USB4 Ver 2.0 announced: 80 Gbps data transfer using some existing USB-C cable

[Paul2]

The USB Promoter Group has announced the USB4 Version 2.0 specification. The new spec enables up to 80 Gbps data transfer rates using some existing USB Type-C cables. Further, the USB Power Delivery (PD) specs will be updated.

Provided that you have USB Type-C passive cables rated for 40 Gbps speeds, you'll be able to take advantage of the new USB4 Version 2.0 specs and achieve 80 Gbps speed without purchasing newly defined 80 Gbps USB Type-C active cables.

'Once again following USB tradition, this updated USB4 specification doubles data performance to deliver higher levels of functionality to the USB Type-C ecosystem,' said Brad Saunders, USB Promoter Group Chairman. 'Solutions seeing the most benefit from this speed enhancement include higher-performance displays, storage, and USB-based hubs and docks.'

Additionally, the USB Promoter Group has also announced that the new standard includes updates to data and display protocols to better use the increased available bandwidth, including USB data architecture updates to enable USB 3.2 data tunneling in excess of 20 Gbps and updated version of DisplayPort and PCIe specifications. The updated USB4 solution also includes backward compatibility with USB4 Version 1.0, USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3.

As noted by Ars Technica, USB-C naming conventions could become even more confusing with the new standard. Some existing USB-C cables can take advantage of the increased speeds offered by USB4 version 2.0, but not all cables. Even some USB4 cables may be capped at 20 Gbps. To know if a cable can handle 40 Gbps, and thus 80 Gbps, you must locate an optional logo or check specification pages. Unfortunately, the new logos haven't been widely adopted so far.

Some readers over at MacRumors have commented that the USB4 Version 2.0 naming is odd and confusing. While some commenters wondered why the new spec isn't called USB5, one user joked, 'Just wait for USB4 Version 2.1 Mk III.' However, overall, there's optimism with the new standard. USB4 achieves a considerable amount using just a single cable. With USB4 Version 2.0, the increased speed will deliver even faster transfer speeds and better overall performance for many devices.

The USB Promoter Group will release more details about the USB4 Version 2.0 spec at the USB Developer Days 2022 Conference starting November 1 in Seattle, WA. At the event, detailed technical training for the latest updates to USB4, USB Type-C and USB PD specs will be offered. In mid-November, there will also be an event in Seoul, South Korea.

https://www.dpreview.com/news/0386624486/usb4-version-2-0-announced-80-gbps-data-transfer-using-some-existing-usb-c-cables

interesting that usb 4 version 2 can transfer up to 80 gigabits per a second which is super fast.  it can be transfer in bi-directional of either in or out from one single cable and one direct connection.

this makes hdmi version 2.1 seems behind as it can only transfer up to 48 gigabits per second and only one directional instead of bi-directional.  so if you want to transfer out from one source and in to one device, you need one cable but you need another cable and another 2 connections if you want to connect that device out from that device and in to another source.

hdmi 2.1 has been announced over 5 and a half years ago and starting to appears on tvs since 2019 but we haven't heard anything about it if there is a faster video data transfer hdmi connections yet though.  not sure if they are going to announced any newer hdmi this next ces 2023 though.

one more thing, usb-c is smaller than hdmi but can transfer up to 80 gbps in the nearby future for the usb 4 v2 and in bi-directions while hdmi 2.1 is bigger but can only transfer up to 48 gbps so far and only one direction though.  it does looks like hdmi is behind usb-c technology wise.

[Jumpman]

Kids these days with their USB 4.0s

[Paul2]

oh btw jumpman.  i made a birthday thread for you 3 months ago.  hope you can visit it and chime in.

[Jumpman]

Oh snap your yearly reminder thx I'll check it out

[Titan]

Kids these days with their USB 4.0s

Seriously. Kids will never understand the pain of USB 1 and the painful data transfer. Or hell, *gasp* serial ports!

[Paul2]

Intel has demonstrated an early prototype of next-generation Thunderbolt™ in action, aligned to the USB Implementers Forum’s (USB-IF) release of the USB4 v2 specification this week. Next-generation Thunderbolt will deliver 80 gigabits per second (Gbps) of bi-directional bandwidth and enable up to 120 Gbps for the best display experience, providing up to three times the capability of today’s technologies to meet the growing needs of content creators and gamers, all while maintaining compatibility with previous versions of Thunderbolt and USB.

“Intel has always been the industry pioneer and leader for wired connectivity solutions, and Thunderbolt is now the mainstream port on mobile PCs and integrated into three generations of Intel mobile CPUs. We’re very excited to lead the industry forward with the next generation of Thunderbolt built on the USB4 v2 specification, advanced to this next generation by Intel and other USB Promoter Group members.” –Jason Ziller, general manager of the Client Connectivity Division at Intel

Why It Matters: This prototype demonstration marks a major milestone in the journey to delivering next-generation Thunderbolt to the industry. The bandwidth needs of content creators and gamers are increasing significantly for high-resolution displays, low latency visuals, and the backup or transfer of huge video and data files. Next-generation Thunderbolt will deliver up to three times the capability of Thunderbolt™ 4 and make creating and gaming more efficient and immersive. In addition to supporting the latest version of USB4, the next generation of Thunderbolt will include improvements across a variety of areas including:

- Two times the total bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4 to 80 Gbps, while providing up to three times the bandwidth to 120 Gbps for video-intensive usages. -
- Support for the newly released DisplayPort 2.1 for the best display experience.  
- Two times the PCI Express data throughput for faster storage and external graphics.  
- Works with existing passive cables up to 1m via a new signaling technology.
- Compatible with previous versions of Thunderbolt, USB and DisplayPort.
- Supported by Intel’s enabling and certification programs.

How Thunderbolt Drives the Industry: With the vision to make Thunderbolt available to everyone, Intel in 2019 contributed to the USB Promoter Group its Thunderbolt protocol specification, which served as the basis for USB4. As a leader in this industry group, Intel has worked to extend the performance of USB4 to the next level.  Intel has a long history of leading the industry in I/O innovation. Intel works closely with PC, accessory and cable partners to deliver the most advanced and complete wired connectivity solution through dedicated enabling and testing programs. All Thunderbolt products undergo stringent certification testing, and upon passing can use the Thunderbolt name and logo royalty-free on devices or in marketing. That’s why the Thunderbolt logo provides a simple, easily recognized indicator of the best wired connectivity solutions for PCs and accessories. 

https://cdrinfo.com/d7/content/intel-leads-industry-next-generation-thunderbolt

its very cool and interesting that next generation intel thunderbolt can transfer data as fast as 120 gbps which is 50% faster than what usb 4 version 2 can transfer.  Actually, the picture shows that USB 4ish can transfer up to 120 Gbps too.  the only thing i am not sure about is what is the difference between usb and thunderbolt is though?

[Titan]

Intel needs to get their shit together. I own stock in them and I'm less than pleased with their stock performance lol.