USB4 Version 2.0 Standard Can Boost Data Transfer Speed Up To 80Gbps, And Can Also Increase Charging Speed To Up To 240W

Recently, the USB Promoter development team announced the new USB4 version 2.0 specification, which enables data transfer at up to 80Gbps over USB-C cables and connectors. For comparison, both Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 version 1.0 only support up to 40Gbps bidirectional bandwidth.

The new physical architecture (PHY) enables standard data transfer rates to be increased using the current 40Gbps USB Type-C passive cable and the new 80Gbps USB Type-C active cable. This specification is backward compatible with previous USB versions, including USB4 1.0, 2.0, 3.2 and also Thunderbolt 3.

The new standard includes updating data and display protocols to use to better increase the amount of bandwidth. It also allows USB 3.2 data transfer in excess of 20Gbps. The latest DisplayPort and PCIe specifications are supported, which can mean DisplayPort 2.0 and PCIe 5.0.

Leading technology companies such as Apple, HP, Intel, Microsoft, Renesas Electronics, STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments said the new standard will be applied to actual products sometime before the home events.

However, USB DevDays development takes place in November. So it won't be until at least next year that devices that support USB4 version 2.0 will begin to appear.

With twice the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4, USB4 version 2.0 allows more displays and devices to be connected simultaneously. It also allows charging speeds up to 240W, while Thunderbolt is limited to 100W.