USB4 Version 2.0 Announced

USB Promoter Group has announced the pending release of the USB4® Version 2.0 specification, which will enable up to 80 Gbps operation over the USB Type-C® cable and connector.

As per this announcement, the key characteristics of the updated USB4 solution include: 

• Up to 80 Gbps operation, based on a new physical layer architecture, using existing 40 Gbps USB Type-C passive cables and newly-defined 80 Gbps USB Type-C active cables.

• Updates to data and display protocols to better use the increase in available bandwidth.

o USB data architecture updates now enable USB 3.2 data tunneling to exceed 20 Gbps.

o Updated to align with the latest versions of the DisplayPort and PCIe specifications.

• Backward compatibility with USB4 Version 1.0, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3. 

Cadence has a mature Verification IP solution for the verification of USB4 designs based on the previously available USB4 Version 1.0 specification, with verification capabilities provided to do a comprehensive verification of those. Contact your local Cadence Account Team for details.