RFUSB4 vs USB3: Key Differences Explained
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usb4
usb3
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This article compares USB4 and USB3 versions, highlighting the key differences between them.
Introduction:
USB, which stands for Universal Serial Bus, supports peer-to-peer communication. In this interface type, communication occurs between a host and a peripheral device, rather than directly between two hosts or peripherals. USB defines the requirements for connection, communication, and power supply (PS) between PCs and peripheral devices.
Several USB versions exist, including v1.0, v2.0, V3.0, V3.1, V3.2, and V4.0. Each version supports different data transfer rates.
USB 3.0
- Successor to USB 1.0 and USB 2.0
- Released in November 2008
- Transfer rate/speed: 480 Mbps (or approximately 5 Gbps)
- Power consumption: 100 mA
- Backward compatibility: USB 1.x
- Smart charging: Not available
- Bidirectional data transfer: Not supported
- Also known as USB 3.1 Gen1 or SuperSpeed USB.
USB 3.1
- Released in 2013
- Speed: 5 Gbps (USB Gen1, Superspeed) , 10 Gbps (USB Gen2, Superspeed+)
- Backward compatibility: Compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 with appropriate adapters
- Power consumption: 5 A
- Two versions: USB 3.1 Gen1 and USB 3.1 Gen2
- USB 3.1 Gen2 can transfer data up to 10 Gbps over USB-type-A and USB-C connectors.
USB 3.2
- Released in 2017
- Speed: 5 Gbps (Gen1), 10 Gbps (Gen2), 20 Gbps (Gen 2x2)
- Backward compatibility: Compatible with previous versions
- Power output: Varies
- Different versions: USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
- Also known as SuperSpeed USB
- Uses a 24-pin USB Type-C connector
Thunderbolt 3
Figure-1: Thunderbolt interface
Features of Thunderbolt 3:
- Introduced in 2015
- Uses USB-C connector
- Supports bit rate of 40 Gbps
- Uses protocol 4 x PCI express 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI-2, and USB 3.1 Gen-2
USB4
Figure-2: USB4 cable
- Maximum speed: 40 Gbps (SuperSpeed+)
- Released in August 2019, a major update to existing USB 3.2 2x2 (USB-C) and USB 2.0 architectures
- Backward compatibility: USB 3.2, USB 2.0, Thunderbolt 3
- Uses Type-C connector, similar to Thunderbolt
- Dynamic bandwidth allocation for multiple simultaneous applications (e.g., file transfer and video)
- Supports three speed levels: 10 Gbps, 20 Gbps, and 40 Gbps
- Supports various display protocols
- Supports Power Delivery (PD), allowing higher wattages and better power management
- Refer to advantages and disadvantages of USB4 interface
Tabular comparison between USB4 and USB3.2
The table below summarizes the key differences between USB4 and USB3.2 versions:
| Features | USB 4 | USB 3.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Versions | One single version | Gen 1x1, Gen 1x2, Gen 2x1, Gen2x2 |
| Transfer rate | Max. 40 Gbps (Dynamic) | 5Gbps, 10Gbps, 20Gbps |
| Power output | USB PD supported by USB4 can theoretically provide up to 100 watts. | Upto 100W |
| Cable length | Two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C cables 20 Gbps transfer speed over 1 metre cables or or 8 Gbps over 5 metre cables |
