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| USB 4 | |
|---|---|
| Name | USB 4 |
| Developer | USB Implementers Forum |
| Released | 2019 |
| Predecessor | USB 3.2 |
| Type | Computer bus |
| Speed | Up to 40 Gbit/s |
| Connector | USB-C |
USB 4 USB 4 is a peripheral interconnect specification developed to unify and extend the capabilities of serial data transfer standards, supporting up to 40 Gbit/s signalling, multiple data and display protocols, and a single reversible connector. It builds on prior efforts by consortiums and manufacturers to converge on a high-performance, versatile physical and logical interface for personal computing, mobile devices, and professional audio-visual equipment. The specification emphasizes host-to-device and host-to-host topologies while integrating tunnelling for alternate protocols.
USB 4 unifies the architectural goals pursued by the USB Implementers Forum, the USB Promoters Group, and major technology firms such as Intel Corporation, Apple Inc., Dell Technologies, HP Inc., and Lenovo. It adopts the USB-C connector form factor popularized by Google LLC and Samsung Electronics and aligns signalling with the Thunderbolt 3 specification developed by Intel Corporation and standardized through industry collaboration. USB 4 introduces tunnelling of protocols such as DisplayPort and PCI Express under a single host-managed link, enabling concurrent use of devices like external graphics enclosures from vendors including NVIDIA Corporation and AMD.
Development of USB 4 traces to earlier versions like the USB 3.0 announcement coalescing around groups including the USB Implementers Forum and collaborations with platform partners such as Intel Corporation. The 2019 unveiling followed public efforts by Apple Inc. to promote USB-C on laptops like the MacBook Pro (2016) and movements by manufacturers including Asus, Acer Inc., and Microsoft to standardize high-speed connectivity. Strategic technology events such as Computex and CES served as key venues for demonstrations and product commitments by companies like Razer Inc. and Lenovo. The influence of prior interface standards—Thunderbolt, PCI Express, and DisplayPort—shaped USB 4’s layered protocol approach, while industry consortia including VESA contributed to display tunnelling requirements.
USB 4 specifies a layered architecture combining a physical layer, link layer, and protocol tunnelling. At the physical layer, it uses differential signalling at up to 40 Gbit/s over USB-C cables, with cable grading influenced by corporate suppliers like Belkin International and Anker Innovations. The link layer supports dynamic bandwidth allocation and host-controlled routing for protocols including DisplayPort and PCI Express. Logical protocols include standard USB On-The-Go concepts and extensions compatible with earlier USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 transaction models. Power and charging adhere to the USB Power Delivery framework championed by entities including STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments for controller implementations. The specification also defines requirements for cable identification chips produced by vendors such as NXP Semiconductors.
USB 4 aims for interoperability with legacy devices from manufacturers such as Seagate Technology, Western Digital Corporation, SanDisk (a brand of Western Digital), and Samsung Electronics by supporting fallback modes to USB 3.2 and USB 2.0. It interacts with platform firmware and operating systems from Microsoft (Windows), Apple Inc. (macOS), and distributions utilizing Linux kernels maintained by communities including the Linux Foundation. Interoperability testing frequently occurs at events hosted by the USB Implementers Forum and in labs run by chipset vendors like Intel Corporation and AMD. Connector negotiation relies on controller IP from companies including Qualcomm and NXP Semiconductors.
At full bandwidth, USB 4 supports sustained transfers suitable for external storage arrays from vendors such as LaCie and G-Technology, high-resolution video output for monitors by Dell Technologies, LG Electronics, and ASUS, and low-latency device attachments like professional audio interfaces from Focusrite and Universal Audio. Tunnelling of PCI Express enables external GPU enclosures developed by firms like Razer Inc. (e.g., external GPU docks) to work with laptops that support host protocols, while DisplayPort tunnelling powers multi-monitor arrangements and docking stations produced by Kensington and CalDigit. Real-world throughput depends on cable quality and host controller implementation by suppliers such as ASMedia Technology and Texas Instruments.
Adoption of USB 4 has involved major OEMs, with systems from Apple Inc. (for example product lines updated post-2019), Dell Technologies (XPS series), Lenovo (ThinkPad family), and HP Inc. integrating USB 4-capable ports. Peripheral manufacturers like Anker Innovations, Belkin International, and Cable Matters produce certified cables and hubs, while silicon vendors including Intel Corporation, Texas Instruments, ASMedia Technology, and Realtek Semiconductor offer controllers and PHY solutions. Certification efforts and compliance testing are coordinated through the USB Implementers Forum and partner labs at trade venues such as IFA and CES.
USB 4’s support for higher bandwidth and host-managed tunnelling raises security considerations addressed through firmware, driver, and platform controls implemented by OEMs like Dell Technologies, HP Inc., and Apple Inc.. Protections include device authentication, policy enforcement available in enterprise suites from Microsoft and VMware, and secure firmware practices promoted by chipset vendors including Intel Corporation. Power delivery follows the USB Power Delivery specification, enabling negotiated voltages and currents up to levels determined by cable and power supply ratings; suppliers such as Anker Innovations and Belkin International provide PD-certified chargers. Mitigations for cable and peripheral threats often reference guidelines from organizations like the USB Implementers Forum and platform security advisories published by CERT Coordination Center and US-CERT.
Category:Computer buses