USB 4 Version 2.0 Claimed To Have Speed Up To 80 Gbps, Faster Than Thunderbolt 4

JAKARTA - The next version of USB is claimed to be one of the fastest connectors ever. USB Promoter Group says that USB 4 version 2.0 will have a speed connection of up to 80 Gbps. This is double the original USB 4, and even Thunderbolt 4.

The actual technical specifications of the USB Implementers Forum, which is responsible for the standard itself, have not yet been released. However, the current details are a little stunning. The Promotor Group wrote in a press release that the USB 4 version 2.0 cable will use the USB-C connector.

The main characteristics of the updated USB4 solution include: Up to 80 Gbps of operation, based on the new physical layer architecture, using the existing USB Type-C 40 Gbps passive cable and a new USB Type-C 80 Gbps active cable, the USB Implementers Forum said in a press release.

Joe Balich, a USB-IF spokesman, confirmed that when the current USB 4 cable is rated at 40 Gbps, it will actually be able to perform these two speeds in the future.

Balach did not explain how it was technically possible but did say that this benefit was created as a requirement when a new specification was developed and specifically how the 80 Gbps signal was achieved would be revealed after the final specifications were released. The release appeared ahead of the USB DevDay event scheduled for November 1 and 2 in Seattle and November 15 and 16 in Seoul.

According to the USB Promoter Group, which consists of companies such as Intel, Apple, Microsoft, HP, and Texas Instruments, the power delivery and USB-C specifications will be updated to "enable this higher-level data performance."

USB 4 version 2.0 specifications also appear to include an update that gives you a better speed when you use USB 3.2, as well as enhanced support for DisplayPort and PCIe as it will use the latest version of the standard. USB 4 version 1.0 or the first version only lets you use DisplayPort 1.4a during "tunnelling", or carry a DisplayPort and USB signal at the same time.

This is a strange step to label this as just a "transition 2.0" of USB 4 when such a speed jump needs to be called USB 5. However, the standard has been confusing for several years. Because USB 3.2 actually has several different standards: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (original USB 3.0), USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1×2, and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.

USB 4 is simplifying this because it basically has the same specifications and capabilities as Thunderbolt 3, but now it looks set to return to a slightly more confusing naming scheme.

The press release said the update was specially targeted for current developers, with the upcoming final branding and marketing guidelines. However, it's interesting to see what's in the pipe and imagine being able to transfer data worth 4K Blu-ray in about five seconds.