USB Promoter Group Announces USB4 Version 2.0 Specification Delivering up to 80 Gbps over USB Type-C

The USB Promoter Group announced the pending release of the USB4 Version 2.0 specification, a major update to enable up to 80 Gbps of data performance over the USB Type-C cable and connector. The USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) specifications will also be updated to enable this higher level of data performance. All of these specification updates are expected to be published in advance of this year’s series of USB DevDays developer events planned for November.

Intel revealed new details about Thunderbolt 4, the next generation of its universal cable connectivity solution. delivering increased minimum performance requirements, expanded capabilities, and USB4 specification compliance. This means that even though USB4 remains the good-enough universal solution for all consumer devices, Intel intends to ensure Thunderbolt will remain on its own path to offer the most powerful and reliable alternative for power users - professional users, corporate and media applications. And that enables Intel to sell hardware, while keeping control of at least the certification processes.

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) announced the publication of the USB4 specification, a major update to deliver the next-generation USB architecture that complements and builds upon the existing USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 architectures. The USB4 architecture is based on the Thunderbolt protocol specification contributed by Intel to the USB Promoter Group. It doubles the maximum aggregate bandwidth of USB and enables multiple simultaneous data and display protocols.

Synopsys announced the availability of its Subsystem Verification Solution, Verification IP (VIP), and UVM source code test suite to support the latest USB4 specification. USB4 includes two-lane operation using the existing USB Type-C connector that can carry up to 40Gbps data over new certified cables. USB4 also supports Thunderbolt 3 and expands USB functionality to include new display capabilities.

Cadence Design Systems announced the availability of the industry’s first Verification IP (VIP) in support of the recently announced USB4 standard. The Cadence VIP for USB4 enables engineers to develop standard-compliant system-on-chip (SoC) designs, completing functional verification of the design with less effort and greater assurance that the SoC will operate as expected, enabling early adoption of the next-generation USB standard protocol.

In a surprising announcement, the USB Promoter Group announced the pending release of the USB4 specification, a major update to deliver the next generation USB architecture that compliments and builds on the existing USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 architectures. The USB4 architecture is based on the Thunderbolt protocol specification contributed by Intel Corporation. It doubles the bandwidth of USB and enables multiple simultaneous data and display protocols, increasing compatibility among USB Type-C connector-based products.