USB 3.2 Standard and Everything You Need to Know

USB cables have gone through some revolutionary phases to facilitate data connectivity and transfer. Known as Universal Serial Bus, USB cables came to existence in 1995. Since then they have brought evolution to USB enabled devices. The invention of USB cables transformed the way we use computers and other related products. Because of the huge dent they created in the IT industry, their development process picked up a stable pace.

Starting from USB1.1 standard to the time when we all can recall the USB 3.0 standard got a whole new identity in a form of USB 3.1 Gen 1. Well, now you can expect the same level of upgradation in USB cables. Upcoming USB 3.2 standard will contain the features of USB 3.0 and USB 3.1.

Synopsis demonstrated the first ever USB-C Gen 3.2 USB cable in 2018. If you’re tech-savvy, you might remember another host of names for USB-C. However, this standard will materialize on devices later this year.

USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) announced back in 2017 about the arrival of upcoming specifications in new the USB standard 3.2. And finally, the USB upgrade will be here soon. Both USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 are the members or say generations of USB 3.2 specification. Formerly known as USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1 offers data speed up to 5 Gbps. It will get a transformation in a form of USB 3.2 Gen 1.

The other generation that is USB 3.1 Gen 2 which supports communication rates up to 10 GBPS, will get converted into USB 3.2 Gen 2. Its updated standard which will be known by USB 3.2 Gen 2*2 which will have a 20 Gbps data transport rate. This standard will be an all-inclusive standard.

In order to achieve a data transfer rate of precise 20 Gbps, Gen 2×2 utilizes two high-speed 10 Gbps channels. Which means that currently, it is not delivering on 20Gbps. Which is why it has a name that states the two lanes working together.

As per the points from USB-IF, conventional USB cables and devices are single lane solutions. On the contrary, USB Type-C cables support multi-lane operations which can render scalable performance. And because of that USB Gen 2×2 will be compatible only with Type-C connections.

This can be a little confusing for consumers when they search for USB cables near me online. To make things easier, USB-IF suggested some names for companies to market these specifications with SuperSpeed USB, SuperSpeed 10Gbps, and SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps. That group has other name suggestions like SuperSpeed Plus, Enhanced SuperSpeed, and SuperSpeed+ as well. The main purpose behind the new names is that manufacturers and vendors would be able to present each USB 3.2 standard to consumers without any confusion.

Although it is important to note that these standards can solely transfer speed and not the connector type. Which means that USB Type-A, micro USB, and USB-C might get some sort of branding. Although only USB-C cables are likely to support the fastest USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds.

It is a possibility that the manufacturers might sell you a USB 3.0 port delivering 5Gbps speed as a USB 3.2 port by promising a higher rate of data transfer. Because of these instances, it is necessary that the USB-IF comes up with some unique names for USB ports.

Additionally, the USB-IF enlightened how important it is for manufacturers to honestly list their hardware specifications while marketing them. But it can become a tedious task to explain to consumers if they ask about the integrity of USB 3.2 speeds and other things. However, because of the fact that USB-IF finalized the names, you can anticipate proper representation of USB ports and cables in the near future and that is going to be a boon for anyone who hopes for fast results.