it has more bandwidth than USB-A or other forms of USB, as long as you use the correct type of USB-C. The USB-C naming is already associated with a rebrand that has only added to the confusion. And the next standard for a popular type of reversible connector will continue the convoluted plot of naming USB with a new, confusing identity: USB4 Version 2.0.

USB4 version 2.0 will operate at speeds up to 80Gbps, the USB Promoter Group announced today. The current USB4 can operate at speeds up to 40 Gbps, but can also reach a maximum speed of 20 Gbps. There is no way to know other than looking for more USB-IF logos or checking the specs.

USB4 version 2.0 is claimed to reach 80 Gb/s by using a new physical layer architecture that, according to the USB Promoter Group, uses “newly defined”active 80 Gb/s USB-C cables and currently existing passive USB-C cables. C 40 Gbps.

The new type of USB4 will continue the dubious USB-IF naming scheme that only its members and a corkboard covered in pushpin and string can truly appreciate. When all is said and done, it seems you will be able to find USB-C ports that are USB4 version 2.0, USB4 version 1.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 2.0 and some will choose Intel Thunderbolt certification. And with USB4 version 1.0, you still need more information to know if the port supports the maximum potential speed of 40 Gb/s listed in the specification.

Ultimately, vendors may or may not use any of these names, with some opting for USB-IF consumer brand “SuperSpeed”(e.g. USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 could be SuperSpeed ​​USB 20Gbps) or simply listing only maximum speeds.

Using the Intel Thunderbolt protocol for the first time, USB4 introduced protocol tunneling to the USB specification. According to the USB Promoter Group, with data protocol and display updates, USB4 version 2.0 will use higher bandwidth for “better performance USB 3.2, DisplayPort and PCI Express data tunneling to make the best use of the higher available bandwidth.”USB 3.2 data tunneling is reported to exceed the specification’s maximum data transfer rate of 20 Gbps.

The announcement states that USB4 version 2.0 will also comply with the latest DisplayPort and PCIe standards.

The infamously named new specification is due to be published by November 2022, along with corresponding updates to the USB-IF USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery specifications.