USB 4 upgrades to version 2.0: same cable, performance doubled

USB type C ports are starting to become more popular with most PC manufacturers. For the time being, however, most models do not yet implement the latest available USB 4 standard, which may take a little longer to establish itself. Instead, behind the universal port, there is most often the USB 3.2 standard with a... Read More

Windows 11: what does this new operating system have in store?

What are the advantages of the Samsung Galaxy s22?

The USB 4 standard allows it to reach up to 40 Gb/s. However, despite this slow implementation, the USB-IF consortium has just announced the successor to the USB 4 standard, called USB 4 version 2.0. We note in passing that the consortium has probably, once again, not really chosen a very clear name for the new standard. Especially since the USB 2.0 standard exists, with comparatively very low speeds – which can really lead to confusion.

USB 4 version 2.0 standard delivers up to 80 Gb/s bandwidth

The USB 4 version 2.0 standard works with the same current USB Type C cables and connectors – while doubling the performance delivered by the USB 4 1.0 standard. The new protocol delivers up to 80 Gb/s bandwidth through a new architecture based on current 40 Gb/s technology. All data transfer and display standards will benefit from this increased bandwidth.

For example, USB 3.2 transfers will be able to exceed 20 Gb/s and the standard aligns with all the latest revisions of other protocols such as DisplayPort and PCIe. USB 4 version 2.0 is backwards compatible with USB 4 version 1.0, and USB 3.2, 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3 standards. can directly support the new revision of USB 4.

Of course, as we said, it will probably take several years for this new standard to become more popular in PCs. For the time being, in addition to the slowness of support for the USB 4 version 1.0 standard by manufacturers, most USB type C accessories available in 2022 still work with the less efficient USB 3.2 protocol. It will therefore probably be necessary to wait long enough to really experience the advantages of this new technology.

Also read – USB 4 is coming soon, but how do you navigate the USB maze?

The USB-IF explains: “Once again, in keeping with USB tradition, this update to the USB4 specification doubles data performance to deliver higher levels of functionality to the USB Type-C ecosystem. The solutions that will benefit the most from this increased speed include high-performance displays, storage, and USB docks and hubs.”