USB4 Ties The Knot With Thunderbolt 3

What is USB4?

Next gen USB protocol that will use USB-C port and will run at a data transfer speed of 40Gbps double the speed of the former USB 3.2 specifications. The new standard is based on Intel’s Thunderbolt protocol.

Key characteristics of USB4:

• Two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C cables, up to 40 Gbps operation and over 40 Gbps certified cables.
• Multiple data and display protocol to share total accessible bandwidth.
• Compatible with USB3.2, 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3.

What’s The Difference Between USB-C And Thunderbolt 3Did you know that USB-C and Thunderbolt can share the same port but deliver data on different rate? Read to...

How is USB4 different than the existing USB3.2 and USB2.0 architectures?

USB4 architecture is based on the Thunderbolt protocol specifications contributed by Intel Corporation. This will double the bandwidth of USB and will enable multiple simultaneous data and display protocols. Moreover, USB4 architecture defines a method to share single high-speed link with multiple end devices. Plus, USB4 will provide host with the ability to optimally scale allocations for display data flow.

Will it support existing USB3.2 and USB2.0?

Though USB4 introduces a new protocol it will be compatible with existing USB3.2, USB2.0 and Thunderbolt 3.

What USB Promoter Group has to say?

“The primary goal of USB is to deliver the best user experience combining data, display and power

delivery over a user- friendly and robust cable and connector solution,” said Brad Saunders, USB Promoter Group Chairman.”

The USB4 solution specifically tailors bus operation to further enhance this experience by optimizing the blend of data and display over a single connection and enabling the further doubling of performance.”

What is Thunderbolt 3?

It is the fastest, multipurpose connection to any display, dock, or peripheral device including USB devices. Moreover, Thunderbolt 3 delivers 4K displays, quick notebook charging and fast data. Plus, computer ports with Thunderbolt 3 provides 40Gbps processing speed. With this speed it becomes the fastest connection using which users can transfer 4K movies in less than 30 seconds and can connect to two 4K displays with nearly 16 million more pixels than an HDTV.

When can we expect USB4?

At the moment USB4 is just a specification, publication date of which is scheduled for some time in mid-2019. This means we won’t see USB4 hardware until 2020 or beyond.