USB-IF Announces Publication of USB4 Specification
Specification now available for download on USB-IF website; doubles bandwidth to extend
USB Type-C performance
Beaverton, OR, USA – September 3, 2019 – USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the support
organization for the advancement and adoption of USB technology, today announced the
publication of the USB4? specification, a major update to deliver the next-generation USB
architecture that complements and builds upon the existing USB 3.2 and USB 2.0
architectures. The USB4 architecture is based on the Thunderbolt? protocol specification
recently contributed by Intel Corporation to the USB Promoter Group. It doubles the
maximum aggregate bandwidth of USB and enables multiple simultaneous data and display
protocols.
The development of the USB4 specification was first announced in March 2019 by the USB
Promoter Group. It is now officially published by USB-IF and available for download atwww.usb.org.
Key characteristics of the USB4 solution include:
Two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C cables and up to 40Gbps operation
over 40Gbps certified cables
Multiple data and display protocols that efficiently share the maximum aggregate
bandwidth
Backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3
As the USB Type-C connector has evolved into the role as the external display port of many
host products, the USB4 specification provides the host the ability to optimally scale
allocations for display data flow. Even as the USB4 specification introduces a new underlying
protocol, compatibility with existing USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3 hosts and devices is
supported; the resulting connection scales to the best mutual capability of the devices being
connected. For more information, visit www.usb.org.
The upcoming USB Developer Days 2019 will include detailed technical training covering the
USB4 specification and the latest for USB Type-C, USB Power Delivery, and new USB-IF branding strategies. Registration information for the following opportunities is available atwww.usb.org.
USB Developer Days – Seattle
September 17-18, 2019
Grand Hyatt Seattle, Seattle, Washington, USA
USB Developer Days – Taipei
November 19-20, 2019
W Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
About USB-IF
The non-profit USB Implementers Forum, Inc. was formed to provide a support organization
and forum for the advancement and adoption of USB technology as defined in the USB
specifications. The USB-IF facilitates the development of high-quality compatible USB
devices through its logo and compliance program, and promotes the benefits of USB and the
quality of products that have passed compliance testing. Further information, including
postings of the most recent product and technology announcements, is available by visiting
the USB-IF website at www.usb.org
USB4, USB Type-C and USB-C are trademarks of USB Implementers Forum. Thunderbolt is
a trademark of Intel Corporation.