A Summary of Recent USB Specs.

From Microsoft Copilot, a new AI.

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) has evolved over the years, offering various versions with different speeds and capabilities. Let’s delve into the features of the latest USB specifications:

1. USB 4 (USB4):

   • Speed: USB4 provides a base speed of 20 Gbps, with an optional 40 Gbps when using a 0.8-meter Gen 3 cable¹.

   • Connectors: USB4 uses the Type-C connector.

   • Key Characteristics:

     • Two-Lane Operation: USB4 operates using existing USB Type-C cables and supports up to 80 Gbps over certified cables.

     • Data and Display Protocols: It accommodates multiple data and display protocols, efficiently sharing the maximum aggregate bandwidth over the bus.

     • Backwards Compatibility: USB4 is compatible with all previous versions of USB².

2. USB 3.2 Gen 2x2:

   • Speed: Provides a blazing-fast 20 Gbps transfer rate.

   • Connector: Utilizes the Type-C connector.

3. USB 3.2 Gen 2 (SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps):

   • Speed: Offers a 10 Gbps data transfer rate.

   • Connectors: Supports both Type-A and Type-C connectors.

4. USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen 1 / 3.2 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps):

   • Speed: Achieves a 5 Gbps transfer rate.

   • Connectors: Compatible with Type-A, Type-B, and Type-C connectors.

5. USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed USB):

   • Speed: Operates at 480 Mbps.

   • Connectors: Available in Type-A, Type-B, Type-C, Mini, and Micro variants.

6. USB 1.1 / 1.0:

   • Speed: Provides a modest 12 Mbps transfer rate.

   • Connectors: Primarily uses Type-A and Type-B connectors.

Remember, when choosing a USB connection, consider the speed requirements for your specific use case. Whether you’re transferring files, charging devices, or connecting peripherals, understanding the USB version and its capabilities is essential!