USB 4
USB 4 is a high-speed connector standard that builds upon USB-C technology, introduced in 2019 and finalized by the USB Implementers Forum. The standard is based on Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 protocol, which Intel made available for licensing to other manufacturers. USB 4 represents a significant advancement in data transfer capabilities and power delivery over previous USB standards.
Technical Specifications
USB 4 supports data transfer speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second, double that of USB 3.1. The standard uses the reversible USB-C connector form factor and maintains backward compatibility with USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 devices. Beyond data transfer, USB 4 enhanced power delivery capabilities, supporting up to 240 watts of power delivery, making it suitable for charging and operating power-intensive devices.
Adoption and Use Cases
USB 4 ports have been incorporated into various devices including laptops, external storage devices, and displays. The standard enables high-bandwidth applications such as external graphics processing, fast file transfers, and multi-display support through a single connector. Its compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 devices provided a bridge for existing technology ecosystems during the transition period.
Source Notes
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