USB 3.2 specification will double data rates using existing Type-C cables

Just when you thought you were getting a handle on all of the different USB specifications, there is a new one in the works, one that will effectively double data transfers of existing USB Type-C cables to 20 gigabits per second.

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group comprised of Apple, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and other technology firms announced the pending release of the USB 3.2 specification. What's new is that USB 3.2 supports multi-lane operation, something that is already supported by USB Type-C cables. Not accounting for overhead, USB 3.2 allows for up to two lanes of 5Gbps or two lanes of 10Gbps operation.

To take advantage of the speed gains, you will need a device that supports USB 3.2, along with a compatible host. No current motherboards or laptops feature USB 3.2 connectivity, so this is really applicable to the next generation of USB gear. However, you will be able to use your existing USB Type-C cables, so long as they're certified for SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps. If so, a USB 3.2 device connected to a USB 3.2 host would be capable of transferring data at over 2GB/s. Hooray for bulk backups over USB.

"When we introduced USB Type-C to the market, we intended to assure that USB Type-C cables and connectors certified for SuperSpeed USB or SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps would, as produced, support higher performance USB as newer generations of USB 3.0 were developed," said Brad Saunders, USB 3.0 Promoter Group Chairman. "The USB 3.2 update delivers the next level of performance."

All of this terminology can be confusing and the USB Promoter Group didn't help things when it essentially renamed USB 3.0 to USB 3.1 Gen 1. USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 both support theoretical maximum data transfers of 5Gbps. It's the USB 3.1 Gen 2 spec that bumps things up to 10Gbps. Now USB 3.2 is in the works.

As for the USB Type-C nomenclature, that refers to the type of connector. One of the advantages of USB Type-C is that the connector is reversible, meaning it's impossible to plug it in upside down.

TOPICS
Paul Lilly

Paul has been playing PC games and raking his knuckles on computer hardware since the Commodore 64. He does not have any tattoos, but thinks it would be cool to get one that reads LOAD"*",8,1. In his off time, he rides motorcycles and wrestles alligators (only one of those is true).

Latest in Hardware
A woman wearing a VR headset with dramatic, colourful lighting across the background
'World’s smallest LEDs' could lead to accurately lit screens with 127,000 pixels per inch and much more immersive VR
The NES themed 8BitDo Retro mechanical gaming keyboard on a blue background
I love the 8BitDo Retro C64 keyboard but I'd pick its cheaper NES-themed model near its lowest price ever during Amazon's Big Spring Sale
The snazzy red and black HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless headphones float in a teal void. The microphone is attached to the headset.
The best wireless gaming headset is now even better in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, boasting a more than $50 discount
A chip being held up in an Intel fab
Intel is reportedly 'working to finalize commitments from Nvidia' as a foundry partner, suggesting gaming potential for the 18A node
Amazon box
Don't panic! The 'Do Not Send Voice Recordings' option Amazon just removed was only used by 0.03% of customers and they can still have it
Digital generated image of people surrounded by interactive transparent and glowing panels with data. Visualising smart technology, blockchain and artificial intelligence
Now I shall demand the cookies! Proposed new browsing agreement turns the tables and lets users dictate terms to websites
Latest in News
An Enshrouded player in a recreation of Erebor from The Lord of the Rings
Kings under the Mountain! 33 Enshrouded players spent 10,000 hours to recreate this iconic location from The Lord of the Rings
A mech awakens.
Mecha Break developer is considering unlocking all mechs following open beta feedback
Lara Croft Unified Art
Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics lays off 17 employees 'to better align our current business needs and the studio's future success'
A long bendy arm stealing money from people in a subway car
'You're a very long arm. You steal things. It's a comedy game,' explains developer of comedy game where you steal things with a very long arm
The heroes are attacked by monsters
Pillars of Eternity is getting turn-based combat to mark its 10th anniversary, and that means PC Gamer editors will soon be arguing about combat mechanics again
Image of Ronaldo from Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves trailer
It doesn't really make sense that soccer star Ronaldo is now a Fatal Fury character, but if you follow the money you can see how it happened