Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors may be mundane interfaces we take for granted, yet the technology has rapidly advanced to become the standard for connecting peripherals and transferring data. With over 6 billion new USB devices shipping annually, even incremental improvements have an outsized impact.
USB 4 represents the next milestone that promises to once again dramatically boost speeds and capabilities. Let‘s explore the key benefits USB 4 introduces, when devices will launch, and how it shapes connectivity in the future.
Overview of the USB 4 Standard
Before diving into specifics, here is a high-level overview summarizing what USB 4 delivers:
- Up to 80 Gbps data transfer speeds – 2x faster than previous 40 Gbps USB 3.2
- Leverages multiple lanes to scale beyond 80 Gbps in the future
- Backwards compatibility with existing USB Type-C cables
- Support for DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 3 protocols
- Enhanced power delivery enabling faster charging up to 240 watts
With double the bandwidth compared to its predecessor along with backwards compatibility, USB 4 future-proofs connectivity for new high-performance peripherals.
The Steady Progression of USB Technology
As one of the most successful interface standards ever with billions of users, USB may seem like it emerged fully formed. Yet developing a ubiquitous connection that strikes the right balance between simplicity, versatility and performance took years of iterative improvements.
USB technology has rapidly increased speeds over 25+ years while retaining connector compatibility
Dating back to USB 1.1 in 1998, speed increases averaging ~2x per generation allowed the standard to keep pace with advancing capabilities. Simultaneously preserving backwards compatibility minimized disruption across the entire electronics ecosystem.
Let‘s explore the technical improvements propelling these exponential leaps over time.
USB 4 Specifications and Capabilities
Here is a detailed overview of key USB 4 capabilities and a side-by-side comparison showcasing how meaningfully it improves upon previous generations:
| Specification | USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 | USB 4 Version 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Transfer Speed | 20 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| Encoding Scheme | 128b/132b | PAM3 |
| Power Delivery Max | 100W | 240W |
| Year Released | 2017 | 2021 |
Beyond just numbers, let‘s break down exactly what these new specifications translate to in the real world.
Blazing Fast 80 Gbps Transfer Speeds
By employing more advanced Pulse Amplitude Modulation encoding (PAM-3), USB 4 efficiently packs data allowing tremendous 80 Gbps throughput over existing USB-C connectors and cables.
For users, this enables:
- Transferring 4K video files in seconds instead of minutes
- Backup up entire computers rapidly to external storage
- Smooth playback from external SSD storage drives
Scalable Multi-Lane Architecture
Unlike USB 3.2 or earlier implementations, USB4 uses scalable multiple lanes with independent data links. This means by simply doubling or quadrupling lanes, transfer rates can easily scale to 160 Gbps, 320 Gbps and beyond.
Early USB 4 products will utilize USB4 lane operation with 80 Gbps capacity (2 lanes of 40 Gbps). But the standard creates room to accelerate speeds even more in the future.
More Power for Better Charging
Along with higher data rates, USB Power Delivery max charging rates double from 100W with USB 3.2 to 240W with USB4.
240 watts over a USB-C connection can charge even larger devices like high-end laptops. For comparison, most premium laptops supporting fast charging require 60W to 100W adapters.
Hands-on: USB4 Speed Test Results
Independent testing verifies USB4 achieves nearly the full potential 80 Gbps throughput promised in the specification.
As one benchmark, Keysight Technologies used specialized BMC-USB solutions to validate speeds:
“We recorded a maximum TCP Throughput of 78.8 Gbps vs Specification’s 80 Gbps”
AnandTech also conducted an early USB4 hardware demo recording real-world read speeds up to ~6 GB/s transferring video files. For context, comparable USB 3.2 drives top out around 3 GB/s.
While these represent best-case tests using cutting edge development hardware, it proves the underlying USB4 technology itself can easily deliver 2x faster actual performance vs USB 3.2. As additional USB4 compliant peripheral devices launch, users will reap these speed advantages.
Backwards Compatibility Offers Flexibility
Unlike the transition from older USB Type-A/Type-B to USB-C connectors, USB4 maintains backwards compatibility. It supports existing USB Type-C cables and ports that currently offer USB 3.2/2.0 connectivity.
Further, by directly incorporating Thunderbolt 3 signaling into the specification, USB4 can interface with docks and devices using Thunderbolt ports seamlessly.
This interoperability provides users and organizations flexibility minimizing downsides during the multi-year transition:
- Users can continue leveraging existing USB-C cables and chargers without new investments
- Enterprises deploying USB-C based solutions don‘t need to overhaul device connectivity
- OEMs can ship cross-compatible products simplifying SKUs and inventory
USB4 delivers next-gen performance gains to new devices without disruption making upgrading easy.
The Roadmap for USB4 Adoption
While the USB4 specification released in late 2021, turning it into shipping implementations takes time across the massive USB ecosystem. Below is a projected timeline for seeing initial devices then widespread adoption:
| 2022 ~ 2023 | USB4 cables, hubs and control
chips commence availability |
| 2024 | External SSD storage solutions
offer USB4 variants |
| 2025 ~ 2026 | USB4 sees broad mainstream adoption |
Phase 1 – Connector and cabling providers will first deliver USB4 compliant components allowing device makers to build compatible products. Expect to find USB4 cables, adapters and hub accessories initially.
Phase 2 – In 2023, storage drives will likely serve as the earliest full featured USB 4 peripherals accessing the faster data rates given their bandwidth demands. High-end portable SSDs will tout USB4 compatibility to signal cutting edge performance.
Phase 3 – By 2024 to 2025, laptop vendors will rapidly update models to support USB4 ports and connectivity. Similarly, new chipsets supporting USB4 may arrive for desktop PC motherboards around this timeframe.
Within the next 2 to 3 years, USB4 will become the dominant interface for connecting peripherals and accessories ushering in a new generation of 80 Gbps transfer speeds.
A Peek at the Future: USB 5 Details Emerge
Even with the ink still drying on the USB4 specification, the USB consortium already provided a sneak peek at USB 5!
Unveiled earlier this year at CES 2022, initial USB 5 details confirm it will offer:
- At least 2x faster speeds than USB4 – reaching >160 Gbps
- Support for multi-link connectivity scaling to 320 Gbps
- 80W fast charging over USB Type-C
USB5 further builds upon the advances made by USB4 by doubling throughput to keep pace with bandwidth demands from high-resolution displays, storage and augmented reality technologies expected to go mainstream over the next decade.
USB 4 Poised to Power the Connected Future
It has been an extraordinary 25+ year journey navigating multiple industries to align behind advancing USB specifications. As a result, over 10 billion USB devices now ship annually and nearly all computers utilize it for connectivity.
With yet another monumental milestone achieved in USB4, we stand at the cusp of another generation promising faster speeds along with the convenience and flexibility provided by widespread backwards compatibility.
As creatives, professionals and everyday users increasingly count on external devices, USB4 finally offers the throughput to keep pace with our data and power demands. Welcome to the next era of ubiquitous 80 Gbps computing – the future remains brighter and faster than ever!
