A while ago there was already word out on the street that the USB Focus group would be announcing a new draft for upcoming USB 3.2, that has now been finalized and published. To keep things really simple, we're doubling thing up once again.
Where USB 3.0 aka 3.1 Gen1 was capable of 5 Gbps connectivity, USB 3.1 Gen2 did 10 Gbps. USB 3.2 will double that up-towards 20 Gbps. Divide it by 8 bits and that would be 2500 MB/sec from which you need to deduct encoding and errors. There is a distinction though as it is based up-on two-lane operation as tweakers.net spotted today.
Key characteristics of the USB 3.2 solution include:
- Two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C cables
- Continued use of existing SuperSpeed USB physical layer data rates and encoding techniques
- Minor update to hub specification to address increased performance and assure seamless transitions between single and two-lane operation
So basically using two 10 Gbit/s lanes you get towards a throughput of 20 Gbps. Obviously you will need a host and client connection that is compatible with the new standard. Current USB type C cabled would be compatible if they have been certified for 10 Gbps SuperSpeed USB. If you like to do some reading, there is a 548 page document available on the new 3.2 Spec, download here.
| USB version | Speed | Encoding | Connectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB 2.0 (incl usb 1.0 and 1.1) | up to 480 Mbps | 8 / 10bit | Type a, b (mini, micro), c |
| USB 3.1 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed Usb) | up to 5 Gbps | 8 / 10bit | Type a, b (mini, micro), c |
| USB 3.1 Gen 2 (SuperSpeed usb Gbps) | up to 10 Gbps | 128 / 130bit | Type a, b (micro), c |
| USB 3.2 (SuperSpeed usb 20 Gbps) |
up to 2 lanes 5 Gbps |
128 / 130bit | Type a, b (micro), c |
USB 3.2 Specification Published and Announced
