USB 3.2 Spec Confirmed, Offers Double Speed

The USB Promoter Group has confirmed the USB 3.2 spec today. The main difference compared to the existing USB 3.1 spec is multi-lane operation on hosts and devices. This means double the bandwidth on existing SuperSpeed Type-C cables. In simpler terms, it’s going to allow for double the speed on SuperSpeed Type-C cables that are already out in the market.

The USB 3.1 spec was designed with single-lane use in mind for both hosts and devices. On the other hand, the SuperSpeed cables were designed with the express aim of multi-lane use. However, they weren’t able to fully take advantage of this because the prevailing spec didn’t allow devices on both ends to support multi-lane use.

This is obviously going to change with the new spec. All upcoming hosts and devices that are certified for the new USB spec will have support for multi-lane operation. This will enable existing cables to offer double the speed when connected to those devices.

Exising Gen 1 SuperSpeed USB cables will be able to offer 10Gbps transmission speeds compared to the existing 5Gbps. All existing Gen 2 cables will double their speed to 20Gbps.

The USB Promoter Group is in the process of finalizing the USB 3.2 spec and will publish it by September so that developers can follow the guidelines for their new products.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Gadgets
Tags: USB 3.2, _cold