Understanding USB Standards
Delivered April 28, 2020. Contributor: Careka S.
Goals
To obtain a not-too-technical high-level review of the latest USB standards with details of what these standards want to solve.
Early Findings
USB
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 is the second generation USB version, coming from USB 3.2 Gen 2. And USB 3.0 is also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 has twice the speed of USB 3.2 Gen 2 for data transfers, hence the reason for the '2x2' in its name.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 and, USB 3.2 Gen 1 are marketed as SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps, SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps and, SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps, respectively; which is their respective transfer rates.
- These newer versions of USB 3.2 devices are compatible with older devices (providing backward compatibility). However, if there are "two products with different USB capabilities[, it] will operate at the older's transfer speed".
- USB 3.2 standards now make it possible for the use of two lanes rather than single lanes to transfer data faster, "without sacrificing cable length".
- They are designed for increased performance, improved data encoding "and improved I/O power efficiency".
- It is recommended that manufacturers of these three products (i.e. SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps, SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps and, SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps) adhere to the USB-IF Compliance Program by submitting their products to determine compliance and gain access to the USB-IF logo licensing program.
USB PD
- The USB Power Delivery can charge large devices such as laptops and tablets because its current design allows it to use up to 100 watts.
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