Specification defines next generation USB protocol architecture
and doubling bandwidth to extend USB Type-C™ performance

BEAVERTON, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The USB Promoter Group today announced the pending release of the USB4
specification, a major update to deliver the next generation USB
architecture that compliments and builds on 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. It
doubles the bandwidth of USB and enables multiple simultaneous data and
display protocols.

The new USB4 architecture defines a method to share a single high-speed
link with multiple end device types dynamically that best serves the
transfer of data by type and application. 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.

“The primary goal of USB is to deliver the best user experience
combining data, display and power delivery over a user-friendly and
robust cable and connector solution,” said Brad Saunders, USB Promoter
Group Chairman. “The USB4 solution specifically tailors bus operation to
further enhance this experience by optimizing the blend of data and
display over a single connection and enabling the further doubling of
performance.”

Key characteristics of the USB4 solution include:

• Two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C cables and up to 40 Gbps
  operation over 40 Gbps-certified cables
• Multiple data and display protocols to efficiently share the total
  available bandwidth over the bus
• Backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3

With over 50 companies actively participating in the final stages of
review of the draft specification, the USB4 specification is on track to
be published around the middle of 2019. Coincident with the release of
the USB4 specification, the release of an updated USB Type-C
Specification will be made to comprehend USB4 bus discovery,
configuration and performance requirements.

USB Developer Days 2019, in the second half of this year, will include
detailed technical training covering the USB4 specification and the
latest for USB Type-C, USB Power Delivery, and other exciting topics.

This update is part of the USB performance roadmap and is specifically
targeted to developers at this time. Branding and marketing guidelines
will be established after the final specification is published.

“Releasing the Thunderbolt protocol specification is a significant
milestone for making today’s simplest and most versatile port available
to everyone,” said Jason Ziller, General Manager, Client Connectivity
Division at Intel. “By collaborating with the USB Promoter Group, we’re
opening the doors for innovation across a wide range of devices and
increasing compatibility to deliver better experiences to consumers.”

“USB4’s high throughput and advanced features enable new scenarios in
consumer, enterprise, and intelligent edge markets, while maintaining
interoperability with existing USB and Thunderbolt 3 devices,” said
Roanne Sones, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft OS Platforms. “We are
excited to work with our partners in the ecosystem to bring USB4 to
market and showcase its benefits.”

About the USB Promoter Group

The USB Promoter Group, comprised of Apple Inc., Hewlett-Packard Inc.,
Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Renesas Electronics
Corporation, ST Microelectronics, and Texas Instruments, continues to
develop the USB family of specifications to meet the market needs for
increased functionality and performance of USB solutions. Additionally,
the USB Promoter Group develops specification addendums (USB Power
Delivery, USB Type-C™, and others) to extend or adapt its specifications
to support more platform types or use cases where adopting USB
technology will be beneficial in delivering a more ubiquitous, richer
user experience.

About the 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.

USB Type-C™ and USB-C™ are trademarks of USB Implementers Forum.
Thunderbolt™ is a trademark of Intel Corporation.

Contacts

Brad Saunders
USB Promoter Group
+1 503-264-0817
[email protected]

Joe Balich
USB-IF PR
+1 503-619-4113
[email protected]