Exploring the Innovations of USB 4.0

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/8/2025

USB 4.0 represents the latest USB standard expected to be released in mid-2019, promising data transfer speeds of up to 40GB/s, doubling the current USB 3.2 standard. USB 4.0 integrates Intel's Thunderbolt 3 technology and has the capability to be backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3.

In early March this year, Intel announced their contribution of the Thunderbolt 3 protocol to the USB Promoter Group (including Apple, HP & Microsoft), coinciding with the USB Promoter Group's announcement of the USB 4.0 standard. USB 4.0 will support data transfer speeds of up to 40GB/s, similar to Thunderbolt 3.

The new USB 4.0 standard is backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3. USB 4.0 utilizes the current USB Type-C cable with the ability to operate two parallel streams or a Thunderbolt 3 cable with a 40GB/s transfer speed, doubling the current USB 3.2 standard for the same amount of transmitted data.

Notice that USB 3.2 comes with an improvement in naming standards introduced by the USB Implementers Forum - USB-IF. USB 3.0 will now be designated as USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.1 as USB 3.2 Gen 2, and USB 3.2 is labeled as USB 3.2 2x2. Despite the potentially confusing nomenclature, it's crucial to understand that the maximum bandwidth of USB 3.2 Gen 1 is 5 GB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2 is 10 GB/s, and USB 3.2 2x2 is 20 GB/s.

Currently, USB 4.0 is reserved for developers, and the official version has not been released. USB 3.2 was released in 2017 and has only recently appeared in products. The anticipated release date for USB 4.0 is mid-2019, meaning that we won't see the emergence of hardware devices supporting USB 4 standard until 2020 and beyond.

Another noteworthy point about USB4 is the integration of Intel's Thunderbolt 3 technology. This means that USB4 will have greater flexibility in data transmission management and will support various devices such as monitors. For the first time with a USB standard, USB4 has the capability to work with multiple cables, similar to the current Thunderbolt 3. Thus, chargers, displays, and drives can be connected using cables rather than a central hub.

Currently, the demand for USB in work and education continues to play a crucial role for most users. Issues with a computer not recognizing USB can pose certain challenges. If you are facing this problem, refer to troubleshooting tips for fixing computer not recognizing USB here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main features of USB 4.0 compared to USB 3.2?

USB 4.0 promises data transfer speeds of up to 40GB/s, doubling the speeds of USB 3.2, which maxes out at 20GB/s. Additionally, USB 4.0 integrates Thunderbolt 3 technology and supports backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3 devices, allowing for greater flexibility in device connections.

How does USB 4.0 enhance data transmission capabilities?

USB 4.0 enhances data transmission by allowing two parallel streams of data, enabling faster and more efficient data management. It also supports Thunderbolt 3 cables, providing users with speeds of up to 40GB/s and the ability to connect multiple devices without needing a central hub.

Is USB 4.0 backward compatible with previous USB versions?

Yes, USB 4.0 is backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3. This compatibility ensures that users can still connect older devices while benefiting from the new features of USB 4.0.

When can we expect devices supporting USB 4.0 to be available?

Devices supporting USB 4.0 are expected to emerge in 2020 and beyond, following the anticipated official release of the USB 4.0 standard in mid-2019. This timeline means it may take some time before consumers see widespread adoption.

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