The Universal Serial Bus technology keeps changing every passing day, and USB4 is shaping up to be the best multi-purpose cable specification ever designed. To put this into perspective, this is a common interface that enables the communication between devices and a host controller such as a personal computer (PC). While already on that path, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) announced that the full benefits of DisplayPort 2.0 are now headed to USB4.
Increase in speeds: So, what exactly makes USB4 so promising? For one, it will again double the speed of USB, from 20Gbps recently introduced in USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, to 40Gbps via a two-lane operation over certified cables.
USB-C Support only: Introducing USB4 is sort of like hitting the reset button on USB. There is just one connector (Type-C). This means it will dicth the Type-A connector that dominates the landscape and wholeheartedly embraces Type-C, which is a smaller and reversible connector as shown in the image at the top of this article. USB4 is both a speed and connection standard.
USB4 also integrates Thunderbolt 3 into the spec. This is a big deal because the way things stand, it’s not always clear if a USB-C port is also a Thunderbolt port. Intel designed Thunderbolt back in 2011 and, over time, it came to work over USB-C.
8K with HDR and 16k display Support : It’s a bit of a confusing scenario, but the general takeaway is that USB4 will have the bandwidth needed to drive an 8K resolution (7680×4320) monitor at 60Hz including HDR without compression, or a 16K resolution (15360×8460) 60Hz display with HDR (but with compression).
What makes this possible is a new DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0 specification. This essentially brings the benefits of DisplayPort 2.0 to USB4.
Of course, it’s going to be a long while before PC gaming hardware will have the muscle to drive a 16K monitor, or even an 8K display. Nevertheless, this specification bump ensures we won’t have to worry about cables and standards once that day arrives. It also paves the way for running a 4K monitor at 144Hz with no compression, over USB4. Once our PCs and devices catch up with USB’s new capabilities, anyway.
