The new USB4 Version 2.0 standard will double the data transfer speed — up to 80 Gbit/s
The USB Promoter Group has announced the USB4 Version 2.0 specification. This is a significant update of the standard. The new version will provide data transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbps via USB-C cables and connectors. In comparison, Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Version 1.0 support a maximum throughput of 40 Gbps in both directions.
The new architecture of the physical layer provides an increased data transfer rate of the standard. It is compatible with existing USB Type-C 40 Gbit/s passive cables and the new USB Type-C 80 Gbit/s active cables. At the same time, the USB4 Version 2.0 specification will be compatible with previous versions of USB, including USB4 Version 1.0, USB 3.2 and USB 2.0, as well as Thunderbolt 3.
The new standard includes updated data and display protocols that will allow better use of the increased bandwidth. It also allows USB 3.2 data tunneling at over 20Gbps. The latest DisplayPort and PCIe specifications are supported, which likely means DisplayPort 2.0 and PCIe 5.0 (PCIe 6.0 only came out earlier this year).
The USB Promoter Group says the new standard should be published ahead of USB DevDays, scheduled for November. So, devices with USB4 Version 2.0 support should be expected already next year.
